Robert Waldinger

Life Balance and Happiness Keynote Speaker, Psychiatrist, Psychoanalyst, and Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development

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Robert Waldinger's Biography

Robert Waldinger is a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and Zen priest. He is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and directs the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies of adult life ever done. The Study tracked the lives of two groups of men for over 78 years and now follows their Baby Boomer children to understand how childhood experience reaches across decades to affect health and wellbeing in middle age. He writes about what science can teach us about healthy human development. Dr. Waldinger is the author of numerous scientific papers as well as two books, and he directs a teaching program in psychotherapy at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He has won awards for teaching and research from the American Psychiatric Association, Harvard Medical School, and Massachusetts Psychiatric Society, and he is consistently named as one of the Best Doctors in America. He is also a transmitted teacher in Boundless Way Zen and teaches Zen throughout New England. His TED talk on lessons from the longest study of happiness has had over 13 million views and is the fastest spreading talk in the history of TEDx events.

SPEAKING VIDEOS
PHOTOS
BOOKS

Robert Waldinger: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness | TED

Fundamentals of Clinical Psychiatry

The Good Life

SPEAKER TOPICS

Culture Speakers

Inspiring Speakers

Resilience Speakers

Change Management Speakers

Conference Speakers

Workplace Culture Speakers

Robert Waldinger Keynote Topics

What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness

Robert draws on the landmark Harvard Study of Adult Development to answer one of life’s most enduring questions: what truly makes us happy. With decades of evidence, he reveals how relationships, purpose, and wellbeing matter far more than wealth or status.

This keynote offers audiences practical wisdom grounded in science. Participants leave inspired to invest in what really counts—building deeper connections and leading more fulfilling lives.

Dealing with Change — Life Transitions and Preparing for the Inevitable

Our speaker explores how to navigate the inevitable transitions of life, from career shifts to personal milestones and loss. Robert shares strategies rooted in psychology and mindfulness to help people adapt with resilience and grace.

This session equips audiences to embrace change rather than fear it. Attendees gain tools to face uncertainty with confidence, turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth.

Why Relationships in the Workplace Matter More Than You Think — and How to Embrace Them

Robert highlights why human connection at work is a powerful driver of performance, engagement, and wellbeing. He demonstrates how strong workplace relationships build trust, collaboration, and resilience.

This keynote inspires leaders to prioritize connection as much as strategy. Audiences leave with actionable ways to create healthier, more productive workplace cultures where people thrive together.

The Best Things in Life Aren’t Things — What Really Makes Us Happy

In this talk, Robert challenges the myth that material success is the path to happiness. He reveals, through decades of research, that meaning, belonging, and purpose bring the greatest joy.

Audiences are encouraged to rethink priorities and focus on what matters most. This session inspires individuals and organizations alike to embrace values that nurture long-term happiness and wellbeing.

Robert Waldinger's Biography

Dr. Waldinger is the author of numerous scientific papers as well as two books, and he directs a teaching program in psychotherapy at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He has won awards for teaching and research from the American Psychiatric Association, Harvard Medical School, and Massachusetts Psychiatric Society, and he is consistently named as one of the Best Doctors in America. He is also a transmitted teacher in Boundless Way Zen and teaches Zen throughout New England.

His TED talk on lessons from the longest study of happiness has had over 13 million views and is the fastest spreading talk in the history of TEDx events.