For leaders, managers
The Four Fundamentals of Inclusive Leadership
The four leadership traits that close the gap between good intentions and the thing people actually experience at work.
Most leaders mean well. That part is rarely the problem. The problem is the gap between what a leader intends and what the people around them actually experience. This keynote names the four traits that close it, with enough evidence to convince the skeptics and enough stories to make the rest of the room admit they have things to work on.
If you’d like to build on this topic beyond the keynote, you can learn more about how I work with organizations on consulting engagements.
Trailer
See it in ninety seconds
Overview
What inclusive leadership actually means, and what it looks like on a Tuesday afternoon
Inclusion gets a lot of airtime in onboarding decks and town halls. Less often does anyone name what a leader should actually do differently on a Tuesday afternoon. This keynote is built around that gap.
Drawing on twenty years of practice with executive teams, board chairs, and frontline managers across Fortune 100 companies, public-sector agencies, and global non-profits, I lay out a working definition of inclusive leadership, then walk through the four traits that separate leaders whose teams quietly perform better, from leaders whose values statements never make it past the lobby.
It is the keynote for leaders who have heard the case for inclusion and now want the practice. Honest, specific, and with enough humour that a room full of senior people can admit they still have things to work on.
What clients say
From the organizations that booked this talk
-
Michael was our keynote speaker on the topic of allyship and creating safe spaces for 2SLGBTQI+ employees in the workplace. Our goal was to help our teams move from “good thoughts” to action and advocacy. Michael highlighted both what the journey might look like over time as well as things we each can do today to make a difference. Michael skillfully blends his lived experience with his years as an expert in the field of DEIA, always with his signature humour and personal insights. Whether you are just beginning your DEIA journey or are well on your way, Michael’s practical approach and insight will inspire you!
Carol Graziani Director, Diversity and Inclusion Best Buy Canada
-
Michael is fantastic to work with. He’s funny, easy going, and always delivers content that gets people thinking. He’s professional, always on time, adaptable, and a pleasure to work with.
Brigitte LeBlanc-Miller Communications Event Planner WorkSafe New Brunswick
Verified attendee feedback
What the rooms said
Combined, response-weighted scores from every delivery of this keynote, collected independently through Talkadot.
- 92%Engaging
- 92%Memorable
- 92%Relevant
- 90%Inspiring
- This was one of the best presentations I have experienced with respect to inclusive leadership. It resonated with me because it acknowledges the many different forms of bias and that it doesn’t necessarily make us bad people. By recognizing we are all different and have different backgrounds, and therefore different needs, it gives us license to practice The Platinum Rule! Attendee
- I had assumed I knew about diversity and inclusion. I realized I didn’t know everything and this has taught me how to be a better leader and better myself personally. Attendee
- Michael was absolutely amazing! His presence is truly caring and exudes his true passion! You can tell he wants everyone to learn that everyone matters!! Attendee
Ten-minute speaking sample
Watch a longer sample
Share your email to watch a ten-minute clip from this keynote.
We will not share your email. One click unsubscribes you from anything we send. Submitting tags this address with the talk you asked about, so if you follow up we already know the context.
Thanks. The link is also on its way to your inbox so you can come back to it.
Frequently asked
Quick answers before you reach out
How long is this keynote?
Sixty minutes is the standard, and it is adjustable in either direction. Tell me the slot and I will make it work.
Can it be delivered virtually?
Yes. The structure and the audience interaction are the same in both formats. Virtual delivery works on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, or whatever platform your team is already using.
Who is this talk for?
Built for executive teams, people managers, and leadership offsites. It also lands well with broader leadership audiences and anyone who manages people and wants to do it more inclusively.
Can the content be customized for our audience?
Yes. Every booking starts with a prep call to tailor the examples, language, and case studies to your sector, your audience, and the moment your organization is in. Customization is part of the speaking fee, not an add-on.
How do we book Michael for this talk?
Send a note through the contact page with your event date, audience, format, and budget range. You will hear back within two business days with availability, a fee, and a short note on fit.
Bring me to your stage
Tell me about the event, the audience, and what you want people to leave thinking about. I will come back with a short note on fit, format, and what a strong version of this looks like for your room.