Technology & Software Keynote Speaker

Every leader in technology and software wants to build a high-performing team, and nearly everyone wants to be on one. But even the most talented teams often struggle to collaborate effectively and sustain peak performance. We invest in hiring top engineers, refining agile processes, optimizing incentives, and collecting endless engagement data—yet we still don’t get the results we expect. The secret to unlocking performance isn’t just recruiting elite talent or designing the perfect system. The highest-performing teams succeed because they build the habits and culture that enable innovation, adaptability, and execution at scale.

Talent doesn’t make the team; the team makes the talent.

That’s what building the best team ever is all about. When you focus on strengthening the culture of your engineering, product, or cross-functional teams, you create an environment where collaboration thrives, ideas turn into breakthroughs, and execution accelerates. In this engaging and research-backed keynote, Dr. David Burkus reveals the science behind the world’s most effective technology and software teams and how leaders can apply those insights immediately. Leaders will walk away with a clear understanding of how their team’s culture drives innovation and performance—and a practical blueprint for turning any team into the Best Team Ever.

Every leader in technology and software dreams of a team that just clicks—one that collaborates effortlessly, tackles complex challenges head-on, and delivers results sprint after sprint. But not every team reaches that level of performance. Some struggle from the start, others begin strong but unravel under pressure, and many just coast—never reaching their full potential. In each case, misalignment grows, engagement breaks down, and execution slows.

Why do some teams break records while others just break down?

Most leaders assume the answer is more talent, better tools, or more meetings. But the real key to high-performing technology and software teams is mastering the two critical elements of collaboration: clarity and empathy. When teams have clear roles, aligned expectations, and shared goals (clarity), combined with a deep understanding of how teammates think and work (empathy), they move faster, adapt better, and innovate smarter. Without both, even the most skilled teams risk grinding to a halt.

In this high-energy, research-backed keynote, Dr. David Burkus reveals the surprising science behind why some technology and software teams thrive while others spiral into dysfunction. You’ll learn how to establish instant clarity, alignment, and accountability—even in remote, hybrid, or fast-scaling teams. And you’ll leave with practical strategies, proven frameworks, and actionable tools to boost collaboration, improve team dynamics, and accelerate performance—starting now.

Ready to unlock seamless collaboration and unstoppable execution?

Let’s make your team click.

Every leader in technology and software wants a team they can trust. Every teammate wants to know their trust is valued. But here’s the reality: trust isn’t built in a single moment—it’s reinforced (or eroded) with every interaction.

Trust isn’t given. Trust isn’t earned. Trust is reciprocated.

The highest-performing technology and software teams don’t just hope for trust—they build it, reinforce it, and protect it through a continuous feedback cycle: The Trust Loop. Every time trust is extended—whether in code reviews, cross-functional collaboration, or strategic decisions—it must be met with respect and reliability to keep the cycle going. When trust is broken, execution slows, silos form, and innovation stalls.

In this dynamic and research-backed keynote, Dr. David Burkus reveals a proven framework for reinforcing trust in every interaction. You’ll learn why trust erodes faster than you think—and how to prevent it from slipping away. More importantly, you’ll discover how great technology and software teams recover from failures and setbacks without losing trust.

The best teams don’t wait for trust to happen—they build it.

Let’s get The Trust Loop going.

In an industry where disruption is constant and competition moves fast, innovation isn’t optional—it’s essential. But too many technology and software teams struggle to generate and implement their best ideas. The mistake? Trying to make individuals more creative instead of designing teams that collaborate creatively. Research shows that the myth of the “lone genius” is just that—a myth. In reality, innovation is a team sport.

Teams have the potential to generate groundbreaking ideas—but only if they know how to harness the collective intelligence of everyone involved.

Blending the latest insights from social science with real-world lessons from the most innovative technology and software companies, Dr. David Burkus delivers a roadmap for turning any team into an innovation powerhouse. You’ll learn how to break down silos, leverage diverse expertise, and use productive conflict to refine and strengthen ideas. Most importantly, you’ll leave with actionable strategies to help your team move from idea to execution—faster, smarter, and more collaboratively than ever before.