“Bernadette smith is the

leader to listen to

when you’re intimidated

by diversity.”

-Rubén Ramírez, Syngenta Group

Want to avoid cringey conversations
& build real trust?
Bernadette will show you how, using her ARC Method® and bringing a whole lot of good vibes.

Conversations feel a little more complex these days, don’t they? People want to connect, but the second something lands differently than expected, even the pros can get a little awkward. Not because they don’t care — because they’re not sure what to do next.

That’s where Bernadette Smith comes in. Using the ARC Method® (Ask, Respect, Connect), she gives teams and leaders a simple, real-time way to handle tricky moments with confidence. No overthinking, no spiraling later, just grounded tools that help people stay human when it counts.

Her sessions are engaging, practical, and genuinely fun, filled with relatable moments audiences instantly recognize. Participants leave feeling equipped, energized, and ready to build trust in the moments that matter most.

Bernadette’s Keynote Topics

Come As You Are: Building Authentic Connection in a Changing Marketplace

Client conversations are getting more “complex”, and small missteps can quietly erode trust. In this fun, practical session, Bernadette Smith gives teams a simple, memorable way to navigate unexpected moments using the ARC Method®. Participants learn how subtle shifts in language build credibility, repair rapport, and strengthen authentic connection across perspectives.

See how this keynote transforms client conversations →

Voices Carry: How Everyday Leadership Behaviors Shape Psychological Safety

Psychological safety is built in the small moments when people take risks and watch how their leader responds. In this energizing session, Bernadette Smith shows leaders how subtle shifts in language and presence can lower defensiveness, encourage honesty, and shape a culture where people feel safe to contribute. Using the ARC Method®, leaders gain a practical approach for navigating tense conversations with steadiness and clarity.

Learn how leaders create cultures where voices truly carry →

Delicate: The Human Advantage in a Rapidly Automated World

AI can automate tasks, but it can’t handle the delicate moments where trust is formed or repaired. In this engaging, fun session, Bernadette Smith reveals why curiosity, acknowledgment, and presence are becoming the most valuable differentiators in an AI-driven world. Through relatable examples and the ARC Method®, participants learn how to bring more humanity into conversations — especially when they get complex.

See why humanity is your real competitive edge →

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“Thank you for delivering such a powerful message in a fun, relatable way.”

— Kennedy, Aon

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WHAT TO EXPECT

Bernadette’s keynotes feel nothing like the talks people dread. Whether she’s live on stage or full-screen on Zoom, she gets people laughing, thinking, and seeing themselves in the moments she brings to life. Attendees leave with practical tools they can actually use — no jargon, no judgment, no filler — and that rare mix of clarity and confidence that sticks long after the session ends. Every keynote is tailored to your audience and the real moments they face.

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“Her energy is infectious, her presentation was empowering, and her style is relatable. I would highly recommend Bernadette as a speaker!”

— Jason B.

Bernadette Smith, CEO of Equality Institute, is a sought-after belonging speaker and the award-winning author of four books, including her bestseller Inclusive 360: Proven Solutions for an Equitable Organization. Instead of creating intimidation around diversity, her keynotes use humor and relatability to inspire meaningful action—winning over even the skeptics.

Praised as “relatable,” “authentic,” and “fun,” Bernadette’s approach has earned the trust of Fortune 500 companies, global sales teams, and top-tier leadership across industries.

Her influence as a champion for inclusion and belonging has been spotlighted by the New York Times, National Public Radio, CNN, and the Today Show, and she’s been named one of Chicago’s Notable LGBTQ Executives by Crain’s Chicago Business.

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“Bernadette was awesome! Loved her speaking style, examples, and ability to keep everyone's attention. A heartfelt, engaging, and powerful conversation that I continue to think about as I work with others.”
—Steve Smith, Association Management Center
“Bernadette, the feedback I’ve received on today’s session has been remarkable. Every response I’ve had has said that is the best DE&I presentation they’ve ever seen.”
—Rochelle J., Apptio
“Thank you Bernadette for coming and sharing your truths with us! So many great points. - not jumping to conclusions, its okay to say, "ouch", to have inclusion we need to include everyone. The best part is that it’s continued to spark meaningful conversations with my co-workers”

