Melinda Briana Epler: Business Innovation

Highlights:
Formats:
Audience:
Outcomes:
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

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!

Talent Resources

Talent resources available for download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more
Was this profile helpful?

View further speakers

  • (30)
  • (5)
Bill Benjamin 3

Bill Benjamin is not your typical motivational speaker. With a background deeply rooted in mathematics and computer science, he stumbled upon a transformative realization while working in the technology industry – the power of managing emotions. This epiphany led him on a journey to become a leading authority in Emotional Intelligence (EI), eventually co-founding the […]

  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (102)
Jeff Butler Dallas - Jeff Butler Houston

Jeff Butler is an author and workplace strategist who explores human behavior within the working world. His experience spans over 40 industries in 4 continents on how different cultures and employees interact with each other. He studies common threads of behavior in industries such as IT professionals, underground utility workers, police officers to clothing retail […]

  • Travels from: Dallas, TX
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (38)
Kristin Bock

Kristin Bock, a dynamic force in the realm of nonverbal communication. Kristin is the founder of Body Language Blueprints, an innovative online platform dedicated to enhancing communication skills by leveraging the subtle art of body language. With a unique approach that merges scientific insights with practical applications, she empowers professionals to stand out in person, […]

  • Travels from: Oshkosh, WI
  • Communication Speakers
  • (39)
Dan Chuparkoff

Dan Chuparkoff is a keynote speaker with more than 25 years of hands-on, team-transformation experience at organizations of all shapes and sizes. He’s been a leader at Google, McKinsey, Atlassian, and an impressive array of startups and enterprises. He has consulted with countless other teams on AI, innovation, change-management, and collaboration. Dan’s clients have included […]

  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • Innovation Speakers
  • (8)
Shayla-Rivera-1

Shayla Rivera is a remarkable fusion of intellect, humor, and inspiration. Transitioning from a successful career as a NASA aerospace engineer to becoming an international keynote speaker, comedian, and educator, she exemplifies the power of adaptability and passion. Her journey from the technical corridors of NASA to the dynamic stages of motivational speaking and comedy […]

  • Travels from: Austin, TX
  • STEM Speakers
  • (149)
W Mitchell

W Mitchell once guided passengers up the famous hills of San Francisco, as a strong and entertaining cable-car gripman. Amazingly, the same scenario holds true today! As an award-winning keynote speaker, he now guides audiences uphill and empowers them to take responsibility for life’s inevitable challenges and to embrace the power of taking charge. As […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (51)
Dennis Snow

Dennis Snow is a globally recognized expert in customer experience, leadership, and service excellence. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Dennis has dedicated his life to helping organizations create unforgettable customer experiences that drive loyalty and business success. His passion for service excellence stems from his 20 years with the Walt Disney Company, […]

  • Travels from: Orlando, FL
  • Customer Experience
  • (86)
DJ Mel

Notoriously recognized as “Obama’s DJ,” DJ Mel is one of Texas’ most well-rounded and high profiled DJs. Based in Austin with past performances at Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Bonnaroo, Voodoo Festival, 2015-2019 NFL Draft, 57th Presidential Inauguration for Barack Obama, 2012 Democratic National Convention, Election Night 2012 at Obama HQ, Obama Farewell Address, […]

  • Travels from: Austin, TX
  • Mobile DJ
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 2025.  Designed using Voxel

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.