Unspeakable Leadership

In this season-closing reflection, Rohene Bouajram invites us to release one of the most persistent lies many of us carry: that who we are is something to fix. Through stories, letters, and the wisdom gathered from this season’s guests, she explores the living practices of radical self-acceptance and radical self-trust as pathways back to ourselves.We hear what it truly means to stop rehearsing smaller versions of who we are and start choosing the line to cross next, thought by thought, memory by memory, step by step. Rohene shares pieces of her own journey, including the grief of staying too long, the courage to leave, and the sacred act of devoting herself to truth, joy, and alignment. This finale reminds us that desires are data, our bodies are an archive of wisdom, and our individual becoming is right on time.Resources mentioned in this episode:Letter to my future self: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W50R91BWtkLetter to my younger self: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rohenebouajram_letterstolilly-activity-7389650833426116608-jZbr?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAA3_LxMBYpNXcEAOCEyDg5fooYqV0LJc-UU Connect with Rohene:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohenebouajram/Book me to speak: https://www.rohenebouajram.com/speakingWebsite www.rohenebouajram.com Access resources to redefine your leadership: https://www.rohenebouajram.com/resources Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HGDNXxPfj0c?si=OiJVxlqFfTiX58v8

The answers you’ve been searching for have been living in your body all along.In this conversation with Kay Thellot, an ethnotherapist and founder of Prensip Minokan, we explore what it means to decolonize mental health and its role in our leadership journey. Remembering that our healing isn’t something we have to earn, it’s something we return to. Kay shares with Rohene Bouajram how reconnecting with ancestral practices, movement, and the quiet wisdom of the body helps us reclaim the parts of ourselves that colonial systems taught us to silence.We talk about how fear can look like excitement, what it means to cross the line back to your true self, and why the body is both archive and compass for women of colour reclaiming their power in leadership roles. Connect with Kay:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kay-thellot-0300aa251](http://linkedin.com/in/kay-thellot-0300aa251)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prensip.minokan/?hl=enWebsite: https://www.prensipminokan.com/ Connect with Rohene:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohenebouajram/Website www.rohenebouajram.com Access resources to redefine your leadership: https://www.rohenebouajram.com/resources Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OyBTHVaCa2o?si=FclnHElQovw5YCUG

Ambition, radical self-trust, and intentional joy. This conversation between Rohene Bouajram and Bianca B. King explores what it means for women of colour to redefine ambition on our own terms. Leaving home at 13, later walking away from a successful corporate real estate career, and rebuilding from her “$38 moment” are all experiences that Bianca points back to as a series of catalysts to cross her line into the next version of herself. That experience fueled her mission to help women pursue success with joy, rather than burnout. Rohene and Bianca unpack the difference between ambition and perfectionism, and how women can reframe ambition as a source of self-liberation rather than pressure. This episode reminds us that success and joy can coexist, and radical self-trust is the bridge between ambition and peace. Connect with Bianca:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biancahenryking/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pdambitious/Website: https://www.biancabking.com/  Connect with Rohene:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohenebouajram/Website www.rohenebouajram.com Access resources to redefine your leadership: https://www.rohenebouajram.com/resources Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NQwe3WUayMY?si=x949JvLHmJFYQKp5

Ancient wisdom, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, and shamanic healing can help women lead with clarity and confidence in the age of AI.Guest Leslie Ann Keeler shares how her journey through loss, cultural identity, and motherhood has shaped her leadership philosophy, integrating spirituality, neuroscience, and presence. Rohene and Leslie discuss what it means to balance technological innovation with grounded humanity and how community can serve as a stabilizing force in an AI-driven world. Listen for how practices like breathwork and nervous system regulation restore balance, deepen self-trust, and reconnect leaders to purpose. This episode invites you to reflect on the divine preparation behind every calling. It reminds us that ancient intelligence is the wisdom that keeps us whole and grounded as the world accelerates forward.Connect with Leslie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslieannkeeler/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslieannkeeler/ Connect with Rohene:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohenebouajram/Website www.rohenebouajram.com Access resources to redefine your leadership: https://www.rohenebouajram.com/resourcesWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/X_U2hmT6LaQ?si=f6DoB0Q8uwPt1Hca

In this episode, masking, ADHD, neurodivergent identity, and radical acceptance take center stage as Ammara Wood shares her story of unlearning and rediscovery. She opens up about the years spent hiding her true self to survive in systems that were never built for her, and the liberation that came from choosing authenticity over approval. Through her lens as a late-diagnosed Black woman with ADHD, Ammara explores how neurodivergent women can reclaim their power by embracing self-awareness and self-compassion.Rohene Bouajram and Ammara Wood unpack what it means to “cross the line” from silence to radical self-acceptance and how that act becomes a form of leadership. There is an emotional toll of masking, courage required to stop, and organizational shifts needed to create inclusive workplaces.This episode is a raw, healing dialogue about identity, resilience, and the freedom that follows when we stop performing and start leading from who we truly are. Connect with Ammara:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ammara-wood/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blissfully_ndWebsite: https://paperbell.me/blissfullynd Connect with Rohene:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohenebouajram/Website www.rohenebouajram.com Access resources to redefine your leadership: https://www.rohenebouajram.com/resourcesWatch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRktD6YQ3cs

