MERCILESSLY BULLIED as a child , Justin Wren responded by transforming himself into a champion MMA fighter . Yet despite his success , he quietly questioned the significance of his own athletic accomplishments . Each time his hand was raised in victory he thought ,“ Is this it ? Is this as good as it gets ?” As he fought his way to the top and battled never-ending injuries that accompany the profession , he slid into pain-killer addiction , battled depression and attempted suicide . He was a winner on the outside , but broken within .

Today , Wren shares his remarkable story to teach others the tools , tactics and techniques to navigate any adversity , find purpose and achieve meaningful impact in business and in life .

MEET JUSTIN WREN

After battling depression , drug addiction and attempted suicide , Justin Wren experienced a life-changing journey living with the Mbuti Pygmy people of the Congo Basin Rainforest . When he returned to the U . S ., he founded the nonprofit Fight for the Forgotten to help solve the world water crisis , starting with the Mbutis and now expanded to serve the Batwa Pygmies of Uganda . As an outgrowth to his humanitarian work , Wren is author of the bestseller Fight for the Forgotten and host of the inspirational podcast “ Overcome with Justin Wren .”

Prior to his philanthropic calling , Wren rose to prominence as a professional mixed martial artist . Known in his fighting career as “ The Big Pygmy ,” Wren is a 10-time state champion , five-time All American , and two-time national champion wrestler and UFC veteran with an MMA record of 15-2 , and has been inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame .

“ I don ’ t just dream big for myself , but I dream big for others . Through the philosophy , I ’ ve seen myself , the non-profit and the people we serve win big . I ask : How can I dream bigger , and win bigger ?”

— JUSTIN WREN

Hear Justin when he delivers the keynote address on the closing day of the 2024 ISPA Conference . THURSDAY , 25 APRIL l 9:45 A . M . PHOENIX CONVENTION CENTER , LEVEL ONE

APRIL / MAY 2024 n PULSE 35