Speaking

I teach organizations how to prevent burnout across generations.

Signature Keynote

The Culture of Burnout


The foundations of burnout go all the way back to the first White folks who permanently settled in North America: the Puritans. Way back in the 17th century, they helped create the American culture of overwork that keeps so many of us caught in today's work-till-you-drop, never-ask-for-help hamster wheel of exhaustion.

The good news is that we don't have to be.

Based on our multi-awarding winning book "The Culture of Burnout" this talk introduces the cultural origins of burnout and provides practical tips on how to overcome it. 

In the talk, Kristen explains why your exhaustion and your burnout are not your fault. And, pragmatic to its core, she also shares our four-part framework for mitigating or recovering from burnout.

Audience Takeaways

  • Understand why America is the most burned out country in the world.
  • Learn what burnout it, plus it's main causes and symptoms.
  • Reflect on their own personal attitudes and beliefs that contribute to a culture of burnout.
  • Learn how our burnout mitigation/recovery framework The 4 R's can help your organization.

Kristen Donnelly

Innovative & Dynamic Keynote Speaker

Kristen Donnelly (MSW, M.Div, PhD) is an award winning four time TEDx speaker, international educator, and researcher with two decades of experience in helping people understand the beauty in difference, and the power in inclusivity. She is the co-author (along with Erin Hinson) of the multi-award winning, best selling book “The Culture of Burnout: Why Your Exhaustion Is Not Your Fault” (2023). 

She is one of The Good Doctors of Abbey Research, COO of their parent company, and an unapologetic nerd for stories of change. Kristen lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband, where they are surrounded by piles of books and several video game consoles. 

"There’s this moment in every keynote or workshop where I can see someone in the audience change their mind about the topic I’m presenting and that’s electric. I research and teach to help people see the world differently, so that maybe it makes more sense than it used to – and so to see that in real time? Magic."  

Fun Facts About Me!

  • My first job was ... at a amusement park called Sesame Place where I wore a uniform that looked like a bumblebee and had “Rubber Ducky, You’re the One” in my head for an entire summer.
  • The best meal I've ever had was ... probably (and this is hard to narrow down) in Osaka, Japan. My husband and I took a walking food tour from a local expat and I stopped asking what I was eating about two stops in. Everything was delicious and memorable. 
  • My favorite vacation spot is ... Long Beach Island, New Jersey. My grandfather built our family a house down there that his great-grandchildren are now enjoying. It’s special.
  • My latest hobby is ... crocheting! 

Dr. Kristen speaks from the heart. She doesn't need prompts and talks to us, not at us! I thoroughly enjoyed her talk and the room was very engaged as she was speaking.


Judy Dyke

President/Founder of The Women of Willow Grove

Having Kristen Donnelly as a speaker at our Women's Business Conference was a highlight. Her presentation on the Culture of Burnout was delivered with such passion and authenticity that it deeply resonated with our audience.


Monica Young

Greater Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce

We feel so honored that Dr. Kristen took time to support, teach, guide, and love our group of leaders, and I highly recommend her as a resource, speaker, and facilitator!


Marissa Badgley

Founder, Reloveution

What Audiences Are Saying

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