About Rob

Home
/
About Rob

Follow Me

Rob Ryan Sullivan

International speaker

After Cancer, Rob Ryan Sullivan Launches New International Company and Crafts A New Book

The worst news ever turned out to be an “absolute blessing” for Rob Ryan Sullivan. On his 48th birthday – on Feb. 18, 2015 – Sullivan received news from his doctor that he had lymphoma in the form of massive tumors on his heart and in his neck.
Six months and several rounds of chemotherapy later, Sullivan was cured and he had the experience that led to the last chapter of his second book, “A Trek Within: Following Your Inner Compass.” He had been working on the book for almost a decade, and his journey with cancer tied the entire book together. The book, which is a collection of experiences that changed the way Sullivan views spirituality, the world and his place in it, was officially released in early December 2023.

“When you’re going through things, you have to roll with it,” said Sullivan, a professional speaker and coach who has worked more than 70 nationally- and …

“When you’re going through things, you have to roll with it,” said Sullivan, a professional speaker and coach who has worked more than 70 nationally- and internationally-known organizations including Motorola, Northwestern University, McDonald’s and the University of Michigan. “And I’ve learned there this nothing that says you can’t incorporate your passions into a scenario where you’re living to work rather than working to live.”

Sullivan also recently launch SulliVanZyl, an international coaching and consulting company that also features Barry van Zyl, an internationally recognized drummer, consultant and educator based in South Africa.

“We want people to open up to the magic that’s in the world,” Sullivan said. “There’s so much amazing stuff out there if you just pay attention. I’m convinced we miss opportunities at every turn, and most of the time it’s simply because we’re not aware.”

Sullivan grew up in Chicago and Winnetka before graduating from New Trier High School and earning a bachelor’s from Holy Cross and a master’s from Northwestern. The 57-year-old lived in a West Town townhouse for 10-plus years, where he has hosted more than 900 “couch surfing” visitors from 70 countries. “It’s been incredible for me to meet people from so many different cultures and see firsthand that there is more that unites us than separates us,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan gets his entrepreneurial spirit from his grandfather, who was a successful soy bean trader, and his great-grandfather, Billy Sullivan Sr., who won a World Series as a catcher with the 1906 White Sox and was the inventor of the inflatable chest protector. Sullivan said his great-grandfather eventually wound up selling the patent for the protector, which he received in 1908, to a company that would become a major sporting goods business. Even though the Sullivan never met his great grandfather, the loss of the rights still haunts him. “Knowing how much my great grandfather regretted selling the patent has impacted many of the business decisions I’ve made over the years, especially in terms of Intellectual Property,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan is excited about the early enthusiasm for his book as well as the launch of his budding international SulliVanZyl business.

“These are things I know I’ve been called to do,” he said.

For more information on SulliVanZyl, visit Sullivanzyl

UNIVERSITY SPEAKING HIGHLIGHTS

KEY TOPICS

Rob has also done 4 commencement speeches at schools across the U.S

Testimonials

The experience of reading A Trek Within was like walking beside a dear friend observing life as it unfolds and learning lessons along the way. With a curious mind and an open heart, Rob tells a poignant, often funny, and deeply personal story of his own unique journey jeweled with universal truths and insights. Using his formidable gifts as a writer, he shares his experiences and perspectives on how to be a student of life. At its core, A Trek Within is a love letter to life. It left me with new perspectives on the lessons that are there for each of us when we observe what’s happening around us and listen to the voice within.

Having just finished Rob’s latest book, I am only disappointed that it is finished. “A Trek Within” is a humble, heartfelt and wise shared experience. Instead of telling his audience what he has learned, Rob shares his insights, ah-ha moments and tough lessons along with those of his friends and acquaintances in a way that is honest, caring and entertaining. It really felt like we were walking together and sharing our experiences for this crazy thing called life. I love how despite life handing Rob some tough breaks, he never lost his sense of humor, optimism and philosophy that we are all here, experiencing exactly what we are supposed to, in order to learn and grow. This is a beautiful book and one that I will forever be better for having read. I am incredibly grateful for Rob sharing this intimate walk through his incredible life and encourage everyone to share in the experience…both by reading (actually listening because Rob is a wonderful speaker) and sharing your story on his website. We are all better together…especially with Rob being the willing glue:)

This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in growing their universal and world perspective. This book engages the reader on so many important levels, as related to spirituality/spiritual transformation & awakening. Rob’s shared perspectives on life, relationships, wellness, Spirit and universal synchronicity have buoyed my own journey of understanding my place in the universe. Highly recommended!

