Zachary Woldmoe is a U.S. Marine Corps Captain and motivational speaker who helps audiences turn adversity into strength and lead with confidence. After failing Officer Candidate School twice and facing years of personal setbacks, he commissioned on his third attempt and built his G.R.I.T. framework: Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity.
Through his Leading with G.R.I.T. Seminar, Zachary delivers high-energy, story driven talks that inspire corporations, schools, and teams to embrace resilience, push past failure, and lead with purpose.
1 review
Tommy L.
September 24, 2025Zachary Woldmoe is the definition of resilience and leadership. His story of perseverance—failing OCS twice, refusing to give up, and ultimately commissioning on his third attempt—sets the stage for one of the most powerful frameworks I’ve ever heard: G.R.I.T. (Growth, Resilience, Integrity, Tenacity).
I had the privilege of attending his Leading with G.R.I.T. Seminar, and it was nothing short of transformational. Zachary speaks with the raw honesty of someone who has faced setbacks, but also with the authority of a Marine Corps Captain who knows what it takes to lead under pressure. His energy fills the room, his stories stick with you, and his lessons are actionable for any audience—whether you’re a corporate team, a school, or an athletic program.
What stood out most is that Zachary doesn’t just inspire; he equips. You walk away not only motivated, but with clear principles to apply immediately: how to reframe failure, how to lead with integrity, and how to keep pushing forward when things get hard.
If you’re looking for a speaker who can truly shift perspectives and elevate a team’s mindset, Zachary Woldmoe is the one. I can’t recommend him highly enough!
Hired as: Leadership/Success Speaker, Motivational Speaker
Price range: Contact for rates
Languages: English
Gig length: 15 - 60 minutes
I help young professionals and emerging leaders build resilience through my G.R.I.T. framework so they can turn adversity into strength and lead with confidence.
I’m Zachary Woldmoe, a United States Marine Corps Officer whose life embodies perseverance and grit. My journey to earning a commission wasn’t easy—I failed Marine Corps Officer Candidate School twice before finally succeeding on my third attempt. Along the way, I faced financial strain, the end of a five-year relationship, and my parents’ divorce after three decades of marriage.
Instead of letting those setbacks define me, I used them to build resilience. That journey of “fall, fall, rise” became the foundation of my G.R.I.T. Framework (Growth, Resilient, Integrity, Tenacity)—a leadership model I now share with audiences nationwide.
Through powerful storytelling and practical steps, I help professionals, emerging leaders, and students:
Turn adversity into strength
Overcome fear of failure
Lead with confidence under pressure
Develop tenacity when motivation fades
My message is simple but life-changing: failure isn’t final—it’s the forge where grit is built.
If you’re looking for a speaker who connects with authenticity, inspires with resilience, and delivers tools your audience can use immediately—I deliver.
1. Audio equipment (Microphone and speakers)
2. Projector and Large Screen - display slides
3. HDMI/USB-C Connections - remote for slide control
4. Clear Stage Space,
5. Podium
6. Water
7. Visible Clock
Audio equipment (Microphone and speakers), Projector and Large Screen, HDMI/USB-C Connections, Clear Stage Space, Podium, Water, Visible Clock
Audio Equipment, Visual Presentation Tools, Lighting & Stage Setup
Motivational Speaker
