Anthony McLean

The diversity in our workplace should reflect the diversity in our world. But systemic racism and barriers to career advancement have left the BIPOC community underrepresented in significant ways. In this lively and interactive presentation, Anthony McLean challenges participants to think critically about systemic racism, unconscious bias, and other hindrances to creating an inclusive workplace culture. Finally, he offers actionable strategies to hire, promote, and protect under-represented people groups within our organizations.

Learning Outcomes:

• Learn how to move from being “non-racist” to becoming “anti-racist.”
• Understand the impact anti-Black racism has on career advancement.
• Harness the power of being an ally to the BIPOC community.

George Floyd. Amy Cooper. Ahmaud Arbery. These names and others have put the reality of anti-black racism on full display. People everywhere are asking how they, and their organizations, can be allies to people of colour. It isn’t enough to hide behind a generic diversity statement — leaders need to be actively engaged in dismantling racism. In this presentation, Anthony McLean shows participants how they can move from being “non-racist” (passive) to being “anti-racist” (active) at work, at home, and in their communities.

Learning Outcomes:

• The barriers of systemic racism facing people of colour.
• The impact micro-aggressions have on workplace culture.
• Actionable strategies to move from “non-racist” to “anti-racist.”

The effects of COVID-19 have left many people feeling lonely and isolated. Burnout rates have reached an all-time high. People are overwhelmed. Now more than ever, we need to talk about Mental Health. In this interactive and upbeat presentation, Anthony McLean offers effective self-care strategies, practical coping skills for stress, and proven resources to avoid burnout. Above all, he reminds us that Mental Health is a journey we take as a community. When we support each other, we break the stigma around mental health and empower those who need it the most.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the difference between everyday ups and downs, temporary mental health problems, and mental illnesses.
• Learn healthy coping skills to deal with stress and anxiety.
• See the role exercise, sleep, hydration, and nutrition play in mental health.
• Empowers participants to reach out for help when they need it.

Many folks in the BIPOC community felt their emotional capacity overwhelmed after the murder of George Floyd. For Anthony McLean, who works in both mental health and anti-racism, it was a collision of his worlds. Now, he loves to explore the overlap between mental wellness and racial equity. He contends that empathy is at the heart of both DEI work and mental health awareness. Psychological safety and creating a sense of belonging are central to both pursuits. This interactive presentation helps participants bring more empathy to the work of anti-racism and mental wellness.

Learning Outcomes:

• Learn how to approach mental health and DEI through the lens of empathy.
• Understand the impact systemic racism has on mental health.
• See how microaggressions are the “death by a thousand paper-cuts” to a sense of belonging.
• Learn practical self-care strategies for sustainable well-being.

This is an encouraging, morale-boosting talk to inspire educators who give their best every day. Teachers and administrators are often overwhelmed and sometimes feel burnt out by the end of the week. In the midst of a busy year, it’s easy to forget that the daily interactions we have with students are sometimes the most valuable moments of our day.

In this laugh-out-loud presentation, Anthony McLean tells funny and inspiring stories about the teachers and administrators who changed his life by acknowledging his effort, encouraging his strengths, and pushing him to give his best. Every educator needs this reminder — the reward for not giving up on our students is the ability to make a difference and change the world one student at a time.