Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Helping People & Organizations Win the War on Complex IIlness; Author of "Heal or Die" & Co-Host, of "The Care We Need" Podcast
Tenay Benes Biography
Tenay Benes is a keynote speaker, author and impact entrepreneur who helps people and organizations win the war on complex illness. Drawing on her experience as a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel with an intelligence background, Benes brings a uniquely strategic lens to healthcare transformation and healing. Benes holds a BA, MBA and MS in information science, and her consulting career includes work with federal agencies such as the VA and FDA through Deloitte. Benes is a founding partner of Benes Companies and co-host of The Care We Need podcast.
Benes is the author of "Heal or Die: A True Story of Trauma, Chronic Illness, and Unexpected Help," which anchors her two signature keynotes. "Win the War on Complex Illness" delivers leadership frameworks for healthcare and human services organizations, while "A Spiritual, Psychological, and Physical Healing Journey" empowers individuals and caregivers navigating complex conditions. Her work blends military intelligence strategy, lived experience, and a seven-domain wellness framework to drive lasting impact.
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Tenay Benes Speaking Topics
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Win the War on Complex Illness
Health, Wellness, and Human Services Intelligence, Complex Illness & Organizational Outcomes
194 million adults and 22 million children in the U.S. are fighting complex illness — and most healthcare, wellness, and human services organizations are losing ground trying to help them. The old playbook isn't working. What if the strategies that win wars could transform the way we deliver care?
In this dynamic, framework-driven keynote, retired Army intelligence officer and author Tenay Benes translates battlefield-tested strategies into actionable tools for the front lines of healthcare. Drawing on her book "Heal or Die," Tenay shows leaders how to cut through fragmented systems, align teams, and drive measurably better outcomes for the patients and communities they serve.
Attendee Results:
- Understand why complex illness overwhelms traditional care models — and what to do differently.
- Apply military intelligence frameworks to identify gaps, align resources, and improve care coordination.
- Lead teams with greater clarity, urgency, and purpose around complex illness outcomes.
- Leave with a practical roadmap to create lasting organizational impact.
Audiences: For Healthcare Organizations, Hospital Systems & Professional Groups
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Heal or Die
Self-Advocacy in Navigating a Complex Illness Healing Journey
What does it actually take to heal from trauma, chronic illness, and medical injury — while still showing up for your life? For millions of individuals and caregivers navigating complex illness, the journey feels isolating, overwhelming, and without a clear path forward.
In this inspiring and deeply personal keynote, Tenay Benes shares her own story of healing from complex PTSD, chronic fatigue, and developmental illness — while building a purpose-driven life as a mother, spouse, entrepreneur, and Army officer. Drawing on her book "Heal or Die" and a seven life-domains framework, Tenay offers a practical and empowering roadmap that bridges Western medicine, holistic care, and the power of unexpected help.
Attendee Results:
- Discover a seven life-domains framework that addresses the full scope of complex illness recovery.
- Gain practical strategies to take ownership of your healing journey with confidence and clarity.
- Understand how trauma, illness, and adversity can become the foundation for purpose and resilience.
- Leave feeling seen, equipped, and empowered to take the next step — for yourself or someone you love.
Audiences: For Patients, Caregivers, Wellness Groups & Patient Advocacy Orgs
Tenay Benes Videos
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What are the speaker fees for Tenay Benes
Speaking fees for Tenay Benes, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Tenay Benes are under $10,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Tenay Benes, 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 Tenay Benes speak about?
Tenay Benes is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Health & Wellness, Healthcare, Mental Health, Non-Fiction Authors, Podcast Host, Public Health, Veterans -
Where does Tenay Benes travel from?
Tenay Benes generally travels from Denver, CO, 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 Tenay Benes’s agent?
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Tenay Benes is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Win the War on Complex Illness and Heal or Die. The estimated speaking fee range to book Tenay Benes for your event is available upon request. Tenay Benes generally travels from Denver, CO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Zack Kass, Eric Boles, Daymond John, Jelly Roll and Rocky Bleier. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Tenay Benes for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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