Janet Stovall

Janet M. Stovall is a self-described diversity pragmatist and the Global Head of DEI at the NeuroLeadership Institute, a global think tank, consultancy, and research organization that uses neuroscience to improve business performance. As a speaker, facilitator, writer, and consultant, she is dedicated to dismantling systemic inequity, particularly in its intersection with race.

Stovall has an extensive track record of driving cultural transformation within large, complex organizations and brings deep expertise in DEI practices, especially in communication strategies. Notably, she was one of the few Black C-level speechwriters in the Fortune 100. Her three TED talks challenging business to get serious about inclusion have garnered nearly three million views. Her superpowers? Applying objective solutions to solve subjective DEI challenges, building actionable DEI frameworks and strategies, and brokering honest DEI conversations among top leaders.

A firm believer in action over aspiration, intent over impact, and objectivity over subjectivity, Stovall works with organizations and leaders that truly value diversity as an asset. Her consultancy, Pragmatic Diversity, helps them unlock that value through accountable inclusion and equity. Through direct consultation with leaders, teams and individuals, as well as keynote speeches and workshops, she helps business get real about DEI and dismantling systemic inequity.

A sought-after speaker and workshop leader, Stovall is the co-author of "The Conscious Communicator: The Fine Art of Not Saying Stupid Sh*t," where she speaks to challenges of communicating authentically about DEI and social justice. Her groundbreaking book presents a framework and practical tool that empowers leaders to shape DEI and social justice initiatives, aligning their visions and messages with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.

Stovall holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Davidson College, a Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Marketing Communications from Georgetown University and graduate certificates in DEI from Cornell University and Yale University. She is a member of the Davidson College Board of Trustees.