We live in an isolated world. I help audiences build meaningful connections they can count on, at work, in family life, and in community.
We live in an isolated world. I help audiences build meaningful connections they can count on, at work, in family life, and in community.
As featured in:
signature keynotes:
The Deep Casual Mindset:
Rebuilding Human Connection in the Age of AI
How to Find Your People:
Building In-Person Connections You Can Count On in the Workplace and Beyond
Taking a Stand Against the Kids Activity Doom Loop:
How to Protect Your Time, Resist Social Pressure, and Focus on What Matters
A 21st Century Guide to Building a Village
(and Being a Villager)
signature keynotes:
We are entering a world where machines can simulate conversation, companionship, and even care—while real human connection becomes harder to access.
In this timely and thought-provoking keynote, Katherine introduces the “Deep Casual Mindset”: a practical, low-pressure approach to building meaningful relationships in everyday life. Drawing on her research for Neighboring, she explores why connection has become harder, why it matters more than ever, and how individuals, teams, and communities can foster trust and belonging through the skill of neighboring—without adding more to already overfull lives.
Audience takeaway:
A clear framework—and realistic tools—for turning proximity into real community in an uncertain and rapidly changing world.
All of Katherine's talks are perfect as a keynote or workshop.
Rebuilding Human Connection in the Age of AI
The Deep Casual Mindset:
Strong relationships are the foundation of trust, collaboration, and retention—but in today’s Slack-and-Zoom-heavy world, they don’t happen by accident.
In this highly practical keynote, Katherine Goldstein offers a clear, actionable approach to building real connection at work and beyond. Moving past awkward networking and one-off events, she introduces a “Deep Casual” framework for creating consistent, low-pressure interactions that strengthen relationships over time. Audiences will learn how to turn everyday moments into opportunities for trust-building, and how to make the most of in-person time in a way that actually leads to lasting connections.
Grounded in research and real-world examples, this talk shows how stronger relationships don’t just improve workplace culture—they drive collaboration, increase engagement, help employees do their best work, and play a critical role in reducing burnout and isolation.
Audience takeaway:
A practical, research-backed roadmap for building meaningful connections that improve trust, collaboration, and workplace satisfaction—at work and in everyday life.
All of Katherine's talks are perfect as a keynote or workshop.
signature keynotes:
How to Find Your People:
Building In-Person Connections You Can Count On in the Workplace and Beyond
Strong relationships are the foundation of trust, collaboration, and retention—but in today’s Slack-and-Zoom-heavy world, they don’t happen by accident.
In this highly practical keynote, Katherine Goldstein offers a clear, actionable approach to building real connection at work and beyond. Moving past awkward networking and one-off events, she introduces a “Deep Casual” framework for creating consistent, low-pressure interactions that strengthen relationships over time. Audiences will learn how to turn everyday moments into opportunities for trust-building, and how to make the most of in-person time in a way that actually leads to lasting connections.
Grounded in research and real-world examples, this talk shows how stronger relationships don’t just improve workplace culture—they drive collaboration, increase engagement, help employees do their best work, and play a critical role in reducing burnout and isolation.
Audience takeaway:
A practical, research-backed roadmap for building meaningful connections that improve trust, collaboration, and workplace satisfaction—at work and in everyday life.
All of Katherine's talks are perfect as a keynote or workshop.
signature keynotes:
Taking a Stand Against the Kids Activity Doom Loop:
How to Protect Your Time, Resist Social Pressure, and Focus on What Matters
In this highly interactive workshop, Katherine provides a modern, practical guide to building real, in-person support systems. Through exercises, discussion, and real-life scenarios, participants move beyond vague advice to concrete strategies that work.
Participants leave with:
- A personalized plan for building stronger relationships through neighboring
- The “Deep Casual” framework in action
- Tools for avoiding the common pitfalls that derail group life
All of Katherine's talks are perfect as a keynote or workshop.
signature keynotes:
A 21st Century Guide to Building a Village
(and Being a Villager)
“Katherine’s keynote presentation was universally well-received, with one attendee saying that ‘every slide and discussion point resonated’ with them. She also attracted record turnout for the interactive workshop which followed one week later….. We loved having Katherine join us.
-Monica Dongre, RTI
Katherine was a dream to work with! Without a doubt, I would work with Katherine again, and I would recommend her as a speaker to any event or organization.
- Maoria Kirker, CALM
Katherine is such a passionate and knowledgeable speaker and brings a true journalist's commitment to storytelling and uncovering truth, while also tapping into real-life experiences and providing concrete solutions. I loved working with her and can't wait for the next time.
- Jessica Pallay, vivvi
We were so incredibly pleased to have Katherine speak to our Caregivers ERG. She provided a ton of meaningful data and insights and was able to resonate with so many in just an hour’s time!
- Jessica king, paycor
In our circles, Katherine is a legend and I highly recommend her as a speaker, panelist, or expert on your project.
- Allison Venditti , moms at work
What Makes katherine Different
- Networking
- Big gesture
- Vague platitudes with no follow-through plan
Katherine's years of research highlights what actually works:
- Small, consistent interactions that build trust
- Lowering pressure to foster connection
- Values-based decision making about how to spend your time
- Authenticity and vulnerability over perfection
- Designing “social infrastructure” that nurtures connection
trusted by:
About Katherine
Katherine Goldstein is a journalist, speaker, and author of Neighboring: A Deep Casual Guide to Building Community You Can Count on (Penguin Random House, 2027). Her work focuses on how individuals can build connections and how organizations can combat social isolation through practical advice and sustainable solutions.
She’s also the creator of The Double Shift media platform, a fellow at the Better Life Lab at New America, and a former Harvard Nieman Journalism Fellow. She’s been an instructor at the Harvard Extension School, has spoken at Fortune 500 companies and national conferences, and has had her work supported by the Ford Foundation. She has written for and been featured in The NYTimes, WashPost, Vox News, The Guardian, and NPR. She lives in Durham, NC, with her family, including pandemic twins.
About Katherine
Katherine Goldstein is a journalist, speaker, and author of Neighboring: A Deep Casual Guide to Building Community You Can Count on (Penguin Random House, 2027). Her work focuses on how individuals can build connections and how organizations can
combat social isolation through practical advice and sustainable solutions.
She’s also the creator of The Double Shift media platform, a fellow at the Better Life Lab at New America, and a former Harvard Nieman Journalism Fellow. She’s been an instructor at the Harvard Extension School, has spoken at Fortune 500 companies and national conferences, and has had her work supported by the Ford Foundation. She has written for and been featured in The NYTimes, WashPost, Vox News, The Guardian, and NPR. She lives in Durham, NC, with her family, including pandemic twins.