About Catherine Sanderson, Ph.D.
Catherine is a science-based speaker who shares insights from psychology on a range of topics, including happiness, emotional intelligence, and moral courage
Psychology Professor • Author • Keynote Speaker
Catherine’s work combines scientific insight with storytelling, humor, and real-world examples, making complex psychological research clear, engaging, and relevant for a wide range of audiences.
Nationally Recognized Keynote Speaker
Dr. Catherine Sanderson, a Princeton and Stanford-educated psychologist, is a sought-after keynote speaker and the Poler Family Professor of Psychology at Amherst College who delivers engaging, research-based talks that help audiences thrive at work and in life. She is the author of The Positive Shift and Why We Act, recorded the popular Introduction to Psychology course for The Great Courses, and delivered a widely viewed TEDx talk on the Psychology of Inaction, exploring why people stay silent — and how to build moral courage in workplaces and communities.
Her keynotes blend cutting-edge psychological science with practical strategies for increasing happiness and well-being, strengthening emotional intelligence and leadership, shifting mindsets about aging and resilience, and creating more ethical, engaged organizations. Known for her warm, relatable style and data-driven insights, she helps leaders, educators, and teams translate research into everyday action.
Bringing Science to Real-World Challenges
Catherine writes and speaks about issues that matter in workplaces, schools, and communities — all through the lens of social psychology. Her areas of focus include:
Happiness and
Well-being
How small changes in thoughts and behavior can help people feel better, reduce stress, improve health, and thrive in their personal and professional lives
Bystander Inaction and Moral Courage
How psychological factors explain bystander inaction and practical strategies for creating a speak up culture and fostering more ethical communities and workplaces
Emotional Intelligence
How emotional intelligence, growth mindset, and psychological safety improve leadership, teamwork, and workplace culture
Mindset, Resilience, and Healthy Aging
How how small shifts in thinking and behavior can improve physical health, emotional well-being, and even how long we live
Scientist, Author & Public Voice on Human Behavior
Catherine is the author of multiple books that translate psychological science into everyday life, including The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity and Why We Act: Turning Bystanders into Moral Rebels. She is the Poler Family Professor of Psychology at Amherst College, where her research explores how mindset and social forces shape human behavior — and how small changes can lead to meaningful personal and social change.
Catherine has been featured in The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, USA Today, The Atlantic, CNN, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, and CBS Sunday Morning.
Why Organizations Invite
Catherine to Speak
Catherine helps leaders, educators, and lifelong learners boost happiness, improve health, succeed at work, and cultivate moral courage—fostering thriving, ethical communities through practical, research-backed strategies.
Catherine speaks to:
✔ Corporate, legal, and financial institutions
✔ Government and public sector organizations
✔ Universities, colleges, and high schools
✔ Healthcare and nonprofit organizations
✔ Leadership development and HR teams
Her presentations are designed to be both research-based and immediately useful, providing a rare combination of scientific rigor, real-world application, and relatable, engaging delivery.
Why a Dandelion?
Did you notice my icon? It’s a dandelion. I chose this icon because it shows how something small and ordinary can have a wide impact—especially when it spreads. I share data-driven insights from psychology on topics like happiness, emotional intelligence, and moral courage through my speaking, writing, and teaching. My hope is to plant ideas that take root and travel, because we all benefit from more psychology in the world.
Let’s Connect
Follow Catherine on social media or subscribe to her Substack for insights on psychology, behavior, and moral courage.
To bring Catherine to your organization for a keynote, workshop, or conference, visit the Speaking page or click the button below to get in touch.