Ryan Wilson

Co-Founder & CEO at The Gathering Spot

Travels From Travels From:
Atlanta, GA, USA
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Ryan Wilson Biography

Ryan Wilson is the co-founder and CEO of The Gathering Spot, a private membership network that fosters business, political, and cultural connections. A recognized entrepreneur and thought leader, he has been named Small Business Person of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, one of Goldman Sachs’ Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs, and has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Fast Company, Inc., Black Enterprise, Bloomberg Businessweek, and The Wall Street Journal.

He has been recognized among Georgia’s 500 Most Powerful Leaders, the Ebony Power 100, and The Root 100’s most influential African Americans. In 2023, he received the Philanthropic Leader of Tomorrow Award from the Association for Fundraising Professionals and Atlanta’s highest honor, the Phoenix Award.

A sought-after speaker and moderator, Wilson has delivered keynote addresses at leading corporations including Goldman Sachs, Delta, Google, Meta, Ford Motor Company, Nike, Coca- Cola, and White & Case, as well as top universities such as Georgetown University Law Center, Duke, Dartmouth, Northwestern, and The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

An Atlanta native, Wilson is deeply involved in civic life and serves on several boards, including Goodwill of North Georgia, The Carter Center, The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, The Woodruff Arts Center, The Atlanta Business League, the Atlanta Metro Chamber of Commerce, and Usher’s New Look. He is also a member of the Atlanta Chapter of the 100 Black Men and the Atlanta Rotary Club.

Wilson holds both his undergraduate and law degrees from Georgetown University, where he serves on the Board of Regents.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 05/30/2025.

Ryan Wilson Speaking Topics

  • How Resilience Builds What the World Hasn’t Seen Yet

    Resilience isn't just about bouncing back—it's about building forward, even when the odds are against you. When Ryan Wilson first pitched the idea for The Gathering Spot, a private membership club now with four national locations, he and Co-Founder TK Petersen were turned down 97 times before landing their first investment. Years later, when the world shut down and gathering was banned, their business defied the odds and thrived. In this compelling talk, Ryan shares how bold vision, relentless optimism, and unshakable resilience can break through barriers and lead to revolutionary impact. Through personal stories and hard-earned lessons, attendees will see how perseverance in the face of adversity can build not just a company—but a movement.

    Attendee Results:

    • Understand how resilience and optimism are key drivers of long-term success.
    • Learn how to navigate rejection and use it as fuel to sharpen your vision.
    • Discover the power of community in building brands that outlast adversity.
    • Gain insight into how seemingly impossible circumstances can be the spark for breakthrough innovation.
    • Leave inspired to lead with conviction, even when the world says “no.”

  • The Power of Real Connections: Why Authentic Relationships Are the Ultimate Advantage

    In an era dominated by digital interactions and transactional networking, authentic relationships have become a rare currency—and a powerful one. Ryan Wilson, CEO & Co-Founder of The Gathering Spot, has built a nationally recognized brand by betting on community over clout. In this insightful talk, Ryan unpacks how genuine connection—not just access—has shaped his entrepreneurial path and propelled The Gathering Spot’s growth. Attendees will explore how investing in real relationships creates momentum, trust, and staying power in both business and life. For leaders, founders, and change-makers, this is a compelling case for why who you build with matters just as much as what you’re building.

    Attendee Results:

    • Learn the difference between transactional networking and authentic relationship-building.
    • Understand how deep connections can drive long-term business growth and personal fulfillment.
    • Explore how to build a values-driven ecosystem of partners, collaborators, and supporters.
    • Gain practical insights on nurturing community in a fast-paced, digital-first world.
    • Walk away inspired to lead with empathy, authenticity, and intentionality.

  • Breaking Barriers Through Connection: The Art of Uniting People Across Divides

    Ryan Wilson has become a trusted voice in connecting people who don’t usually share space. Whether it’s creatives and CEOs, policymakers and entrepreneurs, or students and tech giants—Ryan shares how he’s built environments where diverse communities come together, ideas flourish, and culture is made. This keynote is a masterclass in the power of inclusive connection.

    Takeaways:

    • How to build trust between groups with different lived experiences -The art of curating space where everyone feels seen and valued -Why connection is a leadership skill that breaks barriers
    • Real stories of transformation through intentional collaboration

  • Building with Purpose: The Intersection of Profit and Social Good – Why Business Is a Catalyst for Change

    At just 24, Ryan Wilson launched The Gathering Spot with a vision bigger than business—it was about building a movement. From capital raising to a game-changing acquisition and bold reacquisition, Ryan shows how leading with values can scale both mission and margin. This is a blueprint for purpose-driven growth.

    Takeaways:

    • Embedding purpose into every part of the business model
    • Lessons from navigating high-stakes ownership transitions
    • Balancing social impact with investor expectations
    • How to lead with authenticity while scaling your enterprise

  • Scaling on Purpose: Why We Must Focus on Scale—Not Just Start—in Business

    Starting small is a strength—if you know how to scale it. In this talk, Ryan breaks down how The Gathering Spot went from an Atlanta-based idea to a national force, expanding into major markets while staying true to its roots. It’s a candid look at the mindset, team-building, and execution needed to scale with impact.

    Takeaways: - How to know when you’re ready to scale—and what it really takes - The systems, people, and culture needed to sustain growth - Staying grounded in community as you grow your brand - Why scaling isn’t just about growth—it’s about multiplying purpose

  • Leading Where You Live: Why Civic Engagement Is a Leadership Imperative for Business Owners

    The Gathering Spot has hosted everyone from the President to the Vice President and has become a home of civic engagement. In this compelling session, Ryan Wilson explores why business leaders must also be community leaders. Sharing his own journey through public service, nonprofit work, and community investment, Ryan makes a clear case: civic engagement isn’t optional—it’s a responsibility.

    Takeaways:

    • Why every leader should be civically engaged—and how to start
    • The intersection of business, activism, and policy
    • Using your platform to advocate for equity and opportunity
    • How to lead with service and create impact beyond your business

Ryan Wilson Videos

  • Ryan Wilson Speaker Reel 2025
  • Ryan Wilson - Connections Break Barriers
    Ryan Wilson sits down with T. Dallas Smith.
  • Ryan Wilson - The Gathering Spot: From Idea to Impact

FAQs on booking Ryan Wilson

  • How do I book Ryan Wilson to speak at my event?

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    Speaking fees for Ryan Wilson, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Ryan Wilson are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Ryan Wilson, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Ryan Wilson speak about?

    Ryan Wilson is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Black Heritage, Black History Month, Business Growth, Business Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Executive Leadership, Government, Law, Leadership, Personal Growth.
  • Where does Ryan Wilson travel from?

    Ryan Wilson generally travels from Atlanta, GA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Ryan Wilson’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Ryan Wilson for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Ryan Wilson for your next private or corporate function.
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Ryan Wilson is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as How Resilience Builds What the World Hasn’t Seen Yet, The Power of Real Connections: Why Authentic Relationships Are the Ultimate Advantage, Breaking Barriers Through Connection: The Art of Uniting People Across Divides, Building with Purpose: The Intersection of Profit and Social Good – Why Business Is a Catalyst for Change, Scaling on Purpose: Why We Must Focus on Scale—Not Just Start—in Business and Leading Where You Live: Why Civic Engagement Is a Leadership Imperative for Business Owners. The estimated speaking fee range to book Ryan Wilson for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Ryan Wilson generally travels from Atlanta, GA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Rohan Gilkes, Julia Collins, Nancy Twine, Zakiyyah Myers and Daymond John. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ryan Wilson for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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