Richard Lee-Thai is the Founder and CEO of Excuses to Connect, a company dedicated to fostering cultures of connection in workplaces, higher education, and communities. His mission is to help individuals and organizations overcome barriers like social anxiety, technology addiction, and workplace silos, creating spaces where meaningful relationships and collaboration can thrive.

A TEDx Speaker and co-author, Richard has shared his expertise on the power of human connection with audiences around the world. He has spoken at conferences, delivered workshops, and appeared on podcasts to inspire leaders and teams to prioritize connection in their personal and professional lives.

Richard is a faculty member at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and Rhodes Wellness College, where he integrates connection-building strategies into learning environments. His work in higher education emphasizes improving student success, staff collaboration, and institutional culture.

Certified in the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i 2.0) and as a Trust at Work® Practitioner, Richard blends research-backed insights with actionable strategies to help people foster trust, engagement, and emotional intelligence.

Through his work, Richard empowers individuals and organizations to unlock opportunities, strengthen relationships, and build thriving communities.