The work is changing. People still matter.
Joy DeBolt is a TEDx Editor’s Pick keynote speaker and global marketer who speaks about marketing, human connection, trust and collaboration.
Her work brings together more than a decade in marketing with a deep interest in the people behind the work. She talks about how AI is changing marketing, why relationships still matter and how small moments can have a much bigger impact than we realize.
2026
TEDxNCState
TEDx Editor’s Pick
Protecting Our Peace but Losing Each Other
What if our relentless pursuit of comfort is making us less connected, less compassionate and less human?
We’re getting really good at protecting our peace. We cancel when we’re tired. We avoid conversations that feel uncomfortable. We pull back when relationships get hard.
Sometimes, we need to. But what happens when the things we do to protect ourselves start separating us from each other?
The relationships behind the work matter.
Think about the last time you needed something at work that you couldn’t accomplish alone. Who did you call?
Chances are, that relationship wasn’t built that day. It came from a conversation. An introduction. A project. A moment when someone made time to help.
Joy speaks about the human side of how work gets done and what becomes possible when people build trust across teams, roles and organizations.
Hi, I’m Joy
I’m a TEDx Editor’s Pick speaker, global marketer, and someone who is endlessly curious about the relationships behind how things get done.
Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my career have started with things that weren’t in my job description. Helping someone. Making an introduction. Raising my hand. Staying for the conversation.
Today, that question shapes my speaking and writing.
Looking for a keynote speaker who will get people talking?
Joy is available for corporate events, association conferences, leadership meetings and team gatherings.