Better, Not Busier:

Sustainable Performance for Modern Teams

Psychology-backed keynotes, VIP intensives, and workshops that help high-achieving teams reduce burnout, improve focus, and work better—without doing more.

I help organizations move beyond hustle culture and surface-level wellness initiatives toward emotionally sustainable, human-centered ways of working and leading.

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SXSW 2024, Photo Credit: Hubert Vestil for SXSW
The Wondermind Newsstand, Photo Courtesy of Wondermind
SiriusXM Mental Health Town Hall

Custom events, workshops, conferences, and more.

Today’s teams are overwhelmed, overstretched, and operating inside systems that unintentionally reward exhaustion. Another motivational talk won’t fix that.

As a clinical psychologist, I bring a grounded, science-informed approach to workplace well-being—one that acknowledges real constraints, real pressure, and real human limits. My talks don’t ask people to “do more self-care.” They offer practical, evidence-based strategies that actually fit into modern work.

This work is about helping people:

  • Feel better while doing meaningful work

  • Reduce burnout without sacrificing performance

  • Build habits that are sustainable—not heroic

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  • <autoplay speed=5></autoplay>“Dr. Jessica Stern is a force among her peers.

    Equal parts intelligent, savvy, and personable, she commands any space she's in with a steady and supportive hand. We've tapped into her expertise for all kinds of speaking opportunities (large-scale panels, intimate dinners, outdoor workshops, and more), and she's met and exceeded every challenge. I cannot recommend her enough!”

    Mandy Teefey — CEO and Cofounder (with Selena Gomez) of Wondermind

  • “By far the best presentation I have heard or seen on mental health and stress.

    Dr. Stern’s presentation was so detailed and well put together. She was also very accommodating with all the questions we asked. Dr. Stern definitely made me realize the importance of taking time for myself and also that there is no stigma around mental health and stress and it's ok to talk about it. I would highly recommend Dr. Stern to anyone.”

    Lizzie N. — VP Operations, Amwins Group, Inc.

  • “Dr. Jessica Stern is not only super talented but she is also such a wonderful team-spirited person to work with.

    We hired Dr. Jessica Stern to craft and host two workshops during the Wondermind Newsstand activation in NYC in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, and could not have been happier! She crafted two unique hour-long workshops, inclusive of consumer Q+As, custom worksheets, and an interactive experience for guests to visualize the concepts at hand. Dr. Jessica Stern is an incredible speaker too - very engaging, educational, and fun. I want to work with Jessica for every Wondermind event moving forward!

    Michelle W. — Director, Marketing & Brand, Wondermind

  • "She is so relatable and knowledgeable, that companies we work with have asked for her to present year after year.

    Dr. Jessica Stern has been instrumental in the education of the American Heart Association's NYC Heart Challenge participants on mental health. Dr. Stern brings the information to a relatable level for participants and engages them with relevant facts, tips, and background. Having joined a few of Dr. Stern's information sessions, she has an excellent energy and engagement with those looking to learn more information. We cannot thank Dr. Stern enough for her time, talent, and expertise.”

    Meagan H. — Sr Development Director, Heart Challenge, American Heart Association

  • “I truly felt that she provided us with a fantastic overview and provided a positive, hopeful message to everyone that participated.

    In September I was fortunate to attend an online presentation on mental health awareness with Dr. Stern that was provided to our offices. I must say she did not disappoint. I went into the meeting with an open mind, but came out of it with my mind blown. You can truly feel her authentic nature, and desire to impart knowledge around mental health. She left us with many resources for both additional information and providers, should we desire to continue our journey towards better mental health awareness FANTASTIC PROGRAM!”

    Frances R. — Keynote Attendee

  • "I would absolutely recommend Dr. Stern to a colleague, friend or family member.

    I participated in a webinar presented by Dr. Stern through my office. This was by far the best mental health webinar I have attended as it was straight forward and given in laymen terms. Dr. Stern was personable and relatable.”

    Kerry M. — Vice President, Amwins Group, Inc.

Moderating A Panel At SXSW With Selena Gomez, Mandy Teefey, Solomon Thomas, and Dr. Corey Yaeger

Video courtesy of SXSW on Youtube

Speaking Formats

This is sampling of a few of my most popular requests; have a topic or program idea that’s not on the list? Let’s connect and curate some magic together!.

  • These 45-60 minute sessions are high-impact, research-based, and practical, designed to shift perspective and behavior.

    • Better, Not Busier: The Science of Sustainable Productivity

    • Burnout Is Not a Personal Failure: What Teams Actually Need

    • Emotional Energy Management at Work

    • Psychological Safety for Modern Leaders

    Walk away with actionable insights, a clear sense of direction, and a plan to help you rise stronger—ready to thrive.

  • A premium, highly personalized experience for executive teams or senior leaders who need clarity, capacity, and relief—quickly.

    VIP Days include:

    • A deep dive into burnout drivers and decision fatigue

    • Emotional sustainability tools for leadership under pressure

    • Non-toxic productivity frameworks tailored to your context

    • A customized roadmap leaders can actually implement

    These are ideal for leadership offsites, retreats, or moments of significant organizational strain.

  • Popular series include:

    • The Better, Not Busier Team Reset

    • Burnout Prevention for Managers

    • Emotional Sustainability & Boundaries at Work

    • Human-Centered Leadership Labs

    Multi-session formats are especially effective for embedding new norms and skills into team culture. These series are typically 2-6 sessions.

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How This Works ?

  • I regularly partner with:

    • Corporate and tech organizations

    • Professional services firms

    • Media agencies

    • Nonprofits & foundations

    • Women’s leadership organizations & ERGs

    • Healthcare systems & academic medical centers

    • Universities & higher education institutions

    All sessions are tailored to audience, industry, and organizational goals.

    Prefer consultation services? Click here to learn more.

  • Teams and leaders leave with:

    • Clearer expectations and healthier work rhythms

    • Reduced burnout and emotional overload

    • Practical tools for sustainable productivity

    • Stronger communication and psychological safety

    • A shared language for working better—not just harder

    • Connect – We discuss your goals, audience, and context

    • Design – I tailor the session or series to your organization

    • Deliver – You receive engaging, practical, high-impact programming

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Speaker Assets

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