Speaking
Book Dr. Alyssa Birnbaum
TEDx Speaker | Organizational Psychologist | Workplace Connection Researcher
Featured on TED.com, TED Radio Hour & TED Fixable Podcast
Alyssa offers engaging and interactive in-person and virtual keynotes, workshops, trainings, and conference presentations on her core areas of research and practice: sparking quality workplace connections and relationships (including remote/hybrid work environments), burnout and wellbeing, and cultivating fertility-supportive work practices.
3 Simple Ways to Build Stronger Relationships at Work (TEDx)
Over 350,000 views on TED.com and included on TED’s How to Love Work Again playlist
Featured on TED Radio Hour & TED Fixable Podcast
Speaking Themes
Research-Backed talks that transform teams
Length: 30-60 minutes | Audience: All Levels
Learn the surprising research on what actually builds connection at work… and what doesn't. Surprisingly, it’s not about more time interacting, but about the quality of your interactions. Perfect for organizations navigating hybrid work, strained connections or seeking to cultivate a culture of connection.
Audience takeaways: Participants discover the counterintuitive science of workplace connection, and why more interaction time doesn't equal stronger relationships. They’ll learn 3 research-backed techniques that build trust and collaboration in everyday moments. They leave with immediately applicable strategies to transform team dynamics.
Length: 60 minutes | Audience: HR Leaders, Teams, Managers
Most people assume that employees burn out when they have too much work - but that’s not the only cause. Learn all the potential root causes of burnout and how to pinpoint your team’s challenges and address them effectively.
Audience takeaways: A diagnostic framework to identify the true causes of burnout on their teams, from lack of autonomy to unfair treatment to values misalignment, plus specific, targeted strategies for each root cause. Leaders gain the tools to move beyond surface-level wellness initiatives and create lasting change by addressing what's actually driving exhaustion.
Length: 90-180 minute workshop | All audiences
Dr. Birnbaum’s research found that brief, high-quality daily connections boost end-of-day engagement more than longer interactions. Learn the specific questions and strategies that transform team dynamics in just minutes a day and put into practice immediately. In-person or remote.
Audience takeaways: Participants will learn research-backed micro-connection strategies they can implement immediately to boost team engagement and performance. Through interactive breakout activities, attendees practice the specific questions and techniques that transform daily interactions, while simultaneously building stronger connections with each other. They leave energized with a practical toolkit for creating high-performing, collaborative team.
Length: 60 - 90 minutes | Audience: HR, Leaders, Managers, Teams
1 in 6 people experience fertility challenges, yet most workplaces are unprepared to support them. Unpack the hidden costs of insufficient fertility and family-building support and discuss how organizations, leaders and team members can cultivate nurturing and informed work cultures.
Audience takeaways: Broad understanding and practical strategies for supporting colleagues navigating fertility challenges - from policy design to everyday allyship - plus the empathetic language and confidence to navigate sensitive conversations. Participants learn how to create real support at every level, transforming this workplace blind spot into a culture of genuine care and belonging.
“Your session … was incredibly well-received by the attendees. Your insights were invaluable, and we’re grateful you took the time to share your experience.”
Sr. Manager, Enterprise Talent Development, City of Hope