Travels from San Francisco, California, USA
Jenn Lim's speaking fee falls within range: $30,000 to $50,000
One of the original pioneers of workplace happiness, Jenn Lim is cofounder of the company Delivering Happiness alongside Zappos legend Tony Hsieh. Lim has 20+ years of experience in building long-term sustainable brands via happiness as a business model. Her methods are driven by data plus her successful track record working with 350+ companies worldwide.
Lim got her start as a cultivator of workplace happiness when she was brought on as a consultant for Zappos in 2003 during its start-up days. She was the creator of the original Zappos’ Culture Book, which unintentionally became a tool of choice for companies looking to measure and improve employee happiness. Following the original edition’s publication in 2005, Lim wrote and edited annual updated copies for several years.
After Zappos and Tony became international names, Lim oversaw the marketing of Tony’s blockbuster book Delivering Happiness. She was also the major force behind getting the book translated into 17 different languages. The book’s sensational success (including 27 weeks on the New York Time’s Best-Sellers List) led to the creation of Delivering Happiness, “the world’s first culture coach|sulting™ company.”
Lim has served as the company’s CEO and CHO (chief happiness officer) since the company’s foundation. She is on a mission to create a happier world by helping leaders create happier employees. An accomplished presenter, some of her past events include keynotes at Twitter, Pixar, Stanford, UCLA, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, NAWBO, and the American Marketing Association.
Jenn Lim wears a lot of hats — literally and figuratively. She’s a bestselling author and a top-rated keynote speaker who’s had the privilege of sitting on the Global Happiness Council of Work & Wellbeing and working with hundreds of companies — from Fortune 500s and Best Places to Work to startups and governments.
Jenn’s approach to leadership is not for the faint of heart. She speaks the truth powered by a real-talk style that doesn’t shy away from tough topics, cuts through the fluff, and gets to what matters most. Her authentic approach and eons of experience in people, culture, and org design give her the street cred to back up her purpose of nurturing fulfilling lives through the work/life choices we make every day. And yet, despite her reputation as a “global workplace expert,” Jenn remains grounded, down to earth, and refreshingly weird.
Jenn’s beliefs are simple yet profound: we can be leaders at all levels, live true to our authentic selves and create workplaces rooted in happiness and humanity. She’s been named one of the World’s Top 50 Keynote Speakers and featured in publications like Inc., Forbes, Fast Company, Fortune, Entrepreneur, and Success Magazine. Jenn inspires folks around the world on ways to find meaning, grit, and joy, even in the toughest of times. She reminds us how we can all ripple an impact when we get real with ourselves first. When she’s not speaking or advising, you’ll find her spontaneously starting a dance party or meditating anytime she’s got a quiet minute. And if you need help parallel parking when you’re in a tough spot, she’s got your back (literally and figuratively)
Workplace happiness guru, Jenn Lim gives us a glimpse of the research-based formulas and strategies the happiest companies in the world use to maintain vibrant positive cultures. Not only are these organizations repeatedly rated among “the best companies to work for”, they’ve also outperformed the S&P 500 consistently over the past decade.
“We know that we have happier employees, happier customers, and actually a more successful and sustainable business,” Lim reports.
How then do you go about creating happier employees? While Lim says there are several lessons companies can learn, she outlines a major piece of advice in this introductory video. “Imagine if we were all being true to our weird authentic selves,” she challenges us. “Imagine if we were living our passion, purpose, and values on a regular basis, and then, imagine if we were living, prioritizing happiness first.”
Everyone can use more happiness. Jenn Lim gives you a thorough understanding of what drives workplace happiness along with actionable next steps you can take to make happiness your company’s business model. Lim’s work with over 350 companies will inspire you to examine your own organization’s happiness ROI and ways you can ignite your team with passion and purpose.
WHAT'S BEYOND HAPPINESS? and why do we need it now more than ever.
Since the world hit reset in 2020, people have been asking: - What are the things most important to me? - Am I living an authentic life that’s true to myself and not what others expect of me? - How do I know if I’m spending the minutes of my day meaningfully?
