With a calm, level-headed approach, keen listening, insightful questioning, and a passion for individual and organizational belonging and thriving, Deborah Biddle influences individuals and teams to successfully rethink and redo the ways they engage with people and make decisions.
Deborah is an Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner, National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Executive, National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Professional, Intercultural Diversity Inventory Qualified Administrator, Certified Talent Management Consultant, and a sought after Trainer and Speaker. She leads the diversity, equity and inclusion consulting, assessment, training, coaching and practitioner certification firm, The People Company Consulting Group. Deborah works with organizations that want to leverage the power of change to heighten development and performance for their people. She designs and delivers thought-provoking and challenging experiences that help people THINK better, DO better and BE better at what matters most.
Deborah serves as president of Madison Youth Arts Center Board of Directors, board member and Diversity Committee Chair of Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, and board of directors vice president of Madison-Based Impact Christian Schools.
A graduate of Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry University, Deborah holds a master of business administration degree and a bachelor of arts degree in finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also holds a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business and an Activity Based Costing Certificate from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Deborah is the devoted wife to Lloyd, Lead Pastor at River Valley Community Church, and mother of two sons, Jason, a human resource professional and Jared, a marketing professional.
With a calm, level-headed approach, keen listening, insightful questioning, and a passion for individual and organizational belonging and thriving, Deborah Biddle influences individuals and teams to successfully rethink and redo the ways they engage with people and make decisions.
Deborah is an Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner, National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Executive, National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Professional, Intercultural Diversity Inventory Qualified Administrator, Certified Talent Management Consultant, and a sought after Trainer and Speaker. She leads the diversity, equity and inclusion consulting, assessment, training, coaching and practitioner certification firm, The People Company Consulting Group. Deborah works with organizations that want to leverage the power of change to heighten development and performance for their people. She designs and delivers thought-provoking and challenging experiences that help people THINK better, DO better and BE better at what matters most.
Deborah serves as president of Madison Youth Arts Center Board of Directors, board member and Diversity Committee Chair of Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, and board of directors vice president of Madison-Based Impact Christian Schools.
A graduate of Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry University, Deborah holds a master of business administration degree and a bachelor of arts degree in finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also holds a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business and an Activity Based Costing Certificate from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Deborah is the devoted wife to Lloyd, Lead Pastor at River Valley Community Church, and mother of two sons, Jason, a human resource professional and Jared, a marketing professional.
The Future of Belonging: Why DEI is Changing and What's Next
Format:60-minute keynote | 75-minute breakout session | Can be adapted for longer, deeper-dive format
This program is perfect for:
- HR and DEI leaders navigating the changing DEI landscape.
- Organizations aiming to future-proof their inclusion efforts.
The audience will leave with:
- A fresh perspective on how DEI is evolving into belonging and...
The DEI Reset: Reigniting Inclusion Efforts and Overcoming Fatigue
Format:60-minute keynote | 90-minute interactive workshop | Can be adapted for longer, deeper-dive format
This program is great for:
- Organizations encountering resistance or burnout regarding DEI initiatives.
- DEI practitioners and HR leaders seeking innovative methods to engage their teams.
The audience will leave with:
- Strategies to revitalize DEI...
Diversity Without Division: How to Bridge the Gap in Today’s Workplace
Format:75-minute breakout session | 90-minute interactive workshop | Can be adapted for a longer, deeper dive program
This program is ideal for:
- Organizations facing challenges with DEI resistance or fatigue.
- Teams aiming to promote more inclusive and productive discussions.
The audience will leave with:
- A framework for discussing diversity that fosters...
It's Not Just About Diversity—It's About Belonging
Format:60-minute keynote | 90-minute workshop | Can be adapted for longer, deeper-dive format
This program is excellent for:
- HR professionals and leaders focused on retention and engagement.
- Organizations looking to improve employee experience for all.
The audience will leave with:
- A new way to frame DEI that fosters deeper employee connection and...
Why They Matter: Connecting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging to Business Success
Format:60-minute keynote | 75-minute interactive workshop | Can be adapted for longer formats
This program is perfect for:
- HR leaders and executives seeking to connect DEIB with business strategy
- Organizations aiming to establish a shared DEIB language and framework
The audience will leave with:
- A...
