Dr. Carylynn Kemp Larson

Hi, I’m Cary

Mental health isn’t just part of my work—it’s part of my story. I’ve lived the quiet pressure of leading while facing deep mental health challenges of my own. My mission is to give leaders permission to be human, and to build cultures where being okay isn’t the price of entry.

I believe:

Mental health is not a side conversation—it’s central to leadership. We can talk about metrics and meaning. Deadlines and depression. Results and rest. Cultures of care are not soft—they’re strategic.

My professional journey so far:

I have a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and two decades of experience working across sectors—government, corporate, and nonprofit—helping leaders and teams navigate change, show up fully, and build cultures where people can truly thrive.

I’ve taught leadership and psychology at American University, the U.S. Naval Academy, and George Mason University. I’ve coached hundreds of executives and designed leadership programs for organizations ranging from the federal government to Fortune 500s.

In 2008, I founded Rock Recovery, a nonprofit that helps people heal from eating disorders and related mental health challenges. That work reshaped how I think about performance, purpose, and the hidden battles people carry.

Today, I speak and coach at the intersection of leadership and mental health—because I believe they belong in the same conversation.

Certifications & Affiliations

The heart of it:

What keeps me up at night? This quiet truth: most leaders are carrying more than they let on, surrounded by people who are silently overwhelmed, or struggling themselves. Stress, burnout, imposter syndrome, grief, isolation—all of it shows up in the workplace, even if it’s not on the agenda.

As leaders, we often feel pressure to hold it all together. But what if leading well means making room for others to be human?

I’ve led through pain—my own and others’. I’ve seen what happens when teams have space to be real: trust deepens, performance improves, and people heal in ways that ripple far beyond the workplace.

A few things that ground me:

  • Long walks with my husband, son, and our (slightly) off-kilter dogs.

  • Decision-makers who are brave enough to say, “I’m not okay”—and want to lead anyway.

  • The messy, beautiful process of healing.

  • Nature, stillness, and strong coffee.

Thanks for being here. If you’re holding space for others but struggling to hold space for yourself, I see you. And if you’re ready to lead in a way that honors both your impact and your humanity—I’d love to walk alongside you.

Personal Story

The concept for Rock Recovery (Rock) – a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging gaps in eating-disorder treatment – was born in the summer of 2007, when founder Carylynn Kemp Larson faced a fearful relapse. At the time, Carylynn was a working professional, nearly finished with her doctorate.

Following a devastating life change, Carylynn realized that her recovery was not as strong as she’d believed. Terrified of slipping into an all-consuming set of disordered behaviors, she sought out additional support.

To learn more about Carylynn’s story and Rock Recovery:

Elevate Your Leadership. Empower Your Team. Transform Your Culture.

Dr. Carylynn Kemp Larson is a speaker, visionary leader, experienced coach, and mental health advocate who has spent her career helping leaders and teams thrive through change and uncertainty. With a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and thousands of hours of speaking and coaching experience, she doesn’t just inspire—she delivers actionable insights that drive real results.

“Carylynn Larson filled the stage with boundless energy and a deeply personal story. Her 45-minute presentation was as captivating as a well-performed actor’s monologue. She made you believe that a community respectful of mental health was possible, regardless of challenging times!”

-Melissa Paluch, PwC

“Carylynn is such a thoughtful and intentional leader, and it is evident as she shares her gifts and experience on the stage as an eloquent and delightful speaker. Carylynn has such a wealth of knowledge and spins her talk with a tremendous connection between hearts and minds.”

-Jennifer Eisenreich, Founder, Shift Show Communications

“Carylynn’s insight that the workplace can be a powerful, positive source of mental health is profound. And her framework makes clear that leaders are very capable of nurturing such healing communities.”

-Rajiv Mehta, CEO, Atlas of Care