Welcome to a bold journey that’s all about tackling the ‘elephant in the room’—those unspoken, often-ignored issues of leadership and inclusivity in the tech world. The Elephant in the Room: Women in Tech Leadership Program is back and redesigned to turn these hurdles into stepping stones for breaking barriers and igniting real change.

Over the course of six vibrant sessions, we’ll dive into a series of engaging sessions packed with educational insights and fun networking opportunities. Picture yourself in lively workshops filled with laughter, learning, and those “aha” moments we all crave, all designed to empower fierce women leaders like you to thrive amidst the chaos of the tech industry.

Session dates and times:

Sessions from 4:30-6:30 PM PT –

• April 15
• April 29
• May 13
• May 20 (updated: previously May 27)
• June 10
• June 24

Location: VentureLabs office (1200 – 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver)

Format: In person

Each session will focus on essential topics, including:

• Session 1 (April 15): Leadership Presence and Authenticity (confidence building, overcoming impostor syndrome, executive presence)
• Session 2 (April 29): Strategic Communication and Influence (public speaking, assertive communication, negotiation skills)
• Session 3 (May 13): Career Advancement and Strategic Networking (creating a personal development plan, finding mentors)
• Session 4 (May 20): Building and Leading High-Performing Teams (delegation, conflict management, creating inclusive environments)
• Session 5 (June 10): Work-Life Integration and Well-being (setting boundaries, preventing burnout, sustainable leadership practices)
• Session 6 (June 24): Navigating Gender Dynamics and Workplace Barriers (addressing bias, building alliances, breaking glass ceilings)

But that’s not all! You’ll also have the chance to participate in personalized 1:1 coaching sessions with a senior professional who knows how to tackle those elephants head-on. This tailored support will help you apply what you learn and navigate your unique leadership challenges effectively.

We’re here to shake things up! Not only will you learn invaluable skills, but we’re also committed to creating a supportive peer group. This network will serve as your foundation during and well after the program, helping you foster lifelong connections and mutual support among like-minded trailblazers.

Ready to confront those ‘elephants’ and redefine what it means to lead in tech? We’re all about turning challenges into triumphs and paving the way for a brighter, savvier future. Apply now to secure your spot!

APPLY HERE by April 8.

Important details:

• A fee of $100 will cover the entire program, which includes 6 sessions and 3 hours of one-on-one coaching. However, we believe that cost should not be a barrier to participation, so scholarships will be available for those who need financial assistance. If that is the case,‘ please contact carolina@venturelabs.ca

• Refreshments will be provided during each session to ensure a comfortable and engaging experience.

Who the program is for:

This program is tailored for women-identified leaders in technology roles, including those in startups and small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Whether you are a founder, CEO, or an emerging leader, this initiative offers the tools and relationships to amplify your impact in the tech industry.

SPEAKER/FACILITATOR

Nathalie Gagnon is an organizational strategist, facilitator and coach. And a lover of LEGO®. Nathalie’s superpower is her ability to go from chaos to clarity. She combines the most powerful elements of people science and organizational thinking to help leaders and teams create strategic clarity about where they want to go and how to get there. Working on a messy high-stakes project you have to get right? Feel like your team is working in circles? Need to make sense of a bunch of stuff swirling around in your head? Nathalie delivers clarity and confidence for you, your team and your organisation.

Nathalie’s unique practical skill set is the result of a combination of more traditional credentials and a heavy dose of industry experience. She is a Certified Organizational Coach (UBC), holds a PhD in psychology (SFU) and a Law Degree (UBC). Her 20-year portfolio career has spanned several industries including education, healthcare and retail.