Press, podcasts, and interviews.

DEI as a Core Business Strategy

With Dave Bookbinder

Michael Bach discusses how DEIA is a fundamental business strategy rather than just a social initiative. He explores the impact of inclusive leadership on profitability, talent retention, and enterprise value. The conversation emphasizes using data to measure inclusion and provides practical insights for business owners to prioritize DEIA as an ongoing performance driver.

Listen

Beyond the Moral Imperative: Leveraging IDEA for Business Success

With Becky Drozdz

Michael Bach joins host Becky Drozdz to discuss leveraging DEIA (Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility) for business success. He explains why moving from a "social justice" or "moral" justification to a data-driven business case is key to making organizational change truly "sticky", covering the high costs of employee turnover and the impact of DEIA on recruitment and retention.

Watch

Building Bridges: Inspiring Stories for International Day for Tolerance , Michael Bach | Ep 99

With Wisdom

Michael Bach joins the podcast to discuss the substance of DEIA and the International Day for Tolerance. He explores how organizations can move beyond symbolic gestures to build genuine inclusion through daily actions. Bach also highlights how privilege can be used as a practical tool for allyship in the workplace and community.

Listen

The Power of Words: Think before you Post #108

With Aditya

Michael Bach discuss the realities of DEIA in today's polarized workplace and society, providing practical insights into building inclusive organizations. He addresses myths around diversity hires, explains why true inclusion is a merit-based business strategy, and offers strategies for navigating social media toxicity and bias while focusing on bottom-line outcomes.

Watch

Season 8 Episode #1 Privilege as a Catalyst: How Michael Bach Turned Passion into Global Impact

With Jebeh Edmunds

Michael Bach discusses the role of privilege as a tool for driving change in the workplace. He explores common misconceptions about diversity and inclusion, the link between DEIA practices and financial performance, and the business benefits of employee engagement. Bach encourages shifting perspectives on privilege to foster tangible organizational impact and action.

Listen

Privilege as a Catalyst: How Michael Bach Turned Passion into Global Impact

With Jebeh Edmunds

Michael Bach discusses how to use privilege as a catalyst for DEIA and cultural transformation. Drawing on his extensive experience in global inclusion leadership, he explains how personal passion can be harnessed to create systemic change. Bach shares practical insights on building inclusive spaces and explores the powerful intersection of identity and professional impact.

Watch

privilege as a catalyst (feat. Michael Bach)

With Noah May

Michael Bach joins the podcast to discuss how privilege can serve as a powerful catalyst for advancing diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility. As a DEIA strategist and author, he explores the importance of leveraging one's position to drive systemic change and shares insights on building inclusive cultures within modern organizations.

Listen

EP 56: Creating safe, inclusive workplaces

With Anuradha Varma

Michael Bach discusses creating inclusive workplaces, sharing his personal journey of coming out as queer. He explains various gender and orientation terms within the DEIA framework, emphasizing the importance of mindful language. Bach also provides practical recommendations for organizations, such as implementing gender-neutral parental leave policies to ensure safe spaces for all employees.

Listen

Michael Bach on why inclusion works best when everyone’s part of the conversation

With William Tincup and Ryan Leary

Michael Bach sits down with William Tincup and Ryan Leary to critique performative allyship and corporate backsliding in DEIA. He discusses the business case for inclusion, emphasizing that it works best when it includes everyone, including overrepresented groups, to drive profit, retention, and tangible business outcomes.

Listen

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

With Annmarie Hylton

Michael Bach discusses the evolution and current state of DEIA initiatives, addressing the financial and ethical imperatives for inclusive work environments. He explores the complexities of DEIA rollbacks, the post-COVID landscape, and provides practical advice for organizations to foster long-term systemic change and authentic inclusion strategies.

Listen

Beyond Buzzwords: Why DEI is About Merit, Not Quotas (with Michael Bach)

With The Weird Canadian

Michael Bach discusses how DEIA is focused on merit rather than quotas, debunking common misconceptions about the field. He explores the impact of unconscious bias on hiring and workplace culture while providing practical steps for organizations to implement DEIA. Bach emphasizes that inclusive spaces foster true meritocracy and benefit all employees by removing structural barriers.

