Dr. Samra Zafar

Dr. Samra Zafar Speaking Topics

• The Science of Authentic Leadership

  How to Lead with Emotional Intelligence while Embracing Artificial Intelligence

  A recent study reported that 85% of employees believe AI will impact their jobs in the next few years, leaving them anxious and uncertain about their future. At the same time, many leaders are reporting higher rates of burnout and imposter syndrome, as they deal with challenges they were never trained for. This emotional rollercoaster can be a significant impediment to transformation success if not addressed correctly.

  This is a time for leaders to double down on the things that are inherently and boldly human — emotional intelligence, authenticity, vulnerability, connection, and courage. Adopting an AI-enhanced, human-centered leadership approach and prioritizing well-being initiatives that prevent burnout is a powerful combination that enables leaders and teams to thrive while embracing transformation.

  In this keynote, Dr. Samra Zafar will show leaders how to strengthen their emotional and relational intelligence skills, so they are better positioned to harness the benefits of technological capabilities while ensuring their teams feel supported and understood during periods of change.

• The Power of Incremental Courage

  How to Live and Lead with Boldness

  If you browse through the wellness section of your local bookstore, you’ll probably find a huge stack of books that promise to help you become “fearless.”

  Whenever Dr. Samra Zafar sees these titles, she cringes. These books are selling people a myth.

  Dr. Zafar has made many bold decisions in her life. She left an abusive arranged marriage. She faced the terrors of poverty as a single mother putting herself through university. She gave up a successful career in finance to become a psychiatrist. And in each instance, she was anything but fearless.

  The truth is that there’s no such thing as “fearlessness.” It is natural for us to feel fear when we do something new or different. If we didn’t feel fear in such moments, then we would be robots – not human beings.

• Resilience Redefined

  Become Your Biggest Ally

  When it comes to resilience, many people take a reactive approach. You could sum up their mindset with the phrase “work hard to play hard.”

  First, they log crazy hours at their jobs, constantly hopping from one stressful situation to another. When they’re on the verge of burnout, they treat themselves to a “mental health” spa day or a night out on the town. And then they start the cycle all over again.

  Is it any wonder that our mental health crisis isn’t going away?

  The solution to this problem is simple: we need to redefine resilience.

  In this transformative keynote, you’ll discover why resilience – the ability to weather life’s inevitable storms – is the fruit of proactive behaviors and habits.

• The Workplace of Belonging

  Cultivating a Positive Employee Experience for Higher Performance and Better Business Outcomes

  Every business leader wants their workplace to be an environment of high performance. What many people don’t realize, however, is that a culture of belonging is a prerequisite to productivity, creativity, and innovation.

  In this illuminating keynote, you’ll discover how to foster a culture of empathy and belonging – one that welcomes and celebrates the intersecting identities of all your employees.

  You’ll also learn the science behind motivation: why we’re unmotivated when we feel excluded or overlooked and why inclusive practices are the key to nurturing your employees’ creativity, confidence and resilience. This knowledge will equip you to unlock your team’s highest potential by cultivating an environment where diverse voices are welcomed and sought after.

• Blaze Your Own Trail

  Break Through Past Limits to Transform Your Future

  Each and every person needs to be seen and respected for who they really are.

  However, we grow up surrounded by subliminal messages telling us that who we are is not enough. “Just be normal,” they say. “Get a university degree. Find a prestigious job. Meet the love of your life. Get married. Buy a house. Have two kids and adopt a dog. Follow this checklist, and you’ll be happy!”

  Spoiler alert: this promised happiness often doesn’t come.

  If this narrative feels all too familiar, Dr. Samra Zafar has good news: you don’t need to be “normal” to be seen, heard, and respected. Showing up as your true, authentic self is the best thing you can do – both for yourself and for the rest of the world.