Whether you lead a company, teams, or your own work/life, it’s time to get to the core of who you are, live the purposeful life you want, and ripple your impact to people in your business and beyond.
In this session, Jenn shares why it’s time to redefine happiness, the role that life’s highs and lows play, and how we’re more resilient when we live with happiness and humanity. She’ll define what it means to take care of your greenhouse as you grow others and explain the new concept of the double ROI — return on investment and ripple of impact.
When we apply the learnings from Beyond Happiness, we wake up knowing, regardless of what bad news might be in the headlines that day, that we’re grounded in our internal worlds. That we’re putting our time and talents to the best use in service of ourselves and everyone we touch in our ecosystems.
WELCOME TO THE NEW WORKPLACE - where do we go from here for people, growth, adaptability, and impact?
As Jenn likes to frame it, the whole world got 2020’d, and the “future of work” is already happening now. With change still happening all around us, it’s more important than ever to get your team aligned to do their best work and feel (beyond) happy. Teams need tools to embrace the constant volatility and uncertainty. They want real-talk, and they want it now.
In this session, Jenn will share the greenhouse elements every workplace needs to fully adapt and thrive, first as individuals, then as a team and community. Learn how the GreenhouseModel can help your team feel connected with a sense of belonging, communicate effectively, and feel purpose-aligned with their team and company.
REAL TALK ON RECRUITING + RETAINING TOP TALENT - The real reason behind all of the latest workplace trends and how to get to the root of workplace issues.
While the way we work keeps shifting between in-person, remote, and hybrid, employees are jumping ship for their own reasons. The workplace trends we’ve been experiencing all stem from systemic issues of the way we work just isn’t working anymore. As leaders, we need to understand the root causes and why it’s not just about more pay or a big benefit package anymore.
In this session, Jenn will uncover what’s needed inside every culture to attract and retain top talent and how to create environments where people can do their best work. She’ll also share post-2020 examples of how companies can build cultures that keep employees coming back, showing up fully, and performing their best.
BRING HUMANITY TO WORK - get real with ourselves and our teams for a more whole, authentic workplace.
When we show up authentically at work, we can bring our whole selves, which benefits everyone on the team. When leaders encourage others to bring their whole selves and unique perspectives to each situation, solutions are created, innovation happens, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging flow naturally.
Jenn will inspire you and your team to show up authentically and embrace the highs and lows in work/life. Leaders who create a genuine, inclusive work environment know it’s not just the “RIGHT THING TO DO”; they know it’s also creating more profits and purpose in the world. When we get real with ourselves, THAT’S when happiness and humanity come alive.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME? WHAT'S IN IT FOR ALL? How people think, say, and DO with alignment and belonging.
It’s no secret that core values are essential to culture and success. The majority of companies have defined their values. But do those values still ring true and represent the company you are today? And, do your employees align and actually live these values daily? Are your values leading up to a purpose that drives your company’s success?
In this session, Jenn will share the significant impact teams experience when individuals define their personal values and ladder those up to the organizational values. She’ll share her values journey from life BC (BeforeCovid) to life AC (After Covid) and how those values may have changed. When we know our values — and how to LIVE them — we realize how our decisions impact our lives and the organization as a whole, for better or worse.
ME + WE + COMMUNITY
Flowing Beyond Happiness to Unleash Human Potential for a Purposeful +Positive Double ROI (Return on Investment/Ripple of Impact). At every defining moment in the consumer life cycle, there are opportunities to create a strong positive (or negative) brand experience, and those moments start with the employee. When we create a triple win—people are supported as individuals, teams/customers are supported, and businesses are more successful.
In this session, Jenn shares how as leaders, we can adapt to change, be profitable and purposeful, and support all people and our stakeholders (spoiler alert...it starts with your greenhouse first). When we nurture our greenhouse, we can then nurture others and create a ripple effect that positively impacts our whole ecosystem of people.