Watch

From Personal Struggle to Global Advocacy: Michael Bach Reshaping Workplace Inclusion

With Dr. Angelica & Cassy Thompson

Michael Bach discusses his transition from a childhood activist to a global DEIA leader, emphasizing how personal struggles with authenticity fuel effective advocacy. He explores the intersection of public DEIA work and private identity, noting that impactful workplace inclusion often begins with individuals learning to advocate for themselves.

Listen

FAQ with Michael Bach

With Bernadette Smith

Michael Bach joins Bernadette Smith to recap DEIA insights in a bite-sized format. The discussion covers global inclusion, signing on to equity, and game-changing inclusion strategies. Bach also emphasizes the importance of mental health, suggesting personal self-care practices like getting sun or connecting with friends to maintain well-being while doing diversity work.

Listen

Book 101 Review in its Fifth season, featuring Michael Bach as my guest

With Daniel Lucas

Michael Bach discusses DEIA principles and insights from his book Birds of All Feathers. He emphasizes the strategic business case for diversity and inclusion, explaining how organizations can foster innovation by creating equitable work environments. The conversation covers practical steps for leaders to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure all employees feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Watch

E48: Leading Change: Michael Bach on IDEA Strategies

With Christopher Michael Lee

Michael Bach shares insights on fostering inclusive environments by integrating accessibility into diversity, equity, and inclusion (IDEA) initiatives. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience, he discusses the importance of embedding accessibility into organizational practices to empower individuals with disabilities and enhance overall societal equity through strategic DEIA leadership and implementation.

Listen

Keeping AI Inclusive: Cautionary Tales and Proactive Solutions

With Anne Sparaco

Michael Bach discusses the transformative role of AI in I&D and emphasizes the need for careful integration to mitigate biases. He highlights AI potential to innovate HR functions like talent attraction and pay equity audits while cautioning against excessive reliance on technology without human intervention to ensure workplace accessibility and inclusivity.

Listen

Inclusive Leadership

With Victoria Mattingly

Michael Bach discusses inclusive leadership, sharing insights on common mistakes and practical strategies for leaders. He explores how to build a more inclusive workplace using a data-driven approach and shares highlights from his experience as a DEIA strategist and author. The conversation focuses on actionable steps to foster workplace inclusion and belonging.

Watch

Michael Bach: What Exclusion is Costing Your Company

With Maria Ross

Michael Bach discusses the business impact of exclusion and the importance of investing in DEIA initiatives. He shares insights on navigating organizational change, understanding the breadth of disabilities, and the distinction between diversity and inclusion. The conversation also explores the backlash against DEIA and how empathy serves as a tool for creating safer, more inclusive work environments.

Listen

Yvie Oddly Has A Bestseller!

With Michael Strangeways

Yvie Oddly, the season 11 winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race co-wrote a book, All About Yvie: Into the Oddity which was released in June and it’s managed to become a bestseller, debuting at 118 on USA Today’s Best Selling Booklist this week. It’s co-author, Michael Bach had this to say about their success:

Read

Author Michael Bach Discusses Similarities and Differences Between U.S. and Canadian DEI Issues

With Dorie Clark

Michael Bach joins Dorie Clark to discuss the distinct differences in how the United States and Canada approach DEIA. He explores the unique cultural and historical contexts of both nations, providing insights into their respective diversity conversations and highlighting why a one-size-fits-all approach to DEIA does not work across borders.

Watch

Avoid the Cost of Exclusion with IDEA

With Clare Kumar

Michael Bach discusses the business case for DEIA, specifically using the acronym IDEA which stands for Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. He critiques performative actions like land acknowledgments and rainbow logos, emphasizing the need for practical, data-driven strategies and sustained effort to create truly inclusive and equitable workplace environments.

Listen

Michael Bach Named a Top 10 Influential DEI Leader Revamping the Future

Michael Bach reflects on his career in DEIA, detailing his transition from corporate leadership to founding the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. He provides strategic advice on simplifying inclusion efforts, practicing selfless advocacy, and celebrating incremental progress, while highlighting his books as practical guides for workplace accessibility and LGBTQ2+ inclusion.

Read

Michael Bach: Building a Powerful & Influential Legacy as an IDEA Author & Thought Leader

With CIO VIEWS

Michael Bach discusses his transition from IT consulting to becoming a prominent DEIA strategist and author. He details the growth of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and emphasizes the shift from performative gestures to authentic organizational change. Bach also shares practical advice on leadership, the impact of his books, and the necessity of boundaries for sustainable DEIA work.

