About the Event!

In today’s evolving DEI landscape, leaders face challenges in fostering inclusive cultures while navigating societal and organizational shifts. Deborah Biddle, Lead Strategist and Consultant at The People Company Consulting Group, will explore the current state of DEI, the crucial role of inclusive leadership, and practical strategies for overcoming obstacles to sustain meaningful DEI initiatives. She will share insights into creating an environment where diversity flourishes, equity is prioritized, and inclusion is a standard across the organization. 

Learning Outcomes: 

1. Comprehend the existing DEI climate and the societal factors impacting organizational strategies. 

2. Identify the essential traits and behaviors of effective inclusive leadership. 

3. Identify the common challenges leaders encounter while promoting DEI and explore strategies to address them. 

4. Implement practical strategies to integrate DEI into leadership practices and organizational culture. 

5. Formulate strategies to maintain DEI initiatives in response to changing business and social pressures. 

About Deborah:

Deborah Biddle is a respected leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She is known for her thoughtful, impactful approach to consulting, coaching, training, and speaking. With over 30 years of experience in corporate, nonprofit, and small business environments, she brings strategic insight and heart to every engagement. As the founder of The People Company Consulting Group, Deborah partners with organizations to build inclusive cultures, reimagine strategy, and make meaningful, lasting change. 

Her calm and centered presence, combined with her commitment to fostering belonging, has transformed how leaders and teams approach DEI initiatives. Deborah is a certified diversity executive and practitioner, holding professional certifications in leadership, coaching, and intercultural development. She also earned an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and a BA in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 

Deborah’s expertise is both respected and sought after. She designs and facilitates programs that challenge, inspire, and equip organizations for sustainable growth in inclusion and equity. 

Beyond her professional work, Deborah is actively engaged in her community. She serves on the boards of TEMPO Madison and Africasong, and is a member of the UnityPoint Health–Meriter Community Health Impact Committee as well as the United Way of Dane County’s People, Culture & Rewards Committee. In addition, she is a dedicated member of the Madison Downtown Rotary and a Golden Life member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

Faith serves as the foundation of Deborah’s life. She is a worship leader and women’s Bible study teacher, finding joy in ministering alongside her husband, Lloyd, the Interim Pastor at Compassion Baptist Church in Chicago. Together for 35 years, they proudly parent two adult sons who live in Scottsdale, AZ, and Los Angeles, CA. 

A talented vocalist, Deborah has performed gospel, jazz, and classical music for over thirty years. She has traveled internationally as a gospel artist and continues to use her music ministry to uplift and inspire others. 

In recognition of her outstanding work, Deborah received the 2024 Phi Beta Sigma Upsilon Sigma Small Business Entrepreneurship Award, was named one of Wisconsin’s 49 Most Influential Black Leaders by Madison365 in 2019, and was honored in 2023 for her service on the Impact Christian Schools board. 

Approachable, insightful, and deeply grounded, Deborah invites others into complex conversations with grace and clarity. She lives by the guiding principle: “Service to God is not an option, but a requirement,” along with her personal mantra, “THINK Better. DO Better. BE Better.” This embodies the integrity and purpose she brings to every facet of her life and work. 

Agenda!

8:30 - 8:35am - E-meet & Greet
8:35 - 9:30am - Presentation & Discussion
9:30 - 9:45am - Optional Continued Discussion