Biography

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

His 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, he has helped hundreds of the world’s leading organizations, including Netflix, Salesforce, Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, State Farm, and John Deere. He 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. Learn 

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Lead & Work Across Generations: Strategies to Connect and Engage a Multi-Generational Workforce

A multi-generational 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, innovation, and more.

Attract, Lead, & Retain Millennials and/or Generation Z: Strategies to Enhance Performance and Engagement

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. Gain proven tactics to ease that tension and improve team dynamics.

Generational Diversity: Improve Performance and Collaboration Through Cross-Generational Inclusive Leadership

Today’s leading organizations and forward-thinking leaders understand that diversity and inclusion is much more than a buzzword, it’s a business strategy capable of driving performance, enhancing innovation, and engaging and retaining employees. Like-minded teams maintain; diverse teams innovate. Ryan shares how to unlock the power of cognitive diversity through a multigenerational workforce. This program provides a blueprint for how to be an inclusive leader and how to create an inclusive company culture across generations.

Marketing & Selling to Millennials & Gen Z: Earn the Attention, Trust, and Business of Next-Generation Buyers

Millennials and Gen Z buy differently than previous generations. Mobile technology, ubiquitous connectivity, and the social web have forever changed the buying expectations of the emerging generations. Marketing and sales techniques of the past won’t work with Millennials and 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

Blog Posts

Embrace Radical Generosity This Giving Tuesday

On Giving Tuesday, we’re embracing the power of radical generosity to transform communities and spark waves of kindness.

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Celebrating Thanksgiving: Grateful Hearts, Bold Milestones

This Thanksgiving, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the journey—an adventure full of creativity, teamwork, and connection.

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“Find a Way” Philosophy to Overcome Life’s Challenges

Motivational keynote speaker Merril Hoge shares his "Find a Way" philosophy to overcome life's challenges with accountability, resilience, and personal growth.

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Transforming Events with Music to Create Unique Experiences

🎶 Listen and learn how SongDivision uses music to transform events, creating unforgettable moments of connection and creativity for businesses worldwide.

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Five Life-Changing Lessons from Recording 100 Podcast Episodes

🎧 In this special podcast, we reflect on five life-changing lessons from recording 100 episodes, with insights from keynote speakers and event professionals.

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Celebrating International Men’s Day: Fostering Positive Change and Health

On International Men's Day, we celebrate men’s contributions and tackle the challenges they face through the lens of six defining health pillars.

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Blog Posts

 

Embrace Radical Generosity This Giving Tuesday

As the season of gratitude unfolds, we're reminded of our shared humanity and the power...

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Celebrating Thanksgiving: Grateful Hearts, Bold Milestones

🦃 This Thanksgiving, we at The Keynote Curators are reflecting on what truly matters—our community,...

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“Find a Way” Philosophy to Overcome Life’s Challenges

Overcoming Challenges with Merril Hoge’s Find a Way Philosophy Challenges are a universal experience. Whether...

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Transforming Events with Music to Create Unique Experiences

The Power of Music in Events Few things unite people as effortlessly as music. Whether...

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Five Life-Changing Lessons from Recording 100 Podcast Episodes

How Creating a Podcast Can Transform Your Perspective in Life What if the simplest conversations...

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Celebrating International Men’s Day: Fostering Positive Change and Health

On International Men's Day, we celebrate their contributions and tackle the challenges they face through...

Read More