Helping Schools and Organizations to Create Cultures of Connection

Richard Lee-Thai | Keynote Speaker & Connection Expert

Speaking Clients

Find Excuses to Connect!

Excuses to Connect is a movement to create a world without loneliness. Rather than making excuses to avoid people, what if we made excuses to connect with others?

Richard Lee-Thai delivered a TEDx talk on “How to Find Excuses to Connect” which outlines how to make meaningful connections easier in our day-to-day lives. Through keynote speaking and consulting, he empowers schools and organizations to foster friendships, belonging, and community. The science of connection is clear - it’s what creates happier and healthier lives.

  • If you are looking for someone to demonstrate the magical impact of genuine connection and the importance of incorporating thoughtfulness and fun into everyday life, Richard is your guy.

    Samantha Cooley-Morrison | Mental Health Education Coordinator, Red Deer Polytechnic

  • Richard is very authentic and passionate about this topic, which was felt by those in this sessions, and made his speaking very engaging. He is very professional and made the booking and planning process seamless, with meticulous organization.

    Michele Moon | Team Lead - Wellbeing and Worklife, University of Calgary

  • Richard has a remarkable ability to connect with others, creating a comfortable environment where students feel they’re learning from someone that is relatable while sharing strategies that are actionable and backed by research.

    Tracie Czerkawski | Academic Strategist, Mount Royal University

  • Richard’s authenticity and willingness to be raw and vulnerable makes him relatable to his audience. His talk left students feeling empowered, inspired, and reminding them to be kind to themselves.

    Kelty Christensen | Engagement and Events Advisor, Bow Valley College

  • You've enriched the lives and futures of all the students that attended, not to mention the value that I also received! I appreciate your passion and love for connection.

    Jessica Neil | Event Coordinator, Rhodes Wellness College

MAKING CONNECTION FUN, EASY, AND EFFECTIVE.

Let’s be real—telling people to “just put yourself out there” isn’t cutting it, especially for Gen Z, students, and anyone battling the awkwardness of making connections. What we really need is the how. That’s where Richard comes in! His talks and workshops break it down with simple, relatable strategies that take the pressure off and make connecting feel natural (and even fun). Whether it’s making friends, finding your voice in a group, or building real relationships, he’ll show you the practical tools to go from awkward to awesome.

Connecting doesn’t have to be hard—we’ll tackle it together!

200+

Keynote, Events, and Trainings

10,000

People Impacted

10 YRS

Of Community Building Experience

Podcast To make Connections.

Have you ever wanted to connect with someone, but you stopped yourself? Excuses to Connect is a podcast about actively creating the conditions that make meaningful connections easier. In other words, you can make excuses to connect. Join me, Richard Lee-Thai, as I have conversations with experts, friends, and strangers on their struggles and successes when it comes to human connections. As a listener, I hope that you can take these insights and find excuses to connect with people. You never know how any connection can transform your life.

Latest Episodes

Contact Richard

If you want to inquire about working together, please fill out the form below and a member of our team will get back to you within 48 hours!