Mia Sundstrom
CEO of the National Institute for Play
PLAY. CHARACTER. INSPIRATION.
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
-
The Science of Play: Unlocking Human Potential
Play is hard-wired in our brains. It’s not a waste of time; it’s essential to cognitive, emotional, social, and physical health at all ages. Learn what play is, what happens in the brain when we play, and how to integrate play into daily life.
-
Leverage Play as a Competitive Advantage
Play ignites creativity and forges resilience. Discover how to leverage the unique play personality strengths within your team and add playfulness into your workflow to combat burnout and fuel engagement and innovation.
-
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 CEO of the National Institute for Play and consultant 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 share this work with the world.
