Focus by Design: The Science of Working Smarter
Emily Balcetis, New York University
Focus isn't just something we have. It's something we can intentionally design, direct, and restore to meet the demands of the moment. By learning to strategically direct our attention, shift how we see challenges and opportunities, and recognize when to narrow our focus or broaden our perspective, we can make meaningful progress, manage our energy, and accomplish more without simply working harder. You'll leave with practical, science-backed tools to prioritize what matters, reclaim control of your time and attention, and accomplish more of what matters without burning out.
About Emily
Emily Balcetis, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Faculty Director of Research at New York University. An internationally recognized behavioral scientist, she studies the psychology of motivation, decision-making, leadership, and performance, examining how people perceive opportunities, overcome challenges, and achieve ambitious goals. Her research, supported by the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health, translates behavioral science into actionable strategies for improving individual and organizational effectiveness. She is the author of Clearer, Closer, Better: How Successful People See the World and has delivered two TEDx talks viewed more than 5 million times.
Balcetis has consulted with leading organizations, including General Electric, Nestlé, and Prudential Financial, and has delivered invited talks at Harvard, Yale, UC Berkeley, Columbia, and the University of Chicago. She earned her PhD in Social Psychology from Cornell University. Through her research, consulting, and public speaking, she bridges behavioral science and practical application to help individuals and organizations make better decisions, strengthen performance, and achieve their goals.