Harnessing the science of human connection to create cultures of belonging
Where people perform better, feel better, and do better together.
Dr. Marisa G. Franco
Keynote Speaker | World’s leading expert on human connection
As featured in
You want employees who are engaged, innovative, and inspired
Then you need to help them belong.
56%
Increase in performance
High belonging is linked to significant productivity gains.
50%
Drop in Turnover Risk
Lonely employees are 2x more likely to think about leaving.
$52M
Annual Savings
A 10,000 employee company saves $52 million per year when employees belong.
I’m Dr. Marisa G. Franco
A New York Times bestselling author psychologist, and professor who’s devoted my career to helping people create connection and belonging. My approach is grounded in science, brought to life through powerful stories and practical tools.
I don’t just speak — I help transform workplaces and communities into places where people thrive.
Are you ready to help your employees thrive?
Professor & Ph.D.
& Keynotes Delivered
Official Speaker
Authentic, Accessible, Human
Rooted in science, built for connection.
Speaking Clients
ONE MISSION, TWO METHODS
Dr. Franco's Most Popular Topics
Belonging at Work (for Everybody)
How Community Drives Retention and Engagement
Belonging at Work for High-Achieving Women
How Women Can Increase Engagement, Innovation, and Community
How to Make Friends in College
The Power of Connection for Helping Students Grow, Stay, and Thrive in College
My NYT Best-Selling Book on Connection
Making and keeping friends as an adult is hard—but it doesn’t have to be. My New York Times bestselling book Platonic shares simple, science-backed strategies to help you build deeper, more secure, and lasting friendships. Rated as the top book on friendship by the NY Times.
TESTIMONIALS
BLOG POSTS
All Modern Relationships Play By the Rules of Friendship
When I first wrote Platonic in 2021, people saw friendship as trivial, unnecessary, and inferior to other forms of love (like familial or romantic love).
Are You Alone — Or Are You Lonely?
It’s possible to be by yourself and feel perfectly fine. It’s also possible to be surrounded by people and feel
Making Friends Can Be Scary; Here’s Why You Should Do It Anyway
One of the most effective ways I encourage people to try to make friends is by showing them that it
SURVEY: What kind of friend are you?
We all have strengths and weaknesses as friends. This survey is designed to help you figure out what yours are: discover your personal friend profile and use it as a guide to help you connect.
Get practical friendship tips
straight to your inbox!
Find the friends you’ve been waiting for
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