Built Forward combines a powerful story with a practical framework leaders and teams can use when the pressure is real and the path forward is uncertain.
Audiences
Trusted in rooms where performance matters.
On the record
What leaders say after Built Forward.
01
Darius Somekhian, DDS Founder, DDS Founders Fund
Tim's way of presenting is authentic and leaves the audience flabbergasted with the feeling that they can be great. I can hear his story over and over again a thousand times and never get tired of watching the audience's jaws drop at certain moments. From his humbleness, to readiness, to smooth, suave confidence — working with Tim has been nothing short of an honor.
02
Greg Bennett VP of Strategic Initiatives, Voloridge Health
His message around reset, reframe, rebuild landed with every single person in the room. T.O. blended powerful storytelling with practical tools we can all use — reminding us that character shapes our fate, progress comes from small steps, and setbacks don't define us unless we let them. It was inspiring, relevant, and exactly what our team needed.
03
Dr Edward J Zuckerberg, D.D.S. Featured Speaker, Dental Meeting · Palm Beach
Timothy is an amazing motivational speaker who totally captivated the audience. His story exemplifies what it takes to be a true champion, whether that's as the leader of a dental office, a world-class athlete, or whatever pursuit one undertakes. To anyone considering a motivational speaker for their event, no matter the topic, Timothy's story is sure to resonate and drive attendees to become true champions of their own lives.
04
Mike Erwin CEO, Character & Leadership Center · Founder, Team RWB
Tim O'Donnell helped Team Red, White & Blue celebrate our 15-year birthday and gave an awesome keynote to our organization just before the Twin Cities Marathon. His message on resilience was exactly what we needed to hear.
05
Dr Bobby Soleiman, D.D.S. Founder, Periodontal Providers Group
Tim's story is inspirational and memorable. We all face obstacles in our daily business routines, and no matter how well things are going, the unenviable will eventually occur. Tim's message of perseverance and overcoming life-changing obstacles is inspirational and one that puts things in perspective.
06
Soj Jibowu Founder & CEO, Varlo Sports
Tim did a phenomenal job speaking to our brand community, Team Varlo. His speech was relatable, engaging, and made everyone feel as though they'd known him forever, or that he was speaking directly to them. The impact was lasting, and the entire team left inspired.
07
Ryan Padilla Head of Service Nation
It's very relevant to what we're all setting out to accomplish, whether that's our personal life or our professional life.
08
Matt DeWolf CEO, FRONTSTEPS
Tim speaks from a place of personal grit, professional discipline, and an unshakable belief in human potential. If you're looking for a speaker who can move people to action, shift mindsets, and ignite belief, Tim is the one you want on your stage. He doesn't just talk about peak performance — he lives it, and he calls others to rise to it.
09
Barry Miller President, Voloridge Investment Management & Voloridge Health
Tim brought an amazing blend of grit, discipline, and real-world wisdom to the stage. He shared personal stories and lessons that weren't just inspiring; they were masterclasses in applying endurance principles to everyday challenges — perfectly aligned with our mission as a company.
From the room
The story connects. The system sticks.
“This is the second time I've heard Tim speak, and I still get the chills.”
Emily WigdellDirector of Marketing, FRONTSTEPS
“I found Tim's talk extremely inspiring. I don't inspire easily — I'm a cynical guy — and what a story. That guy, he's been through it, and he's a champion.”
Peter SiskSOCAL Dental Innovation Summit
“Reset, reframe, rebuild… gave me some tips to bring back to my clients.”
Dr Lee HarrisSOCAL Dental Innovation Summit
From the audience
Unscripted reactions from the room.
“He talks about resilience in a way that makes sure you understand that even though you can literally be beat to the ground, it's up to you to get back up. No matter how much you have that happen to you, just keep getting back up.”
“Timothy O'Donnell is, in my eyes, the GOAT of the IRONMAN triathlon world. My biggest kick out of this is seeing him come on stage and watching everybody's reaction to his story — and instilling resilience amongst the audience.”
“One of the biggest moments of the event was when Tim spoke. He brought so much conviction and so much passion… it fired me up.”
“Tim was so inspiring. What more can you ask for? Hearing his entire journey from the highs and lows, especially as a founder — it resonates that you have so much control over your mentality, and you need to persevere through discomfort.”
“I found Tim O'Donnell really inspirational. He reflects the fact that if you can see it in your mind, you can hold it in your hand. The trials he went through really reminded me of a few of my own, and I'm grateful for that kind of reassurance moving forward.”
“I thought that Tim's speech was really interesting. I have three daughters, and it was interesting listening to him talk about perseverance and continuing to move forward in the face of failure — if you want to call it that. It's just a setback; it's never fatal.”
The close
Watch Tim close a room.
You've seen the clients, the testimonials, and the room. Here's how the message lands.
