Biography

Book Ryan Jenkins through The Keynote Curators.

Ryan Jenkins, CSP is a Wall Street Journal bestselling leadership author on team connection, generational differences, and the future of work.

Ryan Jenkins’ latest book is Connectable: How Leaders Can Move Teams From Isolated to All In. Ryan’s thought leadership has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Fortune, and on CNBC.

For over a decade as a keynote speaker and consultant, Ryan Jenkins has helped hundreds of the world’s leading organizations, including Netflix, Salesforce, Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, State Farm, and John Deere. Ryan Jenkins is also a Partner at WorkRivet.com, a technology platform that facilitates meaningful one-on-one connections across multi-generational teams.

Ryan lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife, three children, and two yellow Labradors. 

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How to Strengthen Team Connection in the New Era of Work

Based on the Wall Street Journal bestseller.

Remote work, advancing technology, and an always-on work culture are fracturing our relationships resulting in deep disconnection. A colossal 72% of global workers feel isolated at least monthly; with 55% saying at least weekly. Feelings of isolation and loneliness among employees are on the rise, and contribute to a real and growing mental health problem that affects both individuals and organizations. You’ll learn how addressing the issues—and finding practical, effective solutions—can transform an isolated workforce to one that’s happier, more engaged, and more productive in their efforts.

Combining a decade of leadership consulting and firsthand workplace connection research, Ryan Jenkins distills everything you need, showing you what’s causing today’s disconnection and how you can increase connection to boost belonging, engagement, retention, and performance with employees at every level (and whether their in-person or remote).

ATTENDEES GAIN:
- Awareness of the new science and the significance of connection.
- Strategies that are proven and actionable to cultivate stronger human connections and thrive at work.
- Best-in-class research and examples of individuals fostering better connections at work.
- Ability to identify workers in need of connection & how to deliver it.
-The 4-step LINK Framework™ to create connected, driven, and high-performing teams.

Improve Inclusion, Engagement, and Well-being Through Smarter Human Connection

A colossal 70% of global workers feel lonely at least monthly; with 52 percent saying at least weekly. Today’s workers are lonelier than ever before resulting in a disengaged, disloyal, and disenchanted workforce. Remote work, technology advancements, and an always-on work culture are causing more disconnection than ever before resulting in a low-performing, disloyal, and burnt-out workforce.

Ryan uncovers the modern causes of loneliness, the crucial role inclusion plays in solving it, and strategies organizations can use to reduce loneliness among their team. The result is a more connected organization with improved engagement, well-being, and performance at work.

ATTENDEES GAIN:
- Insights into how disconnection, exclusion, and loneliness are negatively impacting business.
- Understanding of the science and significance of inclusion.
- Scoring on how connected their teams are based on the Team Connection Assessment™.
- Strategies to decrease loneliness and increase belonging, engagement, and performance at work.
- Best-in-class examples of organizations that have decreased loneliness and increased belonging.
- Ability to create deep connections and unify a team.

Strategies to Connect and Engage a Multi-Generational Workforce

52% of workers say they're least likely to get along with someone from another generation. And 62% of Generation Z anticipate challenges working with Baby Boomers and Generation X.
Since Millennials and Generation Z became a majority of the labor force, the generational gap has never been wider as each generation has a varying perspective of work, leadership, communication, success, and technology. However, a generationally diverse workforce is crucial for thriving in today’s high-flux and disruption-prone marketplace.

A multigenerational workforce can create stifling challenges or bottomline-boosting advantages. Ryan brings market-leading insight to help your organization and leaders close the generational gap and improve communication, teamwork, retention, and more.

ATTENDEES GAIN:
- Awareness of the generational gap and why it exists.
- Insights into each generation’s values, behaviors, and expectations.
- Perspectives of each generation's varying views of work, leadership, communication, and technology.
- Strategies for optimizing a multigenerational workforce.
- Best-in-class examples of organizations successfully closing the generational gap.
- Ability to connect, work, and lead across generations.

Strategies to Enhance Performance and Engagement Among Emerging Talent

62% of Generation Z anticipate challenges working with Baby Boomers and Generation X, and only 5% anticipate challenges working with Millennials. To ensure a cohesive cross-generational team, leaders need to understand and integrate Millennials and Generation Z.

Today Millennials are the largest generation in the workforce and Gen Z are the fastest-growing generation in the workforce. While Millennials and Gen Z bring valuable skills, insights, and ambition to the workplace, they are often a source of tension among experienced workers and managers. Ryan shares relevant data and innovative insights to better understand what drives Millennial and Gen Z employee performance. This program provides tactical strategies to dramatically improve the managing, recruiting, engaging, and selling of your next-generation workforce.

