Lisa is amazing! She captured the audience immediately and has such a sweet personality!
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Lisa Walden
- Co-Founder of Good Company Consulting, focusing on the future of work and corporate culture
- Advocate for generational inclusivity and holistic workplace strategies
- Author, speaker, and researcher dedicated to empowering workplaces through authentic, people-first approaches
Travels From
Utah
Lisa Walden Speaker Biography
Lisa X. Walden is a dynamic keynote speaker and "future of work" trendspotter, trusted globally to connect with diverse audiences and inspire people-first organizational change.
With over a decade of experience in generational sociology, Lisa has partnered with organizations across various industries and sizes to uncover the secret sauce behind truly great workplaces. Her presentations blend actionable insights, inspiration, and a dash of tough love. Lisa has collaborated with industry leaders such as Anthropic, BMW, Siemens, and HP to drive critical mindset shifts and shape the workplaces of tomorrow.
As the co-author of Managing Millennials for Dummies and the recently published The Future of Work is Human, Lisa explores how recent global events have revolutionized our work paradigms. Her mission is threefold: to inspire future-focused leadership, enhance cross-generational communication and collaboration, and banish the "Sunday Scaries.” She’s dedicated to helping clients craft genuinely awesome workplaces where everyone can find joy and purpose.
CREATING A WORKPLACE THAT DOESN’T SUCK
We spend nearly a third of our lives at work, yet millions wake up on Monday mornings with dread rather than enthusiasm. The sobering truth? Most workplaces drain human potential instead of unleashing it. But a shift is underway—visionary organizations are recognizing a fundamental truth: their greatest competitive advantage isn't technology or strategy, but their people. These forward thinkers are crafting environments where leadership values vulnerability over perfection, employees have each others’ backs, and a shared sense of purpose drives engagement.
Igniting a bold vision for the future of work, this keynote asks: What if we bravely and unwaveringly put people first? It challenges outdated notions of work ethic and corporate culture, exploring needed mindset shifts around everything from how to build trusting teams, tend to emotional culture, show up as an effective leader, and even prevent burnout. Through illuminating case studies and best-in-class examples gleaned from years of studying truly human-first companies, attendees will reimagine what work can (and maybe should) be, and gain action-driven insights into how to create a workplace that not only doesn't suck: it's awesome.
ATTENDEE TAKEAWAYS:
-An exploration of the key elements for a great organization: leadership that balances action with compassion, communication grounded in empathy, and a culture that prioritizes psychological safety
-How to embrace today’s trending workplace topics to stay competitive in recruitment and retention efforts
-Actionable strategies to change company culture for the better, no matter your role
-Every presentation is hand-crafted and tailored for your audience, industry, and event. This includes a deep dive on the chosen topic, adapting the content to meet your specific goals, one-on-one conversations ahead of the keynote to learn industry mindset, jargon, and pressing challenges, and pre-event meetings with key stakeholders.
CONNECTING ACROSS GENERATIONS: Improving Workplace Collaboration, Communication, and Engagement
Fact: every generation brings a unique perspective to the workplace. From Baby Boomers who value traditional communication channels to Gen Z's digital-first mindset, and Gen X's self-reliant approach to Millennials' collaborative spirit – each group has shaped how we work today. While these differences infuse organizations with diversity of thought, they can also spark unexpected friction. Rather than leveraging our distinct perspectives, we fall into the trap of stereotyping and finger-pointing. Generational misunderstandings bubble up and don't just create tension – they actively hinder our ability to do great work.
To move beyond snap assumptions and get people to a place of understanding and connection, this presentation dives deep into generational identities. It explores how historical events, technological advances, and social movements have shaped the generations’ varied approaches to work. By first breaking down the “why,” we’re able to take a more intentional look at “what” each generation wants in their professional life, which makes for a meaningful discussion of “how” to navigate a multigenerational workplace. Edutainment at its finest, this keynote combines nostalgia, fun, and actionable learning to help bridge divides and harness generational differences as your organization's most powerful engine for innovation, collaboration, and success.
ATTENDEE TAKEAWAYS
-A comprehensive exploration of each generation's formative experiences and how these shape their workplace values, communication styles, and career expectations
-Practical strategies for identifying and bridging generational gaps in communication, work styles, and professional relationships
-Tactical ideas for creating an inclusive, multi-generational workplace
-Every presentation is hand-crafted and tailored for your audience, industry, and event. This includes a deep dive on the chosen topic, adapting the content to meet your specific goals, one-on-one conversations ahead of the keynote to learn industry mindset, jargon, and pressing challenges, and pre-event meetings with key stakeholders.
LEADING WITH COMPASSION: The Transformative Power of People-First Leadership
Ever notice how the most memorable bosses aren’t the ones with the fanciest titles or corner offices? The leaders we cherish are those who make us feel seen, heard, and supported—especially when the going gets tough. In today's workplace, where stress levels are high, employee engagement is decreasing, and constant change is inevitable, compassionate leadership isn't just a nice to have—it's a necessity for creating awesome workplaces.
