Unspeakable Leadership (Rohene Bouajram)

How can women of color break free from the suffocating superwoman schema and lead with well-being at the forefront?

Join us in this powerful conversation with Nataizya Mukwavi, founder of Black Women Connect Vancouver.

Nataizya vulnerably shares her own leadership journey, influenced by strong women and her father, and how her collaborative leadership style has evolved as her organization grows.

She opens up about the heavy toll living under the "superwoman" schema, sharing her experiences of hitting burnout after a severe car accident and taking on more leadership roles.

Together, we discuss the importance of setting boundaries, seeking therapy, and detaching self-worth from the constant drive to prove resilience. Nataizya shares the impact of finding supportive communities and how embracing relationships that uplift and empower you leads to more confidence and authenticity.

Deepen your journey toward leadership rooted in well-being, wholeness and community.

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

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.

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. 

How can women of color overcome the isolation of being the "only one" in leadership and build strong, empowering communities together?

Join us in this heartfelt conversation with Shelley-Anne Vidal, founder of ACT by Vidal.

Shelley-Anne shares her journey of discovering her natural leadership abilities from a young age, driven by her “gift of the gab.” Her career as an author, coach, speaker, facilitator, and instructor has been shaped by her Trinidadian heritage and her experiences of living in Canada.

Shelley-Anne highlights the challenges of being one of the few women of color in leadership roles and how finding community helped her shed the feeling of being a "lone wolf." She offers powerful metaphors like the "unicorn" to illustrate the importance of self-awareness, releasing societal expectations, and finding like-minded individuals who uplift and re-energize.

Together, we dive into how breaking the cycle of isolation is critical to creating supportive communities where women of colour can be truly seen, celebrated, and nurtured into the leaders they aspire to be.

Reclaim your leadership journey with intentional choices, authenticity and community.

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.

How can women of colour break free from traditional career hierarchies and embrace their full potential as leaders?

Join us in this insightful conversation with Dr. Candy Ho, award-winning educator, consultant and entrepreneur.

Candy shares her leadership journey, masked by kindness, compassion and values-driven decisions, especially during challenging times. She discusses the limitations of the traditional career ladder and offers a refreshing perspective—viewing life and career as a constellation of roles.

Candy emphasizes balancing leadership, personal growth, and meaningful life choices to create a fulfilling career. Reflecting on her career shift from a tenure-track position to entrepreneurship, Candy highlights how the pandemic prompted her to prioritize authenticity, agency, and ambassadorship.

Together, we reflect on identity as a powerful source of truth and success for women of colour and consider how a shift in approach to leadership can impact future generations.

Celebrate breaking new ground in your leadership journey with new definitions, intentional decision-making and value alignment.

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

How can closed doors become a catalyst for redirection?

Join us in this powerful conversation with Kahsennehawe Sky-Deer, Former Grand Chief of Kahnawà:ke, CEO and President at Sky-Deer Consulting and Vice President at Dable Consulting and Advisory Services.

Together, we explore:

✨ The challenges of breaking barriers in politics as one of the first Indigenous woman and 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders

✨ The public scrutiny, systemic resistance, and personal attacks Indigenous and women of colour leaders can face—and how to rise above them

✨ How to meaningfully engage in reconciliation with Indigenous communities

✨ The role of sovereignty, ancestral wisdom, and cultural grounding in leadership

✨ How embracing change and uncertainty can open new doors for impact and transformation

Kahsennehawe shares her trailblazing leadership journey, from making history in politics to embracing her next act in community impact and bridge-building beyond government roles. She invites us to reflect: What does it mean to lead on your own terms, with courage and authenticity?

Step into the next act of your leadership journey with sovereignty, spirituality, and purpose.

To learn more about the 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.

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.

How can women of colour reclaim their leadership narratives through storytelling?

Join us in this transformative conversation with Dr. Gabriela Alcade, a creative, values-driven anti-supremacist leader, public health expert, and author of What Your Comfort Costs Us.

Together, we explore:

✨ The barriers Latina women and women of colour face in leadership—and how to navigate them

✨ The tension between humility, power, and visibility in systems not designed for us

✨ The role of storytelling, curiosity, and self-reflection in reclaiming leadership

✨ How reconnecting with your younger self can be the key to stepping fully into your power

Gabriela shares her courageous journey of owning her narrative, amplifying the stories of other women of colour, and writing a book that challenges traditional leadership models. She invites us to reflect: What stories are we carrying, and how can we rewrite them for liberation?

Step into the next act of your leadership journey with intention, boldness, and a redefined sense of power.

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

In the premiere of season two of Unspeakable Leadership, host Rohene Bouajram delves into the significance of rest, spirituality, and breaking generational cycles as women of color leaders.

As an immigrant and settler, she reflects on the deep connection to cultural roots and freedom, invoking the nostalgic sound of drums created by the late Zimbabwean artist Douglas Vambe.

This season focuses on the power of breaking cycles, healing ancestral wounds, reclaiming identity, and leading with authenticity. Join Rohene as she engages in inspiring conversations with women of color, exploring leadership, healing, and transformation.

You can learn more about Rohene on her website.

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.

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.

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.

How can women of colour break free from oppressive leadership structures prioritizing performance over humanity?

