Carolyn Stern Speaking Topics

• The Voices Inside: What We Feel Shapes What We Say and How We Act

  A Keynote for Fostering Emotionally Strong, Mentally Healthy Workplaces

  We all talk to ourselves.

  Those voices in our heads? They shape more than just our mood—they influence how we communicate, how we lead, and how we show up at work.

  In honor of Healthy Workplace Month, this empowering keynote explores the surprising impact of our inner dialogue—what we feel and think on the inside—and how it drives what we say and do on the outside.

  Carolyn Stern takes your audience on a thought-provoking journey into the emotional narratives we carry with us daily: self-doubt, perfectionism, fear of failure, the “I’m fine” mask, and the mental loops that hold us back—or push us too far.

  She equips teams with practical emotional intelligence tools to reframe unhelpful self-talk, reduce internal stress, and build emotional resilience.

  The result?

  Healthier minds, more collaborative communication, and a workplace culture rooted in clarity, compassion, and intention.

  Because when people feel better inside, they perform better together.

  Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the link between inner dialogue and outer behaviour, and how emotions silently shape communication and leadership.
  • Recognize common internal emotional narratives—like the inner critic, fear of failure, and the “I’m fine” mask—and how they impact performance and connection.
  • Apply emotional intelligence skills to shift from judgment to awareness and from reaction to intention.
  • Practice self-compassion as a leadership tool to enable emotionally honest communication and build psychological safety.
  • Create a culture of emotional health by normalizing emotion, reducing stigma, and supporting well-being from the inside out.

• The Emotionally Strong Leader

  Unlocking the Power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

  Itʼs time to debunk the myth that sharing our emotions and being honest about how we are feeling is a sign of weakness. Itʼs time for our corporate world to stop encouraging people to stuff down their feelings while at work. Itʼs time to make friends with our feelings. Because if we stop being so scared of our emotions and look for the wisdom they provide us, we can change how we connect, communicate, and lead.

  In this keynote, you will start to learn the emotional skills and mental strategies needed to be stronger and more intelligent than your feelings and to help others learn to explore their emotions. Emotions should not be feared but celebrated. A wealth of amazing possibilities are available if we learn to harness the superpower of our emotions.

  Audience Takeaways

  • Recognize the risks of ignoring emotions in the workplace.
  • Understand why emotions matter and how to overcome the fear of addressing them.
  • Develop emotional skills and strategies to lead with impact.
  • Enhance self-awareness of your emotional tendencies to improve communication.
  • Foster a culture that celebrates emotions as a source of wisdom and innovation.

• The Emotionally Strong Communicator

  Mastering Communication with Emotional Intelligence

  In today's fast-paced world, leaders must manage emotions with composure and respect. Emotional regulation and effective communication prevent misunderstandings, strengthen relationships, and foster collaboration. This keynote introduces a five-step model, The High EI Way, to help you take back the wheel and put you in the driverʼs seat of your emotions rather than them driving you off course. Understanding triggers, responding thoughtfully, and expressing confidence can turn conflicts into productive discussions while maintaining professionalism.

  Discover tools to check your mirrors, steer clear of emotional potholes, and prevent interpersonal collisions. Learn to embrace emotions, and navigate tough situations with strength and respect. Let this keynote guide you toward emotional mastery, equipping you with skills to always take the high road so you can lead with confidence and communicate with poise while staying in control of your emotions.

  Audience Takeaways

  • Discover a proven five-step model to master emotional control.
  • Learn to navigate challenges with professionalism, respect, and strength.
  • Strengthen interpersonal connections and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
  • Develop practical strategies to manage emotional triggers and boost productivity.
  • Build emotional resilience to thrive under pressure.

• The Emotionally Strong Human in the Age of AI

  Thriving with EI in an AI-Driven World

  As AI reshapes industries, emotional intelligence remains the ultimate human advantage. While AI can analyze and automate, it lacks empathy, trust-building, and emotional understanding. Yet, AI-driven change brings fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. This keynote highlights the irreplaceable role of emotional intelligence (EI) in leadership and workplace dynamics, helping individuals and teams navigate the emotional impact of AI.

  Learn how EI sets you apart from machines and why connection, inspiration, and influence matter more than ever. Discover strategies to integrate technology while preserving human insight, fostering adaptability, resilience, and connection. In an AI-driven world, leading with EI is the key to lasting success.

  Audience Takeaways

  • Understand how EI differentiates humans from AI and its role in leadership.
  • Recognize the emotional challenges AI brings and how to manage them.
  • Explore how EI enhances decision-making, collaboration and trust.
  • Learns strategies to integrate AI while preserving human connection.
  • Adapt EI techniques to foster adaptability and resilience in an AI-driven world.

• The Emotionally Strong & Engaged Team

  Driving Team Engagement with Emotional Intelligence

  All organizations want actively engaged employees who are enthusiastic about their work, inspired and motivated by their leaders, empowered with autonomy to do their job their way, and confident they can achieve excellence. In this keynote, youʼll discover the key leadership traits and skills needed to create a culture of engagement where employees feel connected, appreciated, and fulfilled in their roles.

  When your team feels genuinely valued and confident in their contributions, their performance and commitment will soar. Youʼll leave with actionable strategies to foster a thriving, high-performance culture that drives both employee success Carolyn provided both in-person and organizational growth.

  Audience Takeaways

  • Discover leadership traits that inspire engagement and commitment.
  • Learn strategies to create a workplace culture of connection, appreciation and fulfillment.
  • Empower teams with autonomy and confidence to achieve excellence.
  • Foster high-performance behaviors that drive organizational success.
  • Enhance employee commitment for sustained growth and impact.

• The Emotionally Strong Multi-Generational Leader

  Bridging Generations with Emotional Intelligence

  In todayʼs workplaces, multiple generations work side by side, each bringing unique perspectives, motivations, values, and communication styles. To be an effective leader, itʼs crucial to understand these differences and leverage them for success.

  This keynote will show you how to use emotional intelligence to bridge generational gaps, foster inclusion, and unlock the full potential of your diverse team. Youʼll gain practical strategies to connect with each generation—from Baby Boomers to Gen Z—and adapt your leadership style to cultivate a culture of collaboration, innovation, and high performance. By mastering these skills, you'll drive higher productivity and organizational success, empowering your team to thrive in todayʼs evolving workplace.

  Audience Takeaways

  • Understand generational differences in perspectives and communication styles.
  • Use emotional intelligence to bridge gaps and foster inclusion.
  • Adapt your leadership style to connect with and motivate every generation.
  • Cultivate a collaborative and innovative culture for high performance.
  • Leverage diversity to boost productivity and organizational success.

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