In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron sits down with Dr. Kristen Donnelly — researcher, social worker, and co-owner of an intentional, nontraditional manufacturing company in Philadelphia. Together, they unpack what it means to truly see people as people, the dangers of burnout in American culture, and how curiosity can drive inclusion at every level — from boardrooms to neighborhoods. Kristen shares how her family business intentionally hires those often excluded from traditional employment and why small, consistent actions—not grand gestures—create lasting change toward a more inclusive world.

Key Takeaways:

People First Mindset – Inclusion begins by recognizing every person’s inherent dignity and humanity.

Curiosity Over Judgment – Staying curious about others’ stories deepens understanding and builds genuine connection.

Burnout Culture Roots – American ideals of self-sufficiency and nonstop work fuel chronic burnout.

Community Transformation – Real change starts locally when those closest to the problem are empowered to lead solutions.

Tiny Steps Matter – Sustainable inclusion grows from small, consistent actions rather than sweeping reforms.

Dr. Kristen’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is making sure that there is room for everybody in the conversation if they want to be there and they get to come however they want.

Dr. Kristen Donnelly’s Bio:

Kristen Donnelly (MSW, M.Div, PhD) is an award winning, 4x TEDx speaker, and international speaker, researcher, and educator. She believes that burnout is a cultural condition and not an individual failing, and that asking more questions of each other can lead to stronger relationships of all kinds.

She is one of The Good Doctors of Abbey Research, COO of their parent company, and the co-author of the bestselling book "The Culture of Burnout: Why Your Exhaustion is Not Your Fault". Kristen is also an unapologetic nerd for stories of change wherever she finds them.

Kristen was recently named to the 2025 Who's Who list of notable Americans, and has also been nominated as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2018. Through her passion for education and food equity, Kristen currently serves on three non-profit boards and has helped to create other non-profits in the past.

She also really, really loves baseball.

Kristen lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband, where they follow more sports than ESPN has alerts for and live surrounded by piles of books and several video game consoles.

Connect with Dr. Kristen Donnelly:

Website: https://www.drkristenspeaks.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristendonnellyphd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/abbeyresearch

Buy Her Book: https://a.co/d/dJp2SZf

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 63

No - 86

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