SPEAKING
What if leadership wasn't about projecting perfection — but about leading with wholeness?
Nathan Murfield, Ph.D. delivers keynotes and talks that challenge traditional leadership models and invite audiences to lead from their whole selves.
Blending science, story, and humor, Nathan makes leadership both deeply human and immediately actionable — drawing on two decades of experience leading multinational teams and a body of research that became Leading Wholly.
Signature talks
Each talk is customized to your audience, industry, and goals — and can be delivered as a keynote, breakout session, or retreat opener.
Leading Wholly: the six aspects of whole-person leadership
A powerful introduction to the Leading Wholly framework — integrating diversity, adaptability, emotional intelligence, lifelong learning, empowerment, and authenticity. Audiences walk away with practical tools for bringing all six aspects to life in their own leadership.
Framework Talk
Why authenticity beats authority
Most leaders try to earn respect through confidence and control. Nathan shows why trust is built not through flawless leadership but through honest, human leadership — and how authenticity consistently outperforms authority.
Keynote
From breakdown to breakthrough
Nathan's personal story of burnout and recovery — and what it taught him about sustainable leadership. This talk resonates deeply with leaders under pressure, reminding them that vulnerability and self-awareness are the foundations of resilience.
Personal Story
How vulnerability builds stronger teams
The surprising power of imperfection and empathy in driving team trust, creativity, and performance. Leaders learn how to create cultures of safety and connection — without sacrificing accountability or results.
Keynote
What audiences take away
Practical tools
Immediately applicable frameworks for leading more authentically and resiliently.
Fresh perspective
Content that connects across industries, roles, and leadership levels.
Research-backed insight
Science delivered through story and humor — accessible without losing rigor.
Permission to lead wholly
A shift in how leaders see themselves — and the people they lead.
Speaking formats
Available for in-person and virtual engagements across a range of formats:
Keynotes
Leadership conferences & retreats
Panel discussions & fireside chats
Corporate events & off-sites
Academic & research events
About Nathan
Nathan Murfield, Ph.D. is a research scientist turned global executive who spent two decades leading multinational engineering and service teams — combining technical rigor with a deep curiosity about what makes leaders worth following.
He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, an MBA, and completed the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School.
His book, Leading Wholly: How Real Leaders Bring Their Whole Selves to Work, publishes September 2026. Through speaking, training, and writing, Nathan helps everyday leaders move beyond performance into presence.
Want to go deeper?
A keynote opens the door. For organizations that want lasting behavior change, Nathan offers training and coaching that extend the work well beyond the stage.
TRAINING & WORKSHOPS
Half-day to multi-week programs that embed the Leading Wholly framework into your leadership culture.
1:1 COACHING
A six-month personalized coaching experience for executives ready to align who they are with how they lead.
Participants who want to continue the work after a talk can access reflection tools and resources through Trafora — Nathan's purpose-built leadership platform, launching soon..
Book Nathan to speak.
Ready to bring Leading Wholly to your organization or event? Let's design an experience that resonates long after the applause.
Speaking fees are available upon inquiry and vary by engagement type, travel, and organization.