Discussion Document

Event Name Here

With Carylynn Larson

Hi [NAME]

Thank you so much for taking the time to connect with me today. I loved our conversation, and I so appreciate the heart and intentionality you’re bringing to [Event Name].

I especially appreciated our conversation around [specific theme or challenge discussed — e.g., helping students navigate uncertainty, building community from day one, or supporting leaders through change]. It gave me even more clarity (and excitement!) about how Break | Through can meet your audience right where they are — and hopefully leave them with practical tools and a renewed sense of possibility.

Looking forward to reconnecting on [Date & Time]!

Warmly,
Carylynn

cary@creatingopenspace.com

571-236-1690

Featured Keynote:

Break|Through

How Healing Communities Drive Success

Custom Session Description for [EVENT]

You want your company to thrive, but in today’s high-pressure world, even the most capable people are running on empty—juggling too much, sleeping too little, and bracing for the next crisis. Today, 80% of employees say that the workplace undermines their mental health. And when mental health suffers, work suffers: Conversations get strained, mistakes happen, burnout spreads like wildfire, and the best people leave. 

Thankfully, many organizations have stepped up, offering robust mental health benefits and resources. But there's a disconnect: most people don’t use them. Why? Because saying “I’m not okay” still feels risky. People worry that reaching out will make them look weak or derail their career. Meanwhile, those who care hesitate to say something, for fear of saying the wrong thing, overstepping, or oversharing. 

The result? We build programs—but not trust. We offer support—but people still suffer in silence. 

In this relatable, provocative, and compelling speech, Dr. Carylynn Larson brings warmth, humor, and real-world insight to a conversation we can no longer avoid. With decades of research in workplace psychology and powerful storytelling, she offers a fresh framework for a future where people don’t just function—they flourish.

You’ll walk away with Dr. Larson’s “Recipe for a Healing Community”—a three-part blueprint to: 

✔️ Shift from surviving to thriving

✔️ Build human-centered, high-performing teams

✔️ Create a culture of care that fuels well-being

Break|Through will rewire your thinking and give you actionable tools—along with the confidence to use them. You’ll laugh, reflect, and experience the power of connection. If you're ready to lead the way in creating communities that foster true well-being, this talk is for you.

The Experience

Before Your Event

I'm passionate about helping audiences shift the way they think about leadership, mental health, and connection — so they can create the kind of impact they didn’t think was possible.

I want the experience to be more than just a keynote — I want it to spark reflection, curiosity, and conversation that lasts well beyond the event. Whether it’s a short video message, a podcast interview, or a pre-event prompt, I’m happy to provide content that gets your audience engaged and thinking in advance.

I also believe that a powerful keynote is never one-size-fits-all. Every group has its own story, its own culture, and its own challenges. That’s why I always take time to tailor the talk to your audience.

In preparation, I:

- Customize the keynote based on what I learn from you and your team

- Rehearse and refine to ensure it’s clear, resonant, and right on target

My goal is to meet your audience where they are — and help move them forward with insight, humor, and heart.

During Your Event

Whenever possible, I love to stay for the full day of an event — not just to deliver the keynote, but to truly connect with the audience.

Why? Because I believe the real power of a keynote isn’t just in the ideas shared from the stage — it’s in the conversations that happen afterward. When people have the chance to ask questions, share their own experiences, or explore an idea more deeply, that’s where real learning — and real change — begins.

Some ways I love to stay engaged while I’m on-site include:

- Participating on a panel or facilitated discussion

- Leading a breakout session or workshop

- Attending a reception or informal gathering

- Offering office hours for small-group or 1:1 conversation

I’m happy to be flexible and creative based on what would serve your community best.

What would make this event most meaningful for your audience? Let’s brainstorm together.

After Your Event

I know how much heart and effort goes into planning an event — and how important it is that the experience doesn’t end the moment people walk out of the room. That’s why I aim to make your post-event follow-up as easy, thoughtful, and impactful as possible.

Within 24 hours of the event, I’m happy to provide any of the following:

- A short reminder video to help reinforce key takeaways and keep the message alive as attendees return to their day-to-day work

- A podcast or blog-style interview reflecting on the event, tailored to your audience and goals

My hope is that Break | Through doesn’t just spark a moment — it becomes part of an ongoing conversation in your community. I’m here to help make that happen.

All Inclusive Fee

My speaking proposals are all-inclusive — even travel expenses — so there are no surprises along the way.

I like to keep things simple, clear, and hassle-free, so you can focus on creating a great event without worrying about unexpected costs or extra logistics.

Total Fee:

Includes:

  • One 45-Minute In-Person Keynote Presentation

  • One Breakout Session/Office Hours

  • One Panel Discussion

  • Attendance at Reception

  • Custom Pre-Event Promotional Video

  • Social Promotion

  • Re-Cap Video for Attendees

  • Round-Trip Airfare

  • Ground Transportation

  • Hotel Accommodations

Next Steps

I have [DATE] tentatively reserved, and I’m really looking forward to the possibility of joining you for [Event] and kicking off such an important moment with your [Audience].

Looking forward to our conversation soon!

Warmly,
Carylynn

cary@creatingopenspace.com

571-236-1690

About Carylynn Larson

Dr. Carylynn Kemp Larson is a dynamic keynote speaker who brings research, real-world experience, and personal insight to every stage. A recognized expert on leadership, team dynamics, coaching, and mental health, she has delivered dozens of speeches at corporate events, leadership summits, and professional conferences, inspiring audiences to rethink workplace well-being and build cultures of resilience and connection.

Dr. Larson holds a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from George Mason University, and is an ICF Professional Certified Coach with thousands of hours of coaching experience. She has spent her career helping leaders and teams thrive through change and uncertainty. Her work spans sectors - government, corporate, and nonprofit, in addition to serving on the faculty of renowned universities including The George Washington University, George Mason University, the United States Naval Academy, and The American University.

With a unique combination of leadership and mental health experience, Dr. Larson bridges two critical but often separate worlds—organizational success and human well-being. In 2008, she founded Rock Recovery, a national nonprofit dedicated to bridging mental health treatment gaps, designing innovative community-based recovery programs, and fostering healing through education and empowerment. Over the past 17 years, she has led the organization in multiple roles, including Executive Director, President, and Board Member.