Speaking

speaking engagements

to create an environment of belonging and empowerment

Randi B. DEI Disrupter - Speaker

“Frankly, I was dreading having to sit through another speech on diversity and inclusivity. They always make me feel so uncomfortable and nothing gets fixed. But Randi actually had most of us laughing. She made such a tough topic approachable by sharing relatable stories. Also, she didn’t make anyone feel guilty, angry or different, but explained how we were all good people, yet uninformed. She gave us practical solutions. I left her session feeling hopeful.”

“Randi is passionate, hilarious, and well-informed in the D&I space. She is the best speaker we’ve had.”

Randi B. helps organizations create spaces where each person feels safe, valuable and that they belong. Randi drives these results through her speeches and guided discussions that are approachable, relatable, and practical. She is energetic, direct, and tells engaging stories that show her own humanity – and fallibility – inviting others to show theirs. Whether you are looking for a keynote presentation or a hands-on workshop for your upcoming conference, business retreat, or lunch and learn, Randi’s focus is on fostering real, open dialogue to get people talking. With her unique ability to emcee these uncomfortable conversations, she’s able to get attendees to better understand each other to foster empathy and create unity in our diverse world.

signature talks

Yes, You Have an Inclusivity Problem

It’s naïve to think that people who have largely lived in homogenous communities and have gone to homogenous schools would be armed with the tools necessary to operate in a diverse workforce. This is particularly true where sociologic history and evolution have led us to feel most comfortable operating in silos. However, this type of isolation does not allow individuals or organizations to work most effectively. And while individuals may raise diversity concerns at home or in their social circles, they are less likely to air concerns at work. Accordingly, the facilitation of open and honest conversations are key.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Seeing how we are all products of our experience
Gaining a real understanding of the inclusivity problem
Identifying the tools to drive real progress on inclusivity

Mad men & why white men are understandably mad

Change is hard. We’d all be more patient with each other if we remembered how dramatically the workplace has changed in a short time. Not so long ago, offices used to resemble those portrayed in the popular show Mad Men: all White and all male. The civil rights movement, immigration and social progress have diversified the workplace and those white males have been expected to simply adapt with no prior training. Change has affected us all — no bad guys – but all people must be informed and armed with the tools to deal with diverse individuals if the modern workplace is to work effectively and efficiently.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

An understanding of how change, not maliciousness, has caused most of the workplace tension
An understanding of how the workplace has changed and why we should be more empathetic to each other
A dissection of the vilification of privilege; and an explanation of how we all are privileged

Aretha Franklin had it right: a little respect

Who knew that Aretha Franklin was giving us sage business advice when she crooned, “All I’m askin’ for is a little respect”? Good communication abilities are consistently identified as one of the most important skills for employees and leaders to possess; and feeling respected is the most desired feeling that people want to have in communications. So how does one — especially in this ever-changing, highly diverse, fast-paced, technology-centric world – communicate in a way that is effective and efficient, yet leaves all participants feeling respected? Quite frankly, it is a skill. One that must be learned and practiced. It differentiates leaders, grows companies, strengthens teams, and increases profits. In most instances when respect is deemed lacking, or offenses occur, it is not because of bad intentions but rather a lack of information. This session is designed to arm attendees with the considerations and tools necessary to avoid these unintended offenses in communications, particularly of those who are different from you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Understand why making someone feel respected is the most important goal in ever interaction and how to do it
Be provided with practical tools to avoid inadvertently offending those whom are different from you
The 4 steps you must take when you have offended someone

Author • Speaker • Trainer • Diversity + Inclusion Strategist

About randi b.

Randi B. is a diversity and inclusion strategist, author, speaker, and trainer – she’s the Sista•intendent of Inclusivity, helping people and businesses navigate tough racial, gender, and cultural issues by equipping them with the right tools and resources to foster real, open dialogue.

Through her speeches, trainings, and one-on-one services Randi equips people with the right tools to engage in honest conversations about race, gender, sexuality, religion, cultural, and diversity issues.

Randi has a wealth of knowledge and experience navigating the tough dialogues that come with discussing diversity and inclusivity topics. She is the founder and president of an award-winning change management company that she led for 17 years. She is also the creator of the trademarked “Fingerprint to Blueprint” curriculum and a former director of training and instruction for two tech start-ups.

In her book, Neversays™, Randi provides an easy-to-follow guide on 25 phrases you should never, ever say to keep your job and friends. The tenets of this book are based on the beliefs that people are good but uninformed and uncomfortable with difference. This book provides real, practical advice on how to navigate these difficult-to-talk-about topics. She has helped many government clients and Fortune 500 companies in seven countries and 41 states.

Randi is an avid traveler. She lives in the San Francisco area with her husband and two sons.