Unspeakable Leadership

What is your pace?

Join us as we close the first season of Unspeakable Leadership with Rohene Bouajram, podcast host, through a walk down memory lane and a powerful reminder.

To learn more about the resources mentioned in the episode, check out the show notes here.

How do we lead in alignment and authenticity?

Join us in this conversation with Dr. Aftab Erfan, Executive Director of the Centre for Dialogue at Simon Fraser University (SFU), Associate Member at SFU School of Public Policy, and a board member at the Vancouver Foundation.

Together, we delve into the complexities of dynamics through the lens of conflict and social justice movements. We explore tensions between grassroots activism and institutional power, noting that suspicion and mistrust interplay when women of colour enter leadership roles.

Aftab shares what brings fulfillment and purpose amidst societal pressures to stay true to herself. She highlights the importance of bridging the gap of understanding and dialogue between those in positions of influence and those advocating on the margins to effect transformational change.

To learn more about the resources mentioned in the episode, check out the show notes here.

Are we facing an illusion of choice in our advancement and leadership?

Join us in this conversation with Dr. Priya Bala-Miller, Founder & CEO of Palmyra Partners Consulting Inc.

Together, we unravel the illusion of choice within institutional structures and explore the challenges of balancing career, advancement, family, and self-care.

Priya highlights how embodiment practices, intuition, and finding the right people to support you can redefine your leadership journey and allow women of colour to stay true to their values. She shares her first spoken word piece as a literary vehicle to how creativity can be the spark that ignites your voice and body towards healing.

To learn more about the resources mentioned in the episode, check out the show notes here.

How can we elevate each other to lead differently?

Join us in this conversation with Ariana Arguello, a Transformational Change Agent in Sustainability, Climate Action, and Energy Conservation.

Together, we explore the importance of mentorship and uplifting women of colour in the workforce and leadership roles.

Ariana highlights how values of joy and creativity are possible within the journey of leadership, and the influence of visibility and representation on communities and change. Focusing on finding meaning and impactful work, Ariana emphasizes the importance of sharing diverse perspectives and stories, channeling inspiration, and challenging conventional leadership views to shape a better and just world collectively.   

To learn more about the resources mentioned in the episode, check out the show notes here.

How do you sustain activism when you cannot unsee the injustice?

Join us in this conversation with Levonne Abshire, Educator, Disability Advocate, Coach, and

Director of health equity, promotion, and education at the University of British Columbia.

Together, we explore the intersection of advocacy in motherhood and leadership.

As a mother of a racialized teen with autism grounded in servant leadership and wise compassion, Levonne highlights the importance of dignity, human rights, and belonging as core principles to uphold. Uncovering the dance of reciprocity in sisterhood, we discuss how women of colour navigate loneliness and trust-building while highlighting practical advice to sustain oneself in work that often intersects with compassion, identity, and advocacy that is never “the flavor of the month.”

To learn more about the resources mentioned in the episode, check out the show notes here.

Many systems are not designed for women of colour to succeed. So, what needs to be redefined, and what actions can we take?

Join us in this conversation with Dara Dillon, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of The Inclusivity Institute for Better Data (IIBD). Together, we explore the journey of owning your story amid systemic barriers.

The need to reframe narratives and choices and shift mindsets from scarcity to abundance become the new foundations of generational change for each of us to reflect on.

As Dara highlights, the call to lead and leave a meaningful legacy by pouring into others becomes bigger than each of us when we center community involvement, mentorship, and mutual success.

To learn more about the projects and resources mentioned in the episode, check out the show notes here.

Join us in this conversation with Dr. Sara Ghebremusse, Cassels Chair in Mining Law and Finance, and Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law, Western University. Together, we explore the journey of finding a place and environment where you are seen, valued and supported as a woman of colour in your leadership journey.

The question of Do I stay or go? coupled with discussing the currency of ambition and over-achievement will leave you empowered to understand the weight and importance of making this decision that is often at a crossroad. As Sara shares, the ultimate factor is what actually matters and honours you.

To learn more about the resources mentioned in the episode, check out the show notes here.

In the inaugural episode of "Unspeakable Leadership," host Rohene Bouajram takes listeners on a reflective journey through her childhood in Harare, Zimbabwe, sharing vivid memories of family, storytelling, and a lush garden.

As an immigrant navigating the complexities of being an uninvited guest and settler, Rohene explores the challenges and triumphs of remapping her sense of family and belonging. She delves into her early leadership experiences and lessons learned along the way.

The episode introduces the podcast's mission to explore the unique narratives of women of color in leadership, emphasizing the need to redefine the faces of leadership, honor authenticity, and bring about collective healing.

You can learn more about Rohene on her website.

Hey there! Welcome to the trailer for Unspeakable Leadership; hosted by Rohene Bouajram. We just had to share a few conversation bites with you to begin our first season of exploring how women of colour lead. Keep your eyes and ears open for weekly episodes to drop every Thursday. If you haven’t already, subscribe now.