Hayley Barnard

Expert on Diversity and Inclusion, Unconscious Bias and Inclusive Leadership

Speaker fees:

In-person: ยฃ5k-ยฃ10k
Virtual: ยฃ5k-ยฃ10k

Topics:

Diversity & Inclusionโ€ฏ
2
โ€ฏUnconscious Biasโ€ฏ
2
โ€ฏPractical Inclusive Leadershipโ€ฏ
2
โ€ฏInclusive Recruitment Practicesโ€ฏ

One of the most prolific and sought-after DEI speakers in Europe, Hayley Barnard is a thought leader and practitioner specialising in topics including gender balanced workplaces, inclusive leadership, and unconscious bias.

Hayley has delivered keynotes to over 320 companies across the globe, inspiring audiences to DEI transformation at Mercedes-Benz, Capital One, Deloitte, Essity, HSBC, Altrad, and many more.

Hayleyโ€™s speaking style is charismatic, warm, humorous and down-to-earth. Whether discussing the macro-economics of DEI and its impact on business growth, aKinity bias and how to stop it in its tracks, or when โ€˜workplace banterโ€™ goes too far, she addresses complex DEI topics using real-life examples and quantified research. Employees, managers and leadership teams are left with a clear understanding of the importance of embracing inclusive practices and also – most importantly – the tools to implement them.

As a practising consultant and CEO of one of the most respected DEI consultancies in the world, Hayley is uniquely placed to speak on up-to-the-minute DEI issues. She regularly advises on DEI best practice across multiple industries – from global banking brands to household-name retailers – with recent clients including Specsavers, HSBC, Matalan, Center Parcs and Lidl. Whatever the topic or audience, Hayley will precisely tailor her speech to meet your organisation’s needs, ensuring a relatable and lasting impact.

Having co-led a team of women on an Arctic Circle expedition, swum 46 km around Manhattan Island and completed โ€˜the Everest of marathon swimmingโ€™ – the English channel – Hayley knows a thing or two about inspiring audiences and is also a sought-after motivational speaker. She brings this personal experience to every keynote speech and, combined with her extensive DEI and business expertise, the result is powerful speeches which ignite positive change and instil the principle: diversity isnโ€™t about difference, itโ€™s about excellence.

Book Hayley Barnard

Featured topics include

A lighthearted introduction to unconscious bias which appeals to all levels of employees. Your audience will learn:


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What is unconscious bias?
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Why and how we all have them
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How biases can conflict with who we are and how we want to be
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How we can catch ourselves being unconsciously biased
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How we can all play a part in driving greater inclusion for all
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Actions we can take to outsmart bias.

This popular keynote explores how bias shows up in everyday decisions โ€“ from who gets heard to who gets developed. Hayley demonstrates ways to move beyond awareness, and why simply โ€œknowingโ€ about bias isnโ€™t enough to change outcomes.

With a focus on conscious leadership choices: slowing down decisions, questioning assumptions, and designing fairer systems around recruitment, progression and performance, this keynote challenges leaders to see inclusion as an active skill, not a mindset alone, and show how inclusive leadership strengthens trust, decision-making and performance.

Three ways to be a better ally in the workplace and how your privilege may be getting in the way.

Hayley Barnard is one of the worldโ€™s leading authorities on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, known for her action-oriented, transformative speeches that have inspired audiences around the globe since 2013. Hayleyโ€™s unique style blends deep expertise with humour and approachability, making her an invaluable addition to any event.

Organisations โ€“ and people โ€“ don’t change overnight. Hayleyโ€™s aim is to meet people where they are and equip them to take the next step, from challenging some of their own biases, to stepping out of their comfort zone.

Whether delivering a speech to an audience of thousands, a workshop for CEOs or a webinar for dispersed leaders, Hayleyโ€™s relaxed style invites candid discussion on difficult issues – creating a real buzz amongst teams and audiences.

Unpacking the business case for diversity and why equity and inclusion is worth fighting for. Also, whatโ€™s in it for you.

Organisations โ€“ and people โ€“ don’t change overnight. Hayleyโ€™s aim is to meet people where they are and equip them to take the next step, from challenging some of their own biases, to stepping out of their comfort zone.

Whether delivering a speech to an audience of thousands, a workshop for CEOs or a webinar for dispersed leaders, Hayleyโ€™s relaxed style invites candid discussion on difficult issues – creating a real buzz amongst teams and audiences.

Hayley is a world-renowned motivational speaker, delivering inspirational speeches to company conferences, annual meetings and corporate events. Her distinctive blend of humour, professional insight and personal experience will capture your audienceโ€™s imagination, empowering each delegate to make meaningful change and believe in their own potential.

From trekking across the Arctic, swimming the English Channel and running three successful companies, Hayley knows a thing or two about maintaining motivation. She brings this experience, as well as a deep understanding of workplace culture and challenges, to every speech – equipping companies with the necessary tools to foster a healthy and resilient workforce.

Keynotes include;

Move into the FAST LANE: Fearless ambition, pushing yourself to upskill and try new things.

Balanced LEADERSHIP: Whatโ€™s it like on the other side of you as a leader? Self-awareness and influence.

If you don’t ask, YOU DON’T GET: Overcoming self-doubt, stopping self-sabotage, aiming high, having a plan to get there.

 

Although Hayleyโ€™s delivery is relaxed and light-hearted, every motivational speech is rigorously prepared behind the scenes to meet the needs of its audience.

Itโ€™s this combination of personalised content and approachable, natural style thatโ€™s made Hayley a favourite with clients as diverse as H&M, Vodafone, and Capital One.

Hayley has advised multiple FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies on building a more inclusive and diverse workforce. She is also a selfconfessed โ€œunlikely adventurerโ€, having swum 47km around the whole of Manhattan Island and trekked across the Arctic, to give just two examples (see a 1 minute overview of Hayleyโ€™s English Channel swim here).

This popular keynote draws on Hayleyโ€™s unique experience to unpack themes around Imposter Syndrome, personal resilience and selfmotivation, particularly focusing on how we can all help to #BreakTheBias.

Combining personal insight, evidence and practical action, Hayleyโ€™s keynote on overcoming Imposter Syndrome looks at how normalising self-doubt is a common response to challenge, not a personal weakness. She explains what imposter syndrome is โ€“ and isnโ€™t โ€“ and why it disproportionately affects high performers and under-represented groups.

Your audience will gain understanding of โ€˜imposter feelingsโ€™ in a systemic context, looking at workplace norms, bias and representation. Throughout, Hayley offers practical strategies for building self-trust, alongside actions leaders and organisations can take to create psychologically safe, inclusive cultures.

Itโ€™s well publicised that companies in Europe are increasingly having to work harder to ensure they have a pipeline of women to senior level.

The requirement on organisations to release their Gender Pay Gap across the UK and Europe has further highlighted the challenge.

Through case studies and using respected research, Hayley highlights the best practice of both men and women and the organisations they operate within.

Crucially, this is not a speech about how to fix the women, or blame the men. Itโ€™s about leveraging differences for the benefit of all. This session can be tailored to be women-only, or suitable for all in leadership positions.

What people say

We got Hayley to deliver a session for us for International Women’s Day on Career Progression entitled “If you don’t ask, you don’t get”. The talk was so motivational and engaging for all attendees and we have received some really positive feedback – would absolutely recommend!

Wellbeing Manager – Primark

A BIG thank you for an amazing presentation yesterday! We have received so many positive and great responses and the whole team really appreciated your style and way of presenting a super relevant topic. I have already had several conversations with people who have done some good reflection on inclusion.

HRBP, Colgate/Palmolive

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