The Lavin Agency Speakers Bureau
A speakers bureau that represents the best original thinkers,
writers, and doers for speaking engagements.
Search Results for: diversity
How One Leader’s Cultures of Growth Helped Promote Diversity Across His District (2:55)
Celebrating Diversity: Author Minette Norman On How To Build Inclusive Communities
Supplier Diversity Programs Are Failing Black-Owned Businesses
Don’t Let Chief Diversity Officer Be a Dead-End Job
Diversity Is the Oxygen for Innovation—and Curiosity Is the Rocket Fuel (4:31)
For Most Asian Americans, Diversity Is a Core Value—Even If a Loud Minority Contests It
Is Diversity For Asian Americans?: The College Admissions Crisis (8:18)
Pride Month and LGBT History Month: Celebrate Diversity and Joy with Our LGBTQ+ Speakers
June is Pride Month, and October is LGBT History Month—two occasions that offer us the chance to take inspiration from the immense contributions and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. Lavin is proud to represent an incredible roster of LGBTQ+ speakers who celebrate queer joy and resilience.
Ep #38: How to Embrace and Elevate Diversity in the Workplace with Minette Norman
Why A Lack of Diversity Is Hurting Economics
On Diversity in Publishing, a Young Star Warms: Get It Right
Anthony Jack: A New Voice for Diversity in Higher Ed
On Diversity: Access Ainât Inclusion (12:42)
A More Effective Way of Depicting Diversity (2:28)
Why Diversity Is the Key to a Workplace Culture of Synergy and Respect [2:46]
![Why Diversity Is the Key to a Workplace Culture of Synergy and Respect [2:46]](https://thelavinagency.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Maggs-Caitlan-Lavin-1.png)
Your Fall ’23 Events: Our Top Diversity and Culture Speakers for Hispanic Heritage Month
Every year during Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15th to October 15th, we celebrate the Hispanic and Latinx leaders and communities whose contributions have made this country what it is. This year, we want to help you bring one of our incredible speakers to your campus or organization.
Asian-American Heritage Month: Our Top Speakers on Diversity, Storytelling, and Leadership
HUA HSU Hua Hsu is the author of the hit memoir Stay True, which follows his university friendship with another Asian-American student. The New York Times named it one of the ten best books of the year, and Vulture called it “an evolutionary step for Asian-American literature.” In talks, Hua shows how we can not only accept but embrace our messy, complex cultures and identities. […]
Approaching Diversity with Humor and Storytelling: Wajahat Ali’s Memoir Out in Paperback Next Week
It’s easy to give up on the fight for true diversity, but TED speaker WAJAHAT ALI says we can’t give in to cynicism — if we remain resilient and invest in hope, we can still create the future we want. His memoir Go Back to Where You Came From, a funny and deeply personal look into his experiences […]
The Top 5 Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Speakers of 2022
Diverse perspectives in the workplace make your ideas better, your teams stronger, and your company far more successful. Our TOP DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION SPEAKERS don’t just show you how DEI can benefit you—they give you practical strategies for implementing true belonging in the workplace. If you’re looking to leverage the power of diversity, build a more […]
Protecting Democracy is Our Greatest Challenge—Diversity Is the Key! Yascha Mounk’s New Book
Never in history has a democracy succeeded in being both diverse and equal—and yet this is the central goal of democracies around the world today. At a time of rising political tensions, Yascha Mounk’s crucial new book The Great Experiment: Why Diverse Democracies Fall Apart and How They Can Endure reveals the key to building […]
Keeping Our Promise of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Why We Need to Create More Diversity in Science
Finding Unity in Diversity
Diversity of Life
Waneek Horn-Miller: Strength in Diversity
Regenerating Coral Reefs to Preserve Marine Biodiversity
On Diversity: Access Ain’t Inclusion
Finding Beauty and Diversity in Muslim Life
Why the ‘Business Case’ for Diversity Doesn’t Work: Rotman Professor Sarah Kaplan for Fast Company
Diversity is good for the workplace. The so-called “business case for diversity,” isn’t. Popular as it may be—trumpeted everywhere from the Wall Street Journal to the Financial Times—the “business case” is ultimately a failed strategy. Here to explain why is Rotman professor Sarah Kaplan in Fast Company. Despite its popularity, the “business case” for diversity […]
