Maydianne Andrade

Speaking topics

Presentations listed below include in-person and virtual keynotes, as well as workshops, fireside chats, and other presentation formats.

• Unconscious Bias and Challenges to Fair Assessment

  Assessment of professional achievement, ability, and performance is fundamental in all careers and affects hiring, compensation, promotion, and opportunities for further progress. Unfortunately, systematic biases may manifest in the implementation of workplace policies and procedures, particularly when it comes to women and racialized persons, and this may yield unfair outcomes, with negative effects felt throughout the workplace.

  In her informative and eye-opening talks, Professor Maydianne Andrade outlines the negative impacts bias may have on both individuals and organizations, and, using an inclusive and positive approach, she shows how even well-intentioned individuals may have biases that impede their ability to reward achievement. She also provides steps that can be taken to reduce these effects and produce a positive, fair workplace culture.

• Workshop: Practical Approaches to Recognizing Bias and Building Inclusive Cultures

  Creating inclusive workplaces begins with understanding how unconscious bias and stereotypes can shape daily interactions, decision-making, and organizational culture. This interactive workshop explores the ways bias may influence common processes and situations in professional contexts — from hiring and evaluation to communication and collaboration — and highlights the tangible effects of these patterns on workplace equity.

  Through scenario-based discussions, participants work collaboratively to identify pragmatic strategies for interrupting bias and shifting workplace practices to foster greater inclusion. The session concludes with shared insights, evidence-based tools, and actionable resources participants can apply within their own teams.

  Workshop content is customized in consultation with hosts to ensure all examples, framing and terminologies are relevant to the attendees.

• Inclusive Leadership in the Current Context

  Equitable and inclusive organizations attract and retain diverse talent, drive innovation, and strengthen long-term performance. As the benefits of equity, diversity, and inclusion extend well beyond human resources into every level of leadership, today’s leaders must develop the awareness and tools to champion inclusion across their teams.

  In this session, Professor Maydianne Andrade draws on current research to examine how unconscious bias can shape leadership practices, talent management, and career progression. She offers practical, evidence-based strategies for identifying and addressing common challenges — including the “broken ladders” that can stall advancement for marginalized groups — and shares key considerations for managing change and embedding inclusion into organizational culture.

  This session can be offered as a one-hour talk or as a two-hour workshop that incorporates interactive breakout discussions tailored to the audience’s context and goals.