Rohene Bouajram on Inner Work and Redefining Leadership for Women of Colour
In the latest episode of Personal Development Mastery podcast we embark on an enlightening journey with Rohene Bouajram, an international speaker, writer, and advocate. With her unique Zimbabwean Canadian perspective, Rohene delves into the profound impact of intergenerational trauma and the transformative power of inner work, particularly for women of colour. This conversation not only explores her personal experiences but also offers valuable insights into the broader context of equity, diversity, and inclusion in redefining leadership.
The Roots of Trauma and the Quest for Healing
Rohene's story is a reminder of the lasting impacts of historical and present-day oppression, especially concerning indigenous communities in Canada. She grounds her discussion by acknowledging the ancestral and unceded territories she inhabits, highlighting the significance of recognising and understanding the trauma experienced by these communities. This awareness forms the foundation of her journey towards healing intergenerational trauma.
During the early days of the pandemic, Rohene faced significant life changes, including a separation, selling her home, and starting a new job. These challenges led her to seek support through counselling, marking the beginning of her deeper exploration into the impacts of colonisation and the essential nature of equity, diversity, and inclusion in leadership. Her commitment to this inner work was a conscious decision to break free from the coping mechanisms that no longer served her and to confront the heaviness that had long weighed on her heart and body.
The Power of Inner Work
The episode emphasises the importance of questioning the paradigms and beliefs that shape our perceptions and behaviours. Rohene shares her personal struggle with perfectionism, a belief system she refers to as her "peppered perfectionist." This journey of self-discovery involves interrogating the origins of our beliefs and assessing whether they align with the person we aspire to become. Through this process, Rohene has learned to manage her perfectionism, finding more stability and alignment in her life.
Inner work, as Rohene explains, extