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Session—"Normalizing Bias: A Different Kind of Four-Letter Word" During a 2016 presidential debate, Hillary Clinton told Americans they were biased—and America lost its mind. For many, being accused of bias feels like being accused of a moral crime. But the truth is far more human: bias is a brain function, not a malfunction. It's automatic, unavoidable, and essential to survival. Yet in leadership, management, and team settings, unexamined bias can distort decisions, damage trust, and derail outcomes. This session is designed for leaders, directors, and managers who make high-stakes decisions daily. We’ll examine how bias functions in the brain and explore how it shows up subtly or overtly—in decision-making. Participants will recognize their susceptibility to common cognitive biases and heuristics, discuss the role of mindset, and reflect on how bias influences perception, evaluation, and judgment at both the individual and group levels. We’ll also demonstrate how bias affects work products, leadership effectiveness, and team dynamics, and explore methods for recognizing and mitigating its impact. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how to normalize the conversation around bias and make more informed, deliberate decisions—even in fast-moving environments. Presenter: Lonney Gregory
Lonney Gregory brings over 30 years of trusted advisory experience to learning leaders and corporate executives across diverse private and public sectors. Specializing in the science of learning and training, Lonney's focus extends beyond what to train, emphasizing how to effectively apply learned concepts. His training related expertise spans program management, systems engineering, innovation, creativity, and DEIA. Lonney has crafted tailored experiential learning programs, spearheaded global training initiatives, and collaborated with scientists and engineers in developing cutting-edge capabilities for the U.S. Intelligence and Department of Defense post-9/11. A sought-after speaker, Lonney has delivered seminars at prestigious engineering and leadership conferences. He holds a Magna Cum Laude BSA and an MS in Social and Organizational Learning from George Mason University, and pursued Ph.D. studies in Human and Organizational Systems. Lonney served on the Advisory Board of the American Society for Quality Learning Institute and holds esteemed designations as a U.S. Navy Master Training Specialist, Distinguished Instructor, and Master Transition Management facilitator. He is certified in Meyers Briggs, FIRIO-B, InsideOut Coaching, DiSC, Blanchard’s SLII (Situational Leadership), and is a Certified Diversity Ambassador. |
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