Author Gabby Rivera Explores Art, Diversity, and Joy in NPR Interview
In this portrait for NPR’s Latino USA, acclaimed author, activist, and artist Gabby Rivera explores the importance of representation in the arts, dealing with hate, and her remarkable work and career. “I must remember, it's not mainstream culture that I'm a part of. I'm part of these little pockets of good people everywhere, doing their […]
Want to Foster Diversity? Forbes Taps Ashton Applewhite’s Book as a Top Guide
When thinking about diversity, we tend to consider factors like gender, sexuality, and ethnicity. But what about age? Activist Ashton Applewhite has written a manifesto raging against the perils of growing older in a society that is, at its core, deeply ageist. Forbes calls it a must-read for anyone hoping to foster a more diverse […]
Does Diversity Training Really Work? Angela Duckworth and Katherine Milkman Explore in Harvard Business Review
Diversity is increasingly valued in the workplace, meaning that diversity training has become a commonplace offering for employees. But is it really yielding measurable results? Lavin speakers Angela Duckworth and Katherine Milkman explore in Harvard Business Review. Though diversity training is available at virtually all Fortune 500 companies, surprisingly few of them have measured the […]
These Three Speakers Explain Exactly What Diversity Means and Why You Should Care About It
Companies do better when they embrace and support diversity. But diversity isn’t just about ethnicity. It’s about gender, age, ability, perspective and it’s different for every industry. Lavin’s diversity and inclusion experts—Ritu Bhasin, Minette Norman, and Ashton Applewhite, to name a few—come from the worlds of corporate law, theater, and social justice. These differences demonstrate just […]
What This Election Means for You (And the Country): 10 Keynote Speakers on Bridging Divides
How do you keep living and working with people across the political aisle?
Black History Month is More Important Now Than Ever Before. The 12 Top BHM Speakers on The Past, Present, and Future
From a member of the Little Rock Nine to the award-winning author of one of the country’s most challenged books, these 12 top Black History Month speakers show us how to honor the legacy and history of Black communities across America.
Inclusion drives business value. Learn how to leverage it
Why investing in inclusion is good for your bottom line.
The Top 12 Leadership Speakers for 2025
LAVIN’s top leadership speakers will share with you the tools and strategies needed to lead your organization to sustained success.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Top Hispanic and Latinx Speakers to Book Now!
Including author Isabel Allende, the world’s most widely read Spanish-language author, and Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina in space.
The Top 5 LGBTQ+ Speakers for 2024: Keynote Speakers on Inclusion, Resilience, and Hope, for Pride Month and Beyond
Today, we have the opportunity to envision—and fight for—a world where we can all embrace our unique identities and shared future. At a moment where the LGBTQ+ community is more visible than ever before, Lavin’s dynamic LGBTQ+ speakers (from pioneering activists to New York Times bestselling authors) offer bold talks on solidarity and hope.
Your Fall ’24 Events: Hispanic Heritage Month Speakers on Innovation, Diverse Stories, and More
Every Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), we pay tribute to the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in America. Lavin’s trailblazing speakers—from the first Latina in space to the world’s most widely read Spanish-language author—celebrate the progress we’ve made and encourage us to play our part in the fight for inclusion.
Your Fall ’24 Events: Welcome Week and Orientation Speakers on Pop Culture, Thriving in School, and More
Welcome Week represents a vital moment for new and returning students alike to kickstart their learning, connect with their community, and get excited for the new year. Our Welcome Week and Orientation speakers offer encouraging talks on topics that matter to college audiences: from racial justice to mental health, and beyond.
The Top Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Speakers for 2024
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, when we celebrate the AAPI communities who have made this country what it is. Lavin is proud to represent the world’s top AAPI Heritage Month speakers on solidarity and social justice, who embody and explore the 2024 theme of “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation.”