Starting with the employee means embracing with purpose and values the entire life cycle of humans, not just the time they spend on the clock. She’ll share real-world examples of organizations applying these greenhouse elements, which led to happier customers, more brand loyalty, and more profitable, impactful businesses.
The bottom line is when values, purpose, and behaviors align, a positive ripple of impact flows from the individual to team and company to customers, partners, vendors, and even the society and planet.
SPEAKING.COM: What do you want people to learn / take away from your presentations?
LIM: That happiness as a business model can apply to your business too, whatever size or industry it falls under.
SPEAKING.COM: What kind of special prep work do you do prior to an event? How to you prepare for your speaking engagements?
LIM: I like to really understand who the audience is – whether they’re managers, entrepreneurs, or thought leaders, etc. – as well as how happiness at work could affect their day-to-day life. Also I like to add in case studies and real-life examples that speak closely to the pain points of that audience or to their industry.
SPEAKING.COM: Have you had any particularly memorable speaking engagements / unusual situations arise while on the road?
LIM: There’s so many, but two stand out in my mind. First was when I had to speak after Kyle Maynard, a quadriplegic that climbed Mt. Kili. I also have a story about climbing the same mountain in my talk…backstage I thought to myself, “Well my story is lame compared to that (hahah).”
The second time was when I had to follow Bernice King (Martin Luther King’s youngest daughter) at another event. Tears were flowing in both talks before me, but I just tried to breath and do my best. After the talks, I shared that with them both and we laughed. It was a reminder of no matter who we are and what we do in life, we can always Inspire and Be Inspired (DHs Core Value #5).
Another moment after a talk, I randomly bumped into someone in Las Vegas who told me that my message helped push him to quit his job, find a new one that he loves, and take a risk to move his family. In the end, he said it all paid off.
SPEAKING.COM: What types of audiences would most benefit from your message?
LIM: Anyone who wants to use their role at work as a way to bring more happiness to others and themselves.
SPEAKING.COM: Which of your keynote speaking topics are your favorites and why?
LIM: When I share stories of how DH has globally impacted clients and people. It becomes more universal and accessible at the same time. It’s not just another “inspirational talk” — it hits home because it’s real and it applies to them, with ways they can readily apply.
When people come chat with me afterwards whether it’s a big hug or tears in their eyes or just a “Hm…I’ll challenge that but will think about it”, that means I connected with them in some way. As human beings, we’re programmed for connection and that fuels me and fulfills my own personal purpose in life.
SPEAKING.COM: What inspired you to start doing speaking engagements?
LIM: Hah, truth be told I was never inspired to do this in my life! My dad was an amazing public speaker and I never understood how someone would opt for that. You’ve probably heard that the top fears in life include death, financials and public speaking.
But I did it because of a moment I had in a class at UC Berkeley. A stranger came up to me and said, “I like this line of your poem.” As a shy person, I realized words (written and spoken) are more powerful than we know.
Speaking is an extension of that. I can’t wait to connect with someone else with my talks, in the same way I can’t wait to hear their own story.
SPEAKING.COM: How much do case studies, personal stories and or humor factor into your keynote speech content?
LIM: They probably make up at least 80% of my content because I use storytelling as a way to engage the audience throughout my keynote. You can have compelling evidence of what you’re talking about, but connecting the heart and the head to the message is what really resonates. A few good laughs and humbling anecdotes make it relatable at any level.
SPEAKING.COM: What are some of the successes you’ve helped clients make?
LIM: We’ve helped our clients transform their cultures into living, breathing systems that have impacted not only their bottom line but their lives and the lives of their employees. Some of our clients have seen results like higher engagement, improved retention, and record sales years.
