“Bernadette smith is the
leader to listen to
when you’re intimidated
by diversity.”
-Rubén Ramírez, Syngenta Group
Want to avoid cringey client interactions
& build real trust?
Bernadette will show you how, using her ARC Method® and bringing a whole lot of good vibes.
Your clients and colleagues are more diverse than ever. One misstep can cost a deal. One great connection can create lasting loyalty.
But let’s be real—navigating diversity can feel tricky. You want to do the right thing, but in a world where one awkward comment can go viral, it’s often easier to say nothing at all.
The problem? Silence doesn’t build trust. It builds walls.
That’s where Bernadette comes in.
Using her proprietary ARC Method® (Ask, Respect, Connect), Bernadette gives client-facing professionals a simple, actionable framework to engage with confidence, recover from missteps, and build real relationships across differences.
Bernadette’s high-energy, practical, and engaging keynotes will leave your team feeling confident, prepared, and ready to connect authentically—no awkward moments, no second-guessing.
Whether it’s a national sales meeting or an association conference, Bernadette will equip your team with the tools they need to win in an increasingly diverse world—and she’ll make you look great while doing it.
“Thank you for delivering such a powerful message in a fun, relatable way.”
— Kennedy, Aon
“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.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Bernadette’s full screen virtual keynotes consistently engage and impress audiences. Whether in person or virtual, participants can expect to laugh and reflect while they set aside any apprehension about a dull virtual talk. They will learn simple tools and conversation starters, while experiencing “Aha" moments that resonate and leave no one feeling judged. Bernadette’s keynotes can be tailored for your audience.
Bernadette’s Keynote Topics
Come As You Are: Building Authentic Connection in a Changing Marketplace
Every deal, every client, every relationship begins—and ends—with trust. But in a marketplace that’s more diverse and discerning than ever, even well-intentioned professionals can lose credibility with one awkward moment or unchecked assumption.
Bernadette gives client-facing teams the confidence and language to connect authentically across perspectives, without fear or overthinking. Using her proven ARC Method® (Ask, Respect, Connect), Bernadette Smith delivers practical tools to help sales and service professionals engage with ease, repair missteps with credibility, and turn everyday interactions into loyalty-building moments.
Audiences describe Bernadette as “real, refreshing, and instantly relatable.” Her blend of humor, calm authority, and practical optimism makes people lean in, laugh, and learn. Participants leave energized, equipped, and ready to bring more connection (and a few good vibes) to every client conversation.
Voices Carry: The ARC of Inclusive Leadership
True leadership starts with connection. Yet even the most well-intentioned professionals can let assumptions or silence create distance, hurting trust, collaboration, and retention.
In this keynote, Bernadette Smith shows leaders how to turn those moments into opportunities for understanding and growth. Using her proven ARC Method® (Ask, Respect, Connect), she equips audiences with a simple, memorable framework to build belonging, communicate with confidence, and model the kind of inclusive leadership today’s workplaces demand.
Rise Up: Turning Challenges Into Momentum
In leadership and business, challenges and mistakes are inevitable—but how we handle them defines our credibility. Join Bernadette for a lively session where unexpected challenges become stepping stones for building trust, psychological safety, and resilience.
Using her signature CRAP method—Compassion, Release, Authenticity, and Play—Bernadette guides leaders in turning moments of uncertainty into opportunities for growth. Discover practical tools to cultivate self-compassion, build trust, and inspire teams to embrace their full, imperfect selves.
This session is designed for leaders, teams, and professionals who want to cultivate a workplace culture that fosters open communication, embraces learning from mistakes, and strengthens collaboration. Participants will walk away with a renewed sense of confidence and a practical approach to transforming setbacks into opportunities for growth.
TRUSTED BY
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?
Are you a meeting planner looking for resources to support the appearance of inclusive communication speaker Bernadette Smith at your upcoming event?
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.