Transform how people give, engage, and say “yes” by leveraging the neuroscience behind decision-making and behavior.
Unlock Behavioral Insights
Drive Meaningful Action
Accelerate Generosity
The Friction Problem
Most organizations struggle with friction—the invisible barriers that block natural generosity and prevent your audience from taking action even when they genuinely want to support your cause.
- Feeling frustrated when campaigns fall flat despite compelling stories
- Exhausted from constantly chasing new donors while existing supporters drift away
- Overwhelmed by the pressure to meet fundraising goals without manipulative tactics
- Confused by contradictory advice about what motivates giving in today’s environment
- Worried that AI and technology might undermine authentic human connections
- Disappointed by the gap between what research shows and what your organization does
Why This Work Matters
The Hidden Barriers to Action
Even the most passionate supporters hesitate when unconscious friction gets in the way. Most organizations unknowingly create psychological roadblocks that prevent people from giving—even when they want to.
Cherian’s keynotes and workshops reveal how to remove those barriers—and unlock generosity at scale.
Meet Cherian Koshy
Speaker. Strategist. Storyteller. Systems thinker.
For over two decades, Cherian has helped leaders across sectors—from social impact, technology, and financial services to healthcare to higher education to the arts and workforce development —simplify complexity and spark action.
He’s not a hype-man. He’s a behavioral translator—taking cutting-edge science and turning it into frameworks people can understand and apply.
As the founder of NonprofitOS (now Engage), Vice President at Kindsight, and global board treasurer at AFP, Cherian blends evidence and empathy to help organizations grow trust, remove friction, and spark generosity in all its forms.
Keynotes & Workshops
Whether it’s a conference keynote or a team workshop, Cherian’s sessions don’t just inform—they transform.
Audiences leave with frameworks, language, and tools they can use immediately—and remember long after the event ends.
Most Requested Keynotes & Workshops:
Neurogiving: The Neuroscience of Why We Give (and What to Do About It)
Unforgettable Leadership: How Memory, Emotion, and Identity Shape Influence
Exactly What to Say for Impact: Crafting Language That Builds Trust & Drives Action
Authenticity in the Age of Artificiality: Leading with Empathy in a Distracted, Distrustful World
The AI Trust Gap: What People Fear, What They Expect, and What to Do Next
Designing for Generosity: Creating Moments that Align with How Humans Actually Decide
Available in:
✔ Keynotes
✔ Half-Day Workshops
✔ Full-Day Leadership Retreats
✔ Breakout Sessions
Praise from Event Hosts and Attendees
“Cherian’s keynote changed how we talk about trust and influence across our entire organization.”
“This was the best keynote we’ve had in 10 years. I can immediately start implementing this. Please come back next year!”
“He connects the dots between brain science and real-world leadership like no one else.”
“Our team still references his phrases months later—they stick.”
Trusted by 100+ organizations across healthcare, education, philanthropy, and purpose-driven enterprise.
Cherian spoke at over 80 events in 2024 and already has 50+ booked for 2025. Dates fill quickly—hold yours now to explore bringing Cherian to your next event.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV_mfdhv3LQ
Want to know the truth about organization fundraising?
Play VideoCherian's Approach to Speaking & Storytelling
Neurogiving – The Book
Neurogiving: The Science of Donor Decision Making
Published by Wiley, Fall 2025
People don’t need to be convinced to care.
They need a clear path to act on what they already feel.
Neurogiving challenges traditional models of influence and persuasion—and offers a new path forward: one rooted in alignment, not pressure.
Perfect for:
→ Leaders
→ Fundraisers
→ Marketers
→ Product & Experience Designers who serve the nonprofit sector
→ Anyone responsible for building trust and engagement
Who This Is For
You’ll benefit from Cherian’s work if you:
✔ Lead people
✔ Influence decisions
✔ Communicate messages
✔ Want to increase trust, generosity, or buy-in
✔ Design experiences, campaigns, or teams
This isn’t about changing people.
It’s about partnering with how people are already wired to act.
Cherian spoke at over 80 events in 2024 and already has 50 booked for 2025.
Dates fill quickly—hold yours now to explore bringing Cherian to your next event.
september, 2025
