Dustin Giannelli

Dustin Giannelli is a disability advocate and entrepreneur, widely recognised as CEO and Founder of HearsDustin. Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of five, Dustin has worn hearing aids for most of his life and has transformed that lived experience into a compelling professional platform. He speaks globally on communication, accessibility, inclusion and culture, helping organisations understand how people perform best when they feel seen, heard and valued. His biggest achievement is building HearsDustin into a trusted voice for inclusive workplace culture, partnering with major global brands while remaining rooted in authenticity and impact.

Dustin’s early career was shaped by resilience, curiosity and a strong sense of self-advocacy. Growing up with hearing loss meant learning early how to navigate environments not designed with accessibility in mind. At school and through sport, he developed discipline, adaptability and confidence, while also learning the importance of clear communication. He studied Marketing at the University of New Hampshire, where he became an active public speaker within Deaf Studies programmes and developed a passion for presenting. During this time, he earned recognition at the Holloway Innovation-to-Market Competition, an experience that sharpened his entrepreneurial thinking. Alongside academic success, personal loss during university further strengthened his drive to create meaningful work, shaping the values that now underpin his speaking and consultancy.

Professionally, Dustin built a strong commercial foundation before launching his own business. He progressed through senior sales and leadership roles, including Enterprise Account Executive at 3Play Media, where he became a visible accessibility advocate within media and higher education, and Business Development Manager at Inscape, focusing on Universal Design and inclusive workspaces. Earlier, he rose to Director of Architectural Design Representation at IdeaPaint, leading national teams and strategic partnerships. In 2023, he founded HearsDustin, formalising his work as a keynote speaker and consultant. The business is recognised as a Disability-Owned Business Enterprise, and Dustin has since delivered keynotes, workshops and panels for organisations including Sony, NBCUniversal, Converse, Peloton, Ralph Lauren, Princeton University and the University of Michigan. He has also served as Master of Ceremonies for Walk4Hearing New England, supporting national advocacy for people with hearing loss.

Dustin is hired because he delivers clarity, credibility and connection. His talks combine personal storytelling with practical strategies that leaders and teams can apply immediately. He covers topics including communication, accessibility, disability inclusion, mental health, leadership and inclusive culture, always linking inclusion to performance and trust. His energy on stage is matched by his ability to create safe, engaging spaces for honest conversation. For organisations committed to meaningful inclusion and better communication, Dustin brings insight, warmth and lasting impact.