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Event Recap: An Evening With Liane Davey | Stratford Group

Written by Stratford Group Ltd. | Jun 15, 2026 1:44:59 PM

On June 3, Stratford Group had the privilege of hosting organizational psychologist and author Liane Davey as she launched her new book, Thoughtload. Joined by more than 80 clients and business leaders, we explored a challenge that feels increasingly familiar in today's workplaces: Is the real issue workload, or is there something else contributing to the stress, exhaustion, and overwhelm that so many people experience?

 

What is Thoughtload? Discussion Highlights

Drawing on themes from her new book, Liane shared practical insights and challenged common assumptions. According to Liane's research, Thoughtload is the combination of three competing factors that influence our ability to perform at our best:

  • Attention: the focus required to navigate multiple priorities and competing demands,
  • Emotion: the feelings we bring to work from both our professional and personal lives,
  • Energy: the capacity we have available throughout the day to think, decide, and act effectively.

One of the most powerful insights from the discussion was the role leaders play in helping their own teams focus their attention. Rather than emphasizing activity and busyness, leaders can reduce Thoughtload by helping people concentrate on outcomes!

When team members are centred on the value they create, the impact they make, and the results that truly matter, they become empowered to find the activities that really don’t add value and reduce their own busyness. When people have clarity around what success looks like, they are better able to direct their attention and energy toward the most meaningful work.

This conversation could not be more relevant. Many organizations are supporting employees who are operating on the edge of burnout, while also navigating increasing complexity and competing demands. Understanding Thoughtload provides leaders with a new lens through which to view performance, and team effectiveness.

A highlight of the evening was the candid question-and-answer session where attendees had the opportunity to ask tough questions and hear Liane’s perspective on navigating complex workplace situations. The discussion reflected the practical, evidence-based approach that has made her a trusted advisor to leaders and organizations around the world.

 

Continuing the Conversation

At Stratford Group, we see this as an important opportunity for leaders to build healthier, more focused, and more effective teams. We encourage you to explore Thoughtload and continue the conversation with us about how your organization can create the conditions for people - and teams - to thrive.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Liane for sharing her time, expertise, and insights, and to everyone who joined us for the event. Your participation helped make the evening both engaging and memorable.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and creating future opportunities for learning, connection, and professional growth.

 

About Liane Davey

 

For the past 25 years, Liane Davey has researched and advised teams on how to achieve high performance. Known as the “teamwork doctor,” she’s worked with teams from the frontlines to the boardroom, across a variety of industries, and around the globe. In working with hundreds of teams, she has developed a unique perspective on the challenges that teams face – and how to solve them.

Liane is a New York Times Bestselling author and regular contributor to Harvard Business Review and has been sought by several media outlets, including CNN, NPR, USA Today, The Globe & Mail and Forbes, for her expertise on increasing productivity, enhancing engagement, and developing leaders.

As a keynote speaker, Liane has spoken for audiences as big as 2000 and as intimate as 20, delivering the perfect combination of education and entertainment that leaders and teams need to get unstuck and make an impact on their organizations. Providing a proven model and framework, along with the latest research, attendees walk away with the tools to start making their teams better from the moment they leave the room.

 

 

Stratford/Liane Davey Collaborations