Read

Increasing Diversity and Inclusion in an Organization | The Los Angeles Tribune

With The Tribune Editorial Team

Equality is giving everyone a shoe; equity means giving everyone a shoe that fits. Different ideas result in creativity and innovation – ideas are the answers to issues, and variety is the way to new and distinct ideas. In addition to prioritizing people, customers, and brands, every organization must consider why it should prioritize diversity and inclusion.

Read

Unfolding The Life Of Michael Bach And His Voyage To Success   - Future Sharks

With Future Sharks

Michael Bach is the finest example of people who lives most of the time of his life in an effort to help others and advocate for their happiness. Bach is well known nationally and internationally as a thought leader and subject matter expert in the fields of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, bringing a vast knowledge of leading practices in a live setting to his work.

Read

Diversity and Inclusion – The Key to Success

With NY Weekly Staff

The collection of strategies, policies, and missions undertaken by a firm to establish and foster an inclusive workplace that draws a diverse pool of people from various cultural origins is called diversity and inclusion. Aside from providing a competitive advantage, organizations with D&I policies and procedures are more innovative and respectful of diverse viewpoints, attracting top talent in any field.

Read

Michael Bach – An Award-Winning Author and Social-Purposed Consultant | The American Reporter

With Jennifer Ross

Being an author is a complex and time-consuming task. It necessitates that the writer is a specialist on the subject and has a firm grasp of storytelling. Fortunately, Michael Bach possesses both of these attributes. Bach is a best-selling author who received a 2020 silver Nautilus Book Award in the Rising to the Moment category for his book “Birds of All Feathers: Doing Diversity and Inclusion Right.”

Read

Beliefs and Values about Inclusion at Work - Artist Weekly

With Artist Weekly Contributor

Read

The necessity to foster an inclusive workplace atmosphere

New forms of workplace diversity include a wide range of variables, including gender, ethnicity, color, and sexual orientation, as well as life experience, job function, and political affiliation. Exploring the many forms of workplace diversity and how it influences organizational, team, and individual dynamics is a critical step for today’s firms to take to be genuinely inclusive. Different sorts of workplace diversity help firms in several ways, including enhanced cooperation and teamwork, better problem-solving, happier employees, and the significant bottom-line advantage of a more profitable company.

Read

Ensuring LGBTQ employees' inclusion at work | California Herald

With Lisa Baker

Read

Interview with Michael Bach: What does it take to have an LGBTQ2+ inclusive workplace?

With Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes

What does it take to have an LGBTQ2+ inclusive workplace? In this video I interview Michael Bach, Founder and CEO of CCDI Consulting Inc.

Watch

Creating A Thriving Diversity & Inclusion Consulting Firm with Michael Bach

With Michael Zipursky

Michael Bach discusses his journey starting and growing a successful DEIA consulting firm. He shares insights on building a consultancy in an emerging industry, the importance of certifications like CCIP, and strategies for proactive outreach and sales team development. The conversation also covers operational aspects such as funding and managing growth.

Watch

The Key To Diversity & Inclusion In Consulting

With Michael Zipursky

Michael Bach discusses the importance of DEIA in consulting, sharing insights from his experience at KPMG and founding CCDI Consulting. He explores how consultants can implement DEIA practices to create better working environments, the role of credibility in consulting, and strategies for inclusive client engagement and recruitment in firms of all sizes.

Listen

The Key to Diversity & Inclusion in Consulting with Michael Bach: Podcast #232

With Consulting Success

Diversity and inclusion are two things that are becoming important in today’s business world. Reaching these goals often means changing things for the better. Michael Zipursky talks to Michael Bach, the head of CCDI Consulting, to find out more. Michael dives into the waters of consulting services in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and gives his insights on how you can create a better working environment for your employees as well as clients. Tune in for more great thoughts on consulting for equity in this episode.

Watch

Alphabet Soup: The Essential Guide to LGBTQ2+ Inclusion

With Darren Stehle

Michael Bach discusses his book regarding LGBTQ2+ inclusion in the workplace. He explains the differences between sex, sexuality, and gender while emphasizing the importance of safe spaces and the cost of hiding one's identity. Bach also provides insights on pronouns and the Heterosexual Questionnaire as tools for fostering DEIA and understanding the experience of being othered.