The Generational Code: Unlocking the Secret to Multi-Generational Success
Format:60-minute keynote | 90-minute workshop | Can be adapted for longer formats
This program is ideal for:
- Leaders overseeing teams from various generations
- Organizations aiming to close generational gaps in the workplace
The audience will leave with:
- Strategies for engaging, motivating, and retaining employees across all...
The Data Does Not lie: How to Measure What Truly Matters in DEI
Format:75-minute breakout session | 90-minute workshop | Can be adapted for longer, deeper-dive format
This program is perfect for:
- HR and DEI teams are struggling to demonstrate the impact of their work initiatives.
- Organizations seeking data-driven strategies for inclusion.
The audience will leave with:
- Key metrics for measuring and tracking DEI...
Say What You Mean: Creating Psychological Safety Through Communication
Format:75-minute interactive workshop | 60-minute keynote | Can be adapted for longer, deeper-dive format
This program is great for:
- Teams facing challenging conversations or workplace tensions.
- Leaders aiming to foster trust and psychological safety in their organizations.
The audience will leave with:
- A framework for creating open, honest, and productive...
Mastering Emotional Intelligence for Impactful Leadership
Format:90-minute workshop | 60-minute keynote | Can be adapted for longer formats
This program is perfect for:
- Leaders aiming to enhance relationships and improve team effectiveness
- Organizations looking to enhance leadership development
The audience will leave with:
- A profound understanding of emotional intelligence and its...
Leading With Inclusion: Unconscious Bias, Trust and Decision-Making
Format:90-minute workshop | 60-minute keynote | Can be adapted for longer formats
This program is perfect for:
- Executives and managers seeking to develop inclusive leadership skills
- Organizations seeking to foster a culture of trust and innovation
The audience will leave with:
- A deeper insight into how inclusive leadership...
Inclusive Leadership Reimagined: From Allyship to Action
Format: 60-minute keynote | 90-minute workshop | Can be adapted for longer, deeper dive formats
This program is excellent for
- leaders looking to advance beyond performative DEIB efforts.
- Organizations looking to embed inclusion into everyday decision-making.
The audience will leave with:
- A clear roadmap to inclusive leadership that drives real...
Who do you think you are? Unlocking the Power of Identity in the Workplace
Format:60-minute keynote | 90-minute workshop | Can be tailored for a longer, more in-depth program
This program is ideal for:
- Leaders and employees aiming to comprehend their own identities and biases.
- Organizations aiming for greater cultural awareness and inclusion.
The audience will leave with:
- A framework for understanding how identity impacts...
Understanding Unconscious Bias and What To Do About It
Format:75-minute keynote | 90-minute interactive workshop | Can be adapted for longer formats
This program is perfect for:
- Leaders and decision-makers aiming for fair and equitable workplaces
- Organizations aiming to create stronger, bias-aware teams
The audience will leave with:
- Understanding how unconscious bias affects workplace...
You Can't Fix What You Don't See: How Bias Affects Decision-Making
Format:75-minute interactive workshop | 60-minute keynote | Can be adapted for longer, deeper-dive format
This program is perfect for:
- Leaders and hiring managers who make decisions that influence diversity and equity.
- Organizations aiming to create fairer, more inclusive systems.
The audience will leave with:
- Understanding how unconscious bias influences...
Understanding Workplace Microaggressions: What They Are, Why They Happen, And How to Prevent Them
Format:75-minute interactive workshop | 60-minute breakout session | Can be adapted for longer formats
This program is perfect for:
- HR professionals and DEI advocates tackling workplace culture challenges
- Employees seeking to promote more respectful and inclusive communication
The audience will leave...
The Power of Appreciation: Fostering a Workplace That Celebrates Everyone
Format:75-minute workshop | 60-minute keynote | Can be adapted for longer formats
This program is perfect for:
- Leaders and HR professionals aiming to create stronger, more inclusive teams
- Organizations aiming to enhance employee engagement and retention
The audience will leave with:
- Strategies for effectively expressing genuine...
Beyond Inclusion: Fostering a Culture Where Everyone Feels at Home
Format:75-minute keynote | 2-hour workshop | Can be adjusted for longer formats
This program is ideal for:
- HR and DEI professionals spearheading workplace culture initiatives
- Leaders aiming to integrate belonging into their DEI strategies
The audience will leave with:
- A reimagined DEI framework centered on belonging and innovation.
