Start the Convo on Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace with These 3 Speakers

Diversity and inclusion have become hot topic buzzwords in the corporate arena. While some may think that workplace diversity is just a politically correct fad, it’s actually a serious competitive advantage and can positively impact your company’s bottom line. It has been proven to foster innovation, boost productivity and even financial performance. However, simply hiring individuals with various backgrounds and demographic characteristics is not enough to reap these benefits. This is where inclusion comes into play. Not to be confused with diversity, inclusion refers to a cultural and environmental feeling of belonging. It can be assessed as the extent to which employees are valued, respected, accepted and encouraged to fully participate in the organization. So while a company’s workforce may be diverse, if employees do not feel safe and welcome, that company isn’t inclusive and will not perform to its highest potential. 

Over the last couple years, we’ve seen more and more companies working to build diverse workforces and incorporate diversity and inclusion initiatives, but many companies have been slow to embrace this new direction. If you’re looking to start this delicate conversation, these three speakers share their valuable knowledge and provide practical techniques that will show you the importance of inclusion and embracing the diversity within your company. 

Risha Grant

Risha Grant is put simply, diversity personified. From her race, gender and lifestyle choices, to being a young, small business owner and tackling economic issues, every area of her life intersects diversity. Although diversity can often be an uncomfortable topic, Risha’s approach helps attendees to easily understand the concept, without feeling bored or judged. She teaches Diversity & Inclusion through the lens of humanity using terms like BS or Bias Synapse as a way to explain our brain’s involvement in the processing and validation of bias. The engaging approach of her consulting and training has helped governors, NBA teams, mayors, Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations and companies to reduce bias and further the understanding of Diversity & Inclusion.

Richard Montanez

Back in 1976, Richard Montanez, a janitor for PepsiCo’s Rancho Cucamonga plant, took notice of a mistake on the Cheetos production line and turned it into the billion-dollar cultural phenomenon, “Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.” Richard now heads Multicultural Sales & Marketing across Pepsi North American divisions and is heralded for his infectious innovative spirit and deep commitment to mentorship and cultural diversity. His story of pushing through adversity and battling issues of inclusion and belonging in the workplace will amaze and inspire you. 

Yassmin Abdel-Magied

Yassmin Abdel-Magied wears many hats. She is a mechanical engineer, author, broadcaster and award-winning diversity advocate. She’s delivered keynotes and workshops in over 20 countries on unconscious bias and inclusive leadership. Her powerful TED talk, What does my headscarf mean to you, has been viewed over 2 million times. She advocates for the empowerment of youth, women and those from racially, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and is extremely passionate about making ‘diversity’ the norm.

Interested in one of these dynamic speakers who can share their unique perspectives and highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and modern society? Visit www.eaglestalent.com or call our office at 1.800.345.5607 for more information.