BIPOC Leader Lab

Testimonials

This BIPOC Leader Lab showed up at the right time for me. The realities of sitting in middle or senior leadership positions is significantly different for those of us from historically marginalized communities. It has been so beneficial to push self-reflection to a deeper level, to validate thoughts and feelings and to receive beneficial feedback and strategies on how to move forward.

– Farrell Hall,
Chief Inclusion and People Officer,
9 Story Media Group

This course is like medicine for our relationships and for ourselves. I highly recommend for those who are facilitating meaningful change to create better spaces for all of us.

– Robert Doane, Director of National Indigenous Strategy, CBC

It is rare to have the opportunity to be in spaces where others understand the unique challenges of BIPOC leaders, and I have treasured this experience. Annahid leads with both heart and deep expertise of strategic and organizational change. I have already recommended this program to many colleagues.

– Saroo Sharda,
Physician and Medical Educator

It’s been soul affirming to be in the BIPOC leader lab. I found the opportunity to witness and be witnessed by such inspiring peers to be profound. The readings and discussions have been powerful guides for us to hone in on specific challenges and affirmations to pay attention to, as leaders, and as leaders who are POC.

– Severn Cullis-Suzuki,
Executive Director, David Suzuki Foundation

This is the first time in my career when there was a communication shorthand with a group of other racialized professionals. As I unpacked my feelings with the group, my BIPOC leadership cohort understood immediately. I deeply looked forward to my weekly dose of solace with this group.

– L. Garrioch,
Equity Lead, Waterloo Catholic District School Board

Are you tired of continually being underestimated in your leadership role?
Do you yearn for the freedom to be “yourself” in your work?
Do you want to more easefully guide change within white dominant systems?
Do you crave engagement with like-minded peers who understand the challenges you face?

Pre-requisite: purchase of Fire and Silence: A Roadmap for People of Colour (available now wherever books are sold).

You Will Develop:

An understanding of the history and context of institutional leadership for racialized people;
A grounding in your own distinct purpose, leadership style, baggage and vision to aid you in moving forward;
Communication strategies to influence, consult, manage and engage others from small to large initiatives;
Application and feedback on embodied, empowered and impactful leadership choices;
A community of practice with other racialized leaders across sectors to share, uphold and support.

Topics Covered Include:

Patterns of Racism in the workplace,
The Invisible impact of Micro-Exclusions,
Anchoring in Purpose,
Identifying the Right Role and Curating Energy,
Framing messages so our Voice is Heard,
Self-Regulation and Managing Triggers,
Learning to Recognize Power and Use it Well

Program includes:

Six weekly virtual teaching and coaching sessions (October to November);
Assigned reading, interactive handouts and reflection questions;
Opportunities for one-on-one coaching feedback;
Access to a racialized leadership community of practice.

Apply Now for 2026

Led By:

Annahid Dashtgard, CEO and Co-Founder

Anima Leadership CEO Annahid Dashtgard seated looking at the camera in a red blazer.

Session Dates & Topics

Wednesday, October 7^th SURVIVE: Being Non-White in a Leadership Role
Wednesday, October 21^st ANCHOR: Discovering the Leader you Are
Wednesday, November 4^th INFLUENCE: Communicating to have Impact
Wednesday, November 18^th HEAL: Liberating Ourselves from Within
Wednesday, December 2^nd NAVIGATE: Lateral Violence and Picking our Battles
Wednesday, December 16^th THRIVE: Harnessing the Courage to Lead

Fall 2026 Online Bi-Weekly Webinars

Format: Six bi-weekly 90-minute online webinars (including support resources)
Length: Each webinar = 90 minutes

Fee: $595 USD Inclusive.

Dates: Oct. 7, 21, Nov. 4, 18, Dec. 2 & 16, 2026
Times: Wednesdays Bi-weekly, 12:00-1:30pm EST

Apply Now for Fall 2026

(including support resources available on our Learning Management system )

*This is a small curated cohort where spots are limited and the cost reflects this. Please contact us if you need sliding scale.
**This course is limited to those who hold leadership and/ or management positions in their organizations, and is open to Black, Brown, mixed-race and Indigenous folks. Subsidized spots are available to support Indigenous leaders—please indicate your interest in your application. We recognize and honour the complexity of intersectional identities.

A Roadmap for Leaders of Color