VentureLabs’ newest program, the Elephant in the Room program, will offer Women leaders in tech – who continue to be a minority and face unique challenges as a result – opportunities to learn from others with shared experiences and experts and to build a network for mutual support with other women entrepreneurs, and senior leaders in tech.

Women leaders will join a six-session program based on a series of events, including an education component focused on topics of interest to this audience and facilitated small-group discussions and between-session connection opportunities.

This program aims to help women in leadership roles succeed in tech startups and SMEs. By addressing some of the ‘elephants in the room’ through educational opportunities and facilitated discussions, the program will give these leaders resources to deal with the unique challenges they face, build a network of those with shared experience who will also be available to support their day-to-day challenges, and help them build resilience. Additionally, attendees would have the opportunity to participate in coaching sessions and connect 1-1 with mentors or facilitators during the term of the leaders’ circle.

Each of the 6 sessions will focus on a different topic, with the last 3 decided by the participants, giving the group an opportunity to choose a particular topic of interest. The first three sessions will focus on

• Conflict management/working on conflict
• Negotiation
• Mentorship and coaching

Who is this program for? Women leaders in the tech industry, founders, CEOs, C-suite and senior management

Format: In-person only

Location: Galiano Training Room at the VentureLabs office (#1200, 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver)

Session Dates and Times:

1. Tuesday, February 14, 4-6PM PT
2. Tuesday, March 7, 4-6PM PT
3. Tuesday, March 28, 4-6PM PT
4. Tuesday, April 18, 4-6PM PT
5. Tuesday, May 9, 4-6PM PT
6. Tuesday, May 30, 4-6PM PT

Cost and what’s included: The entire program including all six sessions will cost CAD 100. Scholarships are available for participants who may need them. Please email Carolina at carolina@venturelabs.ca with any questions about scholarships and the program.

Refreshments will be provided during each session.

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.