This isn’t another talk about leadership. It’s the work that makes leadership real.

Dr. Jen Rafferty is an educational psychologist, author, and TEDx speaker who helps organizations transform the way their people learn, lead, and thrive.

As the founder and CEO of Empowered Educator, she partners with executives, HR leaders, and learning and development teams to cultivate emotionally intelligent, resilient, and high-performing workplaces. With over two decades of experience in education and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Jen translates cutting-edge research in cognitive science, emotional intelligence, and motivation into practical frameworks for sustainable organizational growth.

Jen’s evidence-based approach helps leaders understand how people actually learn and change so they can design cultures that accelerate innovation, reduce burnout, and drive engagement from the inside out.

Jen’s work has been featured in Forbes, Authority Magazine, Thrive Global, and Best Holistic Life Magazine. Her TEDx talk, Generational Change Begins with Empowered Teachers, has reached millions of viewers globally, and her podcast, Unlock Your Teaching Potential, ranks among the top 2.5% worldwide.

Known for her dynamic presence and science-backed insights, Jen has advised leaders across education, government, and corporate sectors. Her programs empower teams to rewire stress responses, build trust through emotional literacy, and lead with the clarity and compassion required for today’s rapidly changing world.


The most generous thing you can do for your team is take care of yourself .


  • Jen makes the science of the brain interesting and tangible. She offers concrete tools to support staff, is authentic, and is tuned-in to the audience.

    Jennifer Macdonald
    Services Director, CommUnify