33 Bernadette Smith - Founder & President at Equality Institute

In this episode, Bernadette Smith shares how a proactive approach to inclusion and equality at the front line can bring measurable financial benefits. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

Bernadette's Story (learn more at www.bernadettesmith.com and www.theequalityinstitute.com)

Bernadette Smith is the founder and president of Equality Institute and award-winning author of three books.

In 2004, Bernadette started 14 Stories, an award-winning wedding planning firm with an LGBTQ specialty. Her vision was to disrupt the heteronormative wedding industry with a vision of inclusion of all couples. Several years later, she took this passion and started to share her expertise with her peers in the global wedding and travel industry. Her business naturally evolved as she received questions on LGBTQ concerns for the front desk, concierge and other front line staff. Bernadette has since expanded her training offerings and now consults with finance, airlines, insurance, health care, and many other industries. Bernadette and her colleagues have consulted with and trained thousands of people from more than 24 countries on LGBTQ issues.

Clients have included Alaska Airlines, Grant Thornton, Hard Rock, MGM Resorts, Melia Hotels, Marriott Hotels, and Ritz-Carlton brands. She has spoken at conferences such as the World Education Congress, Catersource, the LGBTQ Marketing & Advertising Symposium, and many other events.

Bernadette's expertise has been sought after by the Today Show, National Public Radio and the New York Times, among many others. In 2018 and 2019, she was named one of Crain Chicago Business’s Notable LGBTQ Executives.

About the host: (www.devinhalliday.com, www.rudimentsolutions.com)

Devin Halliday is a Northern California native, living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He's explored the people, places, and cultures across this beautiful planet. He's been amazed. He's been humbled. He's been outraged. But mostly, he's been inspired.

After nearly twenty years leading people and delivering award-winning results in a Fortune 15 technology company, he started a new and fulfilling chapter. As Founder and Chief Belonging Architect of Rudiment Solutions - A People Empowerment Company, he is able to bring a lifetime's worth of inspiration and influence to those looking to achieve more.

As the author of the book "BE/LONG/ING FACTOR" and host of the Belonging Factor Podcast, Devin gets to share his personal mission with the world.

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