For leaders re-committing to the work
All Aboard
DEIA is not dead. It is being asked to prove itself.
The headlines call it over. The private conversations are more interesting. Across organizations, the public statements have gotten quieter while the actual business reasons for this work (talent, performance, market reach) have not budged. This keynote is for leaders who are not done, and who want a grounded, evidence-based way to recommit without repeating the last ten years.
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
An honest look back, and what to do next
The last decade of DEIA work produced real progress and some real problems. Organizations over-promised. Programs got launched without grounding. When the political wind shifted, the work that had been bolted on fell off. The work that had been built in held.
Drawing on twenty years of practice with Fortune 100 companies, public-sector agencies, and global non-profits, I walk through what actually went wrong, which parts of the work have held up, and what it takes to recommit without setting the same traps.
This is the keynote for leaders who are not done. Plainspoken, evidence-led, and useful. A clear-eyed look at where we are, and a practical path forward.
What clients say
From the organizations that booked this talk
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Michael Bach was a refreshing addition to the keynote line up for the CCWESTT 2022 Conference. With humour and unabashed flare, Michael makes the concepts of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility easy to understand, inspiring his audiences to take action when they return to their respective organizations.
Eva Martinez Vice-President Women in Aerospace Canada
Verified attendee feedback
What audiences leave with
Every keynote I deliver collects attendee feedback independently through Talkadot. The numbers below are the verified scores from my full speaking record.
What audiences walk out with
- Participants left with a working vocabulary they could use the next day, without jargon or guilt.
- Attendees gained a clearer understanding of where DEIA actually shows up in everyday work decisions.
- Leaders left equipped to defend, fund, and scale the work in language their leadership team will recognize.
- Audiences felt inspired and prepared to take action, with specific moves to make in the week that followed.
- Michael is a phenomenal speaker. Engaging, knowledgeable, and able to make a complex topic feel approachable. Attendee
- Thoughtful, generous with humour, and the practical examples landed for me. I left with a list of things I can do on Monday. Attendee
- Honest and direct without being preachy. That is rare in this work and exactly why it lands. Attendee
Ten-minute speaking sample
A longer sample, coming soon
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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 leadership teams, CEOs, boards, and HR executives. It also lands well with broader leadership audiences, ERG members, and anyone in the room who has been tasked with making DEIA real inside their organization.
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.