BetterUp

Kristen Bell, Adam Grant, Brené Brown, Pete Sohn, Derrick Henry and Nick Saban to Headline BetterUp’s Uplift 2026

March 18, 2026 - 6 min read

Registration is Open for Uplift in San Francisco on April 15-16: Attendees will Hear From Agents of Change about Building Lasting Organizations in the Age of AI

Uplift Press Release Image_Option 2@2x

AUSTIN,TX — March 18, 2026 - BetterUp®, the AI-powered human transformation company and inventor of virtual coaching, today announced its speaker lineup for Uplift, an immersive two-day summit where global enterprise leaders, leading researchers and cultural visionaries gather to exchange ideas, engage in debate and uncover new insights around AI readiness, leadership, talent retention, growth, and performance.

This year's theme, "Agents of Change," spotlights the forward-thinking leaders that are transforming uncertainty into opportunity. In an era of acceleration and AI, bold leadership is the difference between reacting to change and driving it. Uplift will gather a community of change agents who are actively leading transformation. They will engage in rigorous debate, share experiences, and offer learnings to attendees and each other. Luminaries such as actress, philanthropist, and producer Kristen Bell; research professor, bestselling author Brené Brown; organizational psychologist, bestselling author Adam Grant; director of Disney, Pixar’s Elemental, Pete Sohn; Baltimore Ravens running back, five-time Pro Bowler and NFL leader in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns Derrick Henry; and world-renowned football coach, sportscaster Nick Saban will take the stage alongside the world’s leading voices on workforce performance and AI.

“Uplift brings together the leaders who understand that transformation is now a core competency. In an era where AI is flattening technological advantages, human adaptability is the last true edge,” said Alexi Robichaux, CEO and Co-founder of BetterUp, “We're honored to host the world's leading changemakers at a moment when bold, human-centered leadership has never mattered more.”

Attendees will convene for two days of insightful conversations, uncovering strategies to unlock human potential and drive lasting business impact. Additional speakers include Quinetta Roberson, IN-Q, Susan David, Eliza Filby, Dacher Keltner, as well as leaders from Unilever, Google, Lumen, Patagonia, Salesforce, Aon, Pfizer, MIT, Stanford, Oxford and other organizations. Example programming includes:

  • The courage to transform: A conversation with Adam Grant and Kristen Bell - Actress, producer, and philanthropist, Kristen Bell, joins organizational psychologist and bestselling author, Adam Grant, to explore how we can build cultures where people feel free to be honest, take risks, and grow. In an exclusive live recording for Adam's Re:Thinking podcast, expect a conversation that's as honest as it is useful, with plenty of laughs along the way.
  • Driving change from the top: The CEO–CHRO playbook - When CEOs and CHROs operate as true partners, transformation accelerates. At Pfizer, bold innovation isn’t just happening in the lab. It’s happening across the enterprise. From delivering life-saving breakthroughs at unprecedented speed to rearchitecting how the organization operates, Pfizer is setting a new standard for agility and impact. At the center of it all: a CEO and CHRO leading in true partnership. This conversation offers a rare inside look at one of the most powerful dynamics in the C-suite and a roadmap for driving innovation and impact at scale. Speakers include:
    • Dr. Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pfizer Inc.
    • Payal Sahni, Chief People Experience Officer & Executive Vice President, Pfizer Inc.
    • Moderated by BetterUp CEO and Co-founder Alexi Robichaux
  • AI: The great equalizer or the great divider? - AI has the potential to democratize talent and accelerate performance, but only if leaders design for it thoughtfully. In this compelling debate, expert voices examine AI’s real impact on the workforce and what it means for equity, engagement, and long-term growth. Speakers include:
    • Andrew McAfee, Principal Research Scientist, AI Thought Leader, and Bestselling Author, MIT
    • Jeff Hancock, PhD, Director of the Stanford Social Media Lab and Professor, Stanford University
    • Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, PhD, Professor of Economics & Behavioural Science and Director, Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Oxford
    • Moderated by BetterUp Chief Scientist and Head of BetterUp Labs Kate Niederhoffer

"There's never been a more critical time for people leaders to convene. AI is reshaping everything—how we hire, develop talent, and drive performance,” said Jolen Anderson, Chief People and Community Officer at BetterUp, “At Uplift, we're bringing together the sharpest minds and boldest practitioners, creating space for CHROs and people leaders to come together, share what's actually working, and equip leaders to become true agents of change in their organizations."

Tickets for Uplift are available for purchase and anyone can tune into the majority of sessions via BetterUp’s free online live stream. To see the full agenda and learn more visit BetterUp.com.

Media inquiries can be directed to press@betterup.co.

Published March 18, 2026

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