About

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Dr. Melanie Katzman is a clinical psychologist, business consultant, and coach to the world’s top public and private companies, non-profit organizations, and governmental institutions. A popular keynote speaker and workshop leader, her latest book, Connect First: 52 Simple Ways to Ignite Success, Meaning, and Joy at Work, is a #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller.

An expert in executive development, group dynamics, and leadership diversity, she founded Katzman Consulting in 1999—a consortium of psychologists who have worked in 40 countries advising clients during times of transition, conflict and/or rapid growth. She is also a founding partner in the social enterprise Leaders’ Quest, established in 2002, which connects and develops recognized and invisible leaders to facilitate cross sector solutions to shared global issues.  

Melanie is committed to cultivating cultures that help teams thrive—along with the people they serve, and the communities they inhabit—by naming and addressing their challenges and celebrating individual and group success. She collects data, identifies behavioral and attitudinal patterns, and delivers feedback that enhances self-awareness. Always looking for the “triple win,” (individual, organizational, and social benefits), she offers fresh perspectives and provides a safe forum to experiment with novel solutions.

She has held faculty positions at the Weill Cornell Medical School and The Wharton Business School, along with visiting professorships in Brazil, China, England, Italy, and Hong Kong. Melanie has authored/co-authored several treatment manuals, a neurobiology textbook, and a guide to feminist psychology. She is the co-creator and past co-host of SiriusXM’s nationally broadcast radio show, “Women@Work,” and has been featured in media outlets around the world.

Melanie holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and is certified in the U.S. and chartered in the U.K. She has been a member of the NYC Emergency Medical Reserve Corps since 2001 and sits on the board of Governor’s Island, generating inclusive, community-based opportunities for education, arts exploration, and access to green spaces. In 2021, Estée Lauder Companies named Melanie to its Medical Advisory Board and the New York Yankees Organization recruited her to advise its staff on mental health issues.

Visit this page for a sampling of Melanie Katzman’s Publications & Invited Addresses.

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Carl Haney
“Dr. Katzman has played an integral role elevating our company’s focus on mental health throughout the pandemic and beyond. Her energy, passion and relatable approach has resonated with our employees around the world.”
Carl Haney
“Dr. Katzman has played an integral role elevating our company’s focus on mental health throughout the pandemic and beyond. Her energy, passion and relatable approach has resonated with our employees around the world.”

Carl Haney,
EVP, Research, Product and Innovation Officer & Chair, Global Crisis Leadership Team, The Estée Lauder Companies.

“Dr. Katzman has played an integral role elevating our company’s focus on mental health throughout the pandemic and beyond. Her energy, passion and relatable approach has resonated with our employees around the world.”
Michael Todasco
“The premise of Melanie’s work is refreshingly uncomplicated: Focus on the everyday moments that make a lasting difference.”
Michael Todasco
“The premise of Melanie’s work is refreshingly uncomplicated: Focus on the everyday moments that make a lasting difference.”

Michael Todasco,
Senior Director of Innovation, PayPal.

“The premise of Melanie’s work is refreshingly uncomplicated: Focus on the everyday moments that make a lasting difference.”
Michelle Martin
“Melanie equipped our managers with ideas and resources to take care of their most important assets: Themselves and their team members. After she spoke, we were all more motivated and optimistic.”
Michelle Martin
“Melanie equipped our managers with ideas and resources to take care of their most important assets: Themselves and their team members. After she spoke, we were all more motivated and optimistic.”

Michelle Martin,
SVP Total Rewards Experience, Paramount; Former SVP, ViacomCBS.

“Melanie equipped our managers with ideas and resources to take care of their most important assets: Themselves and their team members. After she spoke, we were all more motivated and optimistic.”
Pilar Guzman, Editorial Director, Oprah Daily; Former Editor-in-Chief, Conde Nast Traveler
“Melanie toggles seamlessly between the needs, motivations, and aspirations of the individual and the broader goals of an organization. When you engage Melanie you are the beneficiary of over 30 years’ expertise guiding executive development and group dynamics across myriad sectors.”
Pilar Guzman, Editorial Director, Oprah Daily; Former Editor-in-Chief, Conde Nast Traveler
“Melanie toggles seamlessly between the needs, motivations, and aspirations of the individual and the broader goals of an organization. When you engage Melanie you are the beneficiary of over 30 years’ expertise guiding executive development and group dynamics across myriad sectors.”

Pilar Guzman,
Editorial Director, Oprah Daily; Former Editor-in-Chief, Conde Nast Traveler.

“Melanie toggles seamlessly between the needs, motivations, and aspirations of the individual and the broader goals of an organization. When you engage Melanie you are the beneficiary of over 30 years’ expertise guiding executive development and group dynamics across myriad sectors.”
Sybil Strum
“One of Melanie's greatest strengths is her knack for helping me uncover blind spots and limiting beliefs that were holding me back. Through targeted coaching sessions, she empowered me to overcome barriers and unlock my full potential as a leader. Her insights were always backed by real-world experience and a keen awareness of industry trends.”
Sybil Strum
“One of Melanie's greatest strengths is her knack for helping me uncover blind spots and limiting beliefs that were holding me back. Through targeted coaching sessions, she empowered me to overcome barriers and unlock my full potential as a leader. Her insights were always backed by real-world experience and a keen awareness of industry trends.”

Sybil Strum,
Co-Founder Wine Enthusiast Companies.

“One of Melanie's greatest strengths is her knack for helping me uncover blind spots and limiting beliefs that were holding me back. Through targeted coaching sessions, she empowered me to overcome barriers and unlock my full potential as a leader. Her insights were always backed by real-world experience and a keen awareness of industry trends.”
Ken Bardach
“Melanie has a remarkable ability to observe and document truth.”
Ken Bardach
“Melanie has a remarkable ability to observe and document truth.”

Ken Bardach
Adjunct Professor in Residence, Fundação Dom Cabral, Brazil.

“Melanie has a remarkable ability to observe and document truth.”
Yael Latzer
“Melanie’s energy is boundless. She is empowering people around the world to be leaders as she is gifted in highlighting the best in each person individually, and is able to connect and create groups that magnify results.”
Yael Latzer
“Melanie’s energy is boundless. She is empowering people around the world to be leaders as she is gifted in highlighting the best in each person individually, and is able to connect and create groups that magnify results.”

Yael Latzer,
Professor, Haifa University, Israel.

“Melanie’s energy is boundless. She is empowering people around the world to be leaders as she is gifted in highlighting the best in each person individually, and is able to connect and create groups that magnify results.”