Speaking

Photo credit: AL&K Photography.

As an educator, I have had the privilege of making a significant impact on the lives of hundreds of students. Now, as a speaker, I aspire to extend my influence by helping a wider audience achieve digital well-being and foster positive change in the world.

My first TEDx talk, “Social Media Isn’t Social, It’s Just Media,” was published at the beginning of 2024. Offering an alternative perspective on social networks in an engaging and entertaining way, it has received enthusiastic feedback for its scientific backing, personal anecdotes, and a touch of humor. 

My concern for smartphone unintentional overuse among my Gen Z university students and children’s early access to smartphones has led me to become an activist for digital well-being in my community. 

I have developed and delivered talks aimed at:

  • Helping parents think about how and when to introduce smartphones to their children.
  • Guiding young people to overcome unhealthy digital habits.
  • Educating children on the dangers of social media and technology to prevent these issues before they start.

I have presented at schools, universities, professional organizations, companies, and events, both in person and online. Each talk is meticulously crafted to resonate with the audience, combining well-researched content, interactive formats, and engaging activities. My workshops are designed to be lively, thought-provoking, and inspiring, encouraging curiosity and reflection.

If you’re interested in having me speak at your organization, please fill out the contact form.

Photo credit: AL&K Photography.

I realized very early on that I wasn’t afraid of speaking in public. In school, I’d always volunteer to present in front of the class when nobody else wanted to. I just never thought of it as a career option and never considered why I liked it so much, until recently.

I come from a family of artists. Mostly amateurs, but also professional. We love to sing, dance, write, tell jokes, perform, model, you name it. We love the performing arts, and this is the main reason I enjoy public speaking—it’s in my genes.

Additionally, giving talks allows me to share my passion for positive psychology with more people other than my students. When I prepare my talks, I carefully craft the content, format, and activities to connect with the audience. I deliver lively, engaging, and thought-provoking workshops that make people curious.

I have presented at schools and universities, professional organizations, companies, and promotional events face-to-face and online. I would love to give a TEDx or even a TED Talk one day. If you’re interested in having me speak within your organization, please fill out the contact form.

Sample Talks

Guidelines for Giving Your Child Their First Smartphone and Introducing Social Media

(Target Audience: Parents)

In this talk, we’ll discuss essential considerations before giving your child their first smartphone. We will cover potential dangers and how to avoid them, emphasizing the importance of training and guiding children in their use of technology. We will also provide practical recommendations and useful resources, reflecting on steps parents can take today to foster a healthy relationship with technology in their children and families.

Content:

  • Social media and smartphones are not toys; they are tools.
  • Would you give your child car keys without teaching them to drive? The same principle applies to social media.
  • Dangers and statistics you might not know.
  • What is the appropriate age to give a child their first smartphone?
  • The secret to preventing your child from asking for a smartphone at an early age.
  • Guidelines and recommendations.
  • Steps you can start taking today.
  • Additional resources.

Navigating Digital Distractions to Achieve Balance

(Target Audience: Gen Zs)

In this tailored session for Gen Z, youth will discover how to take charge of their digital world. We will explore practical strategies and insightful techniques so they can regain control of their time and attention. We’ll examine the impact of ubiquitous technologies like social media on our lives, aligning our usage with our values and goals. We will uncover essential tools and clever hacks to transform technology into a helpful tool rather than a constant distraction. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to reclaim their focus and make meaningful use of their time in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.

Empowering Pre-Teens: Navigating Technology with Responsibility

(Target audience: Pre-teens who don’t own a smartphone yet)

In this talk crafted specifically for teens on the cusp of smartphone ownership, we will explore the potential risks associated with excessive smartphone and social media usage. From addiction to FOMO, social comparison to harmful viral challenges, we shine a light on the various dangers that lurk in the digital realm and how to avoid them. But fret not! This session is all about arming teens with the knowledge and tools necessary to establish healthy habits and boundaries from the outset. They will discover how to navigate the digital landscape responsibly, including understanding the legal implications of data and media sharing. Additionally, they will learn the art of fostering friendships both online and offline. By the end of our time together, adolescents will emerge as savvy and responsible teens equipped to navigate the digital world with confidence.

Maximizing Your Relationship with Technology: Navigating Digital Well-being

(Target audience: Adults in any organization)

Digital well-being is more than just occasional social media breaks or muting notifications. During this insightful session, we will explore the essence of digital well-being. From digital decluttering to establishing healthy boundaries and fostering intentional technology use, we’ll cover a range of topics crucial for achieving digital flourishing. Attendees will learn the art of managing socially responsible email practices and striking a harmonious tech-life balance. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with practical strategies to thrive in the digital age.

Social Media and Well-being

This interactive workshop explores the positive and negative psychological effects of social media. Through personal anecdotes and scientific findings, we examine why our brains enjoy “likes” and “follows” so much, and we discuss potential consequences of these primal reactions. We also talk about how social media can positively affect our relationships. In the end, participants walk away with an understanding of the outcomes of engaging with social media as well as practical tools to improve these platforms’ impact on well-being.

Positive Leadership

Evidence suggests that positive organizational practices such as strengths-based approaches, appreciative inquiry, psychological capital, high-quality connections, meaning at work, and jobcrafting are beneficial for both companies and associates. During this talk, participants learn about science-proven interventions and strategies that can have an impact on organizational culture, employee job satisfaction, engagement, productivity, and retention.

Positive Psychology and Parenting

Positive psychology parenting goes beyond positive discipline and non-punitive parenting styles. Assuming an already affectionate and disciplined home environment, we discuss how specific concepts from positive psychology can help both parents and their children in their day-to-day lives. Topics examined include mindful parenting, feelings of guilt, self-care, and the use of mobile devices in the presence of children. We also learn how to teach children self-efficacy, growth mindsets, knowledge of emotions and strengths, and stress management.

Testimonials

I’d like to thank Stephanie for giving us the opportunity to gather for the Positive Leadership workshop she led at our company, Grupo Socoada, in December 2019. Stephanie has the knowledge and skills necessary to present and explain this topic, she engages the audience and promotes their active participation. The workshop resulted in a positive impact in motivation, positive attitude, and productivity of our associates.
Ing. Luis Armando Yon Mazón
Manager of Human Capital, Grupo Socada

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