Whether it’s concealing a tattoo, or masking an accent, most Americans have presented an alternate version of themselves in the workplace. While altering elements of your appearance in order to succeed professionally is still an acceptable practice, hiding your true self is an antiquated concept that will not endure another generation.
Today’s workplaces feature more diverse intersectional identities than ever before. In the common areas of most offices, you will overhear conversations that are informed by a broader spectrum of experiences. Even previously standard water cooler conversations around sports and culture will now feature greater insights into where we each have come from. The morning after the Super Bowl or the Academy Awards, you can expect much more nuance in how large scale communal events are discussed.
Employers that embrace authenticity in the workplace are celebrated for more than just engaging lunchroom conversations. There is overwhelming research that companies reap the benefits when workers have freedom to express themselves. Organizations that create an environment for employees to feel like they belong enjoy:
- Improved job performance
- Lower turnover
- Fewer employee sick days
There is no denying that over the past year, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives have faced an unprecedented backlash. But in order to ensure long term success, employees still need to feel a sense of belonging at work.
There are a number of next generation thought leaders who offer keynotes and trainings that will improve any company’s culture.
Most Requested Speakers on Belonging and Authenticity in the Workplace
Jim Fielding is a respected retail and media industry veteran. He oversaw massive breakthroughs in the retail space for organizations as diverse as Claire’s and Disney. There is no one who better understands the need to make buying and selling truly experiential. His keynotes combines storytelling, product innovation, merchandising, and consumer experiences.
Blair Imani is writer, mental health advocate, and historian living at the intersections of Black, Queer, and Muslim identity. In 2020, she launched the wildly popular online learning series “Smarter in Seconds”, which has tackled numerous workplace challenges including microaggressions, neurodiversity, and code switching.
Amina AlTai is an author and executive coach who is frequently hired by purpose-driven founders, career-pivoters, and CEO’s. Her highly anticipated book “The Ambition Trap” will be published in 2025.
Amy Nelson is the founder and CEO of The Riveter, a modern union of women and allies. As the COVID19 pandemic forced her to revisit the relevance of physical co-working spaces, she was able to forge an even broader and stronger community online.
Becky Curran Kekula dazzles audiences by sharing inspirational stories of her life and fosters acceptance of those with physical differences. As a TEDx Motivational Speaker & Advocate for Disability Inclusion, Becky shares some hard truths about family and living with a disability.
Haley Moss is an attorney, author, advocate, artist, and consultant who is passionate about disability inclusion and neurodiversity. Haley’s talks are infused with pure joy that creates space for greater understanding around autism in the workplace.
Meryl Evans is a trainer and accessibility marketing consultant who teaches the value of connection in an age of isolation. Although she didn’t originally coin the phrase, “Progress over Perfection” is an essential foundation to Meryl’s work.
Mia Ives Rublee advocates on the national stage for the rights of disabled people, immigrants, and other marginalized communities. As the senior director for the Disability Justice Initiative at American Progress, Mia is an expert on the real world implications of policies encouraging greater accessibility.
Antonio Saunders is a highly sought after trainer on transformational leadership. Antonio created the HFD Model (humanity, freedom, and dreams) which creates social progress in some of the most unlikely places. He has worked with CEOs and executives to build future ready companies that experiment, adapt, and inspire.
Chelsea Miller is a globally recognized racial justice organizer and media strategist. She has gained a massive following for her work as Political and Social Commentator for Now This Is News, the #1 most watched news brand on social media.
Tiq Milan is a vital voice within the trans community but his impact on the C suite has been growing for a decade. His talks expand audiences’ imaginations for what is possible when we look beyond the margins.
Brandon Wolf is a nationally recognized gun safety and LGBTQ+ civil rights advocate. In his current role as National Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Brandon has continued to connect the dots between good inclusion policy and a healthy bottom line.
Tiffany Yu is reframing how the world views disabilities through her company, Diversability. Her upcoming book “The Anti-Ableist Manifesto” will demystify disability in the workplace. The book is an essential guide to help employees with disabilities thrive. Her wildly popular online learning series shows us all how to be better allies.