“WE DID IT! We pulled off a meaningful program that will help our members transform their organizations in a positive way for years to come. I’m so grateful to you and the entire team for placing your trust in us and being tremendous partners in learning. You all have created an incredible ripple of impact for us as well.” – Erika Liodice, Executive Director, Alliance for Innovation and Transformation
“Jenn is highly personal and approaches problems like a friend of yours would. Jenn’s willingness to make things uncomfortable is not common from consultants. Consultants are usually looking to not get fired and at best, get a change order and extend a project. Jenn is looking to provoke. There is a level of challenge inside of it that other consultants would shy away from.” – Danny Brooks, ex-VP of Culture, Starbucks and Cofounder, Penrose
“Jenn Lim brought the insights, authenticity, and actionable advice that the California Conference for Women audience needed to hear this year. She challenged us all to be better leaders by embracing our humanness, our grief, and our joy. Thank you for reminding us to water our greenhouses and showing us the realness that comes beyond happiness.” – Carolyn Gan, Program Director, Conferences for Women
“I had the privilege of attending the Better Works—Empower HR conference today, and I’m still buzzing from all of the amazing insights and connections I gained! One of my favorite moments was hearing from Jenn Lim, who gave a powerful keynote speech on the importance of creating a positive workplace culture. Jenn’s talk really resonated with me, and it was so inspiring to hear about her experiences working with companies to build more engaged and fulfilled teams. Her message was a powerful reminder of the impact that professionals can have on their organizations. Feeling inspired + I can’t wait to put some of these learnings into practice in my own work.” – Payton Morey, Summer Moon Coffee
“Jenn really connected well with the audience early, used humor effectively, and utilized an AMC personal experience in her speech. Jenn’s PowerPoint presentation was terrific: highly stylized, smart, and fun.” AMC Theaters Annual Leadership Conference
“Jenn was wonderful. She was engaging and educating and really just an all-around great person. The clients were very happy.” Genentech Leadership Fall Summit
“Thank you for speaking at Toyota. I loved your presentation and messaging. You touched on so many topics that I know we can use immediately. You’ve inspired me to leave a legacy that makes a difference in my organization. You are truly an inspiration to all of us, thank you!” Janet Fujimoto, Talent Management Officer, Toyota
“I wanted to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to speak at the Patient Experience Conference at the Cleveland Clinic. You were the highest rated speaker of the event and I believe that it is a testament to your skill as a speaker, but more importantly a validation of your message!” Jim Merlino, Chief Experience Officer, Cleveland Clinic
“Jenn – You are an absolute delight. It was such a joy watching you hold that crowd spellbound. You have a beautiful story, a beautiful countenance, a beautiful mission – and we were very very grateful you shared it with us. Would be fun to think with you at some point about how to get your vision more embedded in the fabric of how care is delivered in the US…we could all use more happiness.” TEDMed, Health 2.0 Conference
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Beyond Happiness: How Authentic Leaders Prioritize Purpose and People for Growth and Impact
The co-founder and CEO of Delivering Happiness updates the Delivering Happiness model for our new abnormal, showing organizations of every kind how to cultivate a culture that can adapt to change, be highly profitable, and support all its people…starting with yourself.
Jenn Lim has dedicated her career to helping organizations from name-brand industry leaders to innovative governments build workplace cultures that benefit both their employees and their bottom line, with less employee turnover, greater engagement, and higher profits. Her culture consultancy, Delivering Happiness, demonstrates the profound impact happiness can have on businesses’ ability to thrive in our ever-changing times. In this book, she clearly and concretely shows the way the model works in a hyper-connected fast-paced world, beginning with each individual defining their sense of values and purpose (the ME), and rippling through the organization ecosystem (the WE and the COMMUNITY) in waves of impact.
Drawing on a deep understanding of the science of happiness, Jenn shows how bringing your whole self to work allows you to do your best work every day — no matter what role you play at your company or what crisis might come at you next. She explains how true happiness comes from living your true purpose, and offers case studies to show how companies can help individuals align their purpose with the company mission. This innovation in organizational design and company culture is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s the future of work, and it’s here now. In this life-changing guide, you’ll be empowered to find greater purpose in your own life and career, and to spread that power to others in your business and beyond.
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