Platonic: Finding Your People in a Lonely World with Dr. Marisa G. Franco '13 & '17

In an era of hyper-connectivity, the irony is that we have never been more isolated. We often treat friendship like a lightning strike, something rare and accidental that either happens or it doesn't. But what if the magic of finding your people wasn't a matter of luck, but a roadmap you could navigate with precision?

Whether you’re in the midst of a career transition, moving to a new city, or simply realizing your inner circle has shrunk, the ability to forge deep, platonic bonds is the single greatest predictor of our health and happiness. Yet, many of us are held back by an invisible barrier: the fear that everyone else already has their group, or the belief that adult friendships should just happen organically.

Dr. Marisa G. Franco, psychologist and author of Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends, is here to debunk the myths that keep us lonely. By applying the principles of Attachment Theory to our social lives, she reveals why our childhood blueprints often dictate our adult loneliness. Her research shows that the most fulfilled people aren't the ones with the most charisma; they’re the ones who understand the hidden mechanics of human interaction and operate with a secure, proactive mindset.

This session is a masterclass in the art of belonging. Dr. Franco moves beyond tired icebreakers to offer a profound psychological shift, showing you how to turn strangers into confidants and acquaintances into a community.

Practical Tools and Strategies You'll Gain

• A Blueprint for Connection: Learn actionable strategies to move from mere presence to meaningful belonging in a busy world.
• The Loneliness Epidemic: Explore the data-driven link between strong platonic bonds and our physical and mental resilience.
• The Science of Attachment: Understand how learning our attachment styles can help us navigate professional and personal frictions.
   

Ideal Participants for This Conversation

Individuals seeking an evidence-based strategy to transform surface-level acquaintances into the deep, lasting anchors of a meaningful life - a strong community.
Leaders who recognize that high-performing teams are built on a foundation of belonging and want to cultivate the psychological safety that drives collective innovation.
True belonging isn't something you find; it's something you build. Join Dr. Marisa G. Franco to unlock the psychological tools you need to stop waiting for friendship and start creating the community you deserve.

About the Author

Dr. Marisa G. Franco is a New York Times bestselling author, professor at the University of Maryland, and a psychologist who has turned the study of friendship into a global movement. A featured expert for The New York Times, The Telegraph, and Vice, she is renowned for her ability to translate complex attachment science into actionable life changes. When she isn't writing for Psychology Today or speaking at major corporations, she is dedicated to helping people reclaim their social lives through the power of secure connection.

Assess your friendship strengths at www.DrMarisaGFranco.com.