This book took me by surprise. I assumed it was a motivational," find yourself"book. Rob's book dealt with trusting yourself, paying attention to signs, eastern and western medicine and working through cancer. There are a lot of "books" here.

Hi Rob. Wow! I just finished reading your book...devoured it is more like it. It was captivating, real and honest. I'm not on facebook and had no idea of what you've gone through as part of your life journey and the lessons you've learned on the path. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm also purchasing a few more books to send to some friends so they too can be inspired and enlightened to find their inner compass. In good health, dv

Whether you've met Rob or not, this book will have the ability to touch your heart and make you think. Knowing the man makes you marvel at his tenacity, both to look for the good and to get out there and find the good/make it happen. However, Rob adds other voices with beautiful stories of connection, growth, and personal insight that can either resonate, move, or both. I love how their stories and Rob's alike exemplify the law of attraction, trusting your gut, finding what you seek, and, subtly, slow down and listen. Mindset and perspective . . . powerful tools we all can exercise and develop for our personal and the greater good. This book is practical, inspirational, funny, poignant, and accessible. Whether you're looking for a pick-me-up, guidance (I do love the end of the chapter "put into practice" ideas and exercises), or hope, trust your gut and give this wonderful book a try. Something led you to it 🙂 Lastly, I listened to the audiobook version first as I appreciate Rob's voice bringing his stories to life; he's a great storyteller. But I am also purchasing a hard copy to go through again for the passages lessons I'd like to mull over! You can't go wrong either way . . . or, in my case, with both!

Workshops and Keynotes
that make an impact

Strategies for Becoming More Optimistic

Presence and Energy

Listening More Deeply

The publication of Rob Sullivan’s first book, Getting Your Foot in the Door When You Don’t Have a Leg to Stand On (McGraw-Hill) served as the catalyst for a successful career as a professional speaker and executive coach. Over the past 15 years, Rob has developed a strong reputation among corporate clients and has delivered workshops in Germany, Switzerland, Spain, England, Belgium, Sweden, Turkey, Morocco, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and all over the U.S.

Rob has been a repeat guest on local and national television and radio stations including NBC, ABC, CLTV, and WGN. He has also been featured in the Wall Street Journal and The Chicago Tribune.

Rob has a BA in psychology from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, and an MS in advertising from the Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

Rob Sullivan Listens –
And He Wants to Hear From You

Together, you’re sure to create a combination of topics perfect for your audience, whether they’re colleagues, community members, students or staff.

Rob Sullivan Listens –
And He Wants to Hear From You

Together, you’re sure to create a combination of topics perfect for your audience, whether they’re students, colleagues, community members or staff.

Early Life and Inspiration

Rob gets his entrepreneurial spirit from his maternal grandfather, who was a successful soy bean trader, and his paternal great-grandfather, Billy Sullivan Sr., who won a World Series as a catcher with the 1906 White Sox and was the inventor of the chest protector. Rob’s great- grandfather eventually sold the patent for the protector, which he received in 1908, to a company that would become a major sporting goods business.

Answering the Call

Even though he never met his great grandfather, Rob said Bily’s decision haunts him and he thinks about it often—especially when teaching negotiation. “That has affected many of the business decisions I’ve made over the years, especially in terms of Intellectual Property,” Rob said. Rob is excited for the launch of his book and the budding international SulliVanZyl business. “These are things I feel like I’ve been called to do,” he said.

Rob’s client list is an impressive collection of companies, educational institutes and associations, all with one thing in common: the desire to ensure better communication – for their organizations as a whole, as well as for each of their individual members, whether they are students, staff or co-workers.