Top 25 Diversity Change Leaders Bravely Disrupt the Status Quo

NeuroLeadership Institute’s Janet Stovall is a Disruptor for Good Change


Janet M. Stovall is Global Head of DEI at the NeuroLeadership Institute, founder of the consultancy Pragmatic Diversity, an author, and a popular speaker. Her TED talks challenge business leaders to take inclusion seriously and have a wide-reaching global impact. She is a hands-on leader doing in-the-trenches work, like leading workshops, directly advising the leadership teams of top global companies, and translating academic research and theoretical models into tangible, real-world change. Janet proudly wears the mantle of a disruptor by challenging the status quo. She shapes DEI visions and roadmaps of major organizations and helps them implement the plans.

Though DEI training is important, Janet develops solutions for each organization with the most impact by relying on rigorous, multi-layered analyses to uncover nuanced realities of DEI issues. She works closely with leadership teams to define desired outcomes and align the DEI vision with core business objectives. Janet systematically addresses underlying structures, processes, policies, practices, and cultural norms to create lasting, sustainable change. Her philosophy is that in an equitable world, equity is disruption.


  • Favorite Quote: I am deliberate and afraid of nothing. - Audre Lorde