The right idea, invoked at the right time, can change our lives. Drawing from her long studies of happiness, and also from the challenges she’s faced herself, #1 New York Times bestselling author GRETCHEN RUBIN has discovered the Secrets of Adulthood that can help us manage the complexities of life. 

Perhaps you’re paralyzed by indecision, struggling to navigate a big change, fighting a temptation, or puzzled by the behavior of someone you love; whatever you face, the right aphorism can help. From procrastination to the pursuit of happiness, Secrets of Adulthood is filled with witty and thought-provoking reflections as Rubin distills her key insights into simple truths for living with greater satisfaction, clarity, and happiness.

For anyone undergoing a major life transition, such as graduation, career switch, marriage, or moving, or for those just encountering everyday dilemmas, Secrets of Adulthood will inspire you by articulating truths that you may never have noticed but instantly recognize.

Secrets of Adulthood was chosen by Oprah Daily as one of the most useful guides coming out in 2025.

Information on book buys and signings is available upon request.

In this dynamic and insightful talk, GRETCHEN RUBIN, the best-selling author and expert on human behavior, will dive into the fascinating world of habit formation. Drawing on her years of research, including insights from her bestsellers The Happiness Project and Better Than Before, Rubin will show audiences how habits shape our lives, our happiness, and our success.

Through engaging anecdotes and cutting-edge science, Rubin will explore:

• The Four Tendencies: Why some of us thrive on structure while others resist it, and how understanding your unique Tendency can unlock your potential to form habits that last.
• The Science Behind Habits: How habits are formed in the brain, the role of rewards and repetition, and why small, consistent actions often lead to massive change.
• Practical Strategies for Habit Formation: From building healthier routines to breaking bad habits, Rubin will offer simple, actionable steps anyone can take to create positive habits that stick—whether it's exercising, eating better, or achieving your biggest goals.
• The Key to Lasting Change: How self-awareness and the power of "better than before" strategies can help you transform your life through intentional habit shifts.

Rubin’s evidence-based approach combines practical advice with motivational insights, making this speech an empowering experience for anyone looking to improve their habits and their overall well-being.

Whether in the workplace, at home, or in personal pursuits, Rubin will inspire audiences to take charge of their habits, create lasting positive change, and live a happier, more productive life.

Businesses are eager to hear from #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project GRETCHEN RUBIN on The Four Tendencies because her framework offers a practical and immediately applicable tool for improving leadership, communication, team dynamics, and productivity. The Four Tendencies categorizes people based on how they respond to expectations, both external (like work deadlines) and internal (personal goals), helping businesses optimize how they motivate employees, manage teams, and enhance workplace culture. Here’s why her insights matter:

1. Leadership & Management: Motivating Teams Effectively

Rubin’s framework helps leaders tailor their approach to different personality types:

• Upholders thrive on structure and clear expectations—ideal for roles requiring discipline.
• Questioners need rational justifications for tasks—great for analytical roles but need autonomy.
• Obligers excel when held accountable—mentorship and check-ins improve their productivity.
• Rebels resist control but excel in environments that emphasize choice and creativity.

Understanding these tendencies helps managers lead teams more effectively by aligning tasks and motivation strategies with natural inclinations.

1. Communication & Collaboration: Reducing Workplace Friction

Workplace conflicts often stem from differing tendencies. For instance:

• A Questioner may seem skeptical but just needs a logical reason to comply.
• An Obliger may overcommit unless given boundaries or accountability structures.
• A Rebel may resist authority but thrive when given ownership of a project.

Knowing this reduces misunderstandings, improves collaboration, and enhances communication styles for a smoother workflow.

1. Productivity & Employee Engagement: Customizing Motivation

One-size-fits-all motivation strategies don’t work. Businesses often struggle with keeping employees engaged and productive, but Rubin’s framework helps tailor motivation:

• Upholders thrive with clear goals and deadlines.
• Questioners need logic-driven incentives and flexibility.
• Obligers need external accountability (mentors, team check-ins).
• Rebels need autonomy and purpose-driven work to stay engaged.

By leveraging these insights, companies can increase employee engagement and performance.

1. Customer and Client Relations: Understanding Decision-Making

The Four Tendencies don’t just apply to employees—they also influence customer behavior.

• Questioners need thorough product explanations.
• Obligers respond well to testimonials and social proof.
• Rebels are drawn to unconventional branding.

For sales, marketing, and customer service teams, understanding how different people make decisions allows for better customer interactions and more effective messaging.

1. Change Management & Organizational Growth

When companies implement new initiatives, understanding how people react to change is critical.

• Upholders adopt new policies easily.
• Questioners resist unless given sufficient reasoning.
• Obligers need accountability systems to follow through.
• Rebels may resist unless they feel ownership in the change process.

Knowing this helps businesses drive change more effectively by addressing concerns in advance.

Why Businesses Should Hear from Gretchen Rubin

Rubin’s Four Tendencies framework is simple yet deeply insightful, making it easy for organizations to implement immediately. Her approach:

• Helps leaders become better managers
• Increases team cohesion and productivity
• Improves employee motivation and retention
• Enhances customer engagement and decision-making

Her insights lead to better leadership, happier employees, and stronger workplace performance, making her a valuable speaker for businesses looking to optimize their teams.

Explore The Four Tendencies Quiz here >>

#1 New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project GRETCHEN RUBIN walks audiences through dealing with burnout and navigating permacrisis in this vital conversation on the importance of pursuing happiness. She explains why it is essential to cultivate happiness even during hard times, and explores how and why we can work to make our lives happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. Rubin gives audiences of all backgrounds the practical, manageable skills they need to find and keep their happiness during turbulent times.

#1 New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project GRETCHEN RUBIN walks audiences through dealing with burnout and navigating permacrisis in this vital conversation on the importance of pursuing happiness. She explains why it is essential to cultivate happiness even during hard times, and explores how and why we can work to make our lives happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. Rubin gives audiences of all backgrounds the practical, manageable skills they need to find and keep their happiness during turbulent times.

As an expert on human nature and the habits that cultivate happiness, Rubin discusses ways we can develop and apply a personalized framework to create happier, more productive, creative lives.

In this lively and uplifting talk, bestselling author GRETCHEN RUBIN shares an absorbing, layered story of discovery filled with profound insights and practical suggestions about how to heighten our senses and use our powers of perception to live fuller, richer lives—and, ultimately, how to move through the world with more vitality and love.