Connection & Belonging Keynote Speakers

Browse Connection & Belonging Speakers

Connection & Belonging keynote speakers help audiences foster inclusive environments where individuals feel valued, heard, and united. Through compelling narratives and actionable strategies, they explore how empathy, authenticity, and trust create stronger teams and cultures rooted in purpose and inclusion. GDA Speakers offers keynote speakers on connection and belonging who strengthen workplace culture by promoting empathy, inclusion, and authentic relationships that build united teams.


Keynotes: 2 Books: 1 Videos: 11

Mariana Atencio Featured

Peabody Award-winning Journalist, Bestselling Author, Entrepreneur, Inspiring Storyteller, and Host/Moderator

Mariana Atencio is an expert who helps leaders in organizations create a culture that is more authentic – where people can be themselves and contribute to the max. Bring her dynamic presence as a speaker, moderator, or host to elevate your program with her award-winning insights and infectious energy.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 4

Minaa B. Featured

Social Worker, Mental Health Educator, Author, Founder

Minaa B. is a therapist, author of "Owning Our Struggles," and founder of I’M SO MATURE MEDIA. As the youngest of 13 in a blended family, Minaa believes that sibling relationships, whether biological or chosen, often reflect our earliest lessons about love, boundaries, belonging, and repair.

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 0 Videos: 1

Sun Ah Brock Featured

Speaker | Founder | Community Builder

Sun Ah Brock is a compelling entrepreneur and unforgettable storyteller. Abandoned in Korea at age four and adopted by a Canadian family, her journey is raw, powerful, and deeply human. Her talk resonates with anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider—moving audiences with authenticity, resilience, and an unshakable voice.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 2 Videos: 9

Erica Dhawan Featured

Leading Authority on 21st Century Teamwork, Collaboration, and Innovation; WSJ Best-Selling Author; Named “Oprah of Management Thinkers”; Ranked #1 of Top Women Keynote Speakers

Erica Dhawan is the world’s leading authority on Connectional Intelligence and the Founder & CEO of Cotential. Through speaking, training and consulting, she teaches business leaders innovative strategies that increase value for clients, deliver results and ensure competitiveness.

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 0 Videos: 7

Khaliah O. Guillory Featured

Productivity and Wellness Expert Working to Transform Human Emotion to Build Stronger Companies

Khaliah is an energetic professional speaker and a passionate promoter of belonging and wellness. She believes that each employee can reach their greatest potential in a supportive and conscious inclusive environment and has built training workshops to help companies increase productivity.

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Keynotes: 6 Books: 0 Videos: 6

Trish Kendall Featured

Inspirational Speaker, TEDx Speaker, Expert on Creating Belonging and Enduring Success, Founder and CEO Enduring Success Strategies

Trish exudes joy, love and enduring success. She makes audiences want to and believe they can create enduring success. Her climb from the pit of despair to the peak of success is astonishing; but her effervescent joy and boundless love are the unique and lasting gifts Trish imparts to everyone.

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 9

Paul J Long Featured

Maximize fulfillment, change perspective and manifest more of “What's GOOD!”

Paul J Long thrives in creating energy and genuine connection. His concept of Fundamism helps attendees create more meaningful interactions while providing tactical behaviors to maximize fulfillment, change perspective, and manifest more of "What's GOOD!"

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 4

Riaz Meghji Featured

Human Connection Expert | Author of 'Every Conversation Counts'

“Quiet Quitting” and “Rage Applying” are common terms for a familiar problem: a lack of meaningful human connection. 

Drawing from years of experience interviewing countless leaders, human connection expert and author Riaz Meghji helps audiences build meaningful connections and trust, so they can collaborate effectively and out-care their competition.

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 0 Videos: 8

Jeremy Poincenot Featured

World Blind Golf Champion

Jeremy's journey of losing his sight at 19 due to Leber hereditary optic neuropathy is both heartrending and inspiring. He learned the transformative power of interdependence, embracing his new reality to turn tragedy into opportunity. His story showcases resilience and the profound impact of relying on others for support.

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 4 Videos: 7

Smiley Poswolsky Featured

Workplace Belonging, Culture & Future of Work Expert, Bestselling Author

One of the top workplace belonging, culture and future of work speakers in the world, Smiley helps companies foster belonging and human connection in an ever-evolving workforce. He is the bestselling author of Friendship in the Age of Loneliness and The Workplace Belonging Toolkit. 

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Keynotes: 1 Books: 2 Videos: 7

Sandra Joseph & Ron Bohmer Featured

Broadway Royalty Husband-Wife Broadway Stars Duo; The Phantom & Christine

Sandra Joseph and Ron Bohmer have been called “Broadway royalty” and “a real-life fairytale romance.” Through keynotes, concerts, and fireside chats, these two “showstoppers” invite you to peek behind the curtain as they share moving, inspiring, and often hilarious stories AND SONGS from their celebrated careers and lives.