Fear, comparison, and visualization take center stage in this conversation between host Rohene Bouajram and guest Urmi Hossain.Together, they explore how women of colour can break free from the silent race of measuring themselves against others and learn to cross the line into authentic leadership. Urmi shares how she transformed fear into an ally through daily acts of courage, intentional self-reflection, and the power of visualization. She opens up about her journey of unlearning comparison, manifesting purpose, and finding success on her own terms.This episode covers: the inner critic, cultural conditioning, and how fear often disguises itself as protection. Through stories of growth and resilience, Urmi shows that courage isn’t the absence of fear; rather, it’s the decision to keep moving forward anyway. Connect with Urmi:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/urmihossain/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urmamio/Website: https://www.womeninleadership.ca/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@urmihossain Connect with Rohene:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohenebouajram/Website www.rohenebouajram.com Access resources to redefine your leadership: https://www.rohenebouajram.com/resources Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2a9cHrf_Xc

What happens when being “nice” stops being a survival tool and starts holding you back? In this conversation, Rohene Bouajram sits down with Amira Barger, award-winning executive and author of The Price of Nice, to unpack the hidden costs of being “the nice girl” in leadership and life.We cover:Why “nice” often means silence, shrinking, or complianceWhy the opposite of nice isn’t mean, it’s nerveHow crossing the line can look like small, everyday acts of courageThe difference between your “authentic self” and your “chosen self”What it really takes to lead with boldness, especially for women of colorThis episode is both a mirror and a challenge: what’s the cost of your nice and what would it look like to practice more nerve? Grab Amira's book on her website, which currently has a special discount until October 28, 2025. Connect with Amira:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirabarger/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amirabarger/?hl=enWebsite: https://amirabarger.com/ Connect with Rohene:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohenebouajram/Website www.rohenebouajram.com Access resources to redefine your leadership: https://www.rohenebouajram.com/resourcesWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iigMiz6mS5k

In this opening episode of Unspeakable Leadership Season 4, host Rohene Bouajram introduces the theme: She Crossed the Line.Rohene shares a personal story from her childhood in Zimbabwe—her first race, the struggle of undiagnosed asthma, and the defining moment when her mother’s voice urged her to keep going. From that experience comes a lesson that still echoes today: leadership isn’t about arriving first; it’s about finding the courage to cross the line.This season explores the lines we all face: rules, expectations, ceilings, promises, and invisible barriers. Then we're called to consider what happens when women dare to step beyond them. You’ll hear stories, reflections, and tools to help you redefine leadership on your own terms.In this episode:The origin story behind She Crossed the LineWhat “the line” means in leadership and lifeFour grounding prompts to help you reflect and take actionAn invitation to step into authorship instead of interpretationConnect with Rohene:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohenebouajram/Website: www.rohenebouajram.com Access resources to redefine your leadership: https://www.rohenebouajram.com/resources Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3rT517L7N60

What does it mean to lead unspeakably—and then pause, reflect, and honour what came before?In this powerful season finale of the third season of Unspeakable Leadership, host Rohene Bouajram brings us full circle. With deep reverence and reflection, she revisits the theme Her Next Act—a season that invited women to rewrite their narratives, release what no longer serves them, and reclaim their voices with tenderness and power.We reflect on the transformative stories shared by our six remarkable guests—Gabriela, Kahsennenhawe, Rasie, Valincia, Jam, and Irene—and the bold truths and soft awakenings they brought into our ears and hearts.This episode is a love letter. To growth. To stillness. To YOU.Whether you’re stepping into your next act or still cocooning, Rohene reminds us: You are not behind. You are becoming.And the wings? They’re coming.You can learn more about Rohene on her website.

What does it take to reclaim your voice and rewrite your story when the world would rather you stay silent?In this unapologetically bold and soul-nourishing conversation, Jam Gamble—globally recognized vocal empowerment coach and founder of Slay The Mic™—reminds us that using our voice is not only a right but a responsibility. From international stages to deeply personal moments of grounding and healing, Jam brings fire, heart, and truth to every word she speaks.Together, we explore:✨ The power of building a name that speaks before you do—and the legacy that follows✨ What to do when imposter syndrome, fear, or trauma try to dim your voice✨ Why speaking up isn’t just about having a platform—it’s about honouring your ancestors, your story, and your future✨ Practical, heartfelt guidance for women at all stages of their voice journey—from unsure whispers to confident roars✨ How reclaiming your voice is a gateway to your next actIf you’ve ever questioned whether you’re ready, worthy, or “too much,” this episode is your reminder: your voice is a superpower, and it’s time to stop leaving it on silent.To learn more about the resources mentioned in the episode, check out the show notes here.

