Nicholas EpleySpeaker and Booking Agent Information

As organizations work to restore trust, engagement, and culture, Nicholas Epley reveals that people often underestimate how positively others react when we reach out, communicate openly, or engage in real conversation. Based on insights from A Little More Social, this keynote uncovers the reasons people hesitate to initiate the very interactions that foster greater connection, energy, and effectiveness—and how this reluctance impacts the workplace. Epley makes a dynamic, research-driven case for leaders and teams across industries: social connection isn't just beneficial, but essential for wellbeing, collaboration, culture, and performance.

People don't avoid meaningful connection due to a lack of appreciation, but because they misjudge its impact. Epley's research demonstrates that we habitually underestimate how rewarding, productive, and relationship-building authentic conversation can be. This misperception affects feedback, collaboration, trust, and belonging. In this keynote, leaders learn why teams hesitate to engage in the interactions organizations need, and how encouraging more intentional conversation can foster the culture of innovation, engagement, and performance.

Top organizations don't leave connection to chance—they intentionally design for it. In this timely keynote, Nicholas Epley explains why meaningful interaction isn't automatic, particularly in hybrid, remote, and digital-first workplaces. Leaders must be proactive in fostering environments where people can connect, contribute, and thrive. Audiences walk away with a practical, evidence-based framework for viewing culture not as an abstract ideal, but as a tangible environment that enables wellbeing, teamwork, candor, relationships, and business success.

Before the current focus on connection, Nicholas Epley made his mark by examining a core human challenge: how we interpret what others think and feel—and how often we get it wrong. Drawing on the key insights from Mindwise, this keynote reveals how misunderstandings influence leadership, shape trust, and affect decision-making in organizations. For business audiences, the message is clear: when leaders become more aware of the assumptions they make about others, they enable better conversations, stronger cultures, and smarter decisions.