Kory M. Shrum

Title: USA TODAY bestselling author, national speaker, Founder of A Well Cared For Human

Member since July 2023

Public Speaking/Storytelling

Education: Western Michigan University
East Lansing, MI, USA

Biography

Kory M. Shrum is a keynote speaker, podcaster, and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than thirty books. She is known for transforming hard-earned life lessons into practical frameworks that help people and organizations reduce burnout, reclaim energy, and build resilience.

After surviving a childhood of trauma and the tragic loss of her mother, Kory chose a different path. While her mother remained trapped in a generational cycle of abuse and substance use disorder, Kory transformed herself from a suicidal, self-destructive teen into a thriving leader, educator, and author. Her journey taught her not just how to survive, but how to create a life rooted in joy, creativity, and sustainable self-care.

Today, she shares her revolutionary approach to well-being and self-care with audiences across many industries, including healthcare, education, and business.

Her humorous and open-hearted speaking style guides others to connect with their innate power, while delivering clear, actionable takeaways that spark real, lasting transformation. Learn more at www.awellcaredforhuman.com

Passion

Helping people discover who they really are and what they're really capable of.

Best Story

Surviving my mother's murder...
Becoming a bestselling author...
Spending the night locked in the trunk of a car...
Having my eyebrow shaved off in the Philippines...

Example Talks

A Well Cared For Human

Burnout isn’t just a workplace buzzword. It is a growing challenge across industries. In this keynote, Kory empowers audiences to break free from the self-care myths that fuel stress and exhaustion. Through the four pillars of sustainable wellness, participants will discover practical ways to restore energy, prevent burnout, and build lasting fulfillment and connection, no matter what demands their work brings.

Raising Resilient Kids: The Lifeline They Need Starts With You

When kids face stress, trauma, or mental health struggles, the adults around them are their lifeline. But to help children thrive, you must first care for yourself. In this keynote, Kory reveals why quick-fix self-care falls short and introduces a holistic framework that empowers educators, counselors, and youth advocates to reduce burnout, build resilience, and create safe, supportive environments where kids can overcome

Thrive by Design: Well-Being in the Age of AI

Rapid tech change is reshaping the future of work, but hustle and automation don’t have to erode yourhumanity. In this keynote, Kory reveals how to harness creativity and AI as tools for fulfillment insteadof burnout. Discover how to balance ambition with well-being and keep the human at the core ofinnovation, so technology enhances—not undermines—your ability to thrive.

Not Just for Artists: How Cultivating Creativity Can Transform Your Life

In this talk, Kory outlines the life-saving potential of creativity. Together you will explore the multifaceted nature of creativity, from problem-solving to self-expression, and how it can be wielded like a superpower in any area of your life—personal or professional. Learn how nurturing your creative spirit can equip you with hope, motivation, problem-solving skills, and a renewed sense of purpose.

You Only Get One Shot: Chase the Dream but Don’t Lose Yourself

Entrepreneurs work harder than most, often going above and beyond in order to see their dreams realized. In this talk, Kory delves into the delicate dance of ambition and fulfillment. Explore the art of goal setting and target hitting without losing yourself in the process. Learn how to maintain balance on the road to achievement, without sacrificing your well-being and joy along the way.

Topics/Keywords

mental health joy navigating change wellbeing personal development wellness trauma recovery burnout creativity writing resilience public health human services children behavioral health individual and family services

Featured Video

I am willing to travel more than 100 miles
Yes
I generally get paid for speaking but make exceptions

Speaking Engagements

OACBHA Ohio’s 2026 Mental Health and Addiction Conference

Columbus, OH, USA, 06/01/26

Best Story

Surviving my mother's murder...
Becoming a bestselling author...
Spending the night locked in the trunk of a car...
Having my eyebrow shaved off in the Philippines...

I am willing to travel more than 100 miles
Yes
I generally get paid for speaking but make exceptions

Example Talks

A Well Cared For Human

Burnout isn’t just a workplace buzzword. It is a growing challenge across industries. In this keynote, Kory empowers audiences to break free from the self-care myths that fuel stress and exhaustion. Through the four pillars of sustainable wellness, participants will discover practical ways to restore energy, prevent burnout, and build lasting fulfillment and connection, no matter what demands their work brings.

Raising Resilient Kids: The Lifeline They Need Starts With You

When kids face stress, trauma, or mental health struggles, the adults around them are their lifeline. But to help children thrive, you must first care for yourself. In this keynote, Kory reveals why quick-fix self-care falls short and introduces a holistic framework that empowers educators, counselors, and youth advocates to reduce burnout, build resilience, and create safe, supportive environments where kids can overcome

Thrive by Design: Well-Being in the Age of AI

Rapid tech change is reshaping the future of work, but hustle and automation don’t have to erode yourhumanity. In this keynote, Kory reveals how to harness creativity and AI as tools for fulfillment insteadof burnout. Discover how to balance ambition with well-being and keep the human at the core ofinnovation, so technology enhances—not undermines—your ability to thrive.

Not Just for Artists: How Cultivating Creativity Can Transform Your Life

In this talk, Kory outlines the life-saving potential of creativity. Together you will explore the multifaceted nature of creativity, from problem-solving to self-expression, and how it can be wielded like a superpower in any area of your life—personal or professional. Learn how nurturing your creative spirit can equip you with hope, motivation, problem-solving skills, and a renewed sense of purpose.

You Only Get One Shot: Chase the Dream but Don’t Lose Yourself

Entrepreneurs work harder than most, often going above and beyond in order to see their dreams realized. In this talk, Kory delves into the delicate dance of ambition and fulfillment. Explore the art of goal setting and target hitting without losing yourself in the process. Learn how to maintain balance on the road to achievement, without sacrificing your well-being and joy along the way.

Speaking Engagements

OACBHA Ohio’s 2026 Mental Health and Addiction Conference

Columbus, OH, USA, 06/01/26

Topics/Keywords

mental health joy navigating change wellbeing personal development wellness trauma recovery burnout creativity writing resilience public health human services children behavioral health individual and family services