Go Back
Mark Travis Book this Speaker

Michael Baran He/Him

Award winning DEI author, speaker, social scientist
Fields of expertise:
Leadership development Mental Health DEI and DEIB Disability Equity Intersectionality Allyship Unconscious Bias Psychological Safety

Dr. Michael Baran is a social scientist and CEO of Iris Inclusion. He draws on his own research in cultural anthropology and cognitive psychology to inform his diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work speaking engagements, writings, consulting, leadership development, and digital products. He has been supporting the DEI efforts of organizations of all types and sizes for 20 years  from Fortune 500 corporations to educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofits. His work has been covered in the New York Times, BBC, Forbes, Washington Post, CNN, NPR, Boston Globe, Slate, and more.

Dr. Baran has taught at Harvard University and the University of Michigan. He has worked as Associate Director at the FrameWorks Institute and Principal Researcher at the American Institutes of Research.

His book, Subtle Acts of Exclusion: How to Understand, Identify, and Stop Microaggressions, was co-authored with Dr. Tiffany Jana and was first released in 2020 with an updated second edition in 2023. It is a Hudson News and Amazon Bestseller, has been named by Forbes as one of “The 11 Books to Read to Be a More Inclusive Leader,” and has won several awards.

What our clients say about this speaker

Dr. Baran is an important cultural anthropologist and thought leader. He is developing new thoughts, tools and insights into human relationships and important conversations about race. His recent tool for use in serious discussions about race is important. It points out biases and stereotypes we make and suggests ways of mitigating them. Michael is a great resource, coach and mentor.

Effenus Henderson, Co Director at Institute for Sustainable Diversity & Inclusion

Michael was a wonderful speaker and shared some very impactful information. At the end, he was asked some very pointed questions, which he handled with grace and empathy. I was very impressed!

SHRM Annual attendee 2023

Michael is a thoughtful, encouraging, and attentive listener. He flows in a high level of communication, consulting, and curiosity and was a valuable contributor to our global team's book discussion on Subtle Acts of Exclusion.Thanks for everything, Michael.

Queing Jones, Global Communications & PR Manager

Book this Speaker

Talks & Presentations

Addressing Subtle Acts of Exclusion

At work, exclusion often occurs unintentionally, yet its impact can be profound. People may engage i

With

Michael Baran He/Him

Award winning DEI author, speaker, social scientist
Inclusion is Not a Spectator Sport

Many organizations today explicitly declare that they value inclusion, emphasizing its importance in

With

Michael Baran He/Him

Award winning DEI author, speaker, social scientist
From Unconscious Bias to Conscious Inclusion.

Unconscious bias, despite its overuse in conversations around diversity and inclusion, remains a cru

With

Michael Baran He/Him

Award winning DEI author, speaker, social scientist