You Don’t Owe Happiness

Speaker

Sean Ilenrey

Founder, Value-Centric

Track

• Reimaging Workforce Strategy for an Inclusive Future

Step into a new era of leadership with Sean Ilenrey’s dynamic keynote, “You Don’t Owe Happiness”—a powerful extension of his bestselling book. In this transformative session, Sean challenges the outdated belief that leaders are responsible for employee happiness, instead advocating for value-centric leadership rooted in purpose, growth, and mutual accountability.

Drawing on more than a decade of leadership experience and the core principles of his book, Sean dives into the six pillars of value-centric leadership: empowerment, recognition, communication, growth, sponsorship, and security. Through personal stories and practical insights, he illustrates how these elements—not performative positivity—build cultures where people feel valued and inspired to contribute their best.

Whether you lead a team, a department, or an entire organization, this keynote will reframe your approach to culture and engagement. It’s not about managing morale—it’s about creating meaning. Join the movement to redefine what success looks like in the workplace.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Rethink leadership around purpose, not performativity
• Design cultures that foster real engagement
• Lead with authenticity and sustainable impact

Recommended Audience: C-suite executives, team leads, inclusion champions, emerging leaders