Keynotes & Workshops for Leadership Audiences
Jess translates two decades of neuroscience research into presentations that change how leaders think about performance, resilience, and decision-making. Every talk is grounded in peer-reviewed science and designed for immediate application.
What Jess Covers
Every keynote and workshop draws on Jess's research across three interconnected areas of neuroscience. The specific emphasis shifts depending on audience and goals, but the science is always integrated, because that's how the brain actually works.
Sleep and Cognitive Performance
Sleep architecture directly shapes the neural systems leaders rely on for judgment, memory consolidation, and creative problem-solving. Jess's research demonstrates how even modest sleep disruption degrades the executive functions that drive decision quality, and what organizations can do about it.
Stress Regulation and Resilience
Chronic stress measurably impairs prefrontal cortex function, the neural basis of planning, flexibility, and impulse control. Jess translates the neuroscience of stress physiology into practical strategies for sustained performance and faster recovery under pressure.
Positive Emotion, Innovation, and Insight
Positive mood states directly benefit the brain regions responsible for processing speed, data synthesis, and flexible thinking. Jess's research shows how positive emotion enhances innovation, insightful problem-solving, and creative decision-making, giving leaders practical tools to unlock higher-quality thinking when it matters most.
Talks and Formats
Jess brings this science to leadership audiences through keynotes and workshops that are tailored to each organization's context and goals. The core content integrates all three areas of her research; the framing, depth, and format adapt to what each audience needs most.
RECENT AND REPRESENTATIVE ENGAGEMENTS INCLUDE:
The Neuroscience of Optimal Performance
The Neuroscience of Optimal Leadership
The Resilient Leader's Brain
The Neuroscience of Being Your Best Self
The Future of Leadership
All engagements are tailored to your audience, industry, and objectives. Jess regularly adapts content for healthcare, financial services, technology, higher education, legal, and athletics audiences, and presentations can be combined into multi-session programs.
FORMATS:
Every engagement is designed for your timeline and audience size. Jess delivers in person and virtually.
Keynote Address
60-90 MINUTES
High-impact presentation with practical takeaways.
Virtual Workshop
2 HOURS
Interactive session adapted for remote delivery.
Half-Day Workshop
2.5-3 HOURS
Science overview combined with hands-on practice and discussion.
Full-Day Workshop
4-6 HOURS
Deep dive covering multiple topics with exercises and peer learning.
Trusted by Leadership Audiences Across Industries
Jess has delivered keynotes and workshops to leadership audiences at organizations spanning healthcare, financial services, technology, manufacturing, and higher education.
Healthcare
Northwell Health · Keck Medicine of USC · OhioHealth · Intermountain Health · Humana · Jefferson Health · Astellas Pharma
Technology & Entertainment
Genentech · Blizzard Entertainment · IMAX Corporation · Fluke Corporation
Financial Services
Morgan Stanley · Goldman Sachs · D. E. Shaw · AQR Capital Management · Tiger 21 · Fiera Capital
Education & Leadership
Center for Creative Leadership · NeuroLeadership Institute · Vail Symposium · One Day University
What Organizers Say
"Your keynote was engaging and so insightful. Your content truly resonated with our audience, and I especially appreciated the real, tangible takeaways."
— Event organizer, OhioHealth
"Dr. Payne's research on how to maximize human performance has been extraordinarily impactful for our students."
— Charles Sorenson, MD, FACS, CEO Emeritus, Intermountain Healthcare
"Your presentation was so impactful that they felt strongly our senior leaders should experience your message. It's that powerful for us as we transform our business."
— VP, BorgWarner
Beyond the Keynote
Many organizations that bring Jess in for a keynote or workshop discover they want to scale the science across their leadership pipeline. Through The Brain-Based Leader™, Jess and her co-founder Christine Payne, PhD offer enterprise e-learning, live workshops, and ongoing consulting built on their proprietary B.R.A.I.N.™ framework.
