Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central tenets for CertaPro Painters, a prominent organization with more than 400 franchises across North America. Each of their diverse and effective teams upholds these principles, demonstrating their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all stakeholders feel valued. This commitment is solidified by their relationship with acclaimed author and speaker, Kelly McDonald.
Kelly McDonald’s prowess lies in her ability to transform sensitive, complex topics into accessible, empowering discussions. Her focus on race and diversity, areas often tiptoed around, sets her apart. Known for her pragmatic and fearless approach, she arms franchise owners and staff with practical, proven tactics that promote productive collaboration in diverse teams.
McDonald’s experience as a business owner augments her presentations with actionable insights, allowing leaders to capitalize on the benefits of diversity without the fear of making a misstep. She provides practical strategies for working with individuals who may differ significantly from us – a necessity in today’s increasingly interconnected world.
What distinguishes Kelly McDonald’s approach is her understanding of diversity that extends beyond mere demographics. Her teachings consider a spectrum of differences that impact the workplace, including personality traits and personal preferences. For instance, the divergence between morning people and night owls, introverts and extroverts, analytical and creative thinkers, listeners and talkers, and the tech-savvy versus tech-averse individuals, to name a few.
This broader view of diversity creates a rich tapestry of varying perspectives, challenging leaders to capitalize on these differences to enhance their team’s performance and, in turn, their organization’s bottom line. Kelly McDonald offers tangible solutions on fostering harmonious co-existence amidst diversity, ultimately boosting team effectiveness and profitability.
McDonald’s impact on leaders has not gone unnoticed. Her work has been featured in esteemed publications such as Fast Company Magazine, CNBC.com, Forbes, HR.com, Leadership Excellence, Senior Executive Magazine, and Tribune Publishing, among others. Her notable book, “How to Work with and Lead People Not Like You,” has earned a place on two national bestseller lists.
Kelly McDonald’s distinguished career expands beyond being a sought-after speaker and author. She is also the president of McDonald Marketing, demonstrating her expertise in consumer trends and changing demographics. Her portfolio includes four best-selling books published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. These works focus on a variety of important subjects, including the customer experience, leadership, and marketing, all examined through the lens of working with people “not like you”.
McDonald’s work provides the crucial insights necessary for leaders to cultivate an inclusive and productive working environment, one that values all people and their unique contributions. As Michael Stone, President and CEO of CertaPro Painters, asserts, McDonald’s gift is her ability to translate intricate and sensitive issues into digestible, empowering knowledge for all leaders.
Stay connected with Kelly McDonald’s work by visiting her website at https://kellycmcdonald.com/. You can also follow her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellycmcdonald/, Twitter at https://twitter.com/kellycmcdonald, and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kelly.mcdonald_speaker/.
