Jennifer Breheny Wallace is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author and highly sought-after speaker whose work explores why people need to know their lives matter. She is best known for her book ‘Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic - And What We Can Do About It’, an Instant New York Times Bestseller, and for shaping a global conversation around wellbeing, purpose and human connection. As a speaker, Jennifer brings research, lived experience and storytelling together to help audiences rethink success and build healthier cultures at work, at home and in education.
Jennifer’s early career was rooted in rigorous journalism and a commitment to social impact. After graduating from Harvard University, she began her professional journey at CBS’s ‘60 Minutes’, where she worked as an Associate Producer on investigative pieces examining inequality, mental health and social responsibility. During her time there, she was part of the team that won the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Journalism, a formative experience that shaped her belief in journalism as a force for empathy and change. Alongside broadcast media, Jennifer developed strong editorial expertise through publishing roles, later becoming a trusted voice across major outlets. Her bylines in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and The New York Times reflect years spent translating complex research into accessible insights that resonate with families, leaders and policymakers.
Jennifer’s career achievements extend well beyond the page. Her first book ‘Never Enough’, was named an Amazon Best Book of the Year and a Next Big Idea Club Selection, cementing her status as a leading thinker on achievement culture and mental health. She is the Founder of The Mattering Institute and Co-Founder of The Mattering Movement, organisations dedicated to creating cultures where people feel valued and able to contribute. Her forthcoming book ‘Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose’, builds a powerful framework around belonging and meaning, positioning her at the centre of a growing global movement. Jennifer has delivered a widely acclaimed TED Talk at TED Vancouver 2025, advised organisations including Netflix, Calm and BCG BrightHouse, and partnered with The LEGO Group on its global ‘Play Unstoppable’ campaign.
Jennifer is hired as a keynote speaker because she offers clarity in a time of burnout and disconnection. Her talks explore mattering, workplace wellbeing, leadership, parenting, education and mental health, all grounded in science and delivered with warmth and precision. Audiences value her ability to make complex ideas practical, whether that means reshaping feedback culture in organisations or redefining success for young people. Jennifer leaves people with language they can use, actions they can take and a renewed sense of purpose.
Social Media
Books
Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-And What We Can Do about It
Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose
Jennifer Breheny Wallace’s official speaker topics are listed below:
- Building Cultures Where People Truly Thrive
- Mattering: The Foundation of Purpose, Connection and Wellbeing
- Mental Health, Belonging and Human Resilience
- Parenting and Education in an Age of Toxic Achievement
- Redefining Success in a High-Pressure Culture
- The Power of Mattering at Work
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"Jennifer brings the same insight, engagement, and empathy to her speaking as she does to her writing. She manages to articulate what so many of us are feeling and experiencing while introducing new well-researched information that will make you want to be a better parent. Her voice is important for everyone who cares about our next generation." - Harold, MD, President and Founder, Child Mind Institute
"Blackstone had the pleasure of hosting Jennifer Wallace for a company-wide fireside chat about achievement pressure. Jennifer's insightful perspective on this issue and its solution, mattering, and her ability to relay complex research in a useful and relatable way were impressive. She effortlessly and authentically engaged the audience, answering our questions with clarity and empathy. Not only is Jennifer a dynamic and compelling speaker, she was wonderful to work with and the feedback was exceptional. I strongly recommend her." - A.J., Chief Operating Officer, Blackstone Private Equity
"A deeply impactful presentation about the power of mattering at work. Jennifer is dynamic and skilled in her ability to blend personal insight and research. She left us with a strong understanding of why mattering is critical to employee well-being and clear steps to increase mattering at work and in our personal lives." - Conley, CFO & CRO, Resy
"An incredibly affecting discussion on how schools and parents can combat, instead of contribute to, toxic achievement pressure. Jennifer detailed the problem with empathy and delivered a strong case for mattering, fostering healthy relationships to achievement by helping students feel needed and valued. A highly memorable and impactful presentation." - Debra, President, National Association of Independent Schools
"Jennifer is a powerful speaker on what I believe is the most important conversation for schools today, everyone from faculty and staff, to parents and caregivers, to students themselves knowing that who they are and what they do truly matters." - Dr. Tara, Head of School, Charlotte Country Day School
"Jennifer’s presentation was the most impactful and transformative hour of parent education I have had the honour of facilitating in my thirty years as an educator. Her honesty, insight, and practical strategies surrounding achievement culture and mattering have the potential to change our community in ways that foster the healthy development of our students. We are excited to continue the conversation Jennifer helped us to start with her practical wisdom and actionable advice." - Dr. Heather, Associate Head of School, The Ensworth School
"Jennifer is a phenomenal speaker who brings a breadth of knowledge and wisdom to share with her audience. Her ability to articulate and break down a wide variety of topics and expert research is a gift that she shares gracefully and widely. The key takeaways from her presentation are grounded with realistic, actionable items that any parent, family member, or child can use with immediate effect. Thank you for making us all feel seen and showing us how we all matter regardless of our big and small achievements." - Megan, Director of Development and Alumnae Relations, Academy of Saint Elizabeth, New Jersey
"Jennifer Wallace’s virtual presentation was met with enthusiastic praise. While our parents and faculty convened in person in our school auditorium, Jennifer joined us remotely via a large screen. This setup allowed for seamless integration of in-person discussions, leveraging the mattering movement framework from the parent toolkit.
