Everything you need for a great event with Michelle
Approved bios, a stage introduction, high-res headshots, keynote descriptions, A/V requirements, and promotion copy — all in one place.
Approved Bios
Use whichever length fits your program. The full bio lives at michellegielan.com/bio.
Michelle Gielan is a positive psychology researcher, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and former national news anchor. She is the author of Broadcasting Happiness and the forthcoming Resilient Optimism (Harvard Business Review Press), which explores how optimism can become a measurable advantage in tough times.
Michelle Gielan is a positive psychology researcher, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and former national news anchor. For more than 15 years, she has studied how optimism shapes resilience, well-being, and success — especially when pressure is high and the path forward is uncertain.
Michelle is the author of Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of Igniting and Sustaining Positive Change and the forthcoming Resilient Optimism: The Science of Sustaining a Positive Mindset in Tough Times (Harvard Business Review Press).
Previously, Michelle served as anchor of The CBS Morning News. She is an executive producer of The Happiness Advantage on PBS and a featured professor in Oprah's Happiness course. Her research has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, CNN, and Harvard Business Review. She holds a Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. in computer engineering from Tufts University.
Stage Introduction
A short script to read as Michelle takes the stage — about 30 seconds.
Our next speaker spent years as a national CBS News anchor before a bigger question pulled her in a new direction: how do we stay clear-headed, resilient, and hopeful when the world feels heavy? She went on to earn a Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, and today she's one of the most trusted voices in the science of optimism. She's the bestselling author of Broadcasting Happiness, and her new book, Resilient Optimism, arrives this fall from Harvard Business Review Press. Her research has been featured everywhere from The New York Times to Forbes to Oprah's Happiness course, and she's helped teams at Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Bank of America turn optimism into a real performance advantage. Please join me in welcoming Michelle Gielan.
Headshot & Book Cover
High-resolution files for programs, screens, and promotion.
Keynote Descriptions
Michelle's signature talks. For full length descriptions, please visit her speaking page.
Resilient Optimism
The science of sustaining a positive mindset in tough times. It's easy to start optimistic — the advantage is knowing how to sustain it when deadlines pile up and headlines darken. Michelle shows how small, repeatable behaviors renew optimism and turn it into lasting strength.
Broadcasting Happiness
How positive communication drives performance, connection, and culture. Every message sets off a ripple effect. Michelle reveals how small, intentional shifts in communication rewire the brain for clarity and energy — and lift trust and results across teams.
The Optimism Algorithm
Thriving in the age of AI. As automation grows smarter, the defining edge is psychological. Michelle shows how to “train” optimism like an algorithm — curating inputs and generating meaning to stay creative and adaptable amid rapid change.
Leading Through Uncertainty
Building psychologically resilient teams in the era of AI. AI is creating historic opportunity and real anxiety. Michelle equips leaders to guide teams through change with optimism, purpose, and psychological safety — turning fear into agency.
A/V & Session Requirements
Michelle keeps things simple. If anything here is difficult on your end, just let the team know.
- Microphone: wireless lavalier preferred.
- Slides: sent in advance via Dropbox.
- Room setup: any.
- Tech check: Michelle does not need one. If you'd prefer one, she can do it no more than 60 minutes before the start of the keynote.
Promote the Session
Tag Michelle and use the hashtags below. Sample posts are ready to copy — just swap in your event name.
We're thrilled to welcome positive psychology researcher and bestselling author Michelle Gielan to [EVENT NAME]! She'll share the science of resilient optimism — how to stay clear, energized, and effective when the pressure is highest. #ResilientOptimism
Counting down to [EVENT NAME]! Former CBS News anchor turned researcher Michelle Gielan will show our team how small, science-backed habits turn optimism into a real performance advantage. #ResilientOptimism #PositivePsychology
The Book
Resilient Optimism
Grounded in research, real-life stories, and practical tools, Michelle shows how resilient optimism helps leaders and teams stay clear, energized, and adaptable when the pressure is highest. Great as an attendee gift or pre-read.
Preorder & bulk orders →