Many organisations invest in DEI initiatives, bias training, and policies with good intentions. Still, inclusion often remains abstract, disconnected from how everyday decisions are actually made.

In this fireside chat, Elizabeth Benedict Christensen shares how inclusion becomes real when it is embedded into the processes people already work with. From performance reviews and salary decisions to meetings, onboarding, and access to information.

Drawing on her experience leading global talent and DEI agendas at multiple international companies, Elizabeth explores how small, everyday interactions shape whether people feel a sense of belonging or face barriers to contributing fully. She also brings insights from her PhD research on everyday sense of belonging and shows how academic knowledge can be translated into practical solutions leaders can actually use.

Why one off bias training rarely creates lasting change

How to embed bias awareness into core people processes like rewards, performance, and promotion

Inclusion in global organisations and why one size does not fit all

Everyday gatekeeping in meetings, communication, and access to information

What leaders and HR professionals can do differently tomorrow

This session is designed for HR and DEI professionals, talent leaders, and managers working in global organisations who want practical guidance, honest reflections, and concrete examples rather than theory.

Elizabeth Benedict Christensen is Senior Manager, Talent and Organisational Development at Coloplast and Global Practice Lead for both Talent Management and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

She is passionate about how everyday work is experienced. Especially the micro interactions that shape whether people feel a sense of belonging or face barriers to contributing fully. Her work is driven by a clear ambition. Enable everyone to thrive and use their talents to create impact.

Elizabeth has led global DEI and talent agendas at Grundfos, SimCorp, and Vestas. She has embedded DEI into core people processes including onboarding, rewards, talent acquisition, leadership development, and succession. In her current role, she actively bridges talent management and DEI and works closely with global Employee Resource Groups.

She holds a PhD where she focused strongly on everyday sense of belonging, combining qualitative research with theory to deepen understanding of how inclusion is experienced in practice. Known for curiosity and deep listening, Elizabeth translates academic insight into practical solutions.

Born and raised in the US, she has lived abroad for two decades and worked across six continents, bringing a global mindset grounded in lived experience.

Why Bias Training Isn’t Enough: And What Works Instead with Elizabeth Benedict Christensen