Dr. Ken Martz Keynote Speaker

Best for: healthcare, education, public sector, associations

Key Points: Disconnection drives burnout and poor outcomes. Connection—designed into workflows—is medicine.

Key Takeaways:

• A plain‑language map of how stress hijacks decision‑making—and what to do in 90 seconds.
• A three‑step framework to design connection into meetings, intakes, and daily huddles.
• Scripts for communication and collaborations within the workplace and across programs

Best for: corporate, founders, senior leaders, HR

Key Points: Performance without emotional mastery is expensive. There’s a better way.

Key Takeaways:

• The Performance Pressure Loop—and how to break it in two moves.
• Five leadership habits that build psychological safety without lowering standards.
• A weekly 15‑minute ritual for clarity, focus, and better decisions.

Audience Activities: “Armor to Authenticity” reflection, values‑to‑behaviors mapping, peer mini‑coaching.

Best for: leadership groups, men’s initiatives, associations

Key Points:Men aren’t emotionally broken—they’re under‑trained. Teach the skill, change the culture.

Key Takeaways:

• The “masks” high‑performing men wear—and how to remove them safely.
• A simple language for emotion that lowers shame and increases action.
• How to turn teams into brotherhoods that deliver—at work and at home.

Audience Activities: mask inventory, “replace ‘I’m fine’ with one honest truth,” accountability circle demo.

Best for: treatment professionals, educators, leadership trainings
Key Points:: The brain is wired for change. Neuroplasticity is the counselor’s ally in creating lasting behavioral and emotional transformation.
Key Takeaways:

• Learn the basics of neurobiology as it relates to addiction and recovery.
   
• Explore principles of learning and how to apply them to recovery behaviors.
   
• Apply brain-based practices to reinforce new habits and sustain recovery success.

Best for: counselors, peer specialists, recovery programs 

Key Points: Meditation isn’t mysticism—it’s a repeatable skill that maps onto craving and relapse cycles. 

Key Takeaways:

• Differentiate evidence‑based meditation approaches relevant to SUD recovery.
• Use a simple, teachable meditation sequence for stress regulation and relapse prevention.
• Integrate meditation into treatment plans for both client change and clinician self‑care.

Best for: clinicians, supervisors, 

Key Points: Fear often drives secrecy and relapse. Naming it—and training skills around it—unlocks courage and commitment. 

Key Takeaways:

• Understand fear’s neurobiology in SUD and gambling disorder.
• Identify how fear maintains the addictive cycle across stages of change.
• Coach clients through fear with concrete exposure, language, and support tools.

Best for: new and seasoned counselors, supervisors, interns 

Key Points:  The counselor is the instrument. Presence, assessment, and purposeful process turn technique into change. 

Key Takeaways:

• Strengthen therapeutic presence and alliance from hello to goodbye.
• Map assessment to targeted interventions across the change process.
• Close effectively: maintain gains through termination and beyond.

Best for: neurodiversity initiatives, education, tech, healthcare
Key Points: Emotional intelligence isn’t about being outgoing — it’s about being attuned. All brains can build self-awareness and resilience.
Key Takeaways:

• Redefine emotional intelligence 
• Learn practical tools for self-awareness and self-regulation that don’t require extroversion. 
• Build relational confidence in ways that honor diverse processing styles.

 Best for: prevention coalitions, colleges, treatment programs 

Key Points: Story plus science changes minds. Human narrative + evidence creates traction for recovery. Key Takeaways:

• Identify risk factors and ineffective coping in gambling disorder.
• Compare treatment approaches for long‑term outcomes.
• Build holistic plans that blend evidence and lived experience.

  Best for: executives, clinical directors, owners 

Key Points: Culture follows leaders. Ethics is a daily practice, not a poster. Key Takeaways:

• Use a clear framework for ethical decisions amid real constraints.
• Build norms that invite candor, accountability, and care.
• Anticipate common dilemmas in SUD settings—and resolve them well.

Best for: medical‑behavioral teams, adolescent services, policy forums 

KeyPoints: Safer pain care exists now. Integrate non‑opioid options to reduce risk and increase function. Key Takeaways:

• Survey proven non‑opioid strategies across populations.
• Understand the historical arc that fueled OUD—and how to do better.
• Implement practical, accessible pain protocols and referral pathways.