For people leaders and talent teams
Becoming an Attraction Magnet
What a truly inclusive talent process actually looks like, from first impression to first day.
A Harvard study found that even when job postings used pro-diversity language, employers still excluded candidates of colour. Good intent is not the bottleneck. The process is. This keynote maps the whole attraction pipeline, names where it leaks, and shows what a genuinely inclusive version looks like at every stage.
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
Where the talent pipeline leaks, and how to seal it
Most organizations say they want a more representative workforce. Fewer have looked closely at their attraction process to see where it is actively working against that goal. Usually the answer is: in more places than expected.
Built on more than twenty years of practice in DEIA and talent attraction, this keynote walks through the whole process from the first impression a posting makes to the experience a new hire has on day one. Where bias enters. Where it gets reinforced. And where relatively small changes consistently outperform expensive initiatives.
Leaders leave with a clear view of where their process is exclusive without meaning to be, and a short list of leading practices they can put to work the following week.
What clients say
From the organizations that booked this talk
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We have been delighted with Michael as a speaker! He addressed our Leadership Forum, where his speaking style effortlessly both engaged and educated. He made the topic of inclusion accessible with his anecdotes, relatability and practical insights. So much so that we have partnered with him again; this time for our Construction teams!
Lina Bagchi Director, Human Resources Mattamy Homes
Verified attendee feedback
What the rooms said
Combined, response-weighted scores from every delivery of this keynote, collected independently through Talkadot.
- 97%Engaging
- 96%Actionable
- 95%Inspiring
- 96%Relevant
- This was my favorite session at SHRM so far. Michael provided an engaging session that provided facts, humor, and helpful strategies to take home and think about with my team and hiring managers. Attendee
- Michael has a way of engaging the audience from beginning to end while sharing insight that will increase DEI in a workplace. Attendee
- As chair of DEI and the recruiter for my organization, it has helped me to think of strategies I can implement with my team. Attendee
Ten-minute speaking sample
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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 people managers, HR teams, and leadership groups responsible for talent. It also lands well with broader leadership audiences, ERG members, and anyone 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.