What if the leap is not the part you are afraid of?Join us for a powerful and intimate conversation with a guest appearance from Irene Nviri, certified life coach, speaker, community advocate and founder of Emerge and Soar Consultancy Inc. Irene shares her definition of her next act and reflects on her own experience of transformation as well as how she coaches immigrant women to grow with clarity and purpose.Blending personal storytelling, poetic reflection, and tangible wisdom, Rohene offers a soul-nourishing blueprint for navigating the sacred in-between—the space between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming.Together, we explore:✨ Why the leap isn’t the scary part—trusting you’ll be caught is✨ The danger of comparison, and why your leadership blueprint must be rooted in your values✨ A powerful tree metaphor to help you define success on your own terms✨ What half marathon training taught Rohene about scaling sustainably—and the importance of rest✨ How to grieve the past versions of yourself to make space for your next act✨ Why your leap is not reckless—it’s righteousThis episode is both a grounding compass and an open invitation to choose alignment over achievement, grace over hustle, and purpose over pressure.If you're standing at the edge of your own next act—wondering if the free-fall is worth it—this one’s for you.To learn more about the resources mentioned in the episode, check out the show notes here.

What does it take for women of colour to walk away from a secure corporate job and build a life rooted in freedom, wealth, and purpose?Join us for a powerful and heart-centered conversation with Valincia Bennett, founder of Savvy Method, a powerhouse coach helping others scale to 10K+ months through simple systems and diversified income streams. Valincia shares her remarkable journey from working 12+ hour days in the healthcare sector to becoming a multi-seven-figure entrepreneur—with real estate investments, the stock market, and multiple businesses in her portfolio.Together, we explore:✨ The defining moment she walked away from a toxic job—and was offered a new one before even reaching her car✨ How COVID gave her a taste of the life she wanted, and a divine whisper gave her a specific date to quit corporate for good✨ Why emotional intelligence, mentorship, and surrounding yourself with the right people are essential for growth✨ What it means to trust divine timing and choose your next act with clarity, conviction, and courage✨ How to design a business that doesn’t just make money—but creates freedomWhether you're standing at the crossroads of your own next act or simply seeking financial clarity, this episode is filled with truth, strategy, and inspiration to help you bet on yourself—and win.Step into the next act of your leadership journey with trust that what is meant for you will never pass you.To learn more about the resources mentioned in the episode, check out the show notes here.

What if the leap you’re afraid to take is the very one that’s calling your name?In this thought leadership episode, host Rohene Bouajram shares the why behind Her Next Act—the theme for Season 3—through a raw, intimate solo reflection. No guests. No interviews. Just truth.In a world that praises titles, applause, and performance, this episode dares to explore the spaces in between: the silent, tender, often unrecognizable moments where women of colour leaders begin to choose themselves. With vulnerability and clarity, Rohene shares what inspired this season’s theme, the therapy moment that forever changed her, and a metaphor about tacos (yes, tacos) that will stay with you long after the episode ends.This is more than a conversation about leadership transitions—this is the start of a love letter to the woman who is no longer okay with half-versions of herself.Discover how to:✨ Identify and release outdated contracts that no longer serve you✨ Reclaim your voice from silence, shame, and survival✨ Prepare for your next act with 5 steps that ground you in courage, clarity, and communityYour next act doesn’t need permission or an audience. You just need to claim ‘yes’.To learn more about the resources mentioned in the episode, check out the show notes here.

How can women of colour embrace rapid life changes and trust themselves through uncertainty?Join us for a vibrant, laughter-filled, and deeply grounded conversation with Rasie Bamigbade, leadership and book coach, bestselling author, and founder of RB Jumpstart Coaching and RB Jumpstart Mentorship & Youth Leadership Training Society. Rasie shares how she navigated a season of immense transformation: going full-time in her business, getting married, moving communities, and releasing years of conditioning that tied worth to productivity.Together, we explore:✨ What happens when you stop asking “Why me?” and start asking, “What is this here to teach me?”✨ Why entrepreneurship isn’t just a career path—but a reclamation of time, joy, and self-trust✨ The impact of rewriting internal narratives and embracing your unique speed of growth✨ How to move from survival to sovereignty, especially as a woman of colour in leadership✨ What it means to lead with grace—on your termsWhether you're on the edge of a major transition or simply curious about what it takes to live life on your own terms, this episode offers a powerful reminder: you’re allowed to grow, pivot, and start again—without permission or apology.Step into the next act of your leadership journey with intentionality in welcoming change.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 transformationKahsennehawe 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.

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 powerGabriela 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 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.

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 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.

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.