Join the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan for an informal, in-person evening at the Alumni Center with Ethan Kross, U-M professor, international bestselling author of Chatter and Shift, and director of the U-M Mental Fitness Institute — a moonshot effort to reduce global suffering.

The conversation will be facilitated by U-M alum Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks, MA’96, PhD’99, a cultural psychologist, behavioral scientist, and endowed Professor of Management and Organizations at U-M’s Ross School of Business. An award-winning scholar and executive educator, Sanchez-Burks brings expertise in emotion, culture, and group dynamics — and a global perspective shaped by consulting in 35 countries. His courses on emotional intelligence and engagement have reached more than 80,000 learners worldwide.

Aligned with the Human Health and Well-Being impact area of U-M’s Look to Michigan vision, the evening will feature conversation, interactive practice, audience Q&A, and a book signing. Through personal stories and guided exercises from Chatter: The Workbook, Dr. Kross will explore how mental fitness can help you respond to career and life curveballs with greater clarity, courage, and curiosity — and leave with tools you can use immediately.

You will learn to:

Manage stress and unhelpful self-talk in real time

Reframe setbacks into next steps during transitions

Build curiosity and resilience through practical mental routines

Apply workbook exercises to strengthen daily mental fitness

All registered attendees will receive a copy of Chatter: The Official Workbook at the event. Attendees must be present to receive their copy.