We’re still basking in the glow (and the heat) of Empower 2025 held in Austin, Texas, from May 13-15. It was a spectacular event for our clients—full of opportunities to support well-being in ourselves and each other. If you missed it, there’s always next year! In the meantime, here’s a recap of those two magical days.
The Empower mission is to “connect, collaborate and create.” Our goal is to provide an intimate event where our clients have many opportunities to learn from their peers, interact with WebMD team members and meet our WebMD ONE partners—all in an environment that is conducive to well-being.
Each day was infused with wellness activities.
We started each day on the right foot with the choice of a 5:50 a.m. run, walk or yoga class. Our WebMD ONE partners also offered massage stations during our networking hour and the chance to partake in moments of well-being throughout our packed agenda. A big thank you to our sponsors: Lifespeak Inc., Togetherall, RethinkCare, Kaia Health, eHealthScreenings, Enrich, and deluxe.
We kicked off the event learning about “leading with the heart” from Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall.
We couldn’t have asked for a more inspiring keynote address from Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall, Consultant and Former CEO, Dallas Mavericks, President and CEO, Marshalling Resources. Cynt shared her journey championing cultural transformation, fostering transparency, and creating a purpose-driven workplace.
She shared how she aligned leadership with team support, prioritized well-being at every level, and navigated challenges to build a culture of resilience and collaboration. She stressed the importance of authentic leadership as the heart of a thriving workplace culture. Through her own health journey, she stressed the importance a corporate well-being program had on her. Attendees left the session feeling motivated to lead with empathy and drive lasting change in their own organizations. And of course, let’s not forget learning how to do the Cupid shuffle!
The Center for Research unveiled the results of their latest study.
Our Center for Research revealed key insights from their 2025 Annual Workplace and Employee Survey, including information of the rise of mental health concerns, barriers to better mental health, which populations are in need of mental health support, and the impact of mental health on employee engagement.
We also explored the importance of “organizational care”—the extent to which individuals perceive that an organization is committed to their well-being—and why it is essential for today’s workplaces. The discussion provided a critical connection between employee experience and well-being, and how when employees feel supported and engaged, they perform at their best, driving business success.
Other Empower highlights included:
- A breakout session with EMI Health on the secret to driving engagement for health plans.
- A deep dive into the business case for investing in the well-being of employees and members.
- A fireside chat with Stellantis and their 40 years of well-being partnership.
- The power of coaching through real-world insights and impactful examples.
- How data can be transformed into a compelling value story for our clients’ well-being programs.
- How communication connects people to a purpose; fuels engagement, trust and belonging; drives alignment and action; and supports change and resilience.
- From participation to real impact—a blueprint for well-being program success.
Our WebMD ONE partners also had the chance to showcase their expertise.
- LifeSpeak, Inc. shared research-driven insights and practical solutions to foster well-being at work and at home. We learned how to recognize and prevent burnout before it escalates, and create environments where employees feel valued and heard and are able to perform their best.
- RethinkCare explained how neurodiversity is a competitive advantage and something organizations need to consider, given that 50% of Gen Z identifies as neurodivergent. They shared how to recognize cultural and environmental factors that affect career success, understand the impact of masking neurodivergence, and take actionable steps to support and enhance the well-being of all employees.
- Togetherall helped us understand the ingredients driving the “crisis narrative” of mental health and reviewed the key concepts underlying the next-wave mental health supports designed to address loneliness, foster resilience, coping, and wellness for large populations.
- Kaia Health explored effective strategies to transform digital care from accessible to indispensable. We discovered how innovative technology, patient-centric orientation, and habit-building techniques work together to ensure digital health solutions are integrated to improve care. Using the example of pain management, Kaia Health shared how the combination of technology and the human touch (coaching) can combine to keep people motivated by tapping into intrinsic motivation.
Here’s what our clients had to say about Empower this year…
“It doesn’t feel like a conference, it feels more like a family reunion.”
“I had an absolutely fantastic time at Empower. It’s truly one of the highlights of my year. The energy, insights, and connections made it an invaluable experience, and I already can’t wait for next year.”
“From energizing learning sessions to beautifully curated (and deliciously healthy!) meals, every moment nourished both mind and mission. Feeling refreshed, recharged, and inspired to keep championing well-being—at work and beyond.”
“We had a fabulous time. The meeting content and the overall organization of the time together was excellent. Looking forward to attending again.”
“We had a great time at Empower. It was great seeing everyone, connecting our program and discussing areas we can improve and what’s working for our group.”
We hold Empower each year in unique, amazing locations. It’s the perfect opportunity to soak in the latest and greatest thinking about well-being, be inspired by your peers, and take time for yourself to relax and be well.
