At Rising this year, Brené Brown will bring a fresh take on how we work and lead. She’ll help you see what strong leadership looks like in high-pressure, fast-moving environments, and how to bring those behaviors into your team, your culture, and your day-to-day.
This September at Workday Rising in San Francisco, Brené Brown will take the main stage—and it’s safe to say, this is not your average keynote.
She’s a researcher, a storyteller, six-time #1 New York Times bestselling author, a TED Talk icon, and someone who’s helped millions rethink what it means to lead, connect, and be human at work.
At Rising, she’ll debut brand-new research on the mindsets and skill sets that today’s leaders need to think clearly, collaborate deeply, and stay steady when the ground is shifting.
And yes, she’ll talk about vulnerability. And courage. And why those two things belong in every meeting invite.
Brené has spent more than 20 years studying the emotions and behaviors that shape how people show up. Her work pulls back the curtain on leadership—not as a title or personality trait, but as a set of daily choices.
She’s known for asking the kinds of questions that get under the surface:
She’s brought questions (and plenty of answers) like these to life in a way that’s clear, honest, and authentically funny to her audiences around the world.
Her work pulls back the curtain on leadership—not as a title or personality trait, but as a set of daily choices.
Brené’s latest research focuses on the skills that help us work better together—especially when things are uncertain, messy, or complex. (So, most of the time.)
Things like:
She identifies the toughest skill set as the discipline, humility, and confidence to unlearn and relearn.
Expect stories, data, and moments where the whole room quietly nods and says, “Yep. That’s us.”
Brené doesn’t offer quick fixes. What she does offer is language. Tools. A new way to frame the challenges that come with leading in fast-moving, high-pressure environments.
Expect stories, data, and moments where the whole room quietly nods and says, “Yep. That’s us.”
She’ll help you make sense of what great leaders do differently—and how to bring those practices to life in your team, your organization, and your day-to-day decisions.
Whether you’ve got a few of her books on your nightstand or you’re new to her work, this keynote is for you. It’s not about being fearless or perfect—it’s about showing up with clarity, connection, and a little more honesty than we’re used to seeing on stage.
It’s real talk for real leadership. And it’s one of the moments you won’t want to miss at Workday Rising 2025.
We’ll see you in San Francisco.
As a world-renowned researcher and #1 New York Times best-selling author, Brené Brown has spent decades exploring courage, vulnerability, and what it takes to lead. Hear about her new research on the mindsets and skill sets that we will need to engage in deep collaboration and deep thinking, while navigating uncertainty and instability. Don’t miss her at Rising 2025.
Don’t get left behind in the AI revolution. You can’t afford to miss this future-defining moment.
More Reading
Innovative leaders are amplifying human capability with the next wave of technology.
In honor of Veterans Day, three Workday colleagues share their personal journeys from military service to the corporate world, highlighting a culture of unwavering support and a "skills-first" hiring philosophy.
Recognizing that AI has the potential to further amplify feelings of loneliness and isolation, the Workday Foundation is proud to welcome the U.S. Chamber of Connection as a new partner in our ongoing efforts to strengthen human connection and increase trust to support flourishing in our communities.
