Laurie Craigen Keynote Speaker

Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Award-Winning Educator
Triple Crown Open Water Swimmer

Laurie Craigen's Biography

Dr. Laurie Craigen is a speaker, consultant, therapist, professor, and accomplished endurance athlete with a passion for helping individuals and organizations master the psychology of resilience, performance, and well-being.

Laurie received her PhD from the College of William and Mary and currently is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry in the Mental Health and Behavioral Medicine Program at Boston University’s Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine. As a faculty member she has received educator awards in teaching excellence and innovation.

With over 20 years of experience in mental health and leadership development, Laurie has given talks to many corporations, government agencies, fire and police departments, and Olympic sports teams. She also has a highly sought after private practice in the Boston, area. Her evaluators applaud Laurie’s engaging speaking style, infusing wisdom, humor, and redefining what it means to be a “selfish” audience member. Her goal is that through her talk, each unique audience member will walk away with a learning moment that they can apply to their own professional and personal life.

Laurie works professionally within the intersection of fear, mental optimization, and high-performance mindset—she infuses her experience as a professor, mental health therapist, and successful endurance athlete and open water swimmer into her talks.

Laurie Craigen's Speaking Topics

Thriving In Fear: In this talk, Laurie shares her motivational journey through fear/anxiety and participants are introduced to a new model of approaching fear and anxiety, rejecting the notion that individuals need to overcome fear. Rather, her innovative model helps participants learn that they can thrive WITH fear and anxiety.

Growth Mindset: In this talk, Laurie introduces the concept of growth mindset and the benefits of a growth mindset and resiliency in work and one’s personal life. She also talks about the role of joy and gratitude in the development of both a growth mindset and post-traumatic growth.

From Good to Great: In this talk, Laurie talks about high performance and optimization and what separates individuals who perform well to performing at an optimal level.

Laurie can also create custom talks per your needs. Additional talks that Laurie has given include, Workplace Communication, The Power of Curiosity, Building Psychological Safety, and Leading with Vulnerability.

She brings deep clinical and academic authority as an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, grounding conversations on resilience, performance and well-being in evidence-based psychology.
She translates two decades of mental health and leadership development work into practical tools that help leaders and teams manage fear, reduce burnout and sustain high performance under pressure.
She is trusted by high-stakes organisations including corporations, government agencies, and fire and police departments, helping professionals build the mental habits that improve decision-making, teamwork and emotional control.
She blends therapeutic expertise with elite endurance experience as a Triple Crown open water swimmer, giving audiences a powerful, real-world lens on grit, recovery and long-term resilience.
She delivers engaging, high-impact sessions recognised for teaching excellence and innovation, combining humour, clarity and actionable takeaways that audiences can apply immediately at work and beyond.

Videos of Laurie Craigen

Meet Laurie Craigen, BU Professor and Competitive Swimmer

A Fan On And Off The Court | Celtics Fanatics

Articles, Media & Podcasts

Integrating psychological flow in counseling

Counseling Today

This BU Professor and Competitive Swimmer is Preparing for the Most Critical Race of Her Life

Bostonia

Holy Cross alum swam across English Channel, and away from her fear

Telegram & Gazette

Comments & Testimonials

“As a retired police sergeant with 27 years, having attended hundreds of trainings, and Dr. Laurie Craigen's 'High Stress Jobs' presentation stands out as one of the best. It is not only interactive but also impactful, empathetic, and transformative. In a short time, Dr. Craigen masterfully creates connection while providing practical tools for those working in high-stress professions. This presentation is truly a must-attend for anyone in such fields.”

Jess C.

"I have worked several Human Performance workshops with Dr. Craigen and witnessed her in action. Her ability to engage her audience is remarkable; she doesn't just present theories or data, but rather shares relatable stories and experiences that resonate with each participant. During her sessions, she encourages open dialogue, allowing attendees to explore their own challenges and triumphs. She is truly an inspiring human being."

Janel N.

“I have had the pleasure of seeing Dr. Laurie Craigen present on several occasions. Each time I’ve been inspired by her ability to connect with each individual audience member, despite speaking for a group. Dr. Laurie skillfully merges evidence based practice with compassion in a relatable way that consistently leaves a lasting impact and creates actionable change".

Anne H.