Dr. Julie Basler spent nearly three decades in higher education, ultimately serving as a college president, before stepping into her most meaningful work: saying out loud what most leaders are afraid to say. A national keynote speaker on mental health in leadership and a published author, she speaks candidly about what it costs to lead while quietly coming apart — and what's possible when you stop pretending you're fine. Her openness earned her recognition as one of the Top 20 People Changing Career Education in the U.S. (2022), three President's Volunteer Service Awards (gold medals under Presidents Obama and Trump), and 2023 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year from the University of Tennessee at Martin. She holds a doctorate in English and has testified at the state and national level as a nonpartisan advocate for students. Dr. Basler lives outside Denver with her husband Steve and their two daughters.