In Episode 203 of The Executive Edge, we sit down with Bernadette Smith, CEO of the Equality Institute, award-winning author of “Inclusive 360: Proven Solutions for an Equitable Organization and a highly-regarded speaker.”
On the show Bernadette shares her remarkable journey from LGBTQ wedding planning pioneer to becoming a leading voice in workplace inclusion and equity.
Episode Highlights
Bernadette’s path to becoming an inclusion expert began in the wedding industry, where she specialized in serving the wedding planning needs of the LGBTQ+ community during a time when such services were rare. Through her work she encountered discrimination and unconscious bias – experiences that would later inform her approach to organizational change.
Her success in navigating these challenges and building bridges between traditional wedding vendors and non-traditional couples led to unexpected opportunities. Businesses that Bernadette had worked with in the wedding industry began to seek her expertise not just for events, but for workplace training and cultural transformation.
Key Discussion Points on this week’s episode
- The evolution from LGBTQ+ wedding planning to founding the Equality Institute
- How businesses can benefit from “company sweeps” to identify and address policy gaps
- Strategies for building inclusive workplace cultures
- The value of partnering with subject matter experts to deliver high-quality DEI solutions
Discover more
Bernadette Smith is a renowned speaker and consultant whose work has been featured in The New York Times, National Public Radio, CNN, and The Today Show
She was recently recognised as one of Chicago’s Notable LGBTQ Executives by Crain’s Chicago Business. Her latest book, “Inclusive 360,” offers practical solutions for organizations committed to creating equitable workplaces.
Bernadette is also the host of a podcast: 5 Things in 15 Minutes: Good vibes in DEI
Connect with Bernadette and learn more about her work at The Equality Institute.
