Dorothy Erlanger

Obstacles Become Your Path to Greatness

Dorothy Erlanger is the embodiment of resilience, reinvention, and bold leadership. A world class triathlete at 74, cancer survivor, international business trailblazer, and advocate, she brings audiences a living blueprint for overcoming adversity, embracing calculated risk, and starting on big new goals —at any stage in life.

Born with a physical disability and shaped by early family loss, Dorothy never accepted limits—social, physical, or professional. Whether becoming one of the first women to lead in an international business role in Brazil or conquering triathlon courses starting after 50 and after ovarian cancer, and an unrelenting spirit, her life is defined by turning “I can’t” into “Watch me.”

Her talks blend deep personal stories, mindset mastery, humor, and practical takeaways, leaving audiences not just inspired—but activated.

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Insightful, powerful, collaborative, and concise. These 4 words describe Dorothy to a tee – as a consultant, speaker, and seminar leader. If you have the opportunity to hire her in any of these capacities, RUN – don’t walk – to make it happen.

Yes, she’s THAT good.

David Newman

Dorothy breaks the barriers of what is possible. Her triathlon races and amazing stories of overcoming obstacles—pushing past her own perceived limits and the expectations of others—are deeply inspiring. She has worked worldwide with teams and leaders in fascinating situations. She knows and communicates what it takes to build confidence, momentum, and bold results. She is funny and fascinating. Let her inspire your people so they do the impossible.

Pegine Echevarria, Hall of fame speaker, Champion entrepreneur

Keynotes

The Next Hundred Yards: Achieve Your 'Impossible'

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed by a big goal? This keynote shows how to break through by focusing on just your next hundred yards. You’ll learn how to get unstuck, build your own unstoppable momentum, and achieve your ‘impossible’ goals—no matter your age, stage, or circumstances. Whether you’re starting over or starting big, you’ll walk away ready to take bold action—no matter what, no matter when.

Don’t Tell Me I Can’t: Resilience, Reinvention, and the Power of Gutsy Goals

This keynote is a masterclass in defying limits—physical, emotional, and societal. Dorothy Erlanger shares her extraordinary journey from cancer survivor to international triathlon competitor, proving that it’s never too late to start again and that audacity, not age, defines achievement. Blending personal insight with universal impact, Dorothy unpacks the mindset, motivation, and micro-steps behind daring reinvention. Audiences walk away energized to pursue their own “gutsy goals”—the kind that scare you a little and stretch you a lot.

The Confidence Formula: Your Pathway through Smart Risks to Bold Results

Every breakthrough begins with a decision—but making bold moves can feel paralyzing when the stakes are high. In this keynote, Dorothy Erlanger shows how to take action even in uncertain territory—without sacrificing your footing. Drawing from her own game-changing decisions—from walking away from a top corporate job to qualifying for Team USA triathlon at 73—Dorothy offers clear and simple steps determining YOUR risk, silencing doubt, and making progress with confidence. Audiences learn how to move forward with clarity, courage, and realism—no matter where they’re starting from. Because you don’t have to wait until you’re fearless. You just need the tools to act anyway.

Please inquire about additional topics.

All keynotes can be customized to fit the audience and industry, and can be delivered in-person or virtually.

Dorothy infuses her audiences with the high energy, perspective and perseverance she has long used to reach her own goals and overcome obstacles most of either dread or dream of.