“It is an easy yes to have a discussion with folks who honor Roman stoic philosophers on their website. My conversation with Tara and Ron was one of my favorites. The easy flow and back and forth as well as the topics discussed all live in some of my favorite subjects. Leadership, fear, training and struggle...”
“We really enjoyed our sessions working with Ron both one-on-one and as a team. We have rapidly grown as a company over the past few years and Ron helped us examine our current modes of operation and their effectiveness in the company we are today.”
“I must say, this has been the best class I’ve ever taken, and you have been the best teacher I’ve ever had. Thank you for all that you’ve taught me. I’m more confident with myself at work and I have much clearer path in front of me, and it only took a short 8 weeks.”
Ronald Duren, Jr. is a maverick of mental fortitude and a maestro of leadership whose life reads like an anthology of adventures. With a spirit as untamed as the Colorado landscapes he often traverses, Ron's multifaceted journey is an embodiment of the resilience and tenacity he teaches. From the thrill of aerobatic flying to the grit of ultramarathons and Ironman triathlons, he doesn't just endure challenges—he seeks them, mastering the art of mental and physical endurance with each endeavor.
His 18-year tenure as a mechanical engineer laid a foundation of discipline and precision, yet it was his insatiable curiosity and desire for growth that steered him towards his true calling. Now, as a revered professor in the Engineering Management Program at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Ron has a new landscape to navigate—the human mind. His courses, such as "Neuroscience of Leadership" and "Leading Oneself," are not just classes; they're transformative experiences that have made him a beloved figure on campus.
As the Founder of Forging Mettle®, Inc., Ron's commitment to shaping robust leaders is unwavering. His leadership philosophy, steeped in humanistic psychology, challenges the conventional, encouraging a symphony of empathy, understanding, compassion, inspiration, and empowerment. This approach has not only reshaped the narrative of leadership in academia but also in the lives of the numerous students and clients he's mentored.
Ron's voice is not confined to the lecture halls; it echoes through the airwaves of his podcast and resonates in the hearts of those he addresses in his powerful TEDx talks. His storytelling—a skill as finely honed as his piloting—captures imaginations and ignites a passion for personal excellence in his audience.