Bernadette Smith

Inclusive Sales Speaker and Creator of the ARC Method®

Add To My Favorites Check Fee/Availability

In-Person Fee Range:

$10,001 - $15,000

Fee Details

Virtual Fee Range:

Inquire for Fee

Traveling from:

Illinois

Bernadette Smith – Speaker Reel

VIEW ALL 2 Videos

Topics

LGBTQ Speakers Storytelling Virtual Keynote Speakers Diversity and Inclusion Marketing Speakers

Bernadette Smith

Inclusive Sales Speaker and Creator of the ARC Method®

Add To My Favorites Check Fee/Availability

In-Person Fee Range:

$10,001 - $15,000

Fee Details

Virtual Fee Range:

Inquire for Fee

Traveling from:

Illinois

Why Book

Bernadette’s high-energy, practical, and engaging keynotes will leave your team feeling confident, prepared, and ready to connect authentically—no awkward moments, no second-guessing.
Bernadette will equip your team with the tools they need to win in an increasingly diverse world—and she’ll make you look great while doing it.
Bernadette has been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, CNN, and the Today Show.

Biography

Bernadette Smith, CEO of Equality Institute, is a sought-after belonging speaker and the award-winning author of four books, including her bestseller Inclusive 360: Proven Solutions for an Equitable Organization. Instead of creating intimidation around diversity, her keynotes use humor and relatability to inspire meaningful action—winning over even the skeptics.

Praised as “relatable,” “authentic,” and “fun,” Bernadette’s approach has earned the trust of Fortune 500 companies, global sales teams, and top-tier leadership across industries.

Her influence as a champion for inclusion and belonging has been spotlighted by the New York Times, National Public Radio, CNN, and the Today Show, and she’s been named one of Chicago’s Notable LGBTQ Executives by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Programs

Come As You Are: Build Authentic Connection with Diverse Clients

Your sales success depends on trust—and today’s diverse marketplace leaves no room for assumptions. Unchecked missteps can break rapport before the deal begins.

In this actionable session, Bernadette shares how to use kind curiosity and the ARC Method® to build trust across differences, recover from slip-ups, and turn every client interaction into an opportunity for connection and long-term success.

Voices Carry: The ARC of Inclusive Leadership

In a polarized world, assumptions can quietly erode trust, teamwork, and retention. Inclusive leadership means bridging differences—not avoiding them.

In this keynote, Bernadette introduces the ARC Method® as a practical tool to transform assumptions into dialogue and foster a culture of belonging. Leaders will leave with tangible strategies to build connection, credibility, and inclusive momentum across their teams.

LGBTQ+ Offerings:

Whether through a dynamic keynote, interactive workshop, or expertly moderated panel, Bernadette brings warmth, humor, and real-world insight to every Pride engagement. With a focus on allyship, inclusion, and authentic connection, she equips teams to support LGBTQ+ colleagues and clients with confidence—not just during Pride Month, but every day. Perfect for companies ready to go beyond the performative and build a culture where everyone belongs.