The Top Juneteenth Speakers for 2024: On Racial Justice, Shared Freedom, and How the Past Influences the Future
Every Juneteenth, we commemorate the end of slavery, reflect on the progress we’ve made, and commit to our ongoing fight for true freedom and racial justice. Our brilliant speakers—including the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of On Juneteenth—illuminate the history and importance of this celebration.
The Top 12 International Women’s Day Speakers for 2024: True Gender Equality, Learning From the Past, and More
Every March, International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month give us the chance to be inspired by the women of the past, and to let their stories light the way towards our shared future. Lavin is proud to represent the world’s top IWD speakers: from literary icon Margaret Atwood to civil rights legend Minnijean Brown-Trickey, and many more.
The Top 12 Women’s History Month Speakers for 2025: An Exclusive Video on Solidarity, Gender Equality, and More
March is Women’s History Month, a celebration of women’s progress and contributions to this country since its founding. Lavin is proud to exclusively represent the world’s top Women’s History Month speakers: from Margaret Atwood, #1 internationally bestselling author of The Handmaid’s Tale, to Ellen Ochoa, first Latina in space.
The Top 3 Innovation Keynote Videos of 2023: On AI, Creativity, Change Management, and More
In a competitive landscape that’s moving faster than ever before, it’s never been more important to invest in the ideas of tomorrow. Our top innovation speakers offer practical strategies for harnessing your teams’ creativity, making change, and more. Watch our top innovation keynote videos now!
Why Empathy Is a Vital Ingredient for True DEI: Stanford Psychologist Jamil Zaki
Empathy is a vital ingredient for thriving workplaces and for successful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, says Jamil Zaki, director of Stanford’s Social Neuroscience Lab. Drawing on his original research on the science of empathy, Jamil shows how you can learn this “soft skill” just like you’d learn a hard skill like coding: through practice, experience, and collaboration.
“Inclusive Leadership Is a Practice”: Daily Steps for Transforming Your Company Culture, from Minette Norman’s New Book
Building diverse teams is the key to breakthrough innovation. But teams can’t benefit from their diversity until everyone feels safe to bring their best to work—and inclusive teams require inclusive leaders. The good news? Inclusive leadership is a practice that anyone can learn—and in The Boldly Inclusive Leader, Minette shows you how.
Fighting Bias is Your Organization’s Superpower: Jessica Nordell, Author of The End of Bias
Bias has a real cost for your company in productivity and success—which is why fighting it is your organization’s superpower, Jessica says. She’s spent a decade studying bias, and her talks are packed with concrete methods to reduce it and unlock radical success.
Turn Collaboration Into “Creative Chemistry”: Fmr. Nike Chief Marketing Officer Greg Hoffman
Want to build a environment of radical risk-taking and powerful collaboration? “Never play it safe, play to win,” says Greg Hoffman. As Nike’s former Chief Marketing Officer, Greg’s insight-packed keynotes on leadership and innovation have lit up stages everywhere from Instagram to Adobe to EA Sports.
Lavin Welcomes Prominent Black Trans Activist Raquel Willis: Race, Gender, and the “Painter’s Palette” of Intersectionality
Co-founder of the Trans Week of Visibility and Action and former executive editor of Out magazine, Raquel shows how we can use our diverse talents and experiences to build solidarity in our fight for social justice.
Lavin’s Hua Hsu Wins 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Stay True—His Book on Friendship, Pop Culture, Asian-American Identity
Congratulations to Lavin speaker Hua Hsu for winning the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in Memoir or Autobiography for the memoir that catapulted him to literary stardom, Stay True.
The Secret to Breaking Rules and Finding Creativity? It’s All About Discipline. Lavin Welcomes Eddie Huang
Eddie is a director and producer, celebrity chef, and the New York Times bestselling author of the memoir Fresh Off the Boat, which was adapted into the longest-running Asian American sitcom ever. He shows us how to achieve success by cultivating discipline and staying true to ourselves.
John Elder Robison
Neurodiversity isn’t something that needs curing; it’s a way of experiencing life that, with understanding, can be a powerful asset.
The Psychological Safety Playbook: Minette Norman’s How-To Guide for Building Successful Teams
Congratulations to Minette Norman, former VP of Engineering Practice at Autodesk, whose book The Psychological Safety Playbook is out now! It’s the ultimate how-to guide on developing psychological safety—feeling safe to ask questions and take risks—which is the key ingredient for successful teams.
