Disability Power Series featuring Dr. Mary “MJ” McConner

Emotional intelligence (EI) is widely considered a critical skill, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood concepts in professional development. In this deeply reflective session, Dr. Mary “MJ” McConner will share her personal journey as a neurodivergent leader who has navigated various senior leadership roles. She will challenge the myth that EI means "reading people perfectly." Instead, she will frame it as a powerful practice of understanding yourself, mastering emotional regulation, and consciously building inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. We will deconstruct the five core domains of emotional intelligence and translate them into practical, real-world terms. Participants will gain concrete tools to boost confidence and achieve professional clarity, helping them lead teams, collaborate effectively, and advocate powerfully for their own needs.

After Dr. McConner's presentation, stay for our celebration of Fellows! This celebration includes a recognition of our Institute Class of 2025 Fellows, and our announcement of the 2026 Institute Fellows—for our Chicago chapter and the inaugural cohort in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Join us as we culminate another impactful year of disability leadership, where we elevate leaders who shift power, transform systems, and who are redefining leadership.

About Dr. Mary “MJ” McConner

Dr. Mary “MJ” McConner is a global thought leader specializing in enhancing workplace cultures. With a career dedicated to developing customized professional development programs, she has engaged with and supported professionals from more than 150 countries, empowering leaders and teams to foster innovation, collaborate effectively, and achieve sustainable success.

As the Founder of Inclusive Excellence Consulting, Dr. McConner partners with organizations worldwide to build collaborative cultures that thrive. A proud member of the hard-of-hearing and dyslexic communities, she combines lived experience with cutting-edge insights to help leaders navigate complexity with empathy and authenticity.

Dr. McConner’s thought leadership has been featured in U.S. News & World Report, Business Insider, AfroTech, FOX, Medium, Living Corporate, and other prominent outlets. She has received numerous accolades, including being recognized as a 2025 CXO 2.0 Business Leadership Excellence awardee, a 2025 40 Under 40 honoree by the Memphis Business Journal, and a 2023 Super Woman in Business by the Memphis Business Journal.