What if your entire life...your success, your goals, your identity changed in one single moment?
For Dean Otto, that moment came without warning.
One minute, he was at the top of his game; leading global sales accounts for world-class brands like Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount Global, and McDonald's. He was a corporate powerhouse, known for his drive, his results, and his ability to lead high-performing teams across the globe.
But the next moment changed everything.
A near-fatal accident on a quiet road left Dean broken—physically, mentally, and spiritually. His doctors weren't sure if he would ever walk again, let alone run, lead, or live the life he once knew. Everything he had worked for seemed to vanish in an instant.
Yet, that's not where the story ends. It's where it begins.
Because Dean Otto didn't just survive—he finished the ride.
In this powerful episode of GRASP Confidence, host Tara LaFon Gooch sits down with Dean to explore how one man's unimaginable setback became a life-defining transformation—and how belief, courage, and forgiveness can turn pain into purpose.
Before the accident
Dean's life was a masterclass in achievement. For over three decades, he built a career that most people only dream of—climbing through the ranks of global giants like Pillsbury, Frito-Lay, and KPMG before transitioning into the fast-paced world of tech startups like Marigold and Braze.
At Braze, he served as a Senior Strategic Global Account Lead, managing some of the company's most high-profile clients and leading teams that drove millions in revenue. His results were extraordinary—so much so that in 2024, Dean was recognized as Braze's Top Global Salesperson.
But behind the success, there was a deeper story forming—one about the power of belief, the importance of grace, and the strength it takes to rebuild not just a career, but a life.
That story would take center stage after the accident that changed everything.
The crash left Dean with a broken spine and a new reality: the possibility that he would never walk again. Yet, rather than surrendering to despair, he made a decision—a decision rooted in belief.
"Belief isn't a feeling," Dean says. "It's a decision. Every single day, I had to choose to believe that something greater was possible."
That choice became the cornerstone of his comeback and the foundation of his life's new mission: to help others find the same strength within themselves.
Dean's mission today
Dean Otto is on a mission to inspire the world—not just through what he's survived, but through what he's learned.
In his keynote, Finish the Ride: The Power of Belief in Action, Dean brings his story to life in vivid, heart-stopping detail. But this talk—and this podcast episode—isn't just about one man's accident. It's about every single person who has ever felt broken, stuck, or afraid that their best days are behind them.
Dean shares how belief became the engine that powered his recovery—how forgiveness transformed pain into peace, and how faith gave him the strength to rise again.
Through this deeply emotional and practical conversation, you'll learn:
💡 Why belief is more than motivation—it's a daily decision that shapes your outcomes.
💪 How to rebuild confidence when life breaks you open and everything feels uncertain.
❤️ What it really means to forgive, and how it frees you to move forward.
🌱 How to find purpose in pain—and use it to inspire others.
🔥 Why true leadership begins not in success, but in surrender.
Dean doesn't just speak about belief; he embodies it. He takes us through the moment he met the man who hit him—and how that encounter became one of the most powerful examples of forgiveness the world has ever seen. Together, they turned tragedy into triumph, pain into partnership, and impossibility into a race that would inspire thousands.
When Dean says "Finish the Ride," it's not just a phrase—it's a calling. It's about finishing what life starts, no matter how hard the road.
And as Tara and Dean dive deeper into his story, the message becomes clear:
We don't need certainty to move forward—we need courage. We don't need to fix everything—we need to begin where we are. And when we do, we become the kind of people who finish the ride—and help someone else do the same.
If you've ever faced a challenge that tested your faith, your confidence, or your identity, this episode is for you.
Dean Otto's journey will remind you that you're stronger than you think—and that no matter how broken you feel, you can rebuild from within.
Tune in to GRASP Confidence to experience:
- The power of belief in action
- The courage to choose forgiveness over fear
- The faith to take one more step, even when the finish line feels far away
💬 Here's what to do next:
Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform.
Share this conversation with someone who needs hope today.
Follow GRASP Confidence for more stories of resilience, leadership, and purpose-driven living.
What this means for you
This episode isn't just about what happened to Dean—it's about what happens next for you.
Because the truth is, every one of us will face a moment when life breaks us open. The question isn't whether it will happen—it's what we'll do next.
Dean's story is proof that when you meet that moment with belief, courage, and faith, you don't just survive. You rise.
💬 Final Thoughts
From Broken to Unbreakable isn't just a story—it's a roadmap for anyone rebuilding their confidence, their faith, or their future.
Dean Otto's journey reminds us that the most powerful transformations don't happen in moments of success—they happen in moments of surrender. It's in the broken places that we discover what's unbreakable within us.
As you listen to this episode, take a moment to reflect on your own "ride." Where have you been tested? Where have you had to rebuild? And most importantly, where can you choose belief today?
Because belief isn't about knowing how everything will work out. It's about trusting that, with every step, you're becoming the person who can handle it.
So wherever you are on your journey, remember this: You are capable. You are chosen. You are stronger than you know.
It's time to finish the ride.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
💬 Share your favorite takeaway in the comments and tag @TaraLaFonGooch to join the conversation.
🌴 Ready to take this work deeper? Tara's upcoming Christian women's retreat in Cabo (January 16-19, 2026) is a luxury, spirit-led experience designed to help you realign, recharge, and step boldly into your divine calling. Spots are filling quickly, learn more here!
✨ What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling.
🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights.
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