Speaking & Workshops

In this keynote, you'll discover how prosocial leadership and encouraging positive behaviors can revolutionize organizational performance. Drawing from cutting-edge research, this talk reveals how fostering kindness, altruism, and employee well-being enhances productivity, reduces turnover, and boosts profitability. Explore the surprising ways prosocial CEOs, altruistic managers, and organizational citizenship behaviors impact team engagement, customer satisfaction, and shareholder value. Attendees will leave inspired by real-world examples and evidence-based strategies, learning how doing good is not just ethical—it’s smart business.

What is the culture you have, and what is the culture you want? In this novel and energetic workshop, often done within the setting of a team or company retreat, participants use interactive theater techniques to build a “human sculpture” of their current culture, which leads to a deep conversation about the culture as it stands. Then, participants build a sculpture of the desired culture of their organization, leading to key insights about the future state and the changes that need to occur to get from here to there.

In this practical talk and workshop, participants not only experience the surprising power of gratitude, they learn the science behind why gratitude can have such a big impact on people and organizations. Through experiential exercises, we learn simple practices that can be incorporated into work settings like team meetings, 1-on-1 sessions, and organizational rituals. We then consider how to scale gratitude, making it go viral inside your organization so you can see the real benefits of gratitude that lead to organizational success.

Becoming a manager marks a profound transition from “doing” to “getting things done through others”. All of a sudden, no matter what industry we’re working in, we find ourselves in the “people business”. In this ½ day workshop, we delve into ins and outs of becoming a prosocial manager, one who leverages key people skills to foster engagement, connection, and performance. Not only do participants learn about the science of how prosocial managers make an impact on the bottom line, they learn how to implement key team rituals that build connection, increase psychological safety, and inspire performance.

People who are happier at work are more committed to their organization, rise to positions of leadership more rapidly, are more productive and creative, and suffer fewer health problems. More and more, research is suggesting that happiness should not be an afterthought for workplaces; it should be an essential goal, entwined with the kinds of 21st century skills that are key to individual and organizational success today. Building on the GGSC’s popular online course series on The Science of Happiness at Work, this presentation offers research-based strategies to feel happier at work and boost satisfaction, engagement, and collaboration in your organization.

No organization is immune to stress and even risks of burnout. This presentation draws on a large body of scientific research to identify which factors can help individuals and organizations respond to challenges with resilience. It provides a framework to understand the scientific roots of burnout and nurture strength and resilience within a team or organization.

Clear and effective communication between colleagues, superiors, and clients is an invaluable asset--it is the cornerstone of workplace connection. Building and sustaining meaningful relationships at work is associated with greater resilience to stress, productivity, and engagement at work. This presentation highlights the research on best practices for effective and enjoyable communication, including these key areas: empathic listening, addressing emotional misunderstanding, grounding techniques and generating joy amid difficult conversations.

An inspiring and insightful talk delivered by renowned researcher Emiliana Simon-Thomas, exploring the profound impact gratitude has on our emotional, social, and physical well-being. Drawing from cutting-edge research and compelling real-world examples, Emiliana unpacks how practicing gratitude strengthens relationships, enhances resilience, and fosters a greater sense of purpose and happiness. Attendees will gain practical strategies for cultivating gratitude in daily life and understanding its transformative power for people and organizations.

Juliana Tafur’s keynote talk, The Science of Bridging Differences, offers a powerful exploration of how empathy and communication can overcome deep social and cultural divides. Drawing on cutting-edge research and her extensive experience in facilitating transformative dialogues, Tafur reveals practical strategies for fostering understanding and connection. Participants will discover how science-backed practices, such as active listening and cultivating curiosity, can help bridge differences and build more inclusive communities. This talk equips audiences with actionable insights to navigate polarization, create meaningful connections, and embrace shared humanity in both personal and professional contexts.

In her keynote talk, Fostering Connection in Difficult Times, Juliana Tafur delves into the essential role of human connection during moments of stress, uncertainty, and conflict. Drawing from evidence-based practices and her extensive experience facilitating impactful conversations, Tafur provides practical tools to bridge divides and nurture meaningful relationships even in challenging circumstances. This talk empowers participants to build resilience, deepen empathy, and create inclusive environments that promote understanding and collaboration, offering a much-needed pathway to thrive in an increasingly polarized world.

A quantum shift in how we educate our children is taking place in schools all over the world. Academic knowledge alone is no longer sufficient in helping students to cultivate happy, productive, and meaningful lives, and to make a positive contribution to their communities and the world. Indeed, a 2014 study found that emotional health and prosocial (kind and helpful) behavior in childhood had greater long-term impact on adult well-being than academic success. In addition, the rapidly growing body of research on social-emotional learning, mindfulness, ethical development, mindsets, identity, purpose, and other non-academic topics—or what we here at the Greater Good Science Center call the “Science of Prosocial Human Development”—is deepening our understanding of the learning process and, at the same time, challenging our beliefs about what exactly we are educating for. In this workshop, participants learn how the practical application of this science can be used to help them build classrooms and schools where both the students and adults thrive and where education becomes about more than just test scores and future job skills.

Helping children cultivate a meaningful life is one of the noblest aspects of both parenting and teaching. Not only does this contribute to a child’s well-being, but also helps to foster a more compassionate and resilient society. Drawing on cutting-edge research from psychology and neuroscience, Dr. Vicki Zakrzewski highlights the strong connections between the cultivation of a meaningful life and children’s social-emotional well-being and academic achievement. For instance, children who simply count their blessings have higher levels of optimism, increased life satisfaction, and decreased negative feelings—and they feel better about their schoolwork. Dr. Zakrzewski’s overview of this research shows how leading a meaningful life isn’t just good, but good for you and your children. Topics covered include awe, hope, mindfulness, self-compassion, and gratitude.

