Steve Gross
Chief Playmaker, Life is Good Kids Foundation
Steve Gross, M.S.W., is the founder and chief playmaker of the Life is Good Kids Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to spread the power of optimism to help kids heal. The foundation partners with leading childcare organizations to strengthen their capacity to build healing, life-changing relationships with the children in their care.
Steve’s teachings have been utilized across the country and throughout the world in response to the social and emotional needs of communities deeply impacted by poverty, violence and illness. Steve helps others discover their own sense of optimism so that they can inspire the people around them to focus on the good and overcome life’s most difficult challenges.
The Power of Optimism
Optimism is powerful. When human beings grow their capacity to see and focus on the goodness in
themselves, others, and the world, their social, emotional, and cognitive superpowers emerge.
Optimism, however, can be fragile. Chronic stress, fear, and overwhelming adversity can weaken and destroy our capacity for optimism. Over time, a lack of optimism can lead to strained relationships, poor health outcomes, lost productivity, and shorter, less fulfilling lives.
Steve’s inspiring presentation helps individuals discover the power of optimism to create environments that enable optimism to take root and flourish. Using research, humor, and personal stories from his 25+ years as a clinical social worker, Steve shares how optimistic leaders bring out the best in people and organizations—especially in challenging, change-filled times.
“Steve was energetic, engaging, down to earth and most importantly, he just really connected and moved everyone present. The audience laughed, cried and walked away with a more optimistic view of life and the world…. It is always difficult to find a speaker that connects with your audience. Our audience is over 15,000 people and the response was loud and clear – they loved Steve!”
“Steve was fabulous!! The team loved him and his topic and content was right on point. Our team members were enthused and motivated about what he had to say. He was an absolute pleasure to have at our event.”
“Steve was a rock star…he even signed autographs after his program. We knew some of our participants wouldn’t be interested in the concept of playfulness in the workplace, but Steve did an awesome job making the connection.”
