How to choose the right diversity and inclusion speaker for your event
Over the last few years, the phrase ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ has become exponentially more popular within the corporate field. Diversifying workforces and promoting the celebration of our differences is featuring more and more prevalently on companies’ agendas, and rightly so. As a speaker’s bureau, we have seen this reflected in the number of enquiries we receive for Diversity and Inclusion speakers, and they continue to skyrocket.
Diversity and Inclusion speakers cover a huge range of different topics. Some will enlighten audiences on how to confront discrimination and microaggressions, while others focus on topics such as inclusive leadership, unconscious bias and structural inequalities. Whatever their main focus, Diversity and Inclusion speakers are united in their goal to promote how important it is in both business and the world at large to hear from unique perspectives. After all, it is these unique perspectives and varying experiences which enable us to create workforces that not only acknowledge but value the strengths and weaknesses of individuals.
The Speakers Agency is extremely proud to have so many incredible Diversity and Inclusion speakers on their roster. When choosing a Diversity and Inclusion speaker, there are many avenues down which you may choose to go. You may wish to book a speaker who can support a new mantra or ethos which your company has or is about to introduce. Alternatively, you may wish to select a speaker who can leave your employees with take-away action points on how to be better allies. Or you may wish to hire a speaker who can offer a personal insight into being part of a minority group and who encourages your employees to perceive their own differences not as segregating but as beautiful and highly valuable.
For more information on booking a Diversity and Inclusion speaker for your event or conference, call +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com and we’ll be more than happy to help.
Just some of our wonderful Diversity and Inclusion speakers include the following:
Diane Louise Jordan made fame as the first black presenter on ‘Blue Peter,’ a role which she enjoyed for six years. She then went on to present hugely popular shows such as ‘Songs of Praise.’ Diane is often invited to speak at corporate events, challenging and inspiring audiences from every walk of life, regardless of life experience or social background. Among many other topics, one of Diane’s focuses is on Black History, and she expertly explores the reality of racism and the core human desire to be accepted. She encourages people to find things that we can do as acquaintances, friends and colleagues to find what binds and unites us rather than what divides us.
Diane is also the founder of Oral History Archive Project, ‘The Making of Black Britain.’ As well as being available for keynote speeches, Diane offers companies the chance to be a part of this incredible project by hiring her and her team for Digital Storytelling Workshops. This is comprised of Diane facilitating personal and educational conversations among colleagues, all in the presence of a camera crew. This creates the opportunity for both employers and employees to discuss and explore issues surrounding race, family, community, work, food, identity, language, etc. and be part of a national historical project in the process.
June Sarpong MBE has enjoyed a 20-year presenting career during which time she has become one of the most recognisable faces of British television. She is one of the UK’s most intelligent and dynamic diversity speakers and event hosts. In 2019, June was appointed as Director of Creative Diversity at the BBC. As their first-ever Diversity Director, she has worked to work to ensure that the BBC’s content reflects the beautifully diverse public they serve. June Sarpong has an innate talent for inspiring companies and workforces to embrace diversity and inclusion, and empowering women in the workplace.
Michelle Moore is an award-winning leadership coach, author, speaker and educator who has been voted as one of the UK’s 50 Most ‘Influential Women in Sport’. As a global speaker, host, former athlete, facilitator, roundtable expert and advisor Michelle’s dynamic keynotes and initiatives focus on inclusive leadership, race equity, resilience and success. Drawing on her experience as a former 400m runner and a current netball player she shares her expertise with others on how to create a high-performance mindset for success in personal and professional practice. Michelle published her first book on leadership entitled Real Wins in November 2021.
Steven Bartlett is as a speaker, investor, author and content creator, hosting one of Europe’s biggest podcasts, ‘The Diary of a CEO’. Steven’s debut book ‘Happy Sexy Millionaire’ became an instant hit and a Sunday Times bestseller. Stephen Bartlett is particularly focused on inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs and creators from a BAME background and much of his work after winning the “British Black Entrepreneur of the year” award focused on disadvantaged schools and communities.
Afua Hagan is a well-known journalist, TV and Radio Presenter, regularly appearing on ITV, BBC and TalkRadio. Renowned for being opinionated, charismatic and provocative, Afua is available to speak on a range of topics, and is one of the leading voices on Diversity and Inclusion in Britain.
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon is a recognised and highly respected thought-leader in the teach space. Having reflected on her experiences at university where she was 1 of 3 girls in a class of 70 studying Maths and Computer Science at Oxford University, Anne-Marie realised that she had found her calling. Helping high-achieving young women enter into the tech sphere, Anne-Marie continues to be one of the most dedicated promoters of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. In 2020, she was even voted the most influential woman in tech in the UK by Computer Weekly.
Jesse Dufton epitomises achievement and bravery in the face of adversity. He was born severely sight impaired and warned he may never be able to read or write. Now entirely blind, his positive attitude and determination has resulted in him becoming an elite rock climber. In addition, he has excelled in the academic and corporate spheres gaining a doctorate in Materials Chemistry.