This keynote flips the script on traditional leadership. You’ll learn how leading with heart can be your greatest strength in a professional landscape obsessed with metrics and productivity. Drawing from real-world examples sourced from trending reports, case studies, and social media discourse, you’ll walk away with a deep understanding of what employees are looking for in leadership, and how compassion can transform every interaction for the better. Whether you’re leading a small team or an entire organization, this session will equip you with tools to lead with authenticity, inspire loyalty, and create a workplace where everyone can flourish.
ATTENDEE TAKEAWAYS
-Insight into the three cornerstones of compassionate leadership and ways to apply them in everyday interactions
-How to balance grace with accountability without sacrificing compassion or productivity
-Proven techniques for building better teams through the alchemy of trust
-Every presentation is hand-crafted and tailored for your audience, industry, and event. This includes a deep dive on the chosen topic, adapting the content to meet your specific goals, one-on-one conversations ahead of the keynote to learn industry mindset, jargon, and pressing challenges, and pre-event meetings with key stakeholders.
COMMUNICATION THAT CONNECTS: Practical Tools for Effective Workplace Conversation & Connection
Communication breakdowns remain one of the greatest workplace frustrations—and it's no surprise. We're somehow expected to master the unwritten rules of text messaging, phone calls, video conferences, and face-to-face interactions through nothing but trial and error. There’s little to no guidance on how to navigate day-to-day workplace exchanges, things like crafting kind but direct feedback, advocating for our ideas, and tweaking messaging for the recipient and circumstance. But it doesn’t have to be this way! With a little bit of practice, some foundational principles, and the addition of awareness and intentionality to the mix, we can improve our skills tenfold.
Think of this keynote as your crash course on the must-have practices for effective workplace conversation and connection. It explores the ins and outs of changing professional communication etiquette (for example, why do some people think a lack of exclamation points is anxiety-inducing, whereas others find it perfectly normal?), and helps you turn potential communication minefields into opportunities for connection. Whether you’re navigating hybrid meetings, finessing your email, or preparing for a feedback session, you’ll discover practical tools that you can implement right away, so that no message gets lost in translation.
ATTENDEE TAKEAWAYS
-How to use empathetic communication and active listening to create real understanding, not just transactional exchanges
-Awareness of the most prevalent messaging mishaps in the workplace, and how to overcome them
-Practical communication skills to make clarity and intention your default mode
-Every presentation is hand-crafted and tailored for your audience, industry, and event. This includes a deep dive on the chosen topic, adapting the content to meet your specific goals, one-on-one conversations ahead of the keynote to learn industry mindset, jargon, and pressing challenges, and pre-event meetings with key stakeholders.
GEN Z 101: Adapting Your Leadership for the Next Generation of Talent
An important demographic shift is underway—by 2030, Generation Z will comprise 30% of the U.S. workforce. These digital natives (most of whom have never known a time without smartphones and social media) are fundamentally reshaping workplace norms, communication etiquette, and leadership expectations. The work world needs to embrace this new generation, but too often, organizations and leaders can get stuck on common frustrations like “They have no work ethic,” “Such poor communication skills!” and “Why won’t they just show up on time?!”
Through proprietary research and insights from Gen Z professionals, you’ll learn what informs Gen Z’s perspective on work, why some of their mindsets seem so contradictory to generations prior, and what you can do to better support them as young professionals navigating the workplace. Because here’s the thing: like every generation before them, Gen Z is changing work for the better, and while yes—they need a bit of training to get to their A-game (they are young professionals after all)—there is so much they can teach us. This keynote equips leaders with actionable insights to attract, retain, and empower Gen Z talent, while still fostering an inclusive environment that benefits employees of all ages.
ATTENDEE TAKEAWAYS
-Perspective-transforming insights on Gen Z employees, and why they think the way they do
-How to embrace the best of Gen Z while also offering training, mentorship, and resources to get them up to speed with today’s workplace
-A look at the main points of tension between Gen Zers and other generations at work, and what can be done to ease those frustrations and encourage multi-generational collaboration
-Every presentation is hand-crafted and tailored for your audience, industry, and event. This includes a deep dive on the chosen topic, adapting the content to meet your specific goals, one-on-one conversations ahead of the keynote to learn industry mindset, jargon, and pressing challenges, and pre-event meetings with key stakeholders.
STAYING HUMAN IN THE AGE OF AI: Harnessing Human Connection for The Future of Work
Without question, artificial intelligence is shaping the future of work. But in this rush to embrace AI, we're racing to automate everything from customer service to creative work. But amidst the tech gold rush, something essential is getting lost: the irreplaceable power of human connection, creativity, and emotional intelligence. While AI promises efficiency and scale, it's those human moments at work—a thoughtful conversation, an intuitive understanding, a compassionate leader—that truly drive innovation, build trust, and create lasting impact.