Listen

Birds of All Feathers: Doing Diversity & Inclusion Right

With Alex Fullick

Michael Bach discusses the foundational elements of DEIA, exploring key concepts like intersectionality and the social justice versus innovation models. He addresses common misconceptions such as reverse discrimination while highlighting the business case for inclusion and the importance of measuring success to ensure organizational initiatives are effective.

Listen

Creating Safe and Inclusive Spaces – with Michael Bach (CCDI)

With REALPac

On this episode of REALtalk, Michael Bach, Founder and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) , joins REALPAC COO & VP Member Engagement, Carolyn Lane, to discuss the marginalization of LGBTQ2S+ people, and the urgent need for businesses and society to create safe and inclusive spaces for them.

Listen

Internationally Recognized Thought Leader in Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility

With Darren Stehle

Michael Bach discusses the foundational concepts of inclusion and diversity, emphasizing a shift from social justice models to business-driven creativity. He explores the importance of workplace respect over personal beliefs and explains the critical differences between equality and equity. Additionally, Bach touches on LGBTQ2+ inclusion and the necessity of year-round commitment to DEIA efforts.

Listen

Michael Bach on Diversity and Inclusion

With Dr Robin Yap

Michael Bach discusses the current state and future of DEIA within human and learning experiences. He explores global trends, the importance of education, and effective hiring practices. Bach also addresses the role of technology and strategies for training newcomers to foster more inclusive environments within organizations.

Watch

If Diversity Is Our Strength, Inclusion Is Our Superpower

With James Lenz

Michael Bach discusses the distinction between diversity and inclusion, emphasizing that while diversity represents unique differences, inclusion creates welcoming spaces. He highlights talent acquisition as the primary driver for DEIA initiatives, explaining that executive teams must reflect the diverse workforce to ensure they are recruiting the best individuals.

Listen

Measuring the ROI: How to show diversity’s value

With Emily Douglas

As the founder and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, Bach has dedicated his life to educating leaders on the importance of self-reflection. Following a distinguished career at KPMG, Bach recently released his first book – Birds of all Feathers – a guide for HR managers on all things equality.

Read

Urban Land Institute tries to lead on real estate diversity - Portland Business Journal

With Jonathan Bach

Much responsibility for creating a real estate labor force with more women and people of color rests on company executives. But also important in shaping those conversations are outside groups like ULI.

Read

Equity And Accessibility In The Workplace

With Janine Schindler, MCC

When we discuss and make plans to promote the important issues of diversity and inclusion there are a few concepts that consistently rise to the forefront of the conversation.

Read

Q&A: Michael Bach makes the business case for diversity and inclusion - BCBusiness

With Nick Rockel

Michael Bach wrote the book on diversity and inclusion (D&I). But he also walks the talk as CEO of the Toronto-based Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, which he founded in 2012. Before that, he was national director of diversity, equity and inclusion for KPMG in Canada. We spoke to Bach about his new book, Birds of All Feathers: Doing Diversity and Inclusion Right, which helps entrepreneurs, managers and senior leaders make better D&I decisions...

Read

Michael Bach of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion: 5 Steps We Must Take To Truly…

With Alexandra Spirer

I believe we’re at a watershed moment when the power elite have woken up and said, “Things must change”. And that’s what we needed. We needed people like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos to pay attention and demand change. I mean no disrespect to the great civil rights leaders of today and yesterday but until white Americans — and particularly white men — woke up and got behind the change we needed to see, nothing was going to change. That’s not to say white America is the solution but they need to be part of the solution or George Floyd’s death will be in vain.

Read

DE&I: How to Develop an Action Plan with Michael Bach

We’ve heard all of the metrics – diverse companies outperform less diverse companies, inclusion inspires innovation and contributes to purpose culture. DE&I is vital to your bottom line. So why don’t more companies do it better? That’s the question we put to Michael Bach, founder of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and author of the new book Birds of All Feathers. We discuss the six steps to DE&I transformation, making Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion its own business vertical, and how we can reframe DE&I initiatives for success.

Read

How companies like Ampersand are nurturing inclusion in publishing workspaces - Quill and Quire

Michael Bach is a busy guy. As CEO and founder of the nationally run Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion for 15 years, he has worked with companies across many sectors helping them develop internal diversity and anti-racist policies.

