Dr. Michelle King Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerDr. Michelle King

CEO, The Culture Practice

Dr. Michelle Penelope King is a globally renowned expert on inequality and organizational culture, dedicated to transforming workplaces into inclusive environments that foster equity for all. As the Chief People Officer at ODI, a prestigious global affairs think tank, Michelle leads initiatives aimed at combating injustice and inequality, continuing a... Read more

Biography

Dr. Michelle Penelope King is a globally renowned expert on inequality and organizational culture, dedicated to transforming workplaces into inclusive environments that foster equity for all. As the Chief People Officer at ODI, a prestigious global affairs think tank, Michelle leads initiatives aimed at combating injustice and inequality, continuing a legacy that spans over six decades.

Before joining ODI, Michelle founded The Culture Practice, a global consultancy specializing in diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and organizational development. Her expertise attracted high-profile clients such as JP Morgan, Netflix, Dior, FIFA, and Amazon, where she spearheaded strategies to reshape workplace cultures. Through this, she created an expansive library of DEI training content, partnering with Udemy to democratize access to these resources globally. Michelle also serves as a Senior Advisor to the UN Foundation’s Girl Up Campaign, where she oversees the NextGen Leadership Development Program, equipping young women with the skills to lead in today’s evolving workplace.

Michelle’s career has included prominent roles such as Director of Inclusion at Netflix and Head of UN Women’s Global Innovation Coalition for Change. With two decades of international experience, she has consistently been at the forefront of advancing more inclusive organizational cultures.

Michelle is not only an award-winning academic but also a dynamic thought leader. She holds five degrees, including a PhD in Management, and is currently pursuing post-doctoral research at Cranfield University. Her published works include the bestselling and award-winning book The Fix: How to Overcome the Invisible Barriers That Are Holding Women Back at Work and her latest release, How Work Works, published by HarperCollins in 2023.

Dr. Michelle King has an extensive speaking career, having delivered over 500 talks at prestigious global events such as the Nobel Peace Prize Conference, SXSW, and major women’s leadership conferences. Represented by the London Speakers Bureau, she engages with leading companies like Amazon, FIFA, Netflix, and Dior through keynotes, masterclasses, and fireside chats. Michelle is highly sought after for her expertise in inequality, organizational culture, and inclusive leadership, making her a globally recognized thought leader in these fields.

She has been featured in top-tier media outlets like The Economist, Harvard Business Review, CNBC, Bloomberg, and Time. In recognition of her contributions, Michelle was named LinkedIn’s Top Voice for Workplace Equity in 2022, in 2023 listed among the Top 100 Women at Davos by Global Women’s Leadership Experts and in 2024 shortlisted for the Thinkers50 Talent Award.

With a deep commitment to creating workplaces where everyone can thrive, Dr. King continues to shape the future of work through her innovative leadership, research, and advocacy.

"So much about the world of work - from workplace culture to our definition of success - was created by men, and it’s not working for women or indeed for men. And it’s no surprise that women pay a disproportionately high price for their participation. That’s why it (this book) is so important. It’s a passionate, practical roadmap for addressing inequality and finally making our workplaces work for women.” Arianna Huffington, author and founder of the Huffington Post and Thrive Global
"Michelle is a speaker who sparks fires in her audiences around the issues she cares about. Her in-depth knowledge and insights, paired with her ability to clearly and vividly create the case for its importance, is a unique gift to the groups she speaks to. Our community still asks us about Michelle and where to access her talks and upcoming events.” Jenn Lishansky, Founder of Be Social Change
"Michelle King’s podcast is like no other, highlighting the stories of women who are driving innovation across every sphere of life. Her interviews crackle with intelligence, wit and passion that enlightens as well as engages both women and men.” Joanne Lipman, Former editor of USA Today and Author, That's what she said; what men need to know (and women need to tell them) about working together
"A visionary and leader changing the Inclusion landscape.” Billy Jean King Leadership Institute
"Michelle is not only extremely knowledgeable with her background and research on gender inequality, but she applies those insights specifically to the workplace and brings it to life. Michelle has a truly unique way of connecting with her audience. She makes the research come to life and provides real “a-ha” moments and practical takeaways that can be applied in any organization.” Claudia Chan, CEO She GLOBL
"Michelle is an absolute inspiration and a breath of fresh air. She has an exquisite ability to captivate the room, whatever the audience. Her supreme credibility and refreshing ‘cut through the crap’ approach really resonates with hearts and minds in an engaging non-preachy way. We had the pleasure of hosting her workshop - Invisible Barriers to Women in the Workplace - and wow! Michelle delivered her research findings with such passion, honestly and clarity, connecting to everyone in the overpacked room. She makes you think, and makes you realise that real change is possible and within your gift to enable. So, if you are committed to driving a culture of equality across your organisation, that is actually going to make a sustainable difference, then look no further than Michelle King. She is a game-changer. We very much look forward to having her back!” Belinda Riley, Associate Director Diversity and inclusion Lead - EMEIA TAS TALENT EY

Popular Talks by Dr. Michelle King

  • How Inequality Works At Work (And What We Can Do To Fix It)
    Uncover the hidden mechanics of workplace inequality with Dr. King. Drawing from extensive research and real-world insights, Dr. King unpacks how structural inequalities permeate workplace culture, often invisible to those in power. This talk guides leaders and employees alike through practical steps to dismantle these barriers, fostering a truly inclusive...
  • Why Gender Equality Is The Best Thing To Happen To Men (They Maybe Just Don't Know It Yet)
    In this engaging talk, Dr. King challenges conventional views on gender equality, emphasising that it’s not only a women’s issue but a transformative opportunity for men. With compelling examples, she illustrates how equality can lead to better health, stronger relationships, and more fulfilling careers for men. This session is an eye-opener,...
  • How Women Can Overcome The Invisible Barriers To Their Career Success
    Despite progress, women often face subtle, unseen obstacles that hinder career growth. In this powerful session, Dr. King reveals these “invisible barriers” and equips women with strategies to overcome them. Attendees will gain valuable insights into navigating workplace dynamics, advancing with confidence, and achieving career goals without compromising their authenticity....
  • Leading For The Future: Why DEI Is An Invitation For Leaders To Lead
    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are not just policies but calls to action for today’s leaders. Dr. King inspires leaders to see DEI as a transformative force, demonstrating how embracing diversity strengthens teams, drives innovation, and prepares organisations for future challenges. This talk offers a roadmap for leaders looking to foster...
  • Beyond Allyship: How To Become A Success Partner
    True allyship goes beyond support—it’s about actively championing others’ success. In this transformative session, Dr. King guides audiences through the journey from ally to success partner, offering actionable insights to make a meaningful impact in others’ careers. This talk is a powerful invitation for leaders and peers alike to uplift...
  • How To Make Work Meaningful: Fulfilling Your Five Needs of Work
    What makes work genuinely fulfilling? In this thought-provoking session, Dr. King identifies the five core needs that make work meaningful and explores how companies and individuals alike can meet them. Attendees will learn how to create environments that foster engagement, purpose, and connection, leading to happier, more motivated employees and a...
  • Are Robots Going To Take Your Job? Three Ways To Future-Proof Your Career
    With automation reshaping industries, the question isn’t if but how to adapt. Dr. King explores the rise of AI and its impact on the workforce, presenting three practical strategies to stay relevant and resilient in the face of technological change. This talk is a vital resource for anyone looking to thrive...
  • The Future of Human Resources: Understanding The Major Trends Shaping People and Culture
    HR is at a transformative crossroads. Dr. King dives into the latest trends shaping HR, from technology and data-driven decision-making to fostering diverse cultures. This session provides HR professionals and leaders with insights on navigating these changes effectively, equipping them to build dynamic, people-centric workplaces that can attract and retain...
  • The Future of Work Is A Culture of Trust: How To Build A High-Performing Team

    Trust is the foundation of high-performing teams, but building it requires deliberate effort. Dr. King explains how a culture of trust fuels productivity, innovation, and employee satisfaction. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to cultivate trust within their teams, transforming their organisations into collaborative, empowered workplaces that achieve more together.

  • How To Build Your Informal Networks: The Five Practices

    In today’s interconnected world, informal networks are a career superpower. Dr. King introduces five essential practices for building these networks effectively, helping professionals unlock new opportunities, support systems, and avenues for growth. This session is perfect for anyone looking to expand their influence, foster connections, and accelerate career success.

  • Cross-Cultural Competency: The Five Practices For Working With Anyone

    As workplaces become more global, cultural competence is essential. Dr. King shares five practices to help professionals work seamlessly across cultures, fostering empathy, understanding, and respect. Attendees will gain skills to navigate diverse teams and international partnerships, making this talk ideal for those in cross-cultural environments or global roles.

  • Four Ways To Future-Proof Your Career
    Preparing for the future is essential in an era of rapid technological advancements and shifting work landscapes. Dr. King presents four impactful strategies to help professionals adapt, thrive, and safeguard their careers against change. This session provides actionable advice on building resilience, expanding critical skill sets, and embracing innovation. Perfect...