Jessica Dueñas is a writer, TEDx speaker, educator, and recovery advocate who works with organizations to address burnout, high achievement pressure, and the hidden struggles employees don’t talk about.
As a first-generation American raised in a culture that prized hard work and accomplishment, she understands the powerful pressure to succeed, even when it comes at the cost of one’s wellbeing.
Her talks draw from her experience being named 2019 Kentucky State Teacher of the Year while privately struggling with alcohol addiction, and from her journey rebuilding a life grounded in honesty, recovery, and storytelling.
Jessica’s story and writing have been featured on TEDx, NPR, CBS Evening News, and Red Table Talk.
Featured Talk – What’s Success Without Self-Worth?
In this TEDx talk, Jessica explores how performance-based worth can lead to burnout, addiction, and disengagement in high-achieving environments.
Her work helps organizations understand what happens when employees succeed on the outside while struggling internally, and how to create cultures that support both performance and wellbeing.
Ways to Work Together
Jessica offers flexible formats to support organizations, including:
Keynote Talks
Engaging, story-driven talks that help teams rethink burnout, performance, and wellbeing.
Workshops
Interactive sessions that provide practical tools for boundaries, emotional awareness, and sustainable performance.
Leadership Trainings
Support for managers and leadership teams on recognizing burnout, supporting employees, and creating healthier team cultures.
Multi-Session Programs
Deeper engagement through a series of sessions focused on reflection, resilience, and long-term change.
Speaking Topics & Formats
Jessica offers keynotes, workshops, and facilitated conversations on topics including:
The Hidden Cost of Success
How performance-based worth can lead to burnout, addiction, and disconnection.
Addiction and the Myth of “Having It All Together”
Why addiction often hides behind high achievement.
Storytelling as a Tool for Healing
A writing-based workshop that uses storytelling to help participants process experience and reclaim their voice.
Jessica is also happy to tailor talks and workshops to meet the needs of specific audiences.
Jessica’s story and work have reached national audiences through media and speaking engagements including:
- TEDx “What’s Success Without Self-Worth?”
- CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell
- Red Table Talk Interview
- NPR Interview
- Colorado Public Radio Interview – Back from Broken
For Organizations
Jessica partners with organizations to support employee wellbeing, prevent burnout, and address the hidden costs of high performance.
Her work is especially relevant for:
- High-achieving teams experiencing burnout
- Organizations prioritizing mental health and retention
- Leaders navigating how to support struggling employees
Outcomes include:
- Increased awareness of burnout and unhealthy coping patterns
- Practical tools for boundaries and sustainable performance
- More honest, supportive workplace cultures
Invite Jessica to Speak
Jessica is available for keynote talks, workshops, and facilitated conversations for organizations, companies, universities, and conferences.