Speaking
Empowering audiences to thrive and connect
Michelle Doerr: Empowering Conservation Leaders To Thrive
As a seasoned wildlife biologist turned leadership expert, Michelle Doerr brings a unique perspective to conservation work. With a deep understanding of both the science and the human side of conservation, Michelle helps professionals navigate the emotional challenges of their field. Drawing from her experiences in the wildlife and archery industries as well as her study of Adlerian psychology, she combines personal stories, emotional inclusion, and evidence-based strategies to help teams move beyond burnout, build resilience, and create thriving, supportive communities.
Michelle’s speaking engagements are engaging, interactive, and transformative, offering practical tools and inspiration for conservationists to reconnect with their purpose, foster collaboration, and lead with renewed energy. Her approach fosters a deep sense of connection—both to the work and to each other—empowering individuals and teams to embrace challenges and grow stronger together.
Signature Speeches
Beyond Burnout: Thriving in Conservation
Rediscover Your Energy, Purpose, and Passion
Burnout is more than exhaustion—a disconnection from the mission that once inspired you. In this dynamic keynote, Michelle Doerr combines personal stories, data insights, and field-tested strategies to guide conservation professionals on a journey beyond burnout. You’ll learn to recognize the systemic and personal factors contributing to burnout and discover actionable steps to reclaim energy, reignite passion, and create thriving workplaces. With interactive polls and real-world examples, this session inspires you to move beyond survival mode into thriving both personally and professionally.
Perfect for organizations seeking to empower their teams, this keynote provides a wake-up call and a roadmap for lasting change in the conservation community.
Resilience Redefined: Connecting, Encouraging, and Thriving in Conservation
Harness the Power of Connection to Build Stronger Teams and Communities
Resilience in conservation isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about thriving despite challenges. This keynote introduces Michelle Doerr’s Connect, Encourage, Thrive model, a powerful framework for fostering emotional well-being, collaboration, and purpose-driven action. Through thought-provoking stories and interactive moments, Michelle explores how connection to self, others, and the natural world can unlock untapped potential in individuals and teams.
Attendees will leave with practical tools for building resilience, cultivating encouragement, and fostering thriving communities in conservation. Whether you’re navigating ecological crises, organizational pressures, or personal hurdles, this keynote provides fresh perspectives and actionable insights to help you grow stronger together.
This keynote is ideal for teams and organizations ready to embrace emotional inclusion and reimagine resilience as a collective journey toward thriving.
Why Choose Me?
With years of experience across wildlife biology, ecopsychology, and leadership development, I bring a unique perspective to every talk. My approach is both compassionate and curious, helping people connect deeply with the material and take away practical tools for continuous improvement. Those who’ve worked with me describe me as approachable, creative, and strategic—qualities that ensure my presentations are both impactful and memorable.
How I Am Different
My journey from human-wildlife conflict management to the archery industry and into ecopsychology has equipped me with a distinct understanding of the complex relationships we share with nature. I’m committed to challenging and transforming narratives of separation, helping individuals and organizations reconnect with their true potential. What sets my work apart is my focus on capacity building, fostering environments where everyone can learn and grow together.
Read Grapevine
In the book I co-authored with my daughter, Grapevine: A Mother and Daughter’s Tangled Journey Through an Eating Disorder, we share a deeply personal story that explores the challenges and healing processes involved in such a journey. This book is not just a narrative; it’s a reflection on resilience, connection, and the power of shared experiences. Through this story, I aim to offer insights and guidance to others navigating similar paths.
Please reach out to me if you would like to schedule a speaking engagement or book reading.