- Effective...
8 recommend Deborah
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
On-Site
O.W.D.D.M.A.., University Scholar | Professor of Music, Voice Division, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Verified @illinois.eduEverything about Deborah Biddle is cause for great enthusiasm. She is an exceptional individual—conscientious, intelligent, passionate, considerate, competent, and personable. With an unlimited reserve of energy, productivity, and innovation, she has achieved a breath of professional experience.” “She is an effective communicator, both as a speaker and writer, evidenced by her work in industry, academia, and community service. In situations where excellence is desired, Deborah Biddle will be a superior performer.
Access Community Health Centers
On-Site
K.L.M., Chief Executive Officer, Access Community Health Centers
Verified @accesshealthwi.org"She has made this crucial topic understandable and embraceable for our leadership and employees." "She can work with and gain the respect of anyone regardless of their race, ethnicity, education, personal experience, skepticism toward the topic; or expertise in the field." "She has a soothing and calming presence and presentation style. She creates a safe and comfortable setting to discuss topics that are often charged and sometimes unaccepted. She does this naturally." "She has a personal story and a career path that blends so well with her profession. She is a natural at what she does." "I am a better leader and we are a better organization because of our work with Debbie. I would engage her for this work again, and give her my strongest recommendation."
Elevate People Solutions
On-Site
S.E.S.S.S., Founder/CEO, Elevate People Solutions
Verified @elevatepeoplesolutions.comDebbie was the keynote speaker at our annual Diversity and Inclusion conference in 2020. She was a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with. She took the time to understand what we were looking for. Not only did she demonstrate her expertise in D&I, but her passion for the D&I was infectious. In just two hours, attendees gained a fresh perspective on the current research and best practices relating to D&I initiatives and left with the ability to translate that information into actionable steps they can implement in their organizations. Debbie masterfully answered attendee questions. She also followed up with a D&I resource list so that attendees can continue to increase their learning and have resources at their disposal. If you are looking for a great and knowledgeable speaker to speak about issues of diversity and inclusion in a challenging yet non-confrontational way, Debbie is the person you're looking for.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
On-Site
K.C., Professor of Dance, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Verified @wisc.eduOur department spent a wonderful two hours with Deborah. She is disarming yet holds a room. Her content is comprehensive and rigorous yet understandable. We wish we had more time with her!
Redesign Health
On-Site
E.I., Sr. Director of People Experience & Operations, Redesign Health
Verified @redesignhealth.comDebbie is a wonderful resource and instructor. She came into my organization and ran multiple sessions for a broad audience. The feedback I received most was how welcoming and inclusive she is. She is able to talk about complex and often sensitive topics in a way that makes everyone feel safe and able to contribute, whether they are completely new to the ideas of diversity and inclusion or they have been involved in the work for some time. She is incredibly knowledgeable and uses language that reflects all types of diversity, not just a few. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking to bring a D&I resource into their organization!
Rock Valley College
On-Site
H.S.P., President, Rock Valley College
Verified @RockValleyCollege.eduDuring this season of racial unrest and racial fatigue, Deborah Biddle served as the Diversity Consultant Madison College contracted with to facilitate intense, transparent and crucial conversations around race. With a calm demeanor, Deborah helped us navigate through our emotional experiences about race. She also helped us think about how we can constructively impact racial unrest throughout the institution during these difficult times. Additionally, she is an excellent communicator and has the ability to work with a variety of personalities while staying on task.
American Family Insurance-DreamBank
On-Site
A.F., Event Marketer, American Family Insurance-DreamBank
Deborah is one of the most polished speakers I have had the presence of sitting in on. She has an uncanny ability to break down a complex subjects while compelling one to take action immediately after. I cannot recommend nor speak highly enough of Deborah!
Colony Brands
On-Site
S.T., Learning & Development Manager, Colony Brands
Verified @sccompanies.comDeborah is an authentic, values-based professional that continually strives to help others see situations through a different lens. I have had the pleasure of working with Deborah to bring her work to our organization over the last few years. She is a great business partner and intentionally works to help others be better. Wherever you are on your learning journey, Deborah finds ways to connect her work with you through story, examples and intentional reflection.