Equipping people with communication skills to navigate a polarized world with empathy.

Helping young adults and professionals deepen their relationships, collaborate with others, and adapt to change.

Polarization is fracturing our world—whether it’s political clashes, religious freedoms, climate change, trans rights, or even disputes around our shared understanding of basic facts. These deep divides create isolation and alienate us from one another. Friendships are fraying, families are being torn apart, and workplace teams and students are struggling to collaborate. The possibility of bridging these rifts and finding common ground feels more elusive than ever—but it doesn’t have to be.

I’m an award-winning filmmaker and empathy expert, and I know that fostering intellectual humility and engaging with genuine curiosity are vital to bridging the divides in our polarized world. Through my engaging and impactful keynotes and workshops, audiences discover that the key to connection and transformation lies in our willingness to go beyond surface-level assumptions, embracing a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.

Whether it’s a young adult navigating identity, a family member or friend seeking to repair relationships, a professional aiming to foster collaboration in the workplace, or a community member looking to bridge cultural or generational gaps, audiences will gain a toolkit of transformative solutions to help them connect, communicate, and thrive.

About Brooke

Hi, I’m Brooke Sebold, an award-winning filmmaker, speaker, and empathy expert. Empathy has been my superpower since childhood, and it’s why I became a filmmaker in the first place– to make people feel. For over two decades, I’ve invited audiences to step into someone else’s shoes through my films, and now, I’m using that same gift to help bridge divides in our increasingly polarized world.

As both an artist and a human navigating today’s landscape, I get how hard it can be to collaborate and truly connect with those who see the world differently. Staying open to new ideas and letting go of old beliefs isn’t easy. That’s why I speak to audiences about how empathy, curiosity, and intellectual humility can transform the way we communicate and relate to one another.

My mission is to inspire people to embrace openness, connect across differences, and build stronger relationships. When I’m not speaking, I’m either behind the camera making my films, or in front of the camera hosting my series I Changed My Mind, and on any given day, you can find me cuddling my little pup Luca, who reminds me everyday to stay present and playful.

I can’t wait to be part of your next event and work together to spark meaningful change!

Brooke's Talks

Equipping people with communication skills to navigate a polarized world with empathy.

Embracing Change: Cultivating Intellectual Humility through "I Changed My Mind" 

Change can be difficult, especially when it requires rethinking deeply held beliefs. In this talk, Brooke Sebold, creator and host of the series I Changed My Mind, explores how intellectual humility can transform the way we navigate both personal and societal shifts.

Through engaging stories, research, and real-life examples, Brooke demonstrates how a flexible mindset enhances communication, fosters meaningful connections, and encourages open engagement with differing perspectives.

Key Takeaways:

Understand the role of intellectual humility in fostering personal growth and societal change.
Discover how intellectual humility can improve communication and relationships.
Explore real-world examples of individuals transforming through shifting their beliefs.
Gain tools for engaging with opposing viewpoints more effectively.

The Power of Storytelling to Enhance Empathy

Storytelling is more than entertainment—it’s a powerful tool for fostering empathy and understanding. In this talk, award winning filmmaker Brooke Sebold, explores how stories can change hearts and minds.

By showcasing how narratives help people step into each other’s shoes and embrace diverse viewpoints, Brooke provides practical tips for using storytelling to enhance empathy in various settings, from classrooms to workplaces. This talk highlights how storytelling can be harnessed for positive social change.

Key Takeaways:

Understand how storytelling fosters empathy and connects people.
Learn practical tips for using storytelling to build empathy in personal and professional settings.
Explore how stories can bridge divides and inspire greater understanding of diverse perspectives.
Discover real-world examples of storytelling driving social change.

Workshop: Expanding Intellectual Humility – Practical Skills for Growth and Connection

In today’s polarized world, intellectual humility is more important than ever. This interactive workshop, led by Brooke Sebold, offers a deep dive into practical skills for cultivating intellectual humility in both personal and professional settings. Drawing on insights from the acclaimed series I Changed My Mind and extensive research, this workshop provides participants with actionable tools to enhance communication, foster open dialogue, and navigate complex conversations with empathy and curiosity.

Workshop Highlights:

Understanding Intellectual Humility: Gain a foundational understanding of what intellectual humility is and why it’s essential for personal and collective growth. Explore the benefits of approaching conversations with an open mind and a willingness to reconsider your beliefs.

Active Listening Techniques: Learn and practice active listening skills that go beyond hearing words, focusing on truly understanding and valuing others' perspectives. Develop techniques for empathetic listening that can transform how you engage with differing viewpoints.

Questioning Assumptions: Discover strategies for questioning your own assumptions and biases. Learn how to ask thoughtful, open-ended questions that encourage deeper exploration and understanding in conversations.

Facilitating Open Dialogue: Practice creating and maintaining spaces where honest, respectful discussions can thrive. Explore methods for managing disagreements constructively and fostering a culture of curiosity and mutual respect.

Real-Life Application: Engage in role-playing exercises and group discussions to apply these skills in realistic scenarios. Receive personalized feedback and strategies for integrating these practices into your daily interactions.

Building a Mindset of Flexibility: Learn techniques for embracing and adapting to new ideas and perspectives, even when they challenge your current beliefs. Develop a mindset that sees change as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll be equipped with practical skills to navigate complex conversations, build stronger connections, and approach disagreements with intellectual humility.

Whether you’re a student, educator, professional or anyone interested in enhancing your communication skills, this workshop will provide you with valuable tools to foster more meaningful and respectful interactions.

"Brooke is a dynamic speaker and has a special talent for connecting with our thoughtful and emotional selves and facilitating conversation. This presentation left an indelible impression on the psychologists privileged to have attended.”

Jason Mars

Executive Director, Greater Good Science Center

Lets Connect

Equipping people with communication skills to navigate a polarized world with empathy.

brooke@brookesebold.com

917-544-2527