About Tamra
"I used to believe leadership was about titles--CEO, president, owner. I followed leaders because I had to, not because I was inspired to. Over time, I realized the difference between being a leader worth following and simply holding a position of authority. Leadership isn't something I do--it's who I am."
-From Followship: 16 Lessons to Become a Leader Worth Following
Tamra Ryan is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and leadership expert who is redefining what it means to lead with purpose and compassion. After serving as CEO of Women's Bean Project from 2003 to 2025--a social enterprise transforming lives through transitional employment--Tamra has dedicated herself to helping others feel empowered to become leaders worth following. Her journey from corporate executive to thought leader reflects her passion for creating lasting change through visionary leadership.
Tamra's platform extends beyond her own experience. As the Coors Economic Mobility Fellow for Common Sense Institute Colorado, she engages in critical policy discussions aimed at fostering economic opportunity and equity. She is also a sought-after speaker known for her ability to inspire audiences with actionable insights on compassionate leadership, social enterprise, and building organizations and people that thrive.
Her accolades include being named one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Colorado by the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce, a Titan 100 CEO, and Social Entrepreneur of the Year by the Colorado Institute for Social Impact. In 2018, Congressman Mike Coffman (R-CO) honored her servant leadership by entering it into the Congressional Record. She has also been recognized as one of the Ten Most Influential Women in Business and Most Influential CEOs in 2023.
Tamra is the author of two books: The Third Law, an award-winning exploration of the societal and internal barriers marginalized women face in breaking cycles of poverty, and Followship: 16 Lessons to Become a Leader Worth Following (2025), which offers a roadmap for leaders seeking to inspire trust, loyalty, and transformation.
Through her writing, speaking engagements, and coaching, Tamra equips leaders with tools to embrace their responsibilities, navigate challenges, and create meaningful impact. Whether addressing policy makers, business leaders, or aspiring changemakers, Tamra's message is clear: leadership is not just about achieving success--it's about inspiring others to follow with purpose and to become leaders worth following themselves.
