Serious Business 2026 Speaker: Dacher Keltner

Oct 24

Written By Neill .

"We need more awe in our lives, and Dacher Keltner has written the definitive book on where to find it." -ADAM GRANT

Who is Dacher Keltner?

Dacher Keltner is a renowned Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and the co-director of the Greater Good Science Center. He is a leading scholar whose research focuses on the biological and evolutionary origins of human emotions like compassion, awe, love, and beauty, as well as the dynamics of power and inequality. Keltner is the bestselling author of books including Awe: The New Science Of Everyday Wonder and The Power Paradox, and he served as a scientific consultant for the Pixar films Inside Out and Inside Out 2.

What to Expect from Dacher Keltner’s Session

Attendees can look forward to:

The Science of Awe: Dacher Keltner will explore the eight wonders of life and how the simple emotion of awe—a sense of wonder we feel when encountering things vast and mysterious—can reduce stress and enhance both physical and mental well-being.
Understanding The Power Paradox: Learn about the biological roots of power and how true, lasting power is built not through force, but through generosity, compassion, and elevating others.
The Compassionate Instinct: Discover the evolutionary purpose of emotions like empathy and love, and how gratitude and kindness are essential tools for a meaningful life, grounded in over 190 scientific articles of research.
Connecting Emotion to Life: Keltner's session will equip you with a scientific framework to understand and cultivate the emotions necessary to live a happier, more meaningful, and resilient life.

Why You Should Attend

Dacher Keltner’s teachings will directly help you apply cutting-edge psychological science to enhance your well-being, improve your social connections, and unlock a greater sense of purpose and compassion in your professional and personal life.