Programme

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.

In a rapidly changing world, HR professionals are at the heart of shaping the future of work. In her second book, Michelle draws from her deep expertise in human resources and research to provide a roadmap for navigating the evolving workplace. In this engaging and practical talk, Michelle explores four megatrends that are transforming the workforce, providing actionable insights for HR professionals to thrive in a landscape defined by technological disruption, hybrid work, and flatter organizational structures.

Michelle will examine the rising demand for both digital and technical skills, coupled with the increasing importance of advanced emotional and social capabilities. As workplaces diversify and shift to more self-managed teams, HR professionals must adapt, fostering cultures that promote collaboration, inclusivity, and meaning. From building informal networks to cultivating a culture of learning, Michelle will provide practical strategies to meet the career needs of the modern employee and equip HR leaders with the tools to facilitate connection and fulfillment at work.