Catherine Sanderson: Speaker, Author, Professor
Science-based speaker who shares practical strategies that create a lasting impact in work and life
Data-Driven Psychology You Can Actually Use
I share data-driven insights from psychology on topics like happiness, emotional intelligence, and moral courage through my writing, speaking, and teaching. My hope is to plant ideas that take root and travel, because we all benefit from more psychology in the world.
“Catherine Sanderson delivers standout sessions every time.
She blends cutting-edge psychological research with humor, stories, and personal anecdotes to keep audiences fully engaged. Best of all, she gives practical, easy-to-apply strategies that people can use right away. Her energy and passion are contagious—our group left inspired and equipped!”
– Matt Simpson,
Chief Investment Officer, Wealthspring Capital
Watch Catherine’s Speaker Reel
Past Speaking Engagements Include:
About Catherine
Dr. Catherine Sanderson, the Poler Family Professor of Psychology at Amherst College with degrees from Princeton and Stanford, is a sought-after keynote speaker, author, and TEDx speaker.
She is the author of The Positive Shift and Why We Act and recorded the popular Introduction to Psychology course for The Great Courses. Catherine helps audiences apply the latest research on happiness, mindset, emotional intelligence, and moral courage to thrive personally and professionally — delivering science-based strategies that create lasting impact at work and in life.
Subscribe: How to Feel Better
If you’d like to read practical, science-based strategies for living a happier, healthier life, please subscribe to my Substack, How to Feel Better. You’ll receive a new newsletter every Thursday morning (and have full access to prior newsletters you might have missed) - and it’s entirely free!
Speaking Topics
-
![]()
The Science of Happiness: Data-Driven Strategies to Boost Well-being
Discover the research-backed strategies that truly boost happiness and well-being.
-
![]()
The Science of Success: Emotional Intelligence, Growth Mindset, and Leadership
How emotional intelligence, growth mindset, and psychological safety improve leadership, teamwork, and workplace culture.
-
![]()
The Power of Mindset: How Thought Patterns Shape Health, Happiness, and Aging
Our beliefs shape how we age, how healthy we are, and how long we live.
-
![]()
The Psychology of Courage and Inaction: Fostering Moral Courage in Communities and Workplaces
Explores the psychology of bystander inaction and provides practical strategies for speaking up, building moral courage, and creating more ethical communities.
Catherine’s Books + Courses
Catherine Sanderson is the author of the acclaimed trade books The Positive Shift and Why We Act, which translate psychological science into practical strategies for happiness, health, and moral courage. She is also the professor who created and recorded the popular Introduction to Psychology course for The Great Courses, bringing core psychology concepts to a global audience of lifelong learners.
As I often say, we all benefit from living in a world with more happiness.
Whether you're ready to bring data-driven psychology to your organization or want to start exploring the science in your own life — I'd love to help you take the next step.