Hard Conversations Heal
Trusted by Leading Organizations
Institutions who have trusted Carylynn to spark ideas, shift mindsets, and shake things up.
“Carylynn is a dynamic speaker that captivates the audience and enthralls with her message. You will not want to blink or miss a word she says.”
— Rhonda Davis, Head, National Science Foundation Office of Civil Rights“Dr. Larson's leadership in this space is something that is seldom seen.”
— JD Spain, Sr., USMC (Ret), Arlington County Board Member“Carylynn doesn’t just inform—she empowers. Audiences leave not only engaged, but equipped with practical tools they can immediately put to use.”
— Michelle Hutchings-Medina, Keynote Speaker, Cancer & Suicide Loss Survivor
In this provocative and compelling talk, Dr. Carylynn Larson — psychologist turned nonprofit founder and executive coach — helps us see that the conversations we fear most are also the ones that heal. Bringing a fresh perspective on what actually moves the needle on well-being, she shows that HARD CONVERSATIONS HEAL.
“Informative & inspirational.”
Dr. Carylynn Kemp Larson
Dr. Carylynn Kemp Larson is a dynamic 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 delivered a meaningful and memorable talk that truly resonated with our audience.”
— Amy Jo Marcenaro, EVP & COO, Junior Achievement of Greater WashingtonFeatured Keynote:
Break|Through
How Healing Community Supports Our Success
We see people struggling all around us, but we don’t know what to say. It’s just awkward: We’re afraid we’ll overstep, make it worse, or wander into emotional quicksand with no exit strategy. So we mind our own business and keep our thoughts to ourselves. It’s no wonder that work feels so exhausting and hard these days.
In this provocative and compelling talk, Dr. Carylynn Larson — psychologist turned nonprofit founder and executive coach — helps us see that the conversations we fear most are also the ones that heal. Bringing a fresh perspective on what actually moves the needle on wellbeing, she shows that hard conversations heal.
With warmth, humor, and stories from her own mental health crisis, Dr. Larson helps organizations reduce burnout, increase engagement, and improve well-being — and she has the data to prove it. Along the way, her audiences learn a “Recipe for Healing Community” that transforms relationships from transactional to transformational.
Best of all? Everyone in the room will discover that they’re far more capable of shaping conversations — and culture — than they ever realized.
Learning Objectives for Break|Through
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Describe mental health as a continuum, mental health challenges as something we all experience, and mental illness as something none of us are immune from.
Recognize how mental health directly impacts trust, communication, engagement, and performance in the workplace.
Apply Dr. Larson’s “Recipe for Healing Community” to meet people where they are and connect them with the care they need and deserve.
“Dr. Larson brings a powerful blend of research expertise and personal insight to the conversation on workplace well-being, inviting us to contribute meaningfully to mental health at work... A compelling reminder that a well-held conversation in a safe environment can drive real impact."
— Shirley Liu, FT300 Corporate Executive"Dr. Carylynn Larson’s Break|Through keynote is a bold and heartfelt invitation to rethink how we show up for ourselves and each other at work. Her powerful storytelling and data-driven insights helped me feel seen, inspired, and better equipped to lead with empathy and intention.”
— Jonah Otis, CEO and Director of Coach Services, Leadership Coach Directory“Her insights sparked thoughtful conversations and offered practical takeaways we’re already applying in our day-to-day work. It was refreshing to experience a talk so grounded in real-life experience and applicable strategies. Her presence and message were both powerful and deeply relevant.”
— Amy Jo Marcenaro, EVP & COO, Junior Achievement of Greater WashingtonWatch Carylynn light up the stage as she unveils her game-changing keynote!
Speaking and Keynote Fees
Fees are negotiable and subject to change depending on event type, location, and customization needs.
FREE
Nonprofit, suggested donation to Cary’s charity of choice
$3,750
Virtual Speaking Engagements
$15,000
In-Person, All day appearances with Keynote
What’s Included?
“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. This speech will leave you inspired.”
— Rajiv Mehta, CEO, Atlas of Care2026 Upcoming Events
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Employment Security Department, Washington State
2/11/2026
Break|Through: How healing community supports our success
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NC
2/11/2026
Break|Through: How healing community supports our success
2025 Past Events
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ICF Converge
10/25/2025
Break|Through: How healing community supports our success
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Junior Achievement of Washington, DC
5/29/2025
Break|Through: How healing community supports our success
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American University FEDTalk
5/28/2025
Break|Through: How healing community supports our success
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Iridium
5/20/2025
Mental Health Awareness Month
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SRAM
5/20/2025
Mental Health Awareness Month
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Rock Recovery & Partners
5/8/2025
Community Forum
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Federal Coaching Network
5/7/2025
Monthly Speaker Series
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State of Washington
5/6/2025
Mental Health Awareness Month
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Expel
5/5/2025
Mental Health Awareness Month
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Work Rehumanized Speaker Series
5/1/2025
Break|Through: How healing community supports our success
From Stress to Strength: The Workplace Mental Health Revolution
Mental health isn’t just an individual struggle—it’s a team challenge. And it’s time we start treating it like one. Dr. Larson is here to break the silence, dismantle stigma, and introduce a new, game-changing approach to workplace well-being. Through real stories and practical strategies, she’ll show you how to build a culture where mental health isn’t just acknowledged—it’s prioritized. Get ready for an eye-opening experience that will shift the way you work, lead, and live.
Inspiring Leaders. Transforming Workplaces. Elevating Well-Being.
Dr. Carylynn Kemp Larson isn’t just a keynote speaker—she’s a catalyst for change. With a powerhouse combination of research, real-world experience, and personal insight, she challenges audiences to rethink workplace well-being and build cultures of resilience and connection. If you're ready for a talk that sparks action and ignites transformation, Dr. Larson delivers.