The presentation "Profiles in Startup Grit" explores how entrepreneurial success stems from a framework of three interconnected traits: insecurity (which creates drive), exceptionalism (built through small victories), and discipline (sustained hard work). Speaker Jothy Rosenberg, who faced losing a leg and lung to cancer as a teenager, explains how his own grit developed through adversity and transferred directly to founding nine startups. The talk features four entrepreneur profiles—Kelly Bruno, Jules Pieri, Morgan Templar, and Dimitri Dintchev—each illustrating how personal challenges created the grit necessary for business success, demonstrating that entrepreneurial resilience comes from transforming difficulties into strengths.

In Jothy Rosenberg’s keynote for Wayland’s 2025 Great Presenter Series, adapted from his 2016 TEDx talk, he shows videos of his accomplishments and those of five other young people who likewise more than just recovered—they thrived and excelled—going beyond what even their able-bodied compatriots could achieve. Have tissues handy—you will be inspired and even motivated but it will be an emotional journey.