CRINGE-FREE
Workshops for
client-facing pros

We help client-facing professionals communicate with confidence and connect with anyone without walking on eggshells.

They were very appreciative of the practical tips for relating to their clients. This made it feel more like a professional development session than ‘another diversity lecture’ for those that are less receptive.
— National Sales Leader

Our Workshops Build Trust, Reduce Risk, and Strengthen Client Relationships

Our sessions are always:

• Interactive and practical
• Scenario-based
• Immediately applicable
• Designed for sales, service, and client-facing roles


Our Approach: The ARC Method®

A simple, human-centered framework your team can use in any conversation:

A — Ask. Get clarity. Reduce assumptions. Use curiosity to open communication.

R — Respect. Listen to understand. Respond with presence, not performance.

C — Connect. Link what you’ve heard to next steps that build trust.

Every workshop in our curriculum reinforces this approach. ARC is what makes our sessions practical, repeatable, and relevant in real client-facing moments.

Download the ARC Method® Client Trust Blueprint →

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Fun Fact!

Before founding Equality Institute, our founder Bernadette Smith spent over a decade as a pioneering, high-end, LGBTQ+ wedding planner, leading teams through some of the most emotionally complex, culturally diverse moments people will ever experience. That background taught her how trust is built—and lost—in seconds. Her unique experiences shape how we teach people to communicate well when it really counts.

PATHWAY 1: Inclusive Communication FoundationS

Build essential skills for communicating clearly and confidently with anyone.

Workshops in This Pathway:

  1. Inclusive Communication Essentials

  2. Inclusive Language for Everyday Client Interactions

  3. Cultural Awareness for Modern Business

Learn more about this foundation series →

OPTIONAL ADD-ON WORKSHOP

Born This Way: Leverage Your Identity for Professional Confidence

A powerful confidence-building session perfect for ERGs, leadership cohorts, and team offsites.

  • Not part of a pathway

  • Works as a morale boost or leadership development module

  • Can be paired with any workshop or keynote

Add Born this Way to Your Program →

PATHWAY 2: Trust Across Difference

Applied skills to build trust with diverse clients in real-world scenarios.

Workshops in This Pathway:

  1. Confident LGBTQ+ Inclusion for Client-Facing Teams

  2. Families, Relationships, and Assumptions in Client Conversations

  3. Disability Inclusion that Builds Client Trust

  4. Navigating Challenging Client Moments with the ARC Method®

Explore this series →

LEARN MORE

HOW WE DELIVER

Flexible Formats for Every Team

  • 60–90 minute workshop

  • Half-day formats

  • Multi-session series

  • Virtual or in-person

  • Includes scenarios customized to your industry

  • Custom micro-learning development available

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WHY OUR WORKSHOPS WORK

  • Built for real client-facing moments

  • Practical language and scripts

  • ARC Method® integration

  • Respect-based, shame-free approach

  • Trusted by Fortune 500 companies

  • “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

  • “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

Custom Workshop Design for Your Team

No two organizations face the same inclusion challenges. That’s why our team works closely with you to design a program that meets your specific goals — whether it’s improving client interactions, supporting employee resource groups, or strengthening leadership alignment.

Workshops can be delivered:

  • In-person or virtually

  • In English or Spanish

  • As single sessions or multi-part learning series

We help your people speak with confidence, listen with respect, and connect with purpose — the foundation of lasting inclusion.


Looking to train your teams at scale?

We are your one-stop partner for custom learning. We manage every step of the development process so you don’t have to. We specialize in impactful micro-learning. Whether you need a single module or a full learning pathway, we partner with you to design content that reflects your people, your values, and your real-world challenges. Learn more →

LET'S DISCUSS

Outcomes You Can Expect

Participants walk away with:

  • Clear, actionable steps for inclusive communication

  • Greater confidence handling diverse client interactions

  • A shared framework (ARC Method®) for respectful dialogue

  • Improved trust and collaboration across teams

  • Practical skills that drive long-term culture change

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Who are Equality Institute workshops designed for?

They’re built for client-facing professionals — sales, service, and leadership teams who want to strengthen relationships through inclusion and authenticity.

Can the workshops be customized to our company or industry?

Yes. Every workshop can be tailored to your team’s goals, size, and challenges. We collaborate with you to ensure relevance and real-world impact.

Are these workshops available virtually?

Absolutely. Our virtual workshops are interactive, engaging, and proven to keep participants connected and involved from start to finish.

How long is each session?

Workshops typically range from 60 to 120 minutes, depending on your schedule and learning objectives. Multi-session learning paths are also available.

What makes your workshops different from traditional training?

We focus on connection, not correction. Instead of lectures or guilt-based messaging, our sessions use humor, storytelling, and the ARC Method® to inspire confident, authentic action.

MEET THE TEAM

Ready to Help Your Team Communicate with Confidence?

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