Speaker | Author | Moderator | Bridge Builder
We Can All Be Bridge Builders
After publishing his first book, "Millennials Revealed", in 2015, which focuses on helping organizations understand how to effectively build bridges across different generations, Tru quickly realized that the generation gaps were not the only gaps that were hindering the health, growth, and development of organizations and their people.
Tru then dedicated himself to helping organizations build bridges across all the divides that challenge them most, whether those are racial divides, gender divides, generational divides, political divides, or relational divides of any kind. And Tru quickly emerged as one of the nations most dynamic public speakers, and the go-to expert on helping organizations understand how to build bridges across differences.
In his most recent book, "We Can All Be Bridge Builders" Tru provides readers with the blueprint for building healthy cultures of inclusion and developing inclusive leaders in their own corporations and communities.
Meet Tru
Tru Pettigrew spent four seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx of the NBA and WNBA, and takes great pride in serving as the organizations' first Chief Impact Officer.
Tru is also a published author. His first book, Millennials Revealed, continues to provide guidance and direction to countless organizations, helping them to understand how to build bridges across the different generation gaps. His newest book, We Can All Be Bridge Builders, serves as a comprehensive guide for leaders of all levels, equipping them with tools and strategies to help bridge gaps across differences and cultivate genuine relationships and cultures of inclusion.
Tru currently serves as the Founder & Chief Bridge Builder for Tru Access, where he helps organizations build bridges of trust and understanding across various areas of division. This includes but is not limited to racial divides, gender divides, generational divides, political divides, and relational divides of all kinds. As a part of his bridge building efforts, he founded Barbershop Rap Sessions, which serves as a platform that leverages barbershops across the country as a trusted venue for hosting facilitated dialogue between law enforcement and communities of color.
In addition to the NBA, Tru has shared his bridge building expertise with teams across the NFL and MLB. He has also worked with numerous Law Enforcement agencies and organizations such as Nike, Hennessy, Unilever, 3M, Allianz, Smarty Pants, and Caterpillar, just to name a few.
Testimonial:
"His presentation style is engaging and highly participatory. He's a great storyteller and role model. I highly recommend Tru to individuals or organizations looking for clarity and inspiration. He's 'that guy' you can't get enough of."
- Wynne Tyree
President, Smarty Pants
Keynotes & Workshops
We Can All Be Bridge Builders
We Can All Be Bridge Builders
We Can All Be Bridge Builders
We live in a world that is plagued with division in practically every facet of life; racially, politically, socially, and so much more. We need people to understand how to build bridges across those differences now more than ever. And most of us want to be the Bridge Builders that the world so desperately needs. We just don't know how. W
We live in a world that is plagued with division in practically every facet of life; racially, politically, socially, and so much more. We need people to understand how to build bridges across those differences now more than ever. And most of us want to be the Bridge Builders that the world so desperately needs. We just don't know how. We are tired of the pain, suffering, disparity, and destruction that the seeds of division are causing in our lives. And we want to know how to resolve, heal, and reconcile across these differences. This session serves as a guide for corporate and community leaders to build stronger bridges of trust, legitimacy, empathy, and understanding across any and all differences.
Inclusive Leadership
We Can All Be Bridge Builders
We Can All Be Bridge Builders
We are at a point in our worlds history where we are the most diverse we've ever been. And we are growing more and more diverse year-over-year. Understanding how to lead across all of these forms of diversity through Inclusive Leadership, is paramount for the success of every organization. This session equips attendees with leadership ins
We are at a point in our worlds history where we are the most diverse we've ever been. And we are growing more and more diverse year-over-year. Understanding how to lead across all of these forms of diversity through Inclusive Leadership, is paramount for the success of every organization. This session equips attendees with leadership insights, processes, and tools to effectively employ a high level of Inclusive Leadership, while simultaneously empowering team members to do the same. Benefits include a more inclusive culture where people are inclined to co-create and collaborate on thoughts, ideas, and solutions that benefit the organization and contributes to the greater good of all of its stakeholders.
Tapping Into Your Greatness
We Can All Be Bridge Builders
Tapping Into Your Greatness
Greatness is inside all of us. It is not some rare attribute that is reserved for a select few. It is a choice that is available to us all. This session helps to reveal the respective greatness inside of each attendee, through fun, engaging, and interactive exercises and story-telling. Attendees walk away inspired with the confidence and
Greatness is inside all of us. It is not some rare attribute that is reserved for a select few. It is a choice that is available to us all. This session helps to reveal the respective greatness inside of each attendee, through fun, engaging, and interactive exercises and story-telling. Attendees walk away inspired with the confidence and knowledge that they have been created to achieve greatness in every dimension of their lives. And empowered with the tools and understanding of how to tap into that greatness. Key take-a-ways include a clear understanding of why they should tap into their greatness, a roadmap of how to tap into their greatness, and what the benefits are for themselves and those around them when they do tap into their greatness.
