Kyler Shumway Speaking Topics

• The Secrets of Authentic Leadership from a Psychologist & Executive Leader

  Leading with Humanity: Transforming the Way We Lead, Work, and Thrive

  Great leadership isn’t about power—it’s about people.

  In today’s world, leaders are burning out, teams are disengaged, and workplace cultures are suffering. Traditional leadership models focus on authority, efficiency, and results, but true leadership is about connection, trust, and resilience. Dr. Kyler Shumway delivers high-impact keynotes that help leaders redefine success, prevent burnout, and cultivate teams that thrive.

  As a leadership psychologist, TEDx speaker, and best-selling author, Dr. Shumway combines cutting-edge psychological research with real-world applications to create an engaging, inspiring, and immediately useful experience for leaders at all levels.

  Key Takeaways:

  • Leading with Humanity – How to create a culture of trust, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety.
  • Burnout-Proof Leadership – Recognizing the signs of burnout (in yourself and your team) and building sustainable habits.
  • The Science of Connection – Why relationships are the foundation of great leadership—and how to strengthen them.
  • The Power of Self-Compassion – How leading with kindness (to yourself and others) creates stronger, more effective teams.
  • Practical, Science-Backed Strategies – Takeaways that leaders can immediately apply to create lasting change.

  Who These Leadership Talks Are For

  • Corporate & Executive Leaders – Build a workplace culture that supports both performance and well-being.

  • Educators & School Administrators – Lead with empathy and create a positive, productive environment for staff and students.

  • Nonprofit & Community Leaders – Strengthen team resilience and create lasting impact in your organization.

• Neurodiversity

  Everyone Deserves Belonging

  We all need a place where we can be accepted, filled with people who love us just as we are.

  But belonging can be hard to find for some people – especially if you’re “different.” For people with neurotypes such as autism or ADHD, the pressure to fit in and “be normal” is ever-present.

  But what if normal doesn’t exist? What if “normal” is a myth – a story we’ve told ourselves, rather than the reality? What if breaking free of the myth of normal will allow us to accept ourselves and others in a whole new way?

  Breaking the Myth of “Normal”

  It’s time for society to take on a new perspective – the idea of neurodiversity.

  Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the rich tapestry of human neurobiology and developmental variety. Neurodiversity sees difference as something to celebrate, not something to fix. Neurodiversity liberates us from the harmful limitations and exclusivity of normalcy.

  By recognizing, loving, and accommodating the uniqueness of the individual, we take one step closer to a society where everyone can belong.

  Not only does neurodiversity give us a science-based understanding of human nature, it also grants an opportunity to access the hidden gifts of the marginalized.

  Because of all this and more, we strive to help as many people as possible understand through speaking.

  Motivational & Inspirational Keynotes on Neurodiversity

  Dr. Kyler Shumway delivers powerful, thought-provoking keynotes that bridge the gap between self-advocates and those with neurotypical privilege—helping organizations foster a more inclusive world.

  As a (mostly) neurotypical psychologist, former neuroimaging researcher, and Audible Exclusive author on neurodiversity, Dr. Shumway brings both scientific expertise and human connection to the stage. His talks blend storytelling, humor, and practical strategies that leave audiences with not just knowledge, but a lasting emotional impact.

  Alongside his best friend and colleague, Dr. Daniel Wendler, Dr. Shumway co-leads motivational keynotes and breakout sessions that have been requested year after year at major conferences and events. Their dynamic, engaging approach has earned them a reputation for wowing audiences with outside-the-box engagement, heartwarming stories, and actionable insights that actually make a difference.

  They’ve even earned a few nicknames along the way—”The Dynamic Duo,” “The Friendship Fellas,” and more.

  Breakouts and Continuing Education (CE) Trainings

  Dr. Shumway also provides breakout sessions to help attendees dive deep. Our content is always evidence-based and chock full of citations from the latest research, which makes it easy for event coordinators to give CE (previously called CEU) credits. Some commonly requested topics include:

  • Neurodiversity 101 (or neurodiversity for beginners)
  • Fostering Inclusion at Your School (or workplace or business)
  • Dating Strategies for Neurodivergent Folks
  • Enhancing Love and Communication in Neurodiverse Relationships
  • Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Kids/Teens/Adults
  • Neurodiversity for Managers and Leaders

• Friendship & Loneliness

  Recent studies have indicated that more than half of the U.S. population struggles with isolation, loneliness, and friendlessness. To make matters worse, and despite our best efforts to intervene, we continue to struggle with issues of bullying and peer-victimization.

  This truly is an epidemic.

  Dr. Kyler Shumway has spent much of his life on the front lines. As someone who survived years of bullying, friendlessness, and social anxiety, he knows what it feels like to be the target, the outcast, the undesirable. And his heart breaks as he sits with clients who must fight those same battles.

  No one deserves to be left out. No one deserves to suffer in silence. All of us deserve a seat at the table of belonging.

  Popular & Most Requested Topics:

  • How to Forge Meaningful Friendships
  • Friendship and Neurodiversity
  • The Psychology of Connection and Attachment
  • The Science of Loneliness
  • Practical Strategies for Making Friends
  • Self-Friendship and Self-Love

• Helping Audiences Rethink Bullying and Cruelty

  Creating Safer, More Compassionate Schools and Workplaces

  Bullying isn’t just a childhood problem—it’s a lifelong issue that affects schools, workplaces, and entire communities. Whether it’s in the classroom, on social media, or in corporate boardrooms, bullying causes real harm and leads to increased anxiety, depression, and lost potential.

  Dr. Kyler Shumway, a TEDx speaker, psychologist, and best-selling author, brings a unique perspective to the fight against bullying. As someone who was bullied as a child, Kyler knows firsthand how damaging it can be—and how compassion, leadership, and evidence-based strategies can make a difference.

  In this powerful keynote, Kyler blends science, storytelling, and practical tools to help individuals, educators, and organizations take meaningful steps toward creating safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone.

  Key Takeaways:

  • The Psychology of Bullying – Why people bully, why targets struggle to speak up, and how to change the cycle.
  • The Role of Leadership – How teachers, administrators, and workplace leaders can stop bullying before it starts.
  • Bystander to Upstander – How we can all step in and be part of the solution instead of looking the other way.
  • Building a Culture of Kindness – Practical, research-backed strategies to create an environment where bullying doesn’t thrive.
  • Empowering the Next Generation – How to teach kids and young professionals resilience, self-advocacy, and empathy.

  Who This Talk Is For:

  • Schools & Educators – Learn how to create a culture of kindness and stop bullying before it escalates.

  • Workplaces & Leadership Teams – Address toxic environments and create safer, more inclusive spaces for employees.

  • Parents & Community Leaders – Discover how to help young people navigate bullying and grow into confident, kind leaders.

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