Matt Kovatchis

Matt Kovatchis helps high-achieving professionals manage stress, prevent burnout, and stop beating themselves up — without losing their edge. After seven years in corporate banking at PNC and Capital One, Matt saw firsthand how self-criticism and chronic stress drain performance and wellbeing. He left to become a certified professional coach (CPCC, Co-Active Training Institute) and full-time keynote speaker, and has since spoken on 100+ stages to 10,000+ attendees across associations, corporations, and universities — including Chicago SHRM, BOMA, IREM, MPI, the Illinois Bankers Association, Wells Fargo, CBRE, and JLL. He’s also spoken at IMEX and been featured in Meetings Today. Matt’s core message: self-criticism isn’t what drives high performance, and self-compassion is. Trained in improv at The Second City, he runs sessions that are interactive, funny, and rooted in research. Audiences don’t just listen. They practice in real time and leave with tools they can use the same day. Matt's Sizzle Reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXzL0RCvJtA Signature programs: The Self-Compassion Advantage: Managing Stress and Building Resilience No Bad Days: Small Choices, Lasting Happiness Becoming a Heart-Led Leader: Leading with Influence and Love, Not Force and Fear Authentic Connection Starts With You Attendees walk away with a practical framework for handling stress and setbacks, simple daily habits for sustained wellbeing, and permission to treat themselves with the same kindness they’d show a colleague. Matt is the author of the forthcoming Safe Is Scary: 100 Lessons on Risk, Fear, and Living Fully (spring 2027).