Leading With Purpose
Leading Across Generations
Tapping Into Your Greatness
When purpose is not present, dysfunction is ineveitble; thus people are not only seeking purpose in their personal lives, but in their professional lives as well. Employees, students, congregants, and consumers are all seeking to align themselves with organizations that “Lead With Purpose” while embracing the richness of diversity and inc
When purpose is not present, dysfunction is ineveitble; thus people are not only seeking purpose in their personal lives, but in their professional lives as well. Employees, students, congregants, and consumers are all seeking to align themselves with organizations that “Lead With Purpose” while embracing the richness of diversity and inclusion that's available to them. Purpose-driven organizations are among the most sought after in today's marketplace. Learn how to "Lead With Purpose" and become one of the organizations that your audiences all aspire to align themselves with.
Leading Across Generations
Leading Across Generations
Leading Across Generations
Each new generation ushers in a New Era, with New Expressions, and New Expectations. To thrive in this new era, organizations must adopt and employ a cross-generational leadership approach. This session helps attendees understand how to be more effective 21st century leaders by leveraging the power of insight, influence, and inclusion. At
Each new generation ushers in a New Era, with New Expressions, and New Expectations. To thrive in this new era, organizations must adopt and employ a cross-generational leadership approach. This session helps attendees understand how to be more effective 21st century leaders by leveraging the power of insight, influence, and inclusion. Attendees walk away with a proven cross-generational leadership model that can be applied right away!
DEI & WHY
Leading Across Generations
Leading Across Generations
This session provides participants with clearly articulated definitions of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. These definitions serve as the foundation from which to build. Participants will then be engaged in dialogue that will help them better understand how these components are linked, but also still very distinct. The primary purpose an
This session provides participants with clearly articulated definitions of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. These definitions serve as the foundation from which to build. Participants will then be engaged in dialogue that will help them better understand how these components are linked, but also still very distinct. The primary purpose and key take-a-way for this session is for defining and applying Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in a way that provides attendees with a clear roadmap, as to why each of these components are important, how to apply them in a seamlessly integrated manner. Attendees will also gain a better understanding of what the expected outcomes should be when applied appropriately.
Moving Beyond Diversity
Becoming More Conscious of Your Unconscious Bias
Becoming More Conscious of Your Unconscious Bias
What organizations and institutions across the country are quickly realizing, is that diversity (a state-of-being) cannot be the end goal. Instead, the act of developing safe, open, and inclusive environments for all to collaborate and co-exist is the greatest need and challenge. This session empowers organizations with the information n
What organizations and institutions across the country are quickly realizing, is that diversity (a state-of-being) cannot be the end goal. Instead, the act of developing safe, open, and inclusive environments for all to collaborate and co-exist is the greatest need and challenge. This session empowers organizations with the information needed to go beyond diversity and avoid the “illusion of inclusion” that many organizations struggle with. Attendees of this session will understand how to effectively embrace the richness of diversity, and still go beyond diversity to experience the power of inclusion.
Becoming More Conscious of Your Unconscious Bias
Becoming More Conscious of Your Unconscious Bias
Becoming More Conscious of Your Unconscious Bias
Unconscious Bias, also known as Implicit Bias, affects us all. Two of the biggest challenges with Unconscious Bias, however, is that it exists at a subconscious level, and it is in exact opposition of who we'd like to believe we are. So there is an element of unawareness and an element of denial that we must contend with when it comes to
Unconscious Bias, also known as Implicit Bias, affects us all. Two of the biggest challenges with Unconscious Bias, however, is that it exists at a subconscious level, and it is in exact opposition of who we'd like to believe we are. So there is an element of unawareness and an element of denial that we must contend with when it comes to addressing and overcoming our unconscious bias. In this session, attendees will clearly define unconscious bias, understand why addressing and combatting unconscious bias is important, identify the effects of unconscious bias, and develop tools to overcome unconscious bias.
Courageous Conversations on Race
Becoming More Conscious of Your Unconscious Bias
Courageous Conversations on Race
This series of facilitated dialogue is designed to help build bridges of trust and understanding across racial and potential race-related differences. During these sessions, attendees engage in, and learn how to leverage the power of facilitated dialogue. Participants are empowered with the diverse perspectives and insights to generate so
This series of facilitated dialogue is designed to help build bridges of trust and understanding across racial and potential race-related differences. During these sessions, attendees engage in, and learn how to leverage the power of facilitated dialogue. Participants are empowered with the diverse perspectives and insights to generate solutions that affect positive change for the greater good of all. Participants go on a shared journey from the Heart, to the Head, to the Hands. We start with sharing our Hearts with each other to help build empathy, then segue to the Head, where we collaborate on ideas and proposed solutions with each other, and in our final session of the series, we wrap up with SMART Action Steps that allow us to put our hands to the plow and start doing the work.
