Melinda Briana Epler: Business Innovation

  • Highlights:
Reading time: 1 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

Keynote Topics

Based on Melinda Briana Epler popular TED talk, this workshop provides actionable steps anyone can take to be a better ally and advocate for underrepresented people in the workplace. A roadmap for all of us to lead with empathy and become better allies for each other.

In order to build empathy and understanding, we discuss some experiences colleagues might be going through, such as tokenism, impostor syndrome, stereotype threat, biases, microaggressions, harassment, bullying, marginalization and systemic inequities.

Then we’ll focus on solutions: learning ways to avoid unintentionally offending or harming people, identifying key biases and microaggressions and their effects, developing a deeper understanding of allyship and empathy, hearing several examples of allyship and advocacy, and committing to tangible, actionable steps to be a better ally and advocate for underrepresented people in the workplace.

In this session, Melinda Briana Epler works with team managers, executives or groups to create more inclusive teams.

We discuss methods for creating welcoming team environments; building psychological safety; engaging colleagues through opportunities, processes and programs; retaining team members through transparency and authenticity, growth opportunities, and pathways for professional development; and creating a culture where everyone is valued for their unique experience and expertise and feels they belong.

We walk through some key inclusive leadership skills, share best practices for modeling DEI for your team, as well as strategies for holding individuals accountable for building an inclusive team together, and we leave time to work through questions and troubleshoot key blockers for leaders.

Melinda Briana Epler has over 25 years of experience developing business innovation and inclusion strategies for startups, Fortune 500 companies, and global NGOs.

As CEO of Change Catalyst, Melinda currently works with the tech industry to solve diversity and inclusion together. Using her background in storytelling and large-scale culture change,

She is a strategic advisor for tech companies, tech hubs, and governments around the world.

Melinda co-leads a series of global solutions-focused conferences called Tech Inclusion, where she has partnered with over 450 tech companies and community organizations and hosted 43 solutions-focused diversity and inclusion events around the world.

Melinda Briana Epler

Previously, Melinda was a Marketing and Culture Executive and award-winning documentary filmmaker – her film and television work includes projects that exposed the AIDS crisis in South Africa, explored women’s rights in Turkey, and prepared communities for the effects of climate change.

She has worked on several television shows, including NBC’s The West Wing.

Melinda Briana Epler is a TED speaker. She speaks, mentors and writes about diversity and inclusion in tech, allyship, social entrepreneurship, underrepresented entrepreneurs and investing.

Spoken on hundreds of stages around the world, including SXSW, Grace Hopper, Wisdom 2.0, the World Bank, Obama White House, Clinton Foundation, Black Enterprise, Google, Indeed, Capital One and McKinsey.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

No reviews available for this post.

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

View further speakers

  • (32)

Amy Eliza Wong is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and leadership strategist who helps leaders unlock transformative clarity, trust, and alignment. With a background in transpersonal psychology, mathematics, and design thinking, and two decades in Silicon Valley, Amy brings a rare blend of analytical rigor and human insight to the stage. Her early technical work […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (14)
  • (1)
Simon T. Bailey

Simon T. Bailey is a globally recognized speaker, author, and expert on personal and organizational brilliance. With over two decades of experience, Simon has inspired millions through his dynamic presentations, coaching, and best-selling books. He is a catalyst for positive change, guiding individuals and organizations to discover their inner brilliance and achieve extraordinary success. Simon’s […]

  • Travels from: Orlando, FL
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (13)
Dr. Brian Glibkowski

Dr. Brian Glibkowski is a pioneering force in the realm of business communication, best known as the creator of Answer Intelligence (AQ)™. His groundbreaking work on the role of questions and answers in business and society has revolutionized how leaders, teams, and organizations approach problem-solving, decision-making, and strategy formulation. With a passion for enhancing communication […]

  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • (16)

Ilya Sutskever is a world-renowned thought leader in artificial intelligence, respected for his pioneering contributions to computer vision, machine translation, and robotics. As Co-founder and Chief Scientist at OpenAI, he has been instrumental in the development of transformative technologies including ChatGPT, GPT-4, and DALL·E 2. Ilya’s early breakthroughs — notably co-inventing DeepMind’s AlphaGo and Google Brain’s TensorFlow — have […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (24)
  • Featured
James Hewitt - Image 01 (February 13, 2026)

James Hewitt is a distinguished authority on workplace wellbeing and sustainable high performance, globally recognised for his pioneering work with clients ranging from Formula One teams to Fortune 500 companies. Over a notable career, James has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge research with practical insights, empowering organisations to foster thriving, high-performing work environments […]

  • Travels from: London, UK
  • Workplace Wellness
  • (35)
Idris Elba

Idris Elba is an actor known for his roles portraying powerful personalities on the big screen.  One of show business’s most physically imposing presence, Elba has a unique way of illuminating the screen and filling the lead role of a star.  The versatility of an actor is often times what makes him great, and Idris […]

  • Travels from: London, UK
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (19)

Farrah Khan has spent two decades raising awareness about the intersections of gender-based violence and equity through education, policy, and advocacy. She is a member of the Government of Canada’s Advisory Council on the Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, former co-chair of the Ontario Government Provincial Roundtable on Violence Against Women, board member […]

  • Travels from: Toronto, ON
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (31)
  • (3)
Jeanne Bliss

Jeanne Bliss is a transformative force in customer experience, renowned for her ability to guide organizations toward becoming their best selves. With a clear and actionable framework, she helps businesses build lasting, meaningful connections with their customers. Over her decades-long career, Jeanne has pioneered the path of customer loyalty and experience, showing companies how to […]

  • Travels from: Seattle, WA
  • Customer Experience
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

AI Assistant
Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.