At the heart of every thriving community is a fundamental human need: to know that we matter, that we are valued, and that we belong. Yet belonging does not happen by accident. It is shaped by our relationships with ourselves, with others, and the environments we create for one another.

In this keynote, Dr. Marisa Franco will draw from her groundbreaking research on belonging, self-worth, identity, and human connection — including insights from her books Worth and Platonic — to explore the psychological foundations that influence our own sense of self-worth and in turn, how we connect, lead, and create better workplace cultures. 

Through the lens of attachment theory and the science of belonging, Dr. Franco will invite you to examine how our relationship with ourselves shapes the way we experience others. She will explore how feelings of worthiness, connection, and recognition influence relationships at work. You will be invited to consider how finding belonging within can transform the way we approach inclusion, strengthen relationships, and create workplace cultures where every individual who is a part of your workplace has the opportunity to feel seen, valued, and connected.

You will leave with:

• A deeper understanding of the research behind belonging, self-worth, and human connection

• Insights into how identity and personal narratives influence relationships and leadership

• A framework for reflecting on ourselves so that we can better create the conditions that help communities flourish

• Practical ways to cultivate self-worth in order to foster trust, connection, and belonging within the workplace

In recent years, workplaces have undergone tectonic shifts: AI, remote work, mass lay-offs. Many try to stay resilient by holding on tight to their identities, “knowing who we are.” But research shows the opposite approach creates the strongest foundation for resilience: loosening our grip on a rigid identity and learning to value ourselves as we evolve.

 
In this inspiring, research-backed keynote drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and her upcoming book on the science of self-worth, NYT best-selling author Dr. Marisa G. Franco reveals how fixed identities in times of change can become cages that limit adaptability, fuel burnout, and erode engagement. Instead, she introduces a flexible model of self-worth that helps employees stay grounded through uncertainty.

Through powerful storytelling — including the journey of a once-charismatic entrepreneur who rebuilt her sense of self after illness — Dr. Franco shows how our worth doesn’t come from titles, performance, or accolades. It comes from the ability to honor who we are in the present moment, even when that self is changing: to become human beings, and not humans been. Once we do, we will be better able to face workplace challenges with equanimity, flexibility, and security.

 
Audiences will learn:

• Why rigid identity blocks resilience and creativity, and impede well-being

• The difference between identities built on “having” versus identities built on “being”

• How self-regard anchors people in times of change

• Practical tools to build self-worth and stay anchored, adaptable, and engaged

The need for connection is fundamentally human and underlies everything—our health, our motivation, our work, and our sense of who we are. And yet, we are in the middle of a loneliness epidemic and our communities are disconnected. In this keynote or in-conversation format, Dr. Marisa G. Franco will share insights into the science of connection and why belonging makes individuals and communities more resilient. She will share skills and hands-on tips for initiating and maintaining collaboration, community, and friendship.

A sense of workplace belonging is connected to higher job satisfaction as well as positive mental health and well-being. In this interactive and data-driven talk, Dr. Marisa Franco will guide audiences through the science of connection and how the same tools for building friendships can help initiate and maintain workplace relationships. Tailored to meet the needs of companies of different sizes from varying industries, Dr. Franco can address:

• The relationship between authenticity and belonging for workplace success.

• How to cultivate employee engagement and belonging at work when teams are sitting in home offices across the world.

• How to strengthen connection between employees from different generations (e.g. Gen X, Gen Z, Millennials, etc.).

• How to build trust in virtual work settings.

In a talk geared for students and the communities that support them, Dr. Marisa Franco dives into the importance of connection and friendship for mental and physical health. A professor at the University of Maryland, Dr. Franco is adept at communicating with younger audiences and can customize this talk to speak about how to network authentically, how minoritized students can find belonging, and how students can use technology to foster connection. She covers in detail why students may feel lonely and offers takeaways that help them learn how to make robust and meaningful friendships that will support their mental health.