Tyler Gillum
- Head Coach of the Savannah Bananas
- Culture-Driven Leader
- Keynote Speaker
- Helping Teams Build Energy & Identity
Speaker Fee 🛈
Fee Range
$50,000 - $100,000
Virtual Fee:
$20,000 - $30,000
Travels From
Georgia
Tyler Gillum Speaker Biography
Tyler Gillum is a coach, educator, and entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to inspiring and helping others achieve their dreams. His mantra—“Bet On Yourself”—has been the driving force behind his exceptional journey, which has inspired over a million people in both sports and business. From humble beginnings, to being the Head Coach of the Savannah Bananas, Tyler’s story is one of resilience, vision, and servant leadership.
Tyler’s impact isn’t limited to the baseball diamond. As a speaker, he uses his platform to inspire both individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. He teaches audiences how to implement actionable plans for success, blending the lessons of sports with business strategies. Through storytelling and hands-on advice, he encourages people to live with a “do for one what you wish you could do for many” mindset and create “never forget moments” for those around them.
Tyler’s college baseball coaching career spanned from 2010 to 2022, during which he recruited, developed, and built championship teams. He wasn’t just a coach who focused on baseball skills; he created environments where athletes could thrive, grow, and ultimately achieve their dreams- by combining developmental skills on the field, with fundamental life skills in the classroom. His philosophy was simple yet profound: coach the person first, then the player. Championship cultures are built through relationships, relationships create Buy-In, Buy-In leads to what Tyler calls “Chasing Dogpiles” aka Championships. Whether it’s in life, sports or business, everyone has a “Dogpile” to chase.
In 2017, Tyler set an ambitious goal: to positively impact one million people. By 2024, that dream was realized with one million fans on tour. Now, Tyler is focused on taking this impact to the next level, aiming to 10x that influence by sharing proven philosophies, strategies and lessons that build championship cultures.
Tyler's roots run deep in Oklahoma, where he grew up on the rodeo circuit alongside his father, a bull rider. The quote his dad used often was “it isn’t if you get hurt, it’s when, and how bad”. Despite the challenges of a life steeped in rodeo culture, Tyler’s love for baseball was unwavering. In fact, he often jokes he’d rather “get hit by a 90mph fastball than horned by a bull” - a sentiment that has defined his journey in baseball. His upbringing instilled in him toughness, work ethic and resilience needed to overcome life’s hurdles, traits that would serve him well throughout his career.
Tyler’s journey has not been without its challenges. He grew up in a family that struggled with addiction but through it all, baseball served as a refuge, helping Tyler stay focused on his big vision and guiding him to create a life filled with purpose. His ability to turn personal struggles into motivation is a testament to his resilience and his commitment to helping others overcome their own obstacles.
A pivotal moment in Tyler’s career came in 2018 when he became the Head Coach of the Savannah Bananas, a team known for their electrifying style of play. There, he worked alongside owner Jesse Cole to develop the innovative sport of Banana Ball, a unique brand of baseball designed to entertain and engage fans like never before. The combination of being “Fans First”, having fun and developing player’s on and off the field has lead to championships, Hall of Fame Inductions and playing in the biggest stadiums in America.
In 2025, Tyler was inducted into the Hall of Fame at his Alma mater, East Central University, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport. Tyler often states “you should never forget where you come from”, so to represent his family on the field Tyler proudly wears his cowboy boots during the game in their honor, which fits perfectly in Bananaland, like they often say “whatever’s normal do the exact opposite”.
Tyler’s story is one that exemplifies the power of having a clear vision, setting big goals, and pursuing them relentlessly. From his childhood dream of winning four state championships in high school to his ambition of coaching in college and eventually leading the Savannah Bananas, Tyler’s journey has been marked by a commitment to personal growth and the growth of those around him.
In the world of business, as in sports, Tyler teaches that the key to success is not just in what you achieve, but in how you uplift others along the way. Take what you do seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously. That’s the lesson Tyler lives by, and it’s the lesson he shares with everyone he encounters. Whether you’re running a business or leading a team, Tyler’s message is clear: Bet On Yourself, and always remember to serve those around you.
The Power of Buy-In: How the Savannah Bananas Create a Culture of Excellence
The most successful sports team in America isn’t just about baseball—but about buy-in. Buy-in is not just about compliance—it’s about commitment. This culture starts at the top and flows through every level. It’s the same principle that drives success in every industry. Leadership defines the culture. People want to work harder when they believe in the mission.
