My life is devoted to the scientific exploration of human fulfillment and optimal performance, with insights for improving lives.

Awarded the 2013 Distinguished Early Career Researcher Award by the American Psychological Association, Todd Kashdan is among the world’s top experts on the psychology of well-being, psychological strengths, mental agility, and social relationships. His research has been featured in hundreds of media outlets, including multiple articles in Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, Fast Company, Forbes, and an interview on the #1 science podcast: Hidden Brain.

As a Professor of Psychology, Todd translates state-of-the-art science into practical applications to improve our everyday lives. He is well-known for his energetic and disarming communication style. He received the 2010 Distinguished Faculty Member of the Year Award at George Mason University for teaching and mentoring. He gave a TEDx talk on psychological flexibility and over 5 million readers enjoy his Psychology Today blog and Provoked Newsletter.

Todd authored five books, including Curious?, The Upside of Your Darkside, and Designing Positive Psychology. In his latest, The Art of Insubordination, he details research on how we can change minds and design groups and society to be smarter and wiser. He teaches us how to be courageous enough to question the status quo with the intelligence to know when and how.

After receiving a Ph.D. in clinical psychology (2004), Todd founded the Well-Being Lab at George Mason University which has produced over 225 peer-reviewed journal articles on well-being and resilience, psychological flexibility, meaning and purpose in life, curiosity, and managing social anxiety. He is among the top 1% most cited scientists in the world.

Todd exercises relentlessly for the freedom to consume copious amounts of steak, whiskey, and Italian rainbow square cookies. He is a twin, and the father of twins (plus one more), with plans to populate the world with great conversationalists.

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Latest Book

The Art of Insubordination

Art of Insubordination

The Art of Insubordination

Todd Kashdan’s new book, The Art of Insubordination, is a research-based toolbox for anyone who wants to create a world with more justice, creativity, and innovation.