Unlocking Human Potential Through Connection, Curiosity, and Gratitude.

LET’S CONNECT

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I’M CHRIS SCHEMBRA: SPEAKER, FOUNDER, and QUESTION ASKER.

For the last decade, I’ve helped leaders and teams unlock the power of human connection—the one competitive advantage that can’t be automated. It all started with a pot of pasta and a dinner table, bringing strangers together to connect in a meaningful way. What began as a simple experiment has turned into a global movement, working with some of the world’s top organizations to help leaders build stronger relationships, improve collaboration, and drive business success.

I believe that in an era of rapid change and AI-driven transformation, human connection is more valuable than ever. My work, from keynote speaking to workshop facilitation, is focused on helping leaders and teams harness the science of gratitude, trust, and meaningful communication to create workplaces that thrive. As a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and keynote speaker, I blend real-world experience with data-driven insights to show how connection fuels innovation, resilience, and growth.

Through my work with Google, Microsoft, IBM, Dell, Citi, the US Navy, and hundreds of other organizations, I’ve seen firsthand how the ability to ask better questions, engage in deeper conversations, and foster authentic relationships separates great leaders from the rest. My book, Gratitude Through Hard Times, explores how mindset, communication, and appreciation drive personal and professional success.

The future belongs to those who prioritize human connection. Let’s unlock what’s possible—together.

MORE ABOUT CHRIS

CHRIS in ACTION

  • “Chris has a unique gift in connecting with others to help us be our best selves at work! His thoughtful and authentic focus on gratitude in engaging ways fostered camaraderie amongst the Citi team during our Gratitude Experience, building true connections and a meaningful shared experience.”

    —Morgan McKenney, Chief Operating Officer, Citi

  • "On the battlefield I've seen the effect that energy and enthusiasm plays as a force multiplier. Chris brings a level of passion that permeates his audience and positively affects the morale of everyone he comes in contact with."

    —Colonel David Sutherland (Bronze Star and Purple Heart Award, US Army)

  • “Chris is a fiercely committed person to what he believes in, the Power of Human Connection through his keynotes and experiences. He is a person who brings the good out in others and his positive energy is contagious from the stage!"

    —Michael Roberts, Former President and COO, McDonald’s Corporation

  • "A completely new way to connect with our customers, prospects, and teams, but more importantly - a way for them all to connect with one-another! Chris Schembra is the inventor of this type of human connection construct, and never before has this been deployed in the world of Enterprise Software / Cloud."

    —Tony Safoian, President, CEO at SADA Systems

  • "Many of our employees said this was the best 90 minutes they'd ever spent at Dell. I connected with someone that I had not before. It got deep and personal quick. We haven’t been able to connect like that, and people are really going through some things right now. The world is on fire right now and you're here to help them put out those fires."

    —Erik Day, SVP Small Business Dell Technologies

  • “Chris’ keynote at our Mastermind Summit helped me find gratitude for some of my greatest setbacks and adversities.”

    —Ryan Serhant

  • “Chris, you radiated authenticity. A unique trait I hope to grow and develop myself. I took away so many nuggets of wisdom pertaining to our field, but with that out-of-the-box perspective. Something I feel that everyone needs and can benefit from, but rarely receive. One of our biggest goals from the keynote address and you pulled it off!”

    — Alyson Stoffer, Co-Chair, North Carolina Philanthropy Conference

 Within our TEAMS and ORGANIZATIONS, we’re facing a CRISIS of DISCONNECTION, DISENGAGEMENT, and BURNOUT.

Within our teams and organizations, we’re facing a crisis of disconnection, disengagement, and burnout.

My work helps leaders and teams unlock human potential by fostering curiosity, connection, and gratitude. Through the power of deep listening, better questions, and a culture of appreciation, we turn workplaces into environments where people thrive, collaborate, and innovate.

50% of the workforce feels isolated, yet connection fuels engagement by 225%.

Psychological safety drives a 76% increase in innovation.

The right mindset shift turns setbacks into stepping stones for growth.

Gratitude isn't just a nicety—it’s a performance strategy.

WANT TO BOOK ME TO SPEAK?

My KEYNOTES help drive Excellence.

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