Joe Gerstandt

DEI Strategy Advisor & Author; Co-Author of "Social Gravity"; Board Director at Tri-Faith Initiative

Omaha, NE, USA
Live Event: $30,000 - $50,000 Virtual Event: $10,000 - $20,000 More Fee Info
Communication, Corporate Culture, DEI, Disruptive Thinking, Diversity & Inclusion, Executive Leadership, Family & Parenting, Health & Wellness, HIV & AIDS, Human Resources, Leadership, Thought Leadership, Veterans
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Joe Gerstandt Biography

Joe Gerstandt is a speaker, author, and advisor specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy. With more than two decades of experience, Gerstandt has worked with Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and higher education institutions to help organizations rethink how they approach diversity and inclusion. He emphasizes the importance of actionable behaviors over sentiment, arguing that inclusion is a set of learnable practices rather than simply a feeling of belonging.

Gerstandt’s professional journey began with four years of service in the United States Marine Corps, including participation in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He later transitioned to nonprofit work focused on HIV and STD prevention, where he developed a deep interest in DEI issues. This background informs his pragmatic approach to organizational culture change and inclusive leadership.

Gerstandt’s keynotes and workshops provide practical steps for managers, team members, and senior leaders to foster inclusive workplaces. His client list includes Boeing, Toyota, Nestlé, Target, Eli Lilly, Marathon Oil, Cornell University, University of Michigan, the CIA, and the FAA.

He is the co-author, with Jason Lauritsen, of "Social Gravity: Harnessing the Natural Laws of Relationships," a book that examines the principles of professional networking and organizational culture. Gerstandt is also a contributor to the Workforce Diversity Network Expert Forum, with published insights in Diversity Best Practices, Diversity Executive, HR Executive, and other industry publications.

Gerstandt serves on Twitter’s Intersectional Culture and Diversity Advisory Council and the ISO US Technical Advisory Group on Diversity and Inclusion, contributing to platform governance and global standards. He is a board director for the Tri-Faith Initiative in Nebraska. Through his keynote "From 'Anti' to 'Ally'," Gerstandt combines personal experience with research to support organizations in building sustainable, inclusive cultures.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/27/2026.

Joe Gerstandt Speaking Topics

  • From “Anti” to “Ally”: A Story of Personal Transformation

    For the past 20 years, Joe Gerstandt has been helping organizations of all shapes and sizes to find new clarity relative to diversity and inclusion, and to put new practices in place. But he did not take a very direct route into this work, in fact there was a time in his life when he likely would have rolled his eyes at what he now does for a living. The often-discomforting experience of becoming aware of and addressing his own privilege, denial, bias, and bigotry still informs his work today. This is a story of how one person’s heart, mind, and behavior changed and what we might learn from it. From his own story of growing up on a family farm in rural Iowa, serving in the United States Marine Corps, personal and professional successes and setbacks, and just being in the world with other human beings, Joe distills insights applicable toward leadership, behavior change, culture change, and enlisting more allies in this work.

  • Inclusion by Design

    What specifically do you mean when you use the word “inclusion?” It has become one of the most popular words relative to the modern workplace, yet in most organizations it remains a vague, ambiguous idea; and vague, ambiguous targets are incredibly hard to hit. If inclusion is the product you are trying to deliver, then you should be able to speak to its characteristics. This message brings a powerful new clarity to the concept of inclusion, what it is, why it matters and how it happens. The audience will leave this message with a strong foundation upon which to build impactful and sustainable diversity and inclusion initiatives.

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Joe Gerstandt Videos

Diversity Inclusion ft Joe Gerstandt with peopleHum

Diversity Inclusion ft Joe Gerstandt with peopleHum

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Social Gravity Harnessing the Natural Laws of Relationships
Social Gravity Harnessing the Natural Laws of Relationships

  • How do I book Joe Gerstandt to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Joe Gerstandt

    Speaking fees for Joe Gerstandt, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Joe Gerstandt are $30,000 - $50,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Joe Gerstandt, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

  • What topics does Joe Gerstandt speak about?

    Joe Gerstandt is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Communication, Corporate Culture, DEI, Disruptive Thinking, Diversity & Inclusion, Executive Leadership, Family & Parenting, Health & Wellness, HIV & AIDS, Human Resources, Leadership, Thought Leadership, Veterans

  • Where does Joe Gerstandt travel from?

    Joe Gerstandt generally travels from Omaha, NE, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.

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Joe Gerstandt is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as From “Anti” to “Ally”: A Story of Personal Transformation, Inclusion by Design, Inclusive Leadership and The Authenticity Advantage. The estimated speaking fee range to book Joe Gerstandt for your event is $30,000 - $50,000. Joe Gerstandt generally travels from Omaha, NE, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Felicia M. L. Davis, Emily K. Graham, Ruth Rathblott, MSW, Paul E. Wolfe and Phindile Sithole-Spong. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Joe Gerstandt for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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