Read

City Year finding new ways of supporting students virtually

With Krista Frost (WBNS)

City Year has provided students with mentors who help with academics, social and emotional challenges for years and now they are continuing their success virtually.

Watch

Michael Bach on Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

With Jeffrey Orridge

Michael Bach discusses his book 'Birds of All Feathers' and the practical steps organizations must take to prioritize DEIA. He explores the business case for inclusion, the importance of leadership commitment, and how to create sustainable equitable workplaces. The conversation highlights the transition from diversity as a buzzword to actionable, meaningful change within corporate structures.

Watch

Explainer: Equal bathroom rights in Canada - The Runner

With Kyler Emerson

KPU, SFU, and UBC are just some of the universities that have gender-neutral, all-inclusive bathrooms for students and staff

Read

Focusing on diversity in times of crisis

With Michael Bach

Covid-19 has changed the world. It has changed how we do business. It has changed how we operate. It has changed how we engage and interact. For how long? No one knows. It could be a few months or a year. Or it could mean a permanent new way of functioning. Uncertainty is the new normal.

Read

Rogers national special 'Ending Racism : What will it take?'

With News Staff

Rogers Sports and Media wants to continue the conversation regarding racism in Canada, and what can be done to curb it. A one-hour special, Ending Racism: What Will it Take?, is set to air Thursday, June 11, at 8 p.m. AT, across all Rogers' TV and digital channels. (scroll down for more information about the program)

Read

The Big Story special episode - Ending Racism: What Will It Take?

With The Big Story

Today, a special episode of The Big Story: An in-depth conversation hosted by Sportsnet’s Donnovan Bennett, a Big Story regular as guest and host, and Cityline’s Tracy Moore, featuring thought-leaders from across the country, who share their unique experiences with systemic discrimination and their views on how all Canadians can advocate for impactful change.

Watch

‘Ending Racism: What Will It Take?’: Rogers to air national special Thursday

With Donnovan Bennett and Tracy Moore

Michael Bach joins other thought leaders for a national special exploring systemic racism and injustices in Canada. As a DEIA expert, Bach discusses unique experiences with systemic discrimination and shares insights on how Canadians can advocate for impactful change. The program aims to continue the conversation in the fight to eliminate racism across equity seeking communities.

Read

Religion: The next frontier in workplace diversity and inclusion

With Monica Dick

A growing trend south of the border has thrust religion back into the HR spotlight. Faith-based employee groups are gaining steam in the United States, according to Brian Grim, founder and president of the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation in Annapolis, Maryland.

Read

Embracing diversity with Michael Bach

Michael Bach discusses his DEIA strategies and his book Birds of All Feathers, which serves as a guide for employers to foster inclusive workplaces. He explains the importance of establishing a business case for DEIA and providing step-by-step processes to attract diverse talent. Bach also touches upon his personal background and professional journey as a DEIA thought leader.

Read

How You Can Speak Up to Promote Diversity and Inclusion

With Bart Egnal

Michael Bach discusses how DEIA definitions vary across organizations and provides practical suggestions for supporting colleagues by speaking up for diversity and inclusion. He uses real life examples to explain the nuances of these concepts in the workplace. The conversation focuses on moving from theoretical understanding to active advocacy for more inclusive professional environments.

Listen

Canadians love diversity, just not the change that comes with it: survey - National | Globalnews.ca

With Monique Scotti

Canadians are proud to live in an open, welcoming society and believe that diversity helps to strengthen the country’s economy, but they remain wary of new arrivals who refuse to integrate and request special accommodations.

Watch

Discussing Diversity and Inclusion with Michael Bach

With Miles HR

Michael Bach discusses the evolution of DEIA in the workplace, emphasizing its impact on productivity and retention. He addresses common barriers like self-interest and the myth of merit, while providing strategies for mitigating bias in hiring and developing a diverse talent pipeline through valid assessment processes and meaningful career conversations.

Read

Soul of the City 9 - Diversity is Good Business

Michael Bach discusses the business case for DEIA, highlighting how diversity serves as a strategic driver for organizational success. He explores topics such as the inclusion of employees with disabilities, the influence of diversity on customer engagement, and the career impact of childbirth on women. Bach provides insights on leveraging diversity to improve business outcomes.

Watch