Books, Products, & Services
We Can All Be Bridge Builders
We Can All Be Bridge Builders
We Can All Be Bridge Builders
This book serves as a guide to help corporate and community leaders better understand how to Build Bridges across differences of all kinds among their teams and community members.
Millennials Revealed
We Can All Be Bridge Builders
We Can All Be Bridge Builders
Bridging the generation gaps and building cross-generational synergy can seem daunting at times, but it can be done! "Millennials Revealed" offers actionable insights and proven strategies to bridge those gaps. Order your copy today!
Speaking From The Heart
We Can All Be Bridge Builders
Speaking From The Heart
"Speaking From The Heart" is a 3-day public speaking workshop that empowers audiences to go beyond simply seeking to impress audiences with words. It inspires them to impact audiences with the power of their purpose and telling their story in a compelling way.
In The News
Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien
Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien
Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien
NBC News
Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien
Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien
Equity In Focus - Rolling Out
Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien
Equity In Focus - Rolling Out
Everyday Heroes
On The Record - WRAL News North Carolina
Equity In Focus - Rolling Out
Sports Business Journal
On The Record - WRAL News North Carolina
On The Record - WRAL News North Carolina
On The Record - WRAL News North Carolina
On The Record - WRAL News North Carolina
On The Record - WRAL News North Carolina
Watch Tru Speak
Watch Tru's TEDx Talk on "Building Bridges Across Racial Divides""
Watch Tru's Talk on "Tapping Into Your Greatness"
Watch Tru speak on "The Power of Purpose"
Rave Reviews...
Campbell University
Campbell University
Campbell University
"Words cannot express how deeply grateful we are for Tru's leadership and instruction at our retreat! Morale has been much more positive and our team seems to be back on the right track! Tru, please know how indebted we are for your encouragement and wisdom."
-Betty Lynne Johnson, Program Director
CEO Conference
Campbell University
Campbell University
"Tru is genuine, friendly, funny, and will light up any event he takes part in. I HIGHLY recommend Tru for any speaking engagements, and I look forward to working with Tru in the future."
-Michael Luchies, CEO
NorthStar MLS
Campbell University
NorthStar MLS
"Your insights, passion, and expertise shined through as you shared your thoughts on this crucial topic. You inspired us to think differently and encouraged us to take action in our respective fields to make a meaningful impact. Your keynote was not just informative, but incredibly motivational."
-Dorothy Lewis, Marketing Director
Upcoming Events
10/3/204
Minnesota "We Can All Be Bridge Builders" Book Launch Event
6 pm CST
-
7:30 pm CST
University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN - Iversen Center for Faith
Event Details
10/3/204
Minnesota "We Can All Be Bridge Builders" Book Launch Event
Join us for an exclusive fireside chat with Tru Pettigrew, marking the launch of his new book, "We Can All Be Bridge Builders". Moderated by...
6 pm CST
-
7:30 pm CST
University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN - Iversen Center for Faith
11/4/204
North Carolina "We Can All Be Bridge Builders" Book Launch Event
5:30 pm EST
-
7:30 pm EST
Campbell Law School, Raleigh, NC - Auditorium 105
Event Details
11/4/204
North Carolina "We Can All Be Bridge Builders" Book Launch Event
Join us for an exclusive fireside chat with Tru Pettigrew, celebrating the launch of his new book, "We Can All Be Bridge Builders". Moderate...
5:30 pm EST
-
7:30 pm EST
Campbell Law School, Raleigh, NC - Auditorium 105
1/8/2025 - 1/10/25
"Speaking From The Heart" - Public Speaking Workshop
8 am EST
-
4 pm EST Each Day
Academy Pavilion, Downtown Cary Park, Cary NC
Event Details
1/8/2025 - 1/10/25
"Speaking From The Heart" - Public Speaking Workshop
The next "Speaking From The Heart" workshop will be taking place on Wednesday, January 8 - Friday, January 10, 2025. There are a limited amo...
8 am EST
-
4 pm EST Each Day
Academy Pavilion, Downtown Cary Park, Cary NC
2/22/2025
The Future of Black History BHM Event
12 pm EST
-
4 pm EST
Academy Pavilion, Downtown Cary Park, Cary NC
Event Details
2/22/2025
The Future of Black History BHM Event
Join us at this Black History Month Celebration, where you will see, hear, and experience firsthand, some of the most creative and artistic...
12 pm EST
-
4 pm EST
Academy Pavilion, Downtown Cary Park, Cary NC
Subscribe
Sign up to hear from me about upcoming events and special appearances.
Contact Tru for Bookings & Inquiries
For more information on fees and availability, send me a message.
Follow Tru Pettigrew: @TruAccess
Copyright © 2024 Tru Access - All Rights Reserved.
Thank You for visiting Tru-Access.com