TORONTO—Not only did Dr. Ronan Tynan, acclaimed singer, doctor and athlete, speak about the importance of vicissitude during the last day of the 2009 Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Global Conference & Exposition here on April 1, the Irish Tenor also serenaded the crowd with two songs from his new album, “Sing Me an Irish Song.”
A motivational speaker, Tynan offered a number of sidesplitting stories about his life as he spoke about embracing change, believing in yourself, and encouraging and mentoring those around you.
“People who mentor are inspirational,” he said. “It shapes and influences our lives. Truly, this is a great gift.
“To succeed in whatever we do in life is not a solo flight,” he pointed out. “We all need someone.”
He regaled human resource professionals from around the globe with tales from his life—a life brimming with repeated career changes despite a disability. Yet, he said that if he had not been born disabled (his feet and legs were malformed), he probably would not have taken risks.
“I revel in the fact that my physical challenges have made me take risks,” he said. “The biggest risk in life is not taking risk itself. When you focus more on what you have in life,” you get more out of life.
Speaking from Experience
Despite being born with a disability, Tynan was encouraged by his parents to follow his dreams. So, growing up on a farm in Ireland, he rode horses and raced motorcycles. At 20, a serious car accident caused complications, and his legs had to be amputated below the knee.
But this didn’t stop him from pursuing a desire to compete athletically. Within a year of the amputation, he was winning gold medals in the Paralympics. Between 1981 and 1984, Tynan amassed 18 gold medals and set 14 world records—nine of which he still holds, according to his web site.
“Once I finished my final [discus] throw, I was immediately taken to be drug-tested,” he said, recalling that first win. “I couldn’t wait to give them a sample.
“The best thing was that I was finally recognized as a true athlete,” he added.
He said his family expressed surprise when he later told them he wanted to study medicine. But the encouragement kept coming, and Tynan was the first person with a disability admitted to the National College of Physical Education in Limerick, Ireland.
It was while he worked as a doctor that he decided to enter a BBC talent show a year after taking voice lessons. Propelled to a national stage, he was later asked if he’d like to join the Irish Tenors.
He was a part of the group for five years before deciding in 2004 to embark on a solo career.
“There are other horizons, and you must see what’s there. There are endless possibilities,” he said. “You have to go out and be the pathfinder.”
His solo career was a rousing success. In 2005, his self-titled debut album entered Billboard’s Classical Crossover Chart at No. 2.
“I just couldn’t knock off Josh Groban,” he said. His career has led him from winning gold medals to singing at numerous sporting events, on TV and at the White House. He even sang at former President Ronald Reagan’s funeral.
Throughout his life, whether working or playing, Tynan said, he was mentored by family and friends. Their encouragement is what lifted him to the heights he has achieved. It is this reason why he was never afraid of changing careers.
“Some people have the wealth of mind to pick the career that’s right for them from the get-go. But in my life, God has put in career: change,” he said.
Aliah D. Wright is a manager and online editor for SHRM Online.