Ryan Buchanan Offers Insight on Struggle, Leadership, and Success
It is always exciting to meet with a new guest in the studio, but we were not prepared for how meaningful and special our conversation with Ryan Buchanan would be. Speaking with Ryan about his journey as an entrepreneur, executive leader, and respected community organizer was like attending an unexpected professional development seminar you didn’t know you desperately needed. Ryan’s willingness to be vulnerable, discuss the setbacks he’s experienced along his path as well as his triumphs, and examine his desire to give back to his community after successfully scaling his company made for an engaging and motivating discussion. Particularly meaningful were Ryan’s thoughts on the definition of success, paying attention to who your heroes are, and the important ways those with privilege are called to show up.
Ryan’s Bio
Ryan Buchanan’s innate entrepreneurial and leadership talents have shaped his career. Early to conceptualize the inherent power of online communication, he grew an email marketing service into a full digital agency focused on strategic planning and creative execution. He is also the Co-founder of two nonprofits, SINE (Survival Is Not Enough) and Emerging Leaders PDX. Recently, Ryan won EY’s Pacific Northwest Entrepreneur of the Year award.
As Founder and Chairman of Thesis, a digital marketing agency, Ryan has over 21 years of experience in inspiring and partnering with great brands, such as Nike, Adobe, HP, Spotify, Oregon College Savings Plan, and Taco Bell. He has a marketing mindset with an innate curiosity to stay ahead of the frenetic pace of growth in digital marketing channels and trends. He is also a Section4 Certified Brand Strategist, with the skills and knowledge to build and manage powerful brands in the digital age.
Additionally, Ryan is a Co-Founder of The Script, a social enterprise that removes the barriers for diverse young talent and replaces them with opportunities and a supportive community. Since 2016, the organization has matched over 600 underrepresented college students and recent grads with paid internships at top regional companies, and provided further mentoring and career pipelines for people of color and lower-socioeconomic status. Ryan is passionate about making Oregon a more diverse and inclusive business community, and creating pathways to leadership for the next generation of talent.