Shasta's Bio
Shasta Nelson is a pioneering voice on the power of human connection. As a keynote speaker, author of three books, and Chief Friendship Officer for the U.S. Chamber of Connection, she translates cutting-edge research into relatable, inspiring talks that teach people how to build high-trust, resilient relationships—at work and in life.
For over 15 years, Shasta has worked with top organizations like Google, LinkedIn, and Walmart, helping leaders and teams deepen belonging, boost engagement, and create cultures where people genuinely thrive. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, TIME, Forbes, and on TEDx, The Today Show, and Steve Harvey.
Whether she’s speaking to physicians or tech execs, educators or entrepreneurs, Shasta brings a rare blend of data and heart to the stage—delivering powerful insights and interactive moments that leave every audience feeling more connected and energized.
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Want Even Shorter?
Shasta Nelson is a keynote speaker, author, and leading voice on the power of human connection. Known for blending research with warmth and humor, she teaches how strong relationships drive better teams, healthier cultures, and more fulfilled lives. A contributor to Harvard Business Review and the Chief Friendship Officer for the U.S. Chamber of Connection, Shasta has been featured on The Today Show, in TIME, and on stages for 500+ audiences—all in service of one mission: helping people connect better, at work and beyond.
SAMPLE INTRO FOR EVENT ORGANIZERS
Get ready for a keynote that’s going to feel less like a lecture—and more like a really good conversation.
Our speaker today is one of the leading voices on the power of human connection. She’s a keynote speaker, author of three books, and the Chief Friendship Officer for the U.S. Chamber of Connection—yes, that’s a real title, and yes, she’s as awesome as it sounds.
Her work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, TIME, and even The Today Show—but what makes Shasta truly unforgettable is how she blends research, real-life stories, and audience interaction to leave people feeling inspired, equipped, and more connected than when they walked in.
She’s spoken to everyone from Google execs to healthcare heroes—and today, she’s here for you.
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Please join me in welcoming… Shasta Nelson!
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SAMPLE INTRO FOR EVENT ORGANIZERS
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Get ready to be energized by today’s speaker—an expert in building the deep, meaningful friendships that enrich our lives!
She’s the author of three books, including Friendships Don’t Just Happen! and Frientimacy, where she teaches us how to form and strengthen the healthy connections we crave. You may have seen her on TEDx and top conference stages, read her advice in The New York Times and TIME magazine, or caught her insights on Today and The Steve Harvey Show. Her mission? To help all of us reduce loneliness, boost our sense of belonging, and experience the health and happiness that come from genuine friendships.
Today, we have the pleasure of learning from her firsthand—she’s here to show us how to build the kind of connections that make life richer. Please join me in welcoming… Shasta Nelson!
SAMPLE INTRO FOR PODCAST INTERVIEWS
Shasta Nelson is a leading expert on social relationships, speaking across the country and facilitating events to build belongingness and human connection. She’s a contributor to the Harvard Business Review and has been quoted in several publications, including Forbes, the New York Times, and TIME magazine; and she has been interviewed live on dozens of TV shows, such as the Today Show and Steve Harvey Show. And, if you haven’t yet seen her popular TED talk, then you’ll want to check that out later!
Shasta has written three books on social relationships and belongingness, including the one we are here to talk about today—her most recent, The Business of Friendship: How to Make the Most of Our Relationships Where We Spend Most of Our Time, in which she teaches how to create a culture of belonging in our workplaces.
Welcome Shasta!
Check out a few popular questions for podcasts and Q&As with Shasta:
AUDIO VISUAL & PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS
Below is a checklist that will ensure the best audience experience of Shasta’s program. Please share this list with your Meeting Planner and AV Contact.
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If you encounter a challenge with any of the following requests, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can fix it in advance of your event.
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+ 1x wireless, lapel or headset (over the ear) microphone
+ Access to PowerPoint (screen, projector, clicker)
+ Shasta’s programs are very interactive and engaging; whenever possible, please try to fill seats in the front of the room for energy, seat people at tables for increased connection opportunities, and provide name tags for your audience to encourage connecting with one another.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Depending on the event, Shasta also can provide:
+ Speed-friending facilitation for your attendees to meet and connect
+ Pre-event survey to your attendees to determine current friendship satisfaction
+ Assessment of team relationships for organizations/teams and consulting
+ Books, pre-signed or personalized during a book signing
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PURCHASE SHASTA'S BOOKS
If you’d like to order books in bulk for your attendees, clients, or team members, please contact Shasta for discount pricing. And she’s always happy to set aside time for signing books and connecting!
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SHASTA'S SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shastanelson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shasta.m.nelson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shastamnelson/