Jennifer's remarkable ability to capture the audience's attention and sustain engagement throughout the event, despite the physical distance, truly distinguished her. One member of our community remarked, ‘I felt like she was speaking directly to me; it was akin to having a conversation in her living room.’ Her insights, strategies, and fresh perspectives derived from her research provoked thought and offered actionable advice, particularly on the theme of mattering.
Moreover, attendees commended Jennifer for her clarity and authenticity, expressing how inspired they felt to initiate positive changes in their personal lives and communities. Based on our experience, I wholeheartedly endorse Jennifer as a virtual speaker for any community or school. Her passionate advocacy for the significance and impact of mattering is not only inspiring but also transformative, benefiting not only our children but also all parents." - Ellen, Director of The Boys Lab, Fairfield Country Day School
"Jennifer's presentation brought invaluable insights and a positive approach to our audience of school superintendents and board members. At a time when educators, parents, and students are exhausted by the hyper-competitive academic arms race, Jennifer's concept of mattering struck a responsive chord and refocused us on the real meaning of success." - Betsy, Executive Director, Garden State Coalition of Schools
"Jennifer Wallace’s messages to redefine success and emphasise mattering and intrinsic motivation were both timely and thought-provoking, leaving Milton Academy parents, faculty, and administrators inspired to continue cultivating healthier approaches to achievement. As a parent of a middle schooler, I was feverishly writing down ideas that I could implement that evening to promote connection and to opt out of society's toxic achievement culture." - Katie, Director of Lower and Middle School Admission, Milton Academy
"Jennifer Wallace was extremely engaging on so many levels and earned positive feedback from colleagues, parents, and our Head of School. One parent called Jennie the best speaker we have hosted during her time here. The content and themes were highly relevant and her delivery really resonated with people. She helped all of us who love and live or work with teens feel like we really matter. Most importantly, she provided us with tangible ideas, mindsets, and actions that we can employ to support them to attain a healthier balance of striving and thriving." - Libby, Educator, Director, Advisor, Lakefield College School
"Jennifer’s message is one that resonated with both our parent and faculty community as we work collaboratively to support the well-being of our children and students. Jennifer is able to define and qualify the problems faced by today’s youth without apportioning blame and with the goal of providing clear, concrete guidance to caretakers and schools on how we can become part of the solution." - Jonathan, Dean of Counseling, Lake Highland Preparatory School
- 2026 - Publication of 'Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose'
- 2025 - TED Talk delivered at TED Vancouver
- 2023 - Co-Founded The Mattering Movement
- 2023 - Founded The Mattering Institute
- 2023 - 'Never Enough' named Amazon Best Book of the Year
- 2022 - 'Never Enough' became an Instant New York Times Bestseller
- 2016 - Honourable Mention, American Society of Journalists and Authors Award
- 2005 - Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Journalism as part of the 60 Minutes team
How to hire Jennifer Breheny Wallace
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Jennifer Breheny Wallace for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
