Inspiring a More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive World. ​Together.

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Inspired Consulting Group specializes in providing tailored, high-quality professional services to a diverse range of industries. Our offerings include DEI&B consulting, behavioral health and wellness education, professional development and training courses, clinical social work services, and leadership coaching. We uniquely emphasize affirming LGBTQIA+ service delivery to our partners.

The way we work has changed …

… but this doesn’t have to be for the worse. Inspired Consulting Group can work with you to channel your team’s successes and strengths, focus on their wellness, resiliency, and capacity for innovation, and redirect your whole organization toward the many opportunities that lie ahead. We’re here to help bring out the best in YOU!

Trust Us to Help Your Team Thrive

The team at Inspired Consulting Group is here to be a professional development partner that is committed to helping your organization thrive. With a focus on delivering the highest quality services, we offer a wide range of solutions to assist in your team’s growth.

From DEI&B consulting and leadership coaching to behavioral health and wellness education and support services, we have the expertise and experience needed for your organization’s success.

Plus, with our unique specialization in LGBTQIA+ service delivery, you can trust us to provide tailored solutions that meet the diverse needs of your staff and your customers.

DEI&B Consulting

As your trusted guide through this journey of self-discovery, introspection, and personal and professional assessment, our aim is to make this process approachable and supportive, ensuring you feel accompanied at every stage of the journey.

Professional Development & Education

Self-awareness and growth are the cornerstones of advancement in every sense of the word. Remember, though, it’s OK to have a little fun along the way too!

Clinical Partnerships

We are here to work with you and your teams to help alleviate some of the stressors and move towards finding solutions for access and care wherever possible.

Inspired Allies Certification Course

A 3-module certificate course designed to support professionals of all disciplines to enhance BOTH their confidence AND competence in better supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This curriculum will allow you to increase your allyship skills.

Our Philosophy

As both a clinical social worker, a DEI&B consultant and educator, and a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I approach my work with partners through multiple lenses of both professional and personal lived experiences. These different hats that I wear don’t simply go on and off but rather, they stack up on one another, allowing me to bring a unique style to those I’m so honored to work with.

Informed

We stay on the cutting edge of your industry to provide you meaningful experiences that balance innovative ideas with the tried-and-true approaches and best practices for your particular field.

Compassionate

We understand the needs of both leaders and front line team members. We approach everything with an open mind, a desire to learn, and a passion for teaching, all while keeping the most important people at front of mind…your team and your customers.

Professional

We bring our years of experience to you and your teams. With a sharp eye and attention for detail, we seek to create meaningful encounters that your team will be talking about for months to come.

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It’s Me,

Hi!

A behavioral health provider, leader, an educator, podcaster and unabashed Swiftie with over 25 years of experience in various clinical settings. I’m passionate about teaching, advocacy, and creating innovative professional development programs for organizations while staying focused on collecting joy and living life to the fullest.

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Owner and Lead Consultant

Chris McLaughlin, MSW, LCSW

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Successful Partnerships

Inspired Consulting Group has been fortunate to work with many wonderful organizations in our communities. Here’s what they had to say about our engagement.

“Chris has been a true gift and guide to my Maine Savings team and me as we began our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B) journey in 2023. He has been with us every step of the way from our first DEI&B Committee meeting, planning and facilitating our first annual DEI&B committee retreat, and most recently educating our employees through a customized DEI&B Introduction 101 course. Chris facilitates our monthly DEI&B committee meetings and develops and leads custom curriculum, whether foundational or advanced electives. He supports our three sub-committees that focus on communication, education and events. His compassionate and professional approach are an ideal fit for any organization or business beginning their DEI&B journey. His expertise and experience make him the perfect collaborative partner for a developing and maturing DEI&B culture. We continue to work with Chris and look forward to his ongoing support in the months and years ahead.”

Vanessa Madore

CEO & President, Maine Savings FCU

I wholeheartedly recommend Chris McLaughlin and Inspired Consulting Group to any organization seeking to enhance its professional development initiatives, particularly in mental health and disability inclusion. Working with Chris is an investment in both the well-being of your employees and the overall success of your organization.”

Jodi Fadrigon

Manager, Omnicell

“Chris helped navigate open and honest conversations to provide context and perspective for our team to understand the differences that can exist interpersonally inside and outside of the workplace.  Our goal working with Chris was to educate our employees to improve their satisfaction and ability to work collaboratively recognizing the differences we all bring to the office.  He did this in a welcoming and respectful way that elicited input across a range of opinions and backgrounds to our employees that work in five different states.”

Travis Noyes

PE, COO, Executive Vice President, Haley Ward

Chris has been providing mental health consultation to our Head Start staff and families for several years. His kindness, compassion and professionalism have been a wonderful addition to our program; filling a much needed service to our clients and staff. We feel very fortunate to be working so closely with Chris!”

Mary Kay Hallett

Head Start Director, Penquis Child Development

“I’m humbled and honored for any opportunity to collaborate with Chris. He is an amazing and inspiring force in the field of education and mental health. He brings a deep passion and commitment to supporting everyone he works with in relevant and meaningful ways. Chris’ willingness to pivot and adapt trainings or provide guidance and wisdom to a project are truly remarkable, and a testament to the care and skill he continually brings to his work.”

Bethany Cunningham

Education Consultant & Mindfulness Educator

“Chris McLaughlin, Owner and Lead Consultant at Inspired Consulting Group, LLC, has been a seemingly endless resource for us at EqualityMaine, providing realistic and positive support, especially when navigating challenging situations”

Gia Drew (she/her)

Executive Director, EqualityMaine

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Inspired Insights Podcast

Empowering Voices Across Generations

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“Inspired Insights” is not just a podcast; it’s a community where empathy and understanding flourish, empowering listeners to embrace their truths and engage in open, honest dialogues about mental health.

Co-hosted by Chris, a 49-year-old gay man and clinical social worker with decades of experience in mental health advocacy, and Soren, a vibrant 17-year-old queer teen passionate about activism and change, this podcast is a tapestry of stories, strategies, and support. Each episode delves into the complexities of mental health and personal identities, offering a unique blend of professional insight and personal experience.

Join Chris and Soren as they explore the power of vulnerability, the importance of visibility, and the endless possibilities that come from genuinely listening to each other’s stories.

Working Together

Get Started!

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Interested in working with Inspired Consulting Group and want more information on any of our professional development solutions? Contact us today to schedule a consultation call and discover how we can help you create a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming climate for your teams and customers.

Memberships and Affiliations

Chris is a proud member of many wonderful professional associations and organizations across Maine, New England, and beyond.

Bangor Region Chamber
National Association of Social Workers
Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care
School Social Work Association of America
Diversity Hiring Coalition
American Society of Association Executives
GLMA
Maine Association of Nonprofits