Join us in this insightful conversation with Altagracia Montilla, Founder and CEO of A.M. Consulting.

Together, we dive into how women of color can break free from societal expectations and oppressive ways of leading. Altagracia shares her powerful leadership journey, rooted in her experiences as a strong South Bronx woman, and how starting her own business helped her realign with her values and vision.

She introduces "healing-centered leadership," which focuses on six principles: being asset-based, embracing vulnerability, building strong communities, deep reflection, being conflict brave, and fostering trust.

Throughout the discussion, we explore the importance of compassion, self-love, and intuition and how journaling and connecting with elders can deepen one’s relationship with self and ancestry.

Ignite your dream of a reimagined leadership from within.

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

How can women of colour break out of their comfort zones, embrace entrepreneurial journeys, and redefine success on their terms?

Join us for this inspiring episode with Neha Kirpalani, an entrepreneur, marketing strategist, Harvard Business Review writer, author, and DEI champion.

Neha shares her leadership journey, from investment banking to founding her marketing agency, driven by curiosity, passion, and the Japanese concept of Ikigai. She reflects on how aligning her work with joy and fulfillment helped her transition from a stable corporate career to entrepreneurship.

Neha emphasizes the importance of breaking out of comfort zones, embracing risk, and following one’s dreams despite fear and uncertainty. Drawing inspiration from Gully Boy and Shirley Chisholm’s iconic quote, "If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair," Neha discusses how self-trust, resilience and continuous learning have fueled her growth.

Together, we reflect on how critical it is to create your own space, advocate for yourself, negotiate pay and opportunities, and avoid self-rejection. Neha’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of breaking generational cycles, healing ancestral wounds, and redefining personal and professional success.

Embrace growth in your leadership journey by stepping into your power, trusting your instincts, and creating space for bold opportunities.

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

In the premiere of season three of Unspeakable Leadership, host Rohene Bouajram delves into the importance of growth as women of colour leaders.

As an immigrant and uninvited guest, she reflects on her childhood memory of having silkworms and witnessing their transformation into butterflies.

This season focuses on the theme, "Her Next Act," as both a call to action and a journey to move towards dreams that are quietly growing in the hearts and minds. Join Rohene as she engages in inspiring conversations with women of colour, exploring leadership, change, and transformation.

You can learn more about Rohene on her website.

How can women of colour break free from societal expectations, heal from financial trauma, and lead with authenticity?

Join us in this transformative conversation with Lystra G. Sam, a social justice entrepreneur, community activist, and founder and managing director, Qmooniti Travel & Lifestyle.

Lystra shares her leadership journey, shaped by her upbringing in a Trinidadian household, challenges of assimilation and pivotal moments that helped her embrace her strengths. From dancing with Prince to travelling the world, Lystra's path highlights the importance of confidence, integrity, and breaking societal norms to lead authentically.

Lystra delves deep into the impact of money trauma on Black and Indigenous women and shares how the Trauma of Money program helped her heal and reshape her relationship with money. By addressing generational and systemic financial trauma, Lystra advocates for healthier money management, leadership growth, and businesses prioritizing well-being. She stresses that healing from trauma is crucial before achieving financial stability and leadership success.

Together, we reflect on how critical regulation of our nervous systems as women of colour is to heal trauma and break free from unhealthy financial and work patterns. By creating this ripple effect of healing within, trust, community building, and empowerment will be possible for future generations.

Embrace healing in your leadership journey by understanding your relationship to money, trusting your intuition and creating new habits. 

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

In the closing episode of season two of Unspeakable Leadership, host Rohene Bouajram reflects on a season steeped in resilience, transformation, and the courage to break cycles as women of colour leaders.

With gratitude and reverence, she revisits powerful dialogues and moments that reveal deep truths, spark healing, and open new pathways forward.

Drawing upon memories of fireside gatherings and the wisdom of her ancestors, Rohene honours each guest's journey of self-discovery and legacy-building. This season has been a shared testament to bravery, healing, and the ongoing reclamation of identity.

Join Rohene as she bids farewell to this chapter, inviting listeners to carry forward the lessons, embrace rest, and honour their unique journeys of becoming.

You can learn more about Rohene on her website.

How can women of colour break the cycle of burnout and realign their work with their life’s purpose while embracing authentic leadership?

Join us in this insightful conversation with Winnie Keji, leadership and management consultant.

Winnie shares her leadership journey, beginning as the eldest sibling and evolving through various stages of life. From her early roles as a class prefect and Sunday school leader to mentoring immigrant women and teenage girls, Winnie reflects on how leadership naturally chose her despite initial resistance. She emphasizes the crucial role of mentorship, self-discovery, and authenticity in her path.

Winnie opens up about her experience with burnout, describing how it manifested in phases, including chronic fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and behavioural changes. She highlights the unique challenges faced by racialized women, such as systemic pressures, racism, sexism, and cultural expectations. Key contributors to burnout, like overcompensation, code-switching, caregiving responsibilities, and financial burdens, are addressed, especially for women supporting extended families.

Together, we reflect on how breaking the burnout cycle requires a powerful act of self-love to rediscover joy and fulfillment, a journey that will look different for every woman of colour.

Prioritize yourself in your leadership journey with inspired action and gentle reminders of your worth and humanity.   

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