Dr. Beth Kaplan – Leadership That Builds Belonging
Dr. Beth Kaplan is one of the most prominent voices in modern leadership development, known for redefining how organizations approach belonging, resilience, and personal growth. As the author of Braving the Workplace, she brings a fresh and deeply human perspective to leadership—one that connects neuroscience, behavior, and real-world challenges.
Her work centers on a simple but powerful idea: when people feel they truly belong, they perform at their highest level. Through her keynotes and programs, Beth helps leaders and teams understand how to foster that sense of connection while building the confidence and resilience needed to navigate complexity and change.
A Unique Approach to Growth and Resilience
Beth’s approach stands out through her integration of neuroscience with leadership strategy. She translates complex research on human behavior into practical, actionable tools that leaders can apply immediately. This allows individuals and organizations to move beyond theory and into meaningful transformation.
Drawing on her own experiences of overcoming adversity, Beth is also a recognized leader in post-traumatic growth. She shows how challenges can become catalysts for development, helping individuals reframe setbacks into opportunities for learning and progress.
Her sessions provide audiences with:
- Tools to strengthen self-awareness and emotional intelligence
- Strategies to build resilience in high-pressure environments
- Frameworks to turn adversity into growth and innovation
Trusted by Leading Institutions and Organizations
Dr. Kaplan’s expertise has had a significant impact across both academic and corporate environments. She has worked with respected institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania and Georgetown University, as well as global organizations including Salesforce, Global Connections for Women (GC4W), the Human Resources Standards Institute, and the Carnegie Foundation.
Her insights are frequently featured in leading publications like HRD Connect, where her work is regarded as a benchmark within human resources and leadership development. The University of Pennsylvania recognizes her as one of the world’s foremost experts on belonging—an acknowledgment that reflects both the depth and influence of her work.
Measuring Belonging and Predicting Success
Beth continues to push the boundaries of leadership development through innovation and research. She is currently developing a groundbreaking tool in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania that measures belonging and predicts an individual’s likelihood to thrive.
This work represents a major step forward in understanding how organizational culture impacts performance. By making belonging measurable, Beth helps organizations move from intention to action, giving leaders the data and insights needed to create environments where people succeed.
Book Dr. Beth Kaplan for Your Event
Organizations that book Dr. Beth Kaplan gain more than a keynote speaker—they gain a transformative experience that reshapes how people think about leadership and connection. Her presentations are engaging, research-based, and filled with practical strategies that audiences can implement immediately.
Whether addressing senior leaders, HR professionals, or diverse teams, Beth delivers insights that resonate across industries. She challenges conventional thinking while offering clear, actionable paths forward.
Education and Personal Life
Dr. Kaplan holds both an M.S.Ed and an Ed.D in Learning and Leadership Strategy from the University of Pennsylvania. Her academic foundation supports her evidence-based approach, ensuring that her work remains both credible and impactful.
Outside of her professional work, Beth enjoys traveling with her family. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Steve, and their two sons.