Speaking Engagements.
“We are meant to go out into the world and do great things.”
While rowing across the Atlantic ocean, Taryn shared her experience in daily video updates on Instagram. Much to her surprise, these diaries captured the attention of people around the world. Why would a Nebraskan with no rowing experience choose to row across the ocean, suffering through blisters, sunburns, sleep deprivation, 30 foot waves, and extreme isolation? Her response: “why not.” We are meant to throw ourselves into the unknown, chase big (crazy?) dreams, and have fun along the way.
Speaking Topics
CommunityAnything is possible but we can’t do it alone. While preparing for her row and crossing the Atlantic, Taryn learned about the importance of community when taking on big goals.
Adventure“Send it.” Taryn’s best advice for living a life of adventure is to just go for it. Taryn speaks on pushing through fear and diving into the unknown.
ResilienceAll weather passes. Taryn spent 46 days at sea rowing, yes, but also watching weather pass. Rooted in community and impermanence, Taryn found a joyful understanding of resilience.
Purpose
“What will you do now with the gift of your left life?” Taryn read these words by Carol Ann Duffy and took the message to heart. Taryn loves to explore how to follow your purpose, and more importantly, how to find it.
“All Weather Passes.”
Taryn has had the opportunity to speak across the country about resilience and community but one of the most meaningful presentations was in her hometown of Omaha, Nebraska at Millard South High School to welcome the incoming class of freshman.
Client Reviews
“Taryn was a joy to partner with and an incredible addition to our Girls on the Run Summit. Her yoga class created a welcoming space for attendees to connect, move, and intentionally start a day of. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback about her warm, inclusive teaching style and would wholeheartedly recommend her to any organization looking to incorporate movement and connection into their event.”
-Girls on the Run National Summit
“We brought Taryn to our Why Not CP Foundation event in Charlotte in September 2026. Her "Why Not" story of rowing across the Atlantic was a perfect fit for us. Her presentation was engaging, genuine, funny, tearful, and inspiring — exactly what we hoped for. My family and I had the pleasure of getting to know Taryn on a personal level, as she was incredibly generous with her time while in Charlotte.
If you're considering bringing Taryn in to speak to your group... do it. Or call me if you have questions.”
-Jason Philbin CEO, PermaTrak North America, and Director of Why Not? CP Foundation
“I have been fortunate to have a unique front row seat to Taryn’s journey of becoming the inspiring, joyful and courageous leader and speaker she has become. Her warmth and authentic spirit are captivating...and felt immediately. Whether leading a small group yoga class or training company culture, she is confident, approachable and so clear. The beautiful thing about Taryn is you quickly realize her grounded and adventurous life is the real message. The words are just an added bonus.”
-Jeff Clegg, General Manager Redfish Lake Lodge
“Taryn led a fantastic virtual science class for our elementary and middle school homeschoolers. The kids were captivated by her stories of ocean rowing! She shared a wealth of information about geography, meteorology, marine biology, and her rowing equipment. We would absolutely work with her again and we wholeheartedly recommend her to others!”
-Julienne DesJardins WNY Homeschool Field Trips“Taryn joined our group for one of the most captivating keynote speeches our conference has had. Her story is incredible on its own, and we were on the edge of our seats hearing about her journey. But perhaps even more incredible than her trek were her reflections, musings, and lasting message. I teared up multiple times, and have several quotes and phrases repeating in my head long after the conference is over.
On the planning side, Taryn was great to work with. She asked great questions about our group, and was curious and interested in understanding the unique dynamics of our group. She talked with lots of attendees after her remarks, and made herself available in a genuine and engaging way. Several of the conference attendees were immediately hoping to book her for their organization's conference."
“Taryn Smith is the absolute definition of resilience. Speaking to our 9th-grade class about her incredible journey taking on the World's Toughest Row, she delivered a presentation that was captivating from start to finish. Keeping high school freshmen fully engaged for an entire session is no small feat, but Taryn’s story held their total attention. She is a powerful role model and the ultimate example of what it means to never give up.”
Get in Touch
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Speaker Bio
Taryn Smith rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, completely alone, becoming the first American woman to compete in The World’s Toughest Row as a solo athlete. She chronicled her crossing on Instagram, gaining the support of celebrities and fans around the world, including Sharon Stone, Pierce Brosnan, and Katie Couric.
Drawing on her experience as a yoga instructor, Taryn’s Atlantic row was a meditation on joy, impermanence, and community. Amidst 30 foot waves, sharks, and unrelenting wind, Taryn found happiness and purpose. Her message is simple: we are meant to do big things and the resilience required comes from community.