The experience of awe can help ground us, reminding us of what is beautiful, inspiring, and meaningful about life. For education professionals, awe can transform our classrooms and schools, and help us remember why we became educators in the first place: to help students create lives filled with purpose and joy. In this workshop, Dr. Zakrzewski explores how to apply the cutting-edge science of awe in classrooms and schools. Learn how awe enhances academic learning, motivation, and student and teacher well-being—and how you can create inspiring educational environments, filled with curiosity, discovery, and "awesome" possibility. You will learn about the eight wonders of awe, explore how awe benefits our brains and bodies, and find real-life examples and practices to help you bring more inspiration, meaning, and purpose to your students.

With the many challenges facing educators today, we need spaces for rest, reflection, and renewal. This keynote will explore how we can cultivate a thriving learning community centered on care, compassion, and connection. Together, we will reflect on our "why," explore strategies for navigating difficult emotions with kindness, and consider how to create inclusive spaces where students and colleagues feel safe, valued, and heard. Through shared stories, practical tools, and moments of optimism, we will reignite hope and discover ways to sustain our well-being while supporting the children we serve.

In our interconnected world, the ability to empathize deeply with others is both a gift and a potential source of personal distress. This keynote addresses the fine balance between maintaining genuine empathy and protecting oneself from emotional burnout. Drawing on insights from the Greater Good Science Center, we will explore how to transform empathic distress into empathic concern—a shift that fosters resilience and effective support for others. Attendees will learn practical strategies to manage their emotional responses, ensuring that their empathy remains a source of strength rather than a pathway to suffering.

When students experience a sense of belonging, they thrive academically and emotionally. Likewise, a supportive school environment reduces staff burnout and strengthens educators' self-efficacy and capacity for connection. This keynote explores the profound impact of empathy, curiosity, and compassion on both student and educator well-being. Grounded in research, we will examine how fostering social and emotional well-being in schools enhances academic achievement, motivation, and positive, prosocial behavior while reducing stress and exhaustion. Through practical strategies and inspiring insights, we will discover how small acts of attention and care can transform school culture, creating a more resilient and compassionate learning community where everyone belongs.

In the journey of parenthood, cultivating compassion and empathy is essential not only for children's development but also for parents' well-being. Drawing from her extensive work at the Greater Good Science Center, Dr. Maryam Abdullah will explore how self-compassion can reduce parental stress and depression, fostering a more nurturing environment for children. She will discuss the significance of expressing warmth and understanding toward children, emphasizing how these practices enhance their sense of being loved and contribute to their growth into compassionate adults. Attendees will gain practical strategies to balance empathy with self-care, ensuring a harmonious family dynamic that promotes resilience and emotional health for both parents and children.

For parents, educators, and caregivers, the deep emotional investment in others’ well-being can sometimes lead to exhaustion and overwhelm—a phenomenon known as compassion fatigue. In this keynote, Dr. Maryam Abdullah draws from research and insights from the Greater Good Science Center to explore how we can sustain our capacity for care without burning out. She will offer practical strategies to cultivate self-compassion, set healthy emotional boundaries, and transform empathic distress into resilience. Attendees will leave with tools to care for themselves while continuing to support those who rely on them, fostering a healthier balance between giving and well-being.

We spend nearly a third of our lives at work, yet the workplace is often where gratitude is least expressed and received. While many associate gratitude with the holiday season, exceptional leaders understand that fostering a culture of gratitude year-round is key to building a thriving organization. This interactive session delves into the latest research from psychology and organizational behavior, revealing how gratitude can boost employee engagement, morale, and resilience—ultimately driving business success. Participants will explore practical, evidence-based strategies for embedding gratitude into daily interactions, leadership practices, and company policies. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped with the tools to cultivate a more positive, motivated, and high-performing work environment.

What if businesses could be the most powerful force for good in society? What if they used their global influence to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges? This inspiring and thought-provoking session challenges traditional notions of business by demonstrating its potential as a driver of positive social impact. From tech to manufacturing to sports, discover how businesses are rewriting the playbook by blending the high-stakes world of business with transformative leadership, innovative organizational culture, and deep community engagement. Through case studies, interactive discussions, and practical frameworks, together we’ll reimagine the role of business to ignite meaningful social change and build a legacy that matters.

Interpersonal conflict occurs in all walks of life from formal settings (e.g., between colleagues) to informal settings (e.g., between friends). Rather than avoiding conflict or viewing it as a barrier to achieving goals, participants will learn how to communicate more effectively and transform conflict into opportunities for deeper understanding, collaboration, and connection. Through evidence-based techniques and interactive exercises, attendees will develop practical communication strategies to manage difficult conversations, build psychological safety, and foster stronger, more meaningful relationships. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with tools to turn conflict into productive discussions.

The human mind wanders approximately 47% of the time, including when we’re at work. When our minds wander, we tend to think about things that make us feel stressed and unhappy. The good news is, we can change this reality. Grounded in research from psychology and neuroscience, this session explores how mindfulness practices and mental health initiatives enhance focus, resilience, productivity, and emotion regulation. Through guided exercises and real-world applications, participants will learn practical strategies to cultivate present-moment awareness to manage stress and anxiety, improve work-life balance, and enhance emotional intelligence. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with skills to hone their attention and presence to improve their mental health and well-being.