Speakers Bureau

Bring Insights and Ideas to Audiences Globally

We connect expert speakers with organizations to address a wide range of topics related to workplace diversity and inclusion. Our speakers engage audiences at many types of venues in a variety of ways, including keynote speeches, presentations, and panel discussions. Catalyst’s high-impact presentations range from 60 to 90 minutes in length, including time for questions and answers, and are customized to best serve the audience.

Speakers Bureau is a fee-for-service resource, with discounted rates for Catalyst Supporters. To engage a Catalyst speaker, complete the Speaker Request Form. Choose from our most popular topics, or contact us to discuss another topic.

From Unconscious Bias to Inclusive Leadership: Unconscious biases; we all have them. They’re automatic and efficient mental shortcuts. But now that we have identified this universal aspect of human decision-making, how can we re-train ourselves and disrupt our default thinking to ensure that unintentional stereotyping doesn’t lead to missed opportunities? In this interactive session, participants will learn to identify unconsciously biased thinking in themselves and others and develop inclusive leadership skills to combat it. Manager and executive versions available.

Inclusive Leadership for Everyone: What separates a great manager from a mediocre one? According to Catalyst’s global report, Inclusive Leadership: The View From Six Countries, it’s the ability to lead with an inclusive mindset. In this session, attendees will learn about the EACH Framework (Empowerment, Accountability, Courage, and Humility) that unlocks inclusion, and they will self-assess to see which inclusive leadership attributes they possess or need to develop.

Engaging Men as Change Agents: Men have a pivotal role to play in creating workplaces where both women and men can thrive. But too often they are missing from workplace diversity and inclusion efforts, or only peripherally involved. Catalyst research shows that the more men know about gender inequalities; the more likely they are to act as advocates and lead efforts to close the gender gap. This session will explore the three Bs of engaging men in gender initiatives: Barriers, Benefits, Behaviours, and leave participants with concrete tools on how to cultivate a cross-gender partnership to drive mutually beneficial inclusion.

Inclusive Communication & Courageous Conversations: Why do people struggle to communicate authentically across difference? The fact is that talking about our differences can be difficult. For example, Catalyst research found that men who wanted to support more gender equality were afraid to be seen as sexist, and that non-dominant groups feared being stereotyped or discriminated against. Roadblocks such as people’s beliefs, attitudes, and experiences can stifle meaningful dialogue. Your Catalyst speaker will offer solutions to these problems based on our research so that participants can build effective work relationships through inclusive communication.

Day-to-Day Experiences of Emotional Tax Among People of Color in the Workplace: Catalyst research finds that a majority of women and men of color report being highly “on guard” at work. This experience affects them physically and psychologically and diminishes their ability to contribute optimally in the workplace. Inclusive workplaces can make a difference. In this session, attendees will learn strategies for enhancing day-to-day interactions among all employees through inclusive communication, and they will practice concrete skills that promote inclusive work environments where everyone can thrive.

LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion: Inclusive workplaces must engage all employees, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, who are often ignored. This session explores solutions designed to fully engage and support this employee community, and gives attendees a chance to brainstorm on how to be an inclusive ally. We will outline key terminology used when discussing the LGBTQ+ community, why “bringing your whole self to work” is essential for individual and organizational health, and how to be an ally who leads with curiosity and honesty.

Work-Life Effectiveness: A Guide for Individuals & Managers: In today’s world, workplace flexibility is no longer just a nice to have; it’s a vital strategic business tool that organizations need to have in order to maximize talent. In this session, we will separate myth from fact and discuss how flexible work arrangements (FWA) benefit employees of all sexes, ages, and life stages. Attendees will get tangible advice for both managers and direct reports that will facilitate conversations about work-life productivity, time management, and flexible work arrangements.

The Sponsorship Effect: Finding and cultivating sponsors, whether informal or formal, can be one of the biggest game-changers in your career. But where do you start? In this session, you will learn the difference between a coach, mentor, and sponsor. We’ll also discuss strategies for positioning yourself to be both mentored and sponsored within your organization. Participants will leave with a plan for building their own strategic networks.

Learning the Unwritten Rules to Advancement: Advancing in today’s business world is often as much about learning and playing by the rules as it is about talent and results. Some rules are explicitly stated in organizational handbooks, performance review procedures, or by senior leadership. But other rules are left implicit—unwritten—for employees to decipher on their own. Those who do not have the tools to access this maze of “unwritten rules” and the important knowledge these rules provide remain left out, no matter how competent they are. In this session, participants will reflect on their experiences navigating organizational cultures as well as practice skills to be successful in their role/field as organizational leaders.

Take Charge of Your Career: This session focuses on the two career advancement strategies measured to have the strongest payoff for women professionals: building mutually-beneficial relationships with influential others and making achievements visible in ways that benefit the individual and organization. Engaging for both men and women, participants will walk away with fresh insights about how to accelerate their careers and gain the tools and plan to make it happen.