2026 Keynote Speaker

Dr. Todd Kashdan

George Mason University professor Todd Kashdan is a leading expert on the psychology of wellbeing, psychological strengths, mental agility, and social relationships. A recipient of the APA’s Distinguished Early Career Researcher Award, he is one of the top 1% most cited scientists in the world and his articles on well-being have been cited over 50,000 times.

Todd is the founder and leader of the Well-Being Lab at George Mason University. His research has been featured in hundreds of media outlets, including articles in Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, Fast Company, Forbes, TIME, and an interview on the #1 science podcast Hidden Brain. He has also been featured in the award-winning documentary The Hidden Power of Purpose, and has been described as the founder of the most widely accepted definition and conceptual model of purpose in life.

In addition to his acclaimed academic research, Todd is the author of five books that translate cutting-edge science on wellbeing to practical applications that anyone can use to improve their everyday lives. His most recent award-winning book, The Art of Insubordination, is a practical guide for the kind of smart disagreement that makes the world a better place. He offers actionable frameworks for people who want to be heard and change others’ minds. And he shows leaders what they need to do to cultivate teams with psychological safety, where disagreement actually makes the team stronger and more effective.