Mia Sundstrom
PLAY. CHARACTER. INSPIRATION.
In partnership with the National Institute for Play and the University of Denver, Mia delivers dynamic keynotes and workshops that explore how play and character fuel thriving individuals, connected communities, and a more resilient society—especially in a time of increasing loneliness and division.
Jeremy Haefner | Chancellor, University of Denver
“Mia is an engaging, knowledgeable, and inspiring speaker. She provides incredible insights into values and virtues like resilience, courage, commitment, and empathy. Mia brings data, science, and established evidence into every topic to provide the latest foundation of knowledge. Her audience will be immersed in the topic and have clear takeaways.”
Tom Kuhn | Founder and CEO, Qnity
“Mia creates a dynamic and engaging environment where participants are up on their feet, laughing, connecting, and fully immersed in the experience. She demonstrates how play can profoundly influence business culture, boost creativity, and strengthen connection among teams. Our attendees walked away inspired and equipped with practical, tangible strategies to integrate play into their professional and personal lives.”
Dr. Stuart Brown | Founder, National Institute for Play
“Mia brings her audience to life using depth, clarity, optimism, and contagious energy. Her work beautifully embodies the science of play and uniquely empowers listeners to turn her words into action. She will light up your stage.”
Transformative Keynotes and Workshops
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The Neuroscience of Play
Play is hard-wired into the most ancient part of the mid-brain. It is not frivolous, it is essential to flourishing. Learn why play is powerful and why it’s so commonly overlooked.
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Play as a Competitve Advantage
Play ignites creativity and forges resilience. Discover how to harness these forces to fuel your success.
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Play + Character = Leadership
Play builds trust, empathy, community, and culture. Learn how to harness the unique power of play to cultivate strengths of character and forge enduring, impactful leadership qualities.
Inspired to share her message with the world.
Mia has learned from incredible mentors and conducted research in her roles as the Director for Play Transformation at the National Institute for Play and the Project Manager for Character Education at the University of Denver. She has also lived out this work in her own life as an NCAA Division I student-athlete and coach. Witnessing the transformative power of play and character as an antidote to some of society’s most fierce problems compelled her to take the stage and share her work with the world.