ATTENDEES GAIN:
- Insights into Gen Z employee values, behaviors, motivators, and expectations.
- Strategies that are proven and actionable to lead, retain, recruit, and engage the emerging generations.
- Techniques for communicating and connecting with Gen Z.
- Best-in-class examples of organizations and leaders successfully leading and engaging the emerging generations.
- Ability to lead, retain, recruit, and engage Gen Z.

Testimonials

We hired Ryan to speak with a cohort of nonprofit leaders about how to understand and navigate the generational differences in the workplace today. If I had to choose just one word to rate the workshop , it would be OUTSTANDING. As one participant said, it was the most relevant and informative presentation she had been to in years. While it is very helpful that Ryan is engaging, it is more helpful that he is knowledgeable and helps people think about how they can work and lead more effectively today. I give Ryan five stars (and I am a tough grader).
– Debra Hertz, Management Consultant for non-profits and philanthropic organizations
Ryan presented on the topic of Connectedness in the Virtual Workplace to several hundred colleagues during a virtual live session in December ‘23. Our recording has been viewed by thousands of colleagues now and the sentiment is that this presentation was the BEST we’ve ever hosted! Teams felt empowered to connect with their colleagues in a new way, with a new sense of purpose. Several hundred colleagues made new workplace friends through his Rivet tool. We are planning his next event and can’t wait to bring him back! Thank you, Ryan!
– Ashley Breedlove, Learning & Development Leader @ CVS Health
Ryan is a fantastic speaker! His presentations are engaging, interactive and relevant to everyone! His keynotes jumpstarted great conversations across BASF on best practices to integrate Gen Z as well as increasing our connections. Thanks Ryan!
– Lindsey Witte Feiten, Chemical Engineer
Ryan recently joined us as the keynote speaker at our annual Firm meeting - with nearly 500 people strong in Pittsburgh! Ryan's discussion on the critical importance of "Being Connected" - not only within our teams but also across practices, offices and generation - tied in nicely with our Firm's vision, strategy and meeting message. It also resonated extremely well with our amazing People! Well done, Ryan. You're welcome back to SD anytime! #BuildingConnections #FirmMeetings
– Chris McElroy, Co-CEO, Schneider Downs
I really enjoyed Ryan's presentation at our firm's annual meeting. My major takeaway was that sometimes we let being "busy" get in the way of being in the moment and available to others. Ryan's research and insights into workplace communications resonated with all of us. I'll be a better co-worker as a result.
– Sean Smith, Chief Marketing Officer, Schneider Downs
Ryan was a speaker at an eduction sector conference and did such a great job that we invited him to speak during a faculty event the day after. He hit the ball out of the park and was a smash hit. Faculty were appreciative of the deep dive into generational differences in students with a focus on Gen Z as well as some insightful tips on how to better connect and support the new generations of students. We will be inviting Ryan to speak again at future events with larger faculty gatherings.
– Yasith Weerasuriya, Board Of Directors at Celiac Disease Foundation
Bringing in Ryan for our event was the best decision we could've made. Ryan is down to earth, CONNECTS with his audience and more importantly inspires everyone in the room. He is extremely professional and prepared. Trust me when I say bringing in Ryan to speak will NOT disappoint!!
– Alex Stoner, Digital Commerce Omni-Channel Team Leader at Kimberly Clark
Ryan was hands down one of the best speakers we’ve brought to Delta Dental Insurance Co. Our session topic was around generational diversity, and how to lead/manage a multi-generational workforce. Ryan not only exceeded our expectations, but received virtual standing ovations following the presentation. He was a great partner to work with before, during, and after our time together, and I look forward to welcoming Ryan back to our organization in the future.
– Briana Kenneh, ERG Program Manager, HR Consultant, Corporate Events Strategist

Booksby Ryan Jenkins

Connectable: How Leaders Can Move Teams From Isolated to All In

The Generation Z Guide: The Complete Manual to Understand, Recruit, and Lead the Next Generation

The Millennial Manual: The Complete How-To Guide To Manage, Develop, and Engage Millennials At

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Blog Posts

 

Embrace Your Authenticity and Lead Better Teams with Mike Robbins

Great teams aren’t built on talent alone—they’re built on trust, authenticity, and strong human connections....

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Unlock Your Creativity With Progress And Bold Ideas

"Creativity is intelligence having fun." – Albert Einstein Somewhere along the way, many of us...

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How Businesses Can Use More Creative Thinking with Natalie Nixon

Creative thinking isn’t just an extra skill—it’s the ultimate competitive edge. In today’s hyper-competitive business...

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Why Embracing Imperfection Is the True Path to Success

I used to think success meant having it all figured out. That if I just...

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Become a Powerful Leader By Inspiring Others Through Your Actions

What makes a leader truly exceptional beyond simply completing daily tasks? In a world where...

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How Belonging Creates Workplace Magic with Adam “Smiley” Poswolsky

What if the secret to a thriving workplace isn’t more perks or policies—but the power...

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