THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CONNECTION

A live music journey through the internal, external and interpersonal strategies that ground individuals and harmonize teams


What do we lose when people feel isolated, misunderstood, or out of sync? This keynote reveals how connection with oneself, with others, and as a team forms the foundation of authentic collaboration and lasting success. A culture of harmony and belonging fuels motivation, strengthens resilience, and sparks innovation. Through engaging stories and psychology-based insights, participants learn how personality, motivation, and self-awareness shape alignment, trust, and performance. Live electric violin performances flow throughout the keynote, building energy and momentum, and the session concludes with an interactive dance activity that leaves audiences inspired, energized, and ready to strengthen connections.


“Great presentation and your music was AMAZING!”

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– Dinara Khalitova | Chair | PMI Toronto

Key Focus Areas

Introspection: Connecting with Self

  • Developing self-awareness and authentic identity
  • Managing stress, emotions, and mental resilience
  • Personality considerations and individual differences
  • Improving psychological well-being and emotions

Interaction: Connecting with Others

  • Building trust, recognition, and appreciation
  • Managing stress, emotions, and mental resilience
  • Applying personality and motivation insights
  • Enhancing collaboration and effectiveness

Integration: Connecting as a Team

  • Resolving conflicts proactively and constructively
  • Cultivating a strong and cohesive team culture
  • Empowering team members for greater impact
  • Optimizing resources and processes for success

“Inspiring and fact based! Loved the scholarly references.”

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– Katherine Vollman | CMAA Ohio Valley Chapter

A Multisensory Journey into Human Connection

Blending evidence-based psychology with the raw emotion of live electric violin, this keynote transforms research on belonging, empathy, and resilience into a felt experience. As scientific insights unfold, Alan’s electric violin music—performed in real time—amplifies each concept, anchoring ideas in the body and heart. Audiences leave not just informed, but moved: equipped with practical tools and an embodied sense of what true connection feels like.


“Loved the mental health perspectives”

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– Nina Brancaccio | City of Barrie

Concluding Interactive Dance Activity

This keynote concludes with a fun, interactive dance activity that reinforces the principles of connection explored throughout the session. Participants experience firsthand how self-awareness, collaboration, and trust come together in action, while energizing the audience and creating a memorable, engaging finale. The activity leaves everyone inspired, connected, and ready to bring the same energy and teamwork back to their personal and professional environments.


“Outstanding! By far, the best presentation I’ve ever seen at a PMI meeting.”

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– PMI North Carolina

Fully Customizable

Alan has a wide range of unique and engaging options to fit the needs, format and focuses of a wide range of events. If you have something particularly out-of-the-ordinary in mind, reach out and Alan will be happy to explore it with you and and suggest possible options.

Live Violin

Bringing ideas to life with powerful mountaineering metaphors and striking visuals that make complex concepts memorable and engaging.

Live Violin

Elevating the energy and emotional impact with live electric violin riffs that inspire and captivate audiences.

Interactive Dance

Engaging audiences with dynamic, participatory dance routines that energize the room, generate smiles, and foster connection.

Ropes Activity

Interactive ropes activities that simulate real-world challenges, fostering trust, teamwork, and strategic problem-solving in a fun and memorable way.

Creative Bridge

Creative Bridge Exercises

Facilitating innovative bridge-building and crevasse crossing exercises that strengthen problem-solving skills, encourage teamwork, and inspire creative thinking.

Rescue Activity

Immersing participants in simulated rescue scenarios that build teamwork, enhance problem-solving under pressure, and are a fun concluding exercise.

Communication Activity

Fun, engaging activities that get audiences out of their seats, while enhancing active listening, clarity, and collaboration in a humorous fashion.

Group Discussions

Facilitating thought-provoking group discussions that encourage diverse perspectives, foster deeper understanding, and drive collaborative problem-solving.

Book Signing

Book Signings

Connecting with audiences one-on-one through personalized book signings, offering insights and inspiration beyond the presentation.

Q and A

Hosting interactive Q&A sessions that foster meaningful dialogue, allowing audiences to dive deeper into key topics and engage directly with Alan and his content.

Humour

Seamlessly weaving humour throughout, lightening the mood while reinforcing key messages and keeping the audience engaged.

Body Language

Dynamic and purposeful body language to complement the message, enhancing engagement and ensuring the message and takeaways resonate with the audience.

“I wanted to send a sincere thank. I have been receiving praise for finding you as our keynote presenter throughout all of yesterday and this morning.”

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– Tracey Murray | Manager, Marketing and Communication | Dynamic Risk

Explore Testimonials

Delivery Formats

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Plenary Keynote

Best delivered as a 60 or 90 minute opening keynote as it really get’s everyone engaged and excited! The energy and connection are immediate and contagious.

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Interactive Keynote

Having Alan incorporate dynamic discussions or activities gets everyone moving, interacting, and fully engaged—setting an energetic tone for the entire event.

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Virtual Keynote

Perfect for remote audiences, Alan’s highly engaging virtual setup combines captivating visuals, interactive elements, and live storytelling to create a dynamic experience that transcends the screen.

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Breakout Session

Designed for more intimate engagement, Alan’s breakout session encourages collaboration and meaningful discussion. Participants leave with practical insights, actionable strategies, and a renewed sense of connection to their team and goals.

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Strategy Workshop

Designed to help teams clarify objectives, align on priorities, and develop actionable strategies for success. Through facilitated discussions and collaborative exercises, participants leave with clear direction, alignment, and practical implementation strategies.

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Hands-on Program

This highly interactive option gets participants actively involved through practical exercises, real-time problem solving, and experiential learning. By rolling up their sleeves and applying key concepts directly, attendees gain deeper insights, build new skills, and walk away with strategies they can put into action.

Incorporating Alan’s Books

Enhance the audience experience with one or both of Alan’s books! Pre-purchasing at a bulk discounted rate is a great way to provide a lasting valuable resource for the audience. Whether as a conference gift, workshop supplement, or draw prize giveaway, bulk orders ensure your attendees leave with lasting insights. Reach out to discuss special pricing and customization options.

“Alan takes you on a journey of self discovery – full of hope and inspiration on every page”

– Cathy Cavanagh | Northumberland United Way

Trusted by Organizations Worldwide

“What an inspirational presentation. Thank you so much for sharing your story.”

– Sharyn Hight | PMI New Zealand

“Uplifting and wonderful”

– Rosita Chang | FPA of Hawaii

“Incredible story and journey. Inspiring to reflect on personal Everest”

– Gus Pappas | Advocis Ottawa

“A testament of how to successfully deal with and overcome major challenges”

– Alvaro Vivanco | President | DAV Chile

“Alan delivers an outstanding presentation. he positive feedback we have received says it all.”

– Tom Reid | Global Marketing Director | Hatch Associates

“Captivating, and his story is inspiring for our employees”

– Peter Kinver | Chief Operating Officer | Barrick Gold

“Amazing and exhilarating. Felt like I was watching a movie”

– Debbie Hawe | General Motors

“One of the most compelling stories that I have ever heard”

– David Stewart | Dynamic Risk

“Our members were captivated by your incredible story and heartfelt delivery”

– Hannah Chala | VP Education & Programs | Meeting Planners International