The Mindset Shift: How HR Leaders Build Cultures of Inclusion & Belonging

The Mindset Shift: How HR Leaders Build Cultures of Inclusion & Belonging
Inclusion begins long before policies or programs. It begins in the mindsets of those who shape workplace culture. This session explores the critical mindset shift HR leaders must make to effectively champion inclusion and belonging in today’s workplace. Drawing on our research in inclusive leadership, emotional intelligence, and intercultural development, participants will examine how internal beliefs, assumptions, and cognitive habits shape everyday HR decisions. The session introduces a practical reflective framework to help HR professionals identify bias, increase self-awareness, and make more intentional, equitable choices in hiring, performance management, conflict resolution, and talent development. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to strengthen organizational culture and advance meaningful, sustainable inclusion.

Dr. Helen Fagan is a transformational leadership scholar, speaker, executive coach, and founder of Helen Fagan & Associates. Her work sits at the intersection of emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and human-centered leadership, helping individuals and organizations lead with authenticity, courage, and connection. She believes leadership begins within and that how we lead people directly impacts how much we can accomplish.

Dr. Fagan served on the faculty at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for a decade and currently teaches in the graduate leadership program at Doane University. She is a trained executive coach and a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory, partnering with leaders across industries to build cultures grounded in trust, belonging, and meaningful accountability.

An award-winning educator and changemaker, Dr. Fagan is a recipient of the Inspire Leadership Excellence in Education Award, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Fulfilling the Dream Award, and the 50 Nebraskans Over 50 Award. Before entering academia, she led nationally recognized diversity and cultural competence initiatives in healthcare, advocating for vulnerable populations and policy change.

She is the author of Lead Like People Matter: What Emotional Intelligence and Neuroscience Reveal about Leadership, a guide to developing self-aware, emotionally intelligent leaders who create environments where people thrive. She also hosts the Because People Matter Podcast, where she shares conversations with leaders who model empathy, resilience, and heart-centered leadership.

A dynamic and sought-after speaker, Dr. Fagan delivered a TEDx talk in Lincoln in 2012 and returned to the TEDx stage in Omaha in 2025. Her storytelling, research, and lived experience, including immigrating to the US from Iran as a teenager, fuel her commitment to helping others lead with humanity, bravery, and deep respect for the people they serve.

This is a FREE service offered to your locals from HR-NE.
Please note: These webinars will not be recorded and AI notetaking will not be enabled. Session will not be recorded.
Recertification codes will be shared at the end of the hour only.

Zoom Link details will be sent out closer to the date of the event.