Speaking

“Mrs. Shantera Chatman perfectly related her stories to the conversation and questions
presented from the audience.”

“I liked how Shantera gave so many real-life examples of handling situations in a professional manner.”

Featured Speaking Topics

Each topic covers a fundamental aspect of doing the critical work of an ally by challenging participants to be transparent; deeply listen to stories different than their own; and co-create action plans that are reflective of the changes that are desired within their organization. Each session can be delivered in-person or virtually as a keynote or a multi-day workshop.

Topic 1

Change & Adoption

Adoption Isn’t Training—It’s Strategy

Most transformations don’t fail because the solution is wrong—they fail because adoption is treated like an “after” task.

In this session, Shantera L. Chatman, MBA, breaks down a practical adoption strategy that helps organizations move from rollout to real behavior change. Attendees learn how to align sponsorship, activate stakeholders, build governance that drives decisions, and measure adoption in ways leaders respect. The result: clearer messaging, faster buy-in, less resistance, and change that sticks—without burning out teams or relying on training alone.

Audiences This Session is Designed For: Executive Sponsors, Transformation Leaders, PMO/Program Leaders, Change Managers, Consultants, Product Owners

Key takeaways:

A simple adoption blueprint that works across initiatives
Sponsor actions that accelerate decisions and commitment
Stakeholder tactics to reduce resistance early
Adoption metrics that tell the truth (and protect ROI)
How to shift from “go-live” to sustained use

Topic 2

Culture Is a Delivery Lever

When timelines slip or momentum stalls, the issue is often cultural—not technical.

When timelines slip or momentum stalls, the issue is often cultural—not technical. This session shows how culture impacts delivery through everyday behaviors: decision-making, accountability, trust, and communication. Shantera teaches a fast, practical way to diagnose cultural friction points and turn them into actionable interventions leaders can implement immediately. Attendees leave with tools to identify what’s really blocking progress—misaligned incentives, unclear decision rights, competing narratives—and a short list of “culture levers” that improve performance, engagement, and results.

Audiences This Session is Designed For: HR leaders, people managers, transformation teams, organizational development, consulting leaders, DEI/engagement teams

Key takeaways:

A quick culture diagnostic to uncover hidden blockers
The behaviors that make change stick (and what kills it)
How to reset norms around trust and accountability
Practical interventions that don’t require a full re-org
How to link culture improvements to measurable outcomes

Culture & Performance

Leadership

Executive Sponsorship That Works

Executive sponsorship is the #1 predictor of whether change succeeds—yet many sponsors are never coached on what “good” looks like.

Shantera equips leaders and change teams with a sponsor operating model that drives adoption: decision velocity, narrative discipline, visible role-modeling, and accountability rhythms that don’t feel punitive. Attendees gain practical tools to activate sponsors, prevent common derailers, and create a leadership cadence that keeps change moving. Expect real talk, usable frameworks, and next steps that teams can apply immediately.

Audiences This Session is Designed For: Executives, VPs/directors, HR & OD leaders, PMO/program sponsors, transformation/change leaders, steering committees

Key takeaways:

The sponsor behaviors that predict adoption and performance
A sponsor cadence that creates alignment (not meeting overload)
Coaching language to redirect unhelpful sponsor patterns
How to build accountability without blame
A simple sponsor scorecard to track impact

Topic 3

Topic 4

The Transformative Ally Toolkit

Allyship shouldn’t be performative or vague—it should be practical, consistent, and measurable.

In this interactive session, Shantera introduces her Transformative Ally Framework™ and shows what authentic allyship looks like in real workplace moments: meetings, feedback, hiring and promotion conversations, and addressing bias without defensiveness. Participants learn how to build trust across differences, strengthen psychological safety, and create norms that drive belonging and performance. Attendees leave with language they can use immediately, plus a personal action plan to move from intention to sustained action.

Audiences This Session is Designed For: HR associations, women’s leadership organizations, ERGs, people leaders, campus/civic groups, leadership development programs

Inclusion & Belonging

Key takeaways:

A clear, repeatable allyship framework (not a checklist)
Language for addressing harm and bias in real time
Tools to improve inclusion in meetings and decision-making
How to build psychological safety with accountability
A personalized action plan for consistent ally behaviors

Who Shantera Speaks To

Making a lasting behavior change is a complex process. It usually involves a substantial commitment of time, effort, and emotion. To succeed in changing behaviors, one must understand the elements of change and be willing to journey through each stage.

Consulting & Transformation Teams

Turn strategy into adoption—faster, with less resistance and better outcomes.

Common audience roles:

Engagement Leads
Transformation/Change Leaders
PMO & Program Managers
Product Owners
Business Analyst
Implementation Teams • Executive Sponsors

Top challenges:

“Go-live” happens, but behavior doesn’t change
Sponsor support is passive or inconsistent
Stakeholder resistance slows decisions and delivery
Governance creates meetings—not momentum
Adoption is hard to measure (and easy to overstate)

Recommended sessions:

Adoption Isn’t Training—It’s Strategy
Executive Sponsorship That Works
Culture Is a Delivery Lever

(Optional add-on for people-centered leadership & trust: The Transformative Ally Toolkit)

Audience 1

Audience 2

Audience 3

Higher Education

Practical leadership, communication, and culture tools students and campus teams can use immediately.

Common Audience Roles:

Students & Student Leaders
Faculty
Staff
Advisors
Resident Life
Career Services
DEI/Belonging Teams
Campus Leadership Programs

Top Challenges

Leading peers without formal authority
Building confidence and professional presence
Navigating conflict, feedback, and high-pressure transitions
Strengthening belonging and healthy group norms
Sustaining resilience through constant change and uncertainty

Recommended Sessions:

Culture Is a Delivery Lever (campus culture + behaviors that shape belonging and performance)
The Transformative Ally Toolkit (authentic inclusion, trust, and action)
Adoption Isn’t Training—It’s Strategy (how to drive buy-in for new initiatives, programs, and change)
(If featuring leadership influence for staff/admin leaders: Executive Sponsorship That Works)