"Staying Human in the Age of AI" isn't about teaching you how to use the latest AI tool or warning you about the robot apocalypse. It's a deep dive into the art of remaining gloriously, messily human in a professional world that's increasingly powered by circuits and code. It’s a reminder that leaders need to prioritize the humans at work. Through an exploration of case studies, the latest workplace reports, and relatable examples, you’ll discover how to cultivate meaningful human interactions in a world obsessed with automation.
ATTENDEE TAKEAWAYS
-Practical approaches to build authentic relationships in our digital landscape
-How leadership can leverage emotional intelligence as a competitive advantage
-A look at a human-first workplace that prioritizes mental health and well-being, cultivates a generosity mindset, and develops leaders who foster community as their foundation for success
-Every presentation is hand-crafted and tailored for your audience, industry, and event. This includes a deep dive on the chosen topic, adapting the content to meet your specific goals, one-on-one conversations ahead of the keynote to learn industry mindset, jargon, and pressing challenges, and pre-event meetings with key stakeholders.
BURY THE HUSTLE: Creating balance in a burnout world.
For decades, top talent has worked hard to be seen as go-getters that rise and grind to achieve results. And while home used to be an oasis, technology and hybrid work has made work inescapable. Enter hustle culture: the mindset that “being on” all the time is not just a required, but boast-worthy. But the workforce is hurting. Burnout rates have never been higher, employees are exhausted and disengaged, and leaders are wringing their hands about what they can do. This presentation brings insight into the root causes of burnout, and gives attendees the tools and strategies to do something about it. Through warmth, humor, and storytelling, we bring some levity to a topic with serious workplace implications, and show how whether you’re a leader, new hire, or anywhere in between, you *can* bring some calm to the world of workplace hustle.
Takeaways Include:
-Strategies to reclaim your time and use it effectively
-Counter-intuitive perspectives on work ethic and what “working hard” should look like
-How to set boundaries that increase productivity, inspiration, and creativity
RECLAIMING WORK:Finding your flow in chaotic times.
The workforce is struggling. Struggling to stay motivated, to prioritize tasks and remain productive, and even struggling to find the energy to just show up. With terms like brain fog, languishing, burnout, and pandemic fatigue hovering over our day-to-day, it’s no surprise that engagement is faltering and people feel like they’re scraping the bottom of the barrel. But the show must go on! And leaders are scratching their heads trying to figure out how to reinvigorate employees who are overworked and exhausted. The good news? It is actually possible to reclaim some control over how we show up at work, even in the midst of trying times. This presentation offers a path forward by presenting concrete strategies to reclaim control over focus, attention, motivation, and productivity. Through research that validates why you’re feeling the way you are, and tools that can help you break through the fog, this presentation answers the question, “how can I feel motivated again?”
Takeaways Include:
-Mindset shifts around how to do your best at work while being mindful of wellbeing
-Ideas to reignite energy & motivation
-Tools to eliminate distractions, find focus, and maximize efficiency
THE ALCHEMY OF TRUST: Building teams that really work.
Establishing trust at work is no simple matter. People have devoted entire lives trying to pinpoint that special, almost magical alchemy behind cohesive, collaborative, and trusting teams. While every organization is different, and no two teams will be the same, there are some core concepts that can help leaders craft their own cultures of trust. In this presentation, we identify common (and sometimes surprising) barriers, and break down the key ingredients required to build strong, truly trusting teams. From consistent messaging, to embracing candor, to admitting vulnerabilities and extending grace, The Alchemy of Trust highlights the “why” and demystifies the “how,” all while providing actionable insights that can be implemented the very next day.
Takeaways Include:
-How to establish psychological safety so employees feel confident taking calculated, innovative risks
-Critical, sometimes counterintuitive mindsets that will create buy-in and help bridge gaps across teams
-Case studies from organizations that have figured out how to successfully build trust, be it in-person or in a virtual or hybrid setting
WHY CONNECTIONS AT WORK MATTER: Strategies to build relationships authentically.
Technology has changed the way we work, in ways both good and bad. With much of our communication shifting from face-to-face to screen-to-screen, building authentic work relationships is harder now than ever before. With study after study citing strong professional relationships as a key factor for engagement, motivation, and work satisfaction, now is the time to acquire the skills to build and maintain connections at work. In this presentation, we identify what’s getting in the way of connecting authentically at work, explore strategies to shape stronger teams, and present best practices from organizations that have discovered the secret sauce to building communities of supportive and interconnected peers.
Takeaways Include:
-How to remove barriers that prevent meaningful relationships at work
-Using a people-first approach to create a sense of belonging and appreciation
-Overcoming the need to be “perfect,” and instead learning how to show up as your authentic self
January 29, 2025