Monica McCarthy is a facilitator, filmmaker, actress, writer, and course creator specializing in the intersection of philosophy, psychology, and the arts. She has delivered hundreds of workshops and keynotes both virtually and in person on emotional intelligence across sectors including: Google, Viacom, Sony Music, Uber, HSB, Publicis, The Financial Times, The British Army, The Institute of Physics, Universal Music, Miro, and TEDx.
Monica’s collaborations include her work as a founding Faculty Member at Alain de Botton’s The School of Life, a sought-after Thinking Partner at Philosophy At Work, and a frequent Facilitator with You Can Now.
She is also a frequent guest lecturer on ethics and entrepreneurism at Barnard, NYU, and Columbia University, and founded the Cheshire Parlour philosophy salon series. Monica is the previous Director of Programming and Community for Holstee, Impact Hub NYC, and Escape The City where she created bespoke workshops and events. Monica was also selected as lead facilitator for the 92Y’s inaugural Benjamin Franklin Circles.
Monica’s popular event series and podcast The Happier Hour: Philosophy To Help Life Suck Less was featured in The New York Times. Her guests included thought leaders (Debbie Millman, AJ Jacobs, James Altucher, Dorie Clark) as well as academic philosophers.
KEYNOTES
Monica speaks about meaning, purpose, identity, and creative thinking.
Her career as a Broadway, television, and film actress are evident as she feels right at home in front of an audience. But it is her vulnerability and sincere curiosity that makes her light up on stage and bring the audience along for the journey.
“Monica was a hit at our Mastermind event in Philadelphia. She’s witty, charming, and made everyone in the room immediately comfortable while inspiring the audience to take the first step to wards sharing their own stories.”
WORKSHOPS & STRATEGY SESSIONS
Monica has created and facilitated numerous workshops on the topics of Creativity, Purpose, and Collaboration for organizations including: The United Nations Development Program, AirBnB, Eileen Fisher, Starwood, Global Citizen and more.
She has also led strategy sessions on internal and external messaging around purpose for Uber, Starwood Hotels, Brugal Rum, and Broadway Bound Kids.
In addition to facilitation, Monica also collaborates with organizations to insure her workshop content is bespoke to each group she works with.
“Monica’s “Mythbusing Creativity” workshop was the wake up call our team needed. For the first time in the history of the company, everyone in the room was on the same page and excited to take risks and challenge the status quo.”
INTERVIEWS & MODERATING
Monica has interviewed a diverse cross-sections of thought leaders, from bestselling authors (Gretchen Rubin, AJ Jacobs) to artists/designers (James Victore, Debbie Millman) to politicians (Congressman Glenn Nye, NYC Mayoral candidates) to urban planners and organizational environmentalists (SolarONE, Etsy). No matter the topic, Monica brings her passion for research and connection to the mic.
Monica is your secret weapon for keeping the conversation flowing, while ensuring all voices are heard and each perspective is represented.
Monica is also adept at moderating Q&A's with the audience; an experience that can be painful in less capable hands, but can be the highlight of an event when done well.
“Monica is the most charming, inspiring, and insightful moderator I’ve ever seen. Someone please hurry up and give that woman her own show!”