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Keynotes: 6 Books: 0 Videos: 9

Rashmi Airan

Empowering People to Rise Through Challenges through Courage and Conviction

Rashmi Airan is a powerhouse speaker who challenges leaders to confront blind spots, own their choices, and turn uncertainty into growth and innovation through her Rise Through It™ framework—because you don’t rise above struggle, you rise by going through it.

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Keynotes: 7 Books: 2 Videos: 4

David Allison

David Allison, Engagement & Influence Expert, Human Values Research Pioneer, Bestselling Author & CEO

David Allison, the leading authority on human values, empowers organizations to thrive using shared values. Backed by millions of data points, his insights drive exponential success in leadership, sales, and culture, inspiring audiences with strategies for the AI-driven future of work.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 0 Videos: 15

Chris Bashinelli

National Geographic Explorer & TV Host; United Nations Moderator; Actor from The Sopranos (HBO); Expert on Human Connection & Happiness in Business

Chris Bashinelli, National Geographic Explorer, TV host, and celebrated speaker on human connection, travels the globe researching what drives happiness, purpose, and belonging in life and business. Drawing from immersive experiences in over 40 countries, Chris helps organizations boost sales, reignite employee inspiration, and build cultures of genuine connection.

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 4 Videos: 4

Susan Cain

Chief Revolutionary of Quiet Revolution

Susan Cain is the Chief Revolutionary of Quiet Revolution LLC and the New York Times bestselling author of Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts and Quiet: The Power of Introverts in A World That Can’t Stop Talking.

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Keynotes: 7 Books: 2 Videos: 9

Regina Calcaterra

New York Times Best-Selling Author, Advocate for Foster Youth and Children in Need

Regina is a best-selling author who shares how she grew up abused, abandoned and neglected in and out of the child welfare system. She is a powerful public speaker who relies upon her story to reinforce the positive impact that we can all have upon those in need.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 2 Videos: 4

Linda Cohen

The Kindness Catalyst, Speaker & Consultant

Linda shares the ROI of kindness with businesses and associations through customized interactive programs for team meetings and conference keynotes. With enthusiasm and expertise, she describes how kindness is no longer a “nice to have” in the workplace, but an imperative skill for leaders and employees to cultivate.
 

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 0 Videos: 5

Johnny Crowder

Mental Health, Resilience, and Company Culture Expert; Founder & CEO of Cope Notes

After overcoming debilitating mental health challenges, Johnny Crowder has emerged as one of America’s exciting new voices on self-care, company culture, and people-first leadership. He is a suicide/abuse survivor, TEDx speaker, Billboard-charing heavy metal musician, and Founder & CEO of Cope Notes, the global mental health company.

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 0 Videos: 9

Sarah Culberson

Princess of Sierra Leone. Humanitarian. Educator. Author

Sarah was adopted at one by a loving, white West Virginia couple and raised with little knowledge of her ancestry. As a young adult, Sarah journeyed to Sierra Leone to meet her birth family, discovering she was a mahaloi, child of a Paramount Chief, with the status of a princess.

 

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 2 Videos: 2

Rachel DeAlto

Communication and Relatability Expert

On a mission to connect people to their most powerful resource—each other—Rachel DeAlto is a communication and relatability expert, media personality, and the author of “relatable: How to Connect with Anyone Anywhere (Even if It Scares You)”.

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Keynotes: 6 Books: 0 Videos: 12

Shane Feldman

Build better relationships with anyone, anywhere. Serial Entrepreneur; Leadership Speaker; Travel Researcher

Shane helps leaders build better relationships with colleagues and clients. He's traveled to 100 cities across 6 continents, researching universal strategies that allow companies to attract, empower and retain high-performing teams and loyal customers. Shane’s energetic, customized keynotes combine unforgettable travel stories with tangible frameworks participants can immediately apply.

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Keynotes: 1 Books: 2 Videos: 4

Stacey Hanke

Communicate. Motivate. Influence: Increase sales, improve productivity and drive engagement, Monday to Monday®

Stacey is the CEO of a highly sought-after consulting and training company where she mentors leaders who want to ensure their employees perceive them as an influential leader – those who are working towards a promotion – and sales professionals to ensure their message and style resonates with their clients.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 0 Videos: 5

Jesse Israel

5X Audible Worldwide Bestseller; Founder of The Big Quiet; Human Performance & Wellbeing Expert

Jesse Israel is a 5X Audible worldwide bestseller, a visionary entrepreneur, and founder of The Big Quiet movement. Jesse shares his Amplified Quiet Framework to help leaders, teams, and organizations navigate uncertainty, break through performance barriers and realize their full potential by mastering the art of quieting noise.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 3 Videos: 1

Ryan Jenkins, CSP

Wall Street Journal Bestselling Leadership Author & Speaker | #1 Thought Leader on Team Connection | Generations, Gen Z & Future of Work Expert

Optimize generational dynamics, strengthen team connection, and prepare for the future of work with Wall Street Journal bestselling leadership author and speaker, Ryan Jenkins CSP.

