Bernadette Smith

About Bernadette Smith

Want to avoid cringey moments and build authentic connections? Tired of walking on eggshells?As a keynote speaker and CEO of Equality Institute, my team and I help client-facing professionals and teams talk to anyone with confidence so they can turn first impressions into lasting relationships. Using my proprietary ARC Method® (Ask, Respect, Connect), we equip teams with a simple, repeatable framework to connect across differences, recover from missteps, and build real trust with clients.And here’s the thing: we have fun doing it. Because if people aren’t engaged (or laughing), they’re not learning. My keynotes are high-energy, interactive, and packed with real-world strategies that stick. Close more deals by building instant rapport Turn awkward moments into trust-building opportunities Strengthen client relationships with an easy-to-use frameworkWhether it’s a national sales meeting, Inclusion Day, or an association conference, I’ll make your life easy and your event unforgettable. Learn more about my speaking: of my uplifting yet pragmatic approach, I’ve been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, The Washington Post, Fast Company, CNN, The Today Show, BBC, and NPR.I also publish 5 Things, a weekly newsletter and podcast that highlights what’s actually working, bringing you proof of positive change. Join us here for smart, actionable insights: and if you ever want to talk about pickleball, I’m game. Let’s connect.

Experience

1. CEO

   Equality Institute

   Jan 2009 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   Equality Institute is a consulting firm with a vision for a world where every human feels safe to express their authentic selves.Our mission is to embed equity and inclusion into work systems and culture, enhancing outcomes for employees and customers. Using our proprietary Inclusive 360 Assessment model and digital app, we help you understand the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion; promote diverse teams, build a culture of inclusion, and earn and keep the business of your diverse clients. We create thought-provoking and experiential classroom and virtual programs and can show you how to attain measurable financial benefits from your DEI initiatives. By doing this, we help you cultivate trust and build brand loyalty in your diverse clients. We create an environment for each individual to flourish at work as a result of our programs that weave DEI into the fabric of your company. Employees feel safe expressing themselves and valued for who they are – because every voice matters.Equality Institute brings a practical, easy-going approach that can be embraced by all levels. We have found a way to make conversations around diversity and inclusion less intimidating, ensuring your team members can feel inspired and energized. Equality Institute is proud to be a certified LGBT Enterprise (LGBTE) and Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE).

Education

• Boston University

  BS, Communications

• New York Institute of Technology

  MBA, Leadership

Skills

• Advertising
• Magazines
• Budgets
• Creative Writing
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Online Advertising
• Wedding Planning
• Event Management
• Management
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Publicity
• Social Networking
• Social Media Marketing
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Public Speaking
• Training & Development
• Social Media
• Contract Negotiation
• Weddings
• Entrepreneurship
• Grant Writing
• Leadership
• Logistics Management
• Trade Shows
• Editing
• Newsletters
• Copywriting
• Customer Service
• Workshop Facilitation
• Event Planning
• Corporate Events
• Employee Training
• Marketing
• Fundraising
• Nonprofits
• Training Delivery
• Strategic Communications
• Email Marketing