Hi, I’m Cary
Mental health isn’t just part of my work—it’s part of my story. I’ve lived the quiet pressure of leading while facing deep mental health challenges of my own. My mission is to give leaders permission to be human, and to build cultures where being okay isn’t the price of entry.
I believe:
Mental health is not a side conversation—it’s central to leadership, and it’s time we started having the hard conversations. We can talk about metrics and meaning. Deadlines and depression. Results and rest. Cultures of care are not soft—they’re strategic.
My professional journey so far:
I have a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and two decades of experience working across sectors—government, corporate, and nonprofit—helping leaders and teams navigate change, show up fully, and build cultures where people can truly thrive.
I’ve taught leadership and psychology at American University, the U.S. Naval Academy, and George Mason University. I’ve coached hundreds of executives and designed leadership programs for organizations ranging from the federal government to Fortune 500s.
In 2008, I founded Rock Recovery, a nonprofit that helps people heal from eating disorders and related mental health challenges. That work reshaped how I think about performance, purpose, and the hidden battles people carry.
Today, I speak and coach at the intersection of leadership and mental health—because I believe they belong in the same conversation.
Certifications & Affiliations
“Dr. Larson brings a powerful blend of research expertise and personal insight to the conversation on workplace well-being, inviting us to contribute meaningfully to mental health at work... A compelling reminder that a well-held conversation in a safe environment can drive real impact."
— Shirley Liu, FT300 Corporate Executive"Dr. Carylynn Larson’s Break|Through keynote is a bold and heartfelt invitation to rethink how we show up for ourselves and each other at work. Her powerful storytelling and data-driven insights helped me feel seen, inspired, and better equipped to lead with empathy and intention.”
— Jonah Otis, CEO and Director of Coach Services, Leadership Coach Directory“Her insights sparked thoughtful conversations and offered practical takeaways we’re already applying in our day-to-day work. It was refreshing to experience a talk so grounded in real-life experience and applicable strategies. Her presence and message were both powerful and deeply relevant.”
— Amy Jo Marcenaro, EVP & COO, Junior Achievement of Greater Washington
The heart of it:
What keeps me up at night? This quiet truth: most leaders are carrying more than they let on, surrounded by people who are silently overwhelmed, or struggling themselves. Stress, burnout, imposter syndrome, grief, isolation—all of it shows up in the workplace, even if it’s not on the agenda.
As leaders, we often feel pressure to hold it all together. But what if leading well means making room for others to be human?
I’ve led through pain—my own and others’. I’ve seen what happens when teams have space to have difficult conversations. Performance improves and people heal in ways that ripple far beyond the workplace.
A few things that ground me:
Long walks with my husband, son, and our (slightly) off-kilter dogs.
Decision-makers who are brave enough to say, “I’m not okay”—and want to lead anyway.
The messy, beautiful process of healing.
Nature, stillness, and strong coffee.
Thanks for being here. If you’re holding space for others but struggling to hold space for yourself, I see you. And if you’re ready to lead in a way that honors both your impact and your humanity—I’d love to walk alongside you.
Cary’s Nonprofit Work
The concept for Rock Recovery (Rock)—a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging gaps in eating-disorder treatment—was born in the summer of 2007, when founder Carylynn Kemp Larson faced a fearful relapse. At the time, Carylynn was a working professional, nearly finished with her doctorate.
Following a devastating life change, Carylynn realized that her recovery was not as strong as she’d believed. Terrified of slipping into an all-consuming set of disordered behaviors, she sought out additional support.
To learn more about Carylynn’s story and Rock Recovery:
“Carylynn is a dynamic speaker that captivates the audience and enthralls with her message. You will not want to blink or miss a word she says.”
— Rhonda Davis, Head, National Science Foundation Office of Civil Rights“Dr. Larson's leadership in this space is something that is seldom seen.”
— JD Spain, Sr., USMC (Ret), Arlington County Board Member“Carylynn doesn’t just inform—she empowers. Audiences leave not only engaged, but equipped with practical tools they can immediately put to use.”
— Michelle Hutchings-Medina, Keynote Speaker, Cancer & Suicide Loss SurvivorEmpower Your Team to Have the Hard Conversations that Heal. Transform Your Culture.
Dr. Carylynn Kemp Larson is a speaker, visionary leader, experienced coach, and mental health advocate who has spent her career helping leaders and teams thrive through change and uncertainty. With a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and thousands of hours of speaking and coaching experience, she doesn’t just inspire—she delivers actionable insights that drive real results.
Inspiring Leaders. Transforming Workplaces. Elevating Well-Being.
Dr. Carylynn Kemp Larson isn’t just a keynote speaker—she’s a catalyst for change. With a powerhouse combination of research, real-world experience, and personal insight, she challenges audiences to rethink workplace well-being and build cultures of resilience and connection. If you're ready for a talk that sparks action and ignites transformation, Dr. Larson delivers.