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 2 Videos: 8

Brant Menswar

Author, Creator, Core Values Activist, Speaker & Organizational Culture Expert

Passionate and engaging, Brant encourages audiences to discover their Black Sheep Values® and move forward with deliberate intention. His interactive and entertaining ways of defining what matters most enable audiences to develop the skills necessary to perform at the highest level.

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Keynotes: 6 Books: 3 Videos: 2

Shasta Nelson

Social Relationships Expert, Author, Media Resource, and Keynote Speaker

For over 15 years, Shasta Nelson has been translating the science of human connection into actionable practices that lead to greater belonging in communities and workplaces. Her expertise activates organizations to intentionally create and accelerate high-trust and resilient relationships that lead to higher employee retention, engagement, and collaboration.

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Keynotes: 6 Books: 2 Videos: 4

Jess Pettitt

Workplace Culture and Crisis Manager

For almost 20 years, Jess Pettitt has supported and guided diverse audiences to success. Her social justice and diversity curricula as well as her publications, books, and resources are highly regarded and used nationwide. Her background uniquely qualifies her to educate employers on building welcoming, productive, and innovative teams. 

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 2 Videos: 5

Jon Petz

The one-of-a-kind experience to AMAZE and INSPIRE your audience

Jon Petz is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and event emcee who blends business insight, purpose, and world-class entertainment. With a unique mix of strategy, storytelling, and magic, he helps audiences elevate performance, strengthen connections, and create unforgettable experiences that drive lasting impact—in work and life.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 1

Sam Richter

One of the world's leading experts on AI: game changing Actionable Insight

Hall of Fame speaker and bestselling author Sam Richter transforms how individuals and organizations harness digital insight to uncover opportunities, build meaningful connections, and communicate authentically. Known for his jaw-dropping programs with actionable strategies, Sam makes complex ideas simple, empowering audiences to thrive in the AI and innovation world.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 5 Videos: 7

Mike Robbins

An Expert in Leadership, Teamwork, and Emotional Intelligence

As an expert in teamwork, leadership, and emotional intelligence, Mike empower people, leaders, and teams to engage in their work, collaborate, and perform at their best. Through his speeches, seminars, consulting, and writing, Mike teaches important techniques that allow individuals and organizations to be more appreciative, authentic, and effective.

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Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 1

Mark Scharenbroich, CSP, CPAE

Author of "Nice Bike" Emmy award winner, Hall fo Fame speaker

It's all about Making Connections. Are your people fully connected to the mission, each other and the customer? Strong connections are vital in our lives, yet in today’s “virtual world” it is often difficult to make meaningful connections.

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 3

Liz Scott

Co-Executive Director and mother to founder of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

Liz is the mother of the founder of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a childhood cancer charity dedicated to changing the lives of children with cancer and their families. Her daughter Alex lived the saying "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" and in her short life inspired a movement.

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 1 Videos: 5

Seb Terry

Expert in Peak Performance and Creating Environments for Success and Personal Transformation; Author; TV Host

Driven by a passion to see others achieve, Sebastian Terry’s one-of-a-kind story has organically become a powerful catalyst for personal and organizational transformation.

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Keynotes: 13 Books: 2 Videos: 3

Hannah Ubl

Company Culture and Generational Expert, Co-founder of Good Company Consulting

Hannah's core mission is to help people create organizations that don't suck. For over a decade, she's been studying people at work and has discovered a strangely well-kept secret: the best recipe for organizational success is to put people first. Hannah's presentations show you how.

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Keynotes: 2 Books: 1 Videos: 4

Pat Wadors

Inspirational HR Leader & Strategist, Top 50 Women in Tech, Champion of Belonging & Chief People Officer, UKG

From transforming culture at LinkedIn while they tripled their headcount within two years–to leading the total employee experience at global HR tech firm UKG–Pat Wadors is an inspirational thought leader on every aspect of HR and HCM, including talent acquisition, employee engagement and retention, and authentic leadership.

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Keynotes: 9 Books: 2 Videos: 1

Lisa X Walden

Co-Founder of Good Company Consulting

As co-founder of Good Company Consulting, she strives to create deep mindset shifts that help people better collaborate, communicate, and prepare for the workplace of the future. Lisa is co-author of Managing Millennials for Dummies, and is currently wrapping up her next book.

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 5

Justin Wren

Humanitarian, UFC Fighter, Non-profit Founder, Mental Health Advocate, Author

A prominent UFC fighter, Justin emerged from a near death experience, found purpose through service, and now stands as an international humanitarian leader. The visionary Founder of Fight For The Forgotten, his organization has provided life-changing water, housing, healthcare, farming and freedom from slavery for thousands of disadvantaged people. 

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Connection & Belonging keynote speakers help audiences foster inclusive environments where individuals feel valued, heard, and united. Through compelling narratives and actionable strategies, they explore how empathy, authenticity, and trust create stronger teams and cultures rooted in purpose and inclusion. GDA Speakers offers keynote speakers on connection and belonging who strengthen workplace culture by promoting empathy, inclusion, and authentic relationships that build united teams.