“Lessons from
the Cage”

Life’s a fight. I help people not quit.

Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman
Spanish teacher turned UFC fighter

“Lessons from
the Cage”

Life’s a fight. I help people not quit.

Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman
Spanish teacher turned UFC fighter

Charlie Brenneman, Motivational Speaker

In-Person & Virtual Speaking

I teach people how to handle adversity, build discipline, and keep going when life gets hard.

  • Reframe failure

  • Redefine success

  • Push past fear and insecurity

  • Develop mental toughness

Who I Speak To

Corporate audience

Corporate

  • Push through challenges and setbacks
  • Set goals and pursue them with focus
  • Find purpose in pivots & adaptability
  • Foster a culture of teamwork
Education audience

Education

  • Stand strong against peer pressure
  • Build confidence from the inside out
  • Stay grounded in a world of social media
  • Turn setbacks and adversity into growth
Athletes audience

Athletes

  • Perform effectively under pressure
  • Gain confidence through preparation
  • Turn down the volume of fear and doubt
  • Build daily discipline and self-belief
People Fighting for Change

People Fighting for Change

  • Find the inner strength to persevere
  • Create a positive environment for success
  • Clarify vision and values for the future
  • Redefine yourself beyond setbacks

Lessons From The Cage

Win the Fight Within

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Before stepping into the cage, I had to face my real opponents—doubt, fear, pressure, failure. That same battle exists in the workplace and in life: stress, burnout, imposter syndrome. The Octagon taught me how to fight back—with discipline, focus, resilience, and mental toughness that holds up under pressure.

One Round at a Time

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In the fight game—and in life—you don’t win all at once. You win one round at a time. Set a small goal. Hit it. Then do it again. Every rep, every round, every day—it adds up.

Stay Ready So You Don’t Have to Get Ready

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Opportunities don’t wait. In the UFC, I got the call to fight the #6 ranked fighter in the world on one day’s notice. I took it because I had prepared for that moment all my life. Success belongs to those who put in the work before the spotlight hits.

Don’t Knock the Knockouts

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Getting knocked out can be part of the job—but those moments teach more than any victory. Greatness isn’t about never falling—it’s about always getting back up. Learn from failure. Build from it. Get ready for your comeback.

What Others Are Saying

“Charlie’s presentation was incredibly relatable, charismatic, and engaging. He connected with our students in a way that truly captured their attention. Sharing his experiences while delivering meaningful life lessons made a powerful impact on our school community.”

Dr. Amy Miller · Spring Cove Middle School Principal

“I heard you speak today and I just wanted to thank you. I’ve been going through some stuff on my end and I appreciate your message. The idea of simply getting back up and going is something I needed to hear, so I appreciate it.”

Middle School student

“I put Charlie’s presentation up there with the best I have seen over the past thirty years.”

Rocco Scalzi · Founder, Beating the Odds Foundation

“The level of engagement, the questions, the discussion – it was off the charts! I got over a dozen emails afterward thanking me for bringing in such an awesome and inspirational guest speaker.”

Steve DeCaspers · Sr. Director of Growth Marketing, U.S. Cellular

“Charlie has a natural way of connecting with young people. Charlie’s positive attitude, real-world experience, and practical approach will benefit anyone trying to become a better athlete and person.”

Parent of high school athlete

“The courage, authenticity, and passion you exhibited in your delivery were not only inspiring but also a testament to the kind of positive change we are working to foster here. It is rare to witness such a shift in perspective, and your contribution to that is immeasurable.”

Gregory Briggs · Warden, Dauphin County Prison