Emily Goodson's biography
International Day of Disability
International Women's Day
- Speaker and author who is transforming how we think about disability
- Author of Dating Disability, exploring confidence and challenging societal expectations
- Featured in the LA Times and collaborated with Disability Rights Now
Emily Goodson is an author, speaker, and former HR leader dedicated to promoting healthy workplace cultures and fostering confidence. Her unique perspective stems from a brain injury, which resulted in a partial paralysis of the left side of her body. This experience instilled in her a profound resilience and a commitment to transforming conversations around disability, workplace inclusion, and authenticity.
Emily's journey is one of self-discovery and advocacy. In her first book, Dating Disability, Emily draws on her own life experiences, from the challenges of childhood, where the world's gaze magnified her differences, to the complexities of adulthood. In her book, Emily invites readers to see the world through her eyes and discover the beauty in all of our differences. Emily’s powerful message has also featured in the Los Angeles Times and in collaborations with Disability Rights Now and the Bold Beauty Project.
In her consulting work, Emily spans a diverse range of organizations, from startups to major production companies, where she focuses on disability inclusion and the development of supportive workplace cultures. She shares her personal and professional experiences to help individuals embrace their authentic selves while guiding organizations in creating environments where everyone can thrive.
Recognized as a Top 25 Emerging Culture Creator by Culture Amp, Emily combines lived experience with thoughtful insight to inspire individuals and organizations alike. Her voice continues to shape meaningful conversations around inclusion and empowerment.
Emily's showreel and videos
Topics, sessions and talks
Building Empathy & Allyship In Disability Inclusion
Emily Goodson will lead an interactive workshop focused on transforming awareness into action. Participants will learn to identify bias, practice effective allyship, and foster inclusive cultures where everyone can thrive. This session aims to equip employees with the tools and knowledge necessary to create a more equitable workplace. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to enhance their contributions to a supportive and diverse environment.
Building Confidence From The Inside Out
In this keynote, Emily Goodson provides practical tools and mindsets for employees to identify their needs, navigate complex systems, and advocate confidently both in and out of the workplace. Attendees will learn effective strategies to enhance their self-advocacy skills, improve their understanding of workplace dynamics, and empower themselves to take charge of their professional journeys. This session aims to equip participants with the confidence to thrive in challenging environments.
A Fireside Chat On Courage, Resilience, And Growth
Emily Goodson leads an engaging and interactive discussion, sharing personal stories that foster meaningful dialogue on resilience, authenticity, and growth. Attendees will gain insights into overcoming challenges and embracing their true selves, while also participating in real-time conversations that encourage reflection and connection. This session promises to inspire and equip participants with practical strategies for personal development and building resilience in their own lives.
The Introspection Advantage: Self-Knowledge As A Survival Skill
In a rapidly changing economy influenced by AI disruption and uncertainty, Emily Goodson emphasizes that self-knowledge is the key to survival. Drawing from her experiences as a person with a physical disability, she argues that those who thrive are those who understand themselves deeply, enabling them to adapt and find immediate solutions. Attendees will gain a practical framework for enhancing self-awareness, empowering them to navigate uncertainty with confidence and purpose in today's challenging landscape.
Why we recommend booking Emily
Book Emily Goodson to inspire your audience with her powerful story of resilience and her expert insights on building inclusive workplaces. Her unique perspective will motivate lasting change and help your organization thrive—secure your date with Emily today.
Emily can form an idea into a truly captivating speaker session. I came to her looking for a guest speaker to bring an external voice and relate it to our company's unique values; she not only brought together an even more enticing idea but brought forth a perfectly organized mini-event complete with depth, multiple takeaways, thoughtful data, and ultimately delighted the audience.
Bringing Emily to speak at my diversity, equity and inclusion trainings produces the highest feedback ratings I've seen. With grace and poise, Emily uses her lived experiences to introduce concepts of disability that set the foundation for a broad and deep discussion about equity and inclusion. It's a challenging time for practitioners to build workplace culture; having Emily as a resource has been critical for affirming the identities and experiences of my teams.
Bringing Emily to your organization is less like holding a workshop and more like entering another dimension where you are exposed to stories you might not have considered. No one's ever entered another dimension and come back unchanged.