-Justin N, Valent
"We were fortunate enough to have Bernadette as a guest speaker as part of Diversity & Inclusion month. Our employees around the globe found her very relatable and engaging. Her talk inspired action and offered simple, practical tools such as the ARC Method."
—Chris Sampson, SERB Pharmaceuticals
“This was one of the best presentations I have ever seen. Bernadette is a tremendous leader and amazing speaker.”
— Michael G., Northern Trust
“You were a ROCKSTAR ....as always but I’m extremely grateful to you for being such a consistent and impactful contributor to the ILDC.”
-Cherie Coleman, President, Illinois Diversity Council
“I’ve never had a presentation feel like a hug before.”
— Attendee, Ferrara Candy event
“I am a white, cisgender, heterosexual male who wants to lift up those around me. I'm not always sure how. In 20 minutes, I got some very practical ways to start conversations and start being a better, more intentional ally. Thank you!”
—Attendee, ASAE Annual Meeting
“Bernadette Smith is an outstanding speaker on building constructive culture. Her engaging keynote was definitely not the standard diversity and inclusivity training. She connected to our specific mission and values and was authentic, approachable, and practical.”
— Dr. Sandra Dunbar, Emory University
“Bernadette was a great external speaker who intentionally connected her messages to our firm’s values and culture. Even though Bernadette was the last presenter on a long day of trainings, she kept the audience engaged and active throughout the presentation.”
— Jonathan Philipp, Grant Thornton
“Bernadette, Thanks for showing us all how to bring the positivity to hard topics. You're always a flashlight in the dark!”
-Jonathan Brill, bestselling author, Rogue Waves

BERNADETTE and Pickleball

What does the quirky sport of pickleball have to do with inclusion? When Bernadette picked up a pickleball paddle in 2023, she quickly found out and was instantly hooked. Spoiler alert: she realized she was ageist after getting badly beaten by a bunch of 70 year olds!

Embracing her community’s diverse group of players opened the door to connections well beyond her usual circle. Now, she’s captured those heartfelt and often hilarious encounters and observations in a short pickleball-themed comedy bit on inclusion, an entertaining and uplifting add-on to any event booking.

Want to know how Bernadette can bring good vibes
to your audience?

CONNECT WITH BERNADETTE

“You speak on a sensitive topic in an approachable and humorous way. You can see the light bulbs going off in our attendees’ heads while you speak. There were clear takeaways and the feedback was terrific!”
— Corrine Z. Dudine, Idea Factory
“Thank you very much for providing such a comprehensive seminar. Your insight and knowledge will go a long way in how we service our guests. I hope to work together again in the future.”
— Mark Garcia, MGM Resorts
“What an awesome day… filled with great information, interactive activities, a ‘no boundaries’ safe zone for questions and answers, and lots of LOVE! You gave us so much to think about and a clear direction of where we want to be in the near future.”
— Anna Schmid, Sands Hotels
“I will definitely recommend you to other EEOC Program Analysts nationally. I think there is a lot of value in doing so - and you are a shining example of that!”
— Elaine McArthur

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more from Bernadette’s fans…

Why Audiences Love Bernadette’s Approach

Bernadette doesn’t just talk about inclusion — she makes it real, relevant, and engaging. Her sessions blend humor, honesty, and practical insight to help professionals drop the fear and lean into connection. Every keynote is built around one simple truth: inclusion doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. When people feel seen, respected, and safe to be themselves, business thrives. Whether in-person or virtual, Bernadette’s events inspire lasting mindset shifts and immediate action.

The Bernadette Smith Experience

When you book Bernadette, you get more than a DEI speaker — you get a partner in creating meaningful audience impact.

Here’s what makes her talks stand out:

High-Energy Delivery: Engaging, relatable, and full of “aha” moments.
Practical Tools: Frameworks like the ARC Method® and CRAP Method turn complex ideas into everyday habits.
Tailored Content: Each keynote is customized to your audience’s industry, challenges, and goals.
Safe Learning Environment: No judgment. Just curiosity, humor, and authenticity. Bernadette’s mission is simple: help leaders and teams replace awkwardness with confidence, and fear with connection.

Perfect for Conferences, Sales Meetings & Leadership Retreats

Bernadette’s keynotes are ideal for organizations that want to strengthen trust and inclusion in high-stakes environments. Her most popular events include:

National Sales Meetings: Empower teams to connect authentically with diverse clients.

Leadership Summits: Build inclusive leadership skills that inspire engagement.

Employee Resource Group Events: Create spaces of belonging across departments.

Industry Conferences: Deliver memorable keynotes that spark conversation and action.