Stay True Named to New York Times Top 10 Books of 2022: Lavin Welcomes Author Hua Hsu
We need to tell diverse, messy, complicated stories—not only to achieve crucial representation in media, but also to help us figure out who we are and what is possible. In his bestselling memoir Stay True, named a Best Book of the Year everywhere from TIME to Pitchfork, Hua Hsu explores Asian-American identity and the importance of storytelling, plus grief, pop culture, […]
Building a Workplace You Want to Be a Part Of: Lavin Welcomes Bully Market Author Jamie Fiore Higgins
What does it really look like to recognize—and improve—an unhealthy workplace? Jamie Fiore Higgins, author of the acclaimed memoir Bully Market, has firsthand experience from her 18 years at a toxic Wall Street company. Today, Jamie draws on her experience to show us what it takes to change our workplace cultures, promote inclusion and diversity, […]
George M. Johnson
Stories of queer identity and Black joy have the power to educate us on diversity, inspire social justice activism, and build community.
Anna Unites Bold and Brave Voices to Uplift Black America
Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman is behind The Black Agenda: the first ever book to bring together dozens of Black writers, scholars, and leaders to solve today’s most pressing social issues, from economics to education to climate change. The Black Agenda “will challenge what you think is possible” (Ibram X. Kendi, New York Times bestselling author). America needs help. […]
Margot Lee Shetterly
A greater diversity of voices in science, in the STEM fields, is key to the future of American innovation.
Sarah Kaplan
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are our greatest innovation challenges—risky, transformative, and ultimately worthwhile.
Honoring the Legacy of Edward O. Wilson, Pioneering Harvard Biologist
Upon hearing of the passing of immensely influential biologist
A Reckoning of Racist Ideologies: The Lavin Agency Welcomes Psychiatrist Jonathan Metzl
We are only just beginning to understand the deep impacts of racial resentment—including its fatal consequences on public health. In the era of Donald Trump, many lower- and middle-class white Americans were drawn to politicians who pledged to make their lives great again. But as Lavin’s newest speaker physician JONATHAN METZL shows in his explosive […]
Redefining Power and Profitability: The Lavin Agency Welcomes DEI Leader Deepa Purushothaman
In her deeply personal book The First, the Few, the Only (forthcoming), Deepa Purushothaman reveals her experience as an Indian-American woman in the corporate world. Joining The Lavin Agency as a new speaker, she offers this real-world experience as a guiding light for organizations looking to evolve—creating diversity, equity, and inclusion measures that actually work. […]
The Power of Creative Leadership: The Lavin Agency Welcomes Former Nike CMO Greg Hoffman
There is perhaps no one more qualified to advise you on the ins-and-outs of creative leadership than new Lavin speaker Greg Hoffman. Throughout his 20+ years at Nike, Hoffman helped lead the sporting giant’s most innovative branding, marketing, and design efforts—from the Emmy Award-winning Colin Kaepernick campaign to the most remembered ad of the 2016 […]
Insights for Building a Positive Workplace Culture in 2021: Download Lavin’s Report
In 2020, our world changed overnight—and so did our workplaces. The Lavin Agency’s 2021 WORKPLACE CULTURE REPORT explores the lessons we’ve learned since the pandemic began, and how to apply them to our organizations in a proactive way. Informed by industry-leading experts and trailblazers, this report will provide you and your team with the right […]
Out Now—Heather McGhee’s The Sum of Us “is a book we all need.”
“The Sum of Us is a must read for everyone who wants to understand how we got here, but more importantly, where we can go from here—and how we get there, together,” says Alicia Garza, author of The Purpose of Power and co-founder of Black Lives Matter. In talks based on her highly anticipated book, […]
Centering the Black Experience: Introducing Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman
If we want to achieve an inclusive economy that works for all, we must begin by giving Black women a seat at the table, says Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman. An activist and emerging researcher, she specializes in data-driven solutions that address the future of work and its implications for Black people in both corporate and academic […]
The Awesome Power of Chance: Introducing New Speaker Sean B. Carroll
The Lavin Agency is proud to announce its new speaker and one of the most masterful science storytellers of our time, Sean B. Carroll. An internationally recognized Evolutionary Biologist and award-winning writer, film producer, and educator, he is a thriller raconteur and renowned scientist. Carroll’s pioneering scientific research centers on the genes that control […]
How To Have Better Conversations About Race At Work
We, as a society, haven’t been the same since the horrifying video of George Floyd’s death circulated the Internet earlier this year. Beyond the international protests against police brutality, this tragic incident has sparked a wider conversation about racial bias in all areas of our lives—including at work. A new report by The Society for […]
The Top 10 Social Activist Speakers Changing the World Today
Lavin’s Top 10 Social Activist Speakers are the thought-leaders and advocates pushing for a better world. Whether it’s through art, history, education, or humanitarian efforts, these speakers are not only calling for change, but actively making it happen. LaToya Ruby Frazier: LaToya Ruby Frazier treats art as activism. With her powerful images of post-industrial towns […]
How Can Entrepreneurs Get Through COVID-19? Business Journalist David Sax Reveals Two Essential Truths
If business owners can learn to embrace two certainties, they’ll be able to get through anything, says David Sax. In his new piece for Entrepreneur, he considers how the challenges presented by COVID-19 are showing us what we’re capable of. “The only way entrepreneurs will get through this is by embracing our two core truths […]
Lavin’s Top Women & Leadership Speakers Are Breaking Barriers—and Inspiring Others to Do the Same
In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re shining the spotlight on our Top Women & Leadership Speakers. These women are all powerhouses in their fields—from business and law to STEM and sports. They’re reshaping the worlds they work in, and as speakers, their stories and expertise empower other women to do the same. […]
Lavin’s Top 10 Corporate Culture Speakers Changing the Workplace of Tomorrow
More than just a modern-day business buzzword, corporate culture plays an integral role in a company’s success. Whether it’s innovation, collaboration, diversity, or a commitment to taking risks, Lavin’s Top Corporate Culture Speakers will help you elevate your organization by championing strong values and putting people first. Stephanie Mehta: Few people know what makes an […]
Lavin’s Top Race Speakers Explore the Past and Present, and Share Their Solutions for the Future
As we enter a new decade, there’s a lot to look forward to—and a lot left to fight for. And unfortunately, racism isn’t a relic of shameful times past—it’s still very much alive today. Here at The Lavin Agency, our Top Race Speakers tackle this tough topic from all angles—public policy, pop culture, education, and […]
Lavin’s Top Happiness & Wellness Speakers Inspire Personal Growth and Positive Change
Everyone wants to be happy and healthy—but it doesn’t come easy. The pressure of performing well at work and having a fulfilling personal life can often be hard to manage—and that’s where Lavin’s Top Happiness & Wellness Speakers come in. Experts in how to actively enhance our inner lives and outer selves, they inspire audiences […]
The Anthropocene Project, Featuring the Acclaimed Photography of Edward Burtynsky, Launches New VR App
The Anthropocene Project—the cumulative work of a years-long exploration of humanity’s impact on the world—is embracing the future with a new VR app. A multidisciplinary endeavor combining a feature documentary (directed by Edward Burtynsky, Jennifer Baichwal, and Nicholas de Pencier), art photography, scientific research, and now VR, The Anthropocene Project engages viewers with its in-depth […]
Ashton Applewhite Talks Ageism with Katie Couric on Next Question
What if discrimination on the basis of age were just as unacceptable as other kinds of prejudice? Why is society’s view of aging so grim when the lived reality is so different? Author and anti-ageism activist Ashton Applewhite connected with Katie Couric on her podcast, Next Question, to discuss. Together, they tackle tough questions about ageism, […]
Reforming Education: Top Ten Teaching and Learning Speakers
From boosting economic growth, to living healthier and happier lives, the benefits of education are rich and plenty. Lavin’s Top Ten Teaching and Learning Speakers address how we can reform our public institutions, deepen our knowledge, increase productivity, and ultimately, achieve more success. With a New York Times bestselling book and Viral TED talk […]
Top 10 Team-Building Speakers: Fostering Meaningful Connections in the Workplace
A company can’t succeed without its people, and people can’t succeed without each other. These Top 10 team-building speakers illuminate how to create long-lasting connections in the workplace—improving productivity, collaboration, and happiness in the process. Darby Allen is widely celebrated for safely evacuating the residents of Fort McMurray during Alberta’s 2016 forest fires. Today, the […]
Unforgettable Workshops & Interactive Keynotes from Our Leading Workshop Speakers
Does your event call for hands-on audience engagement? Expertly led workshops? An unforgettable interactive keynote experience? These speakers do it all—speak, teach, and get people out of their seats for entertaining and motivating interactive workshops and keynotes, tailored to your audience’s precise needs. David Robertson – How Do You Lead Innovation? David Robertson, MIT professor […]
Lavin’s Most Powerful Voices in the Fight Against White Nationalism
White nationalism looks and sounds different than it used to—in many cases appearing, thinly disguised, in mainstream media and at the highest levels of government. Add to that the power of the internet, making it easier than ever to radicalize, and you’ve got a scary situation that needs strong, sensible, compelling voices on race, justice, […]
Lavin Speaker Lera Boroditsky Had the Most Popular TED Talk of 2018
Lavin speaker Lera Boroditsky had the most popular TED talk of 2018. Millions have watched her explain how language shapes the way we think. Watch it below. In her funny and fascinating breakdown of how language shapes the way we think, cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky draws on examples from the field—an Aboriginal language rooted in direction; Russia’s […]
Black History Month: The Struggles of Our Past Teach Us About Our Present
February is Black History Month—a time in which we celebrate the important contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. Lavin speakers Titus Kaphar, Heather McGhee and Margot Lee Shetterly engage with this crucial history through a variety of lenses: art, policy, STEM. But most importantly they draw wisdom from it, in order to forge a better future. […]
Fresh, Powerful Perspectives: Say Hello to Our Women in Leadership Speakers
Innovative ideas come from diverse leadership. That’s a fact. Minette Norman, VP of Engineering at software leader Autodesk was the only person who could demolish the silos restricting progress; Maureen Chiquet led Chanel and Banana Republic through a decade of retail disruption; and Margot Lee Shetterly is the author of the #1 bestseller Hidden Figures, about the black […]
“Fierce.” “Impassioned.” “Oscar-Worthy.” The Hate U Give Movie—Based on Angie Thomas’s #1 Bestseller—Opens Today.
Not content to spend 85 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list (where it’s currently enjoying a return to the #1 spot), Lavin speaker Angie Thomas’ phenomenon of a first novel is currently sweeping the nation as a feature film, collecting popular and critical praise—and even being touted as an “Oscar-worthy masterpiece” (Forbes). We’ve collected […]
Three Causes of Populism, and One Solution: Positive Nationalism
Yascha Mounk recently spoke as part of the Rotman School of Management’s #shiftdisturbers series. Drawing from his book The People vs. Democracy, his fact-packed talk explored the populist phenomenon, with examples from around the world: how it gains power, how it fails people, and the three alarmingly familiar similarities all populist uprisings share. 1. A […]
Transformative Organizational Change Isn’t Impossible. New Speaker Heather McGhee Has Done It and Can Show You How.
In the wake of two wrongful, racially motivated arrests in their store, Starbucks entrusted HEATHER C. MCGHEE and her team at Demos to create and implement a groundbreaking racial bias training strategy. Now Lavin’s latest speaker, McGhee is a policy expert and natural storyteller who draws from her research and experience to help kickstart transformative […]
“One of the Strongest Artists to Emerge in This Country, This Century.” New York Magazine Lead Art Critic on LaToya Ruby Frazier
LaToya Ruby Frazier—photographer, MacArthur “Genius” and one of Lavin’s most compelling speakers on the entanglement of race, labor, family, and the environment—was described by influential New York Magazine art critic Jerry Saltz as a, “36-year old oracle … one of the strongest artists to emerge in this country this century.” (Vulture). What do LaToya Ruby […]