Tony Byers

Author and D&I Expert, Dr. Tony Byers, boldly challenges the status quo and decades of diversity and inclusion practices, is transforming D&I from “the right thing to do” to the business imperative of our time. His presentations provide the perfect balance of “why now” and “how to” that will take your thinking on inclusion — and your organization — to the next level. Author of the book, “The Multiplier Effect of Inclusion: How Diversity and Inclusion Advances Innovation and Drives Growth.” Dr. Byers is best known for leading and revitalizing D&I efforts with some of the most respected and successful companies. As Head of Global Diversity and Inclusion, he developed and lead D&I strategic direction to drive engagement, innovation and business growth. His impressive track record in large matrix multinational organizations included Starbucks Coffee Company as head of global diversity and inclusion; Cargill, where he developed diversity programs for global business units; and as a transformational D&I leader at H.J. Heinz. Dr. Byers serves as an executive in residence with Cornell’s ILR Executive Education, working with executives to develop and lead impactful D&I efforts. With 25+ years working in the field, Dr. Byers brings a diverse set of experiences and thinking to his D&I practice, including work in the nonprofit and education sector, as an organizational management consultant and as an lecturer and adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota, Metropolitan State University and the University of Wisconsin. He holds a Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Development and a M.A. in Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California.