Rafi Kohan

For more than two decades, award-winning author and journalist Rafi Kohan has studied what allows people and teams to excel in some of the most extreme and competitive environments. By going inside the worlds of elite athletes, Olympians, military officers, coaches, poker players, neuroscientists, and other top performers, he translates the psychology and practices behind their performance into practical ways audiences can build resilience and a productive relationship with stress. At the heart of his work is an idea the world’s most competitive minds intuitively understand: pressure, when harnessed correctly, can be a catalyst for greatness.

Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Kohan delivers engaging, research-backed keynotes that give audiences practical tools for sustaining peak performance. Known for his lively storytelling, sharp insights, and accessible science, he blends humorous, behind-the-scenes stories of rivalry and competition with techniques drawn from elite training methods. His talks explore how to regulate anxiety and reframe adversity, as well as how leaders can build the trust-centered cultures that allow teams to stay effective in demanding moments.

Before becoming a sought-after educator and speaker, Kohan built a distinguished career in journalism. His critically acclaimed book, The Arena, was a finalist for the PEN/ESPN Award for Literary Sports Writing and was praised by The New York Times Book Review for its deep reporting and narrative power. His most recent book, Trash Talk, explores the psychology of gamesmanship and the hidden mental strategies competitors use to gain an edge. Kohan’s writing has appeared in outlets including Fast Company, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Scientific American, GQ, ESPN, and NPR. He has served in senior editorial roles at Apple, The Atlantic‘s creative studio, and The New York Observer, where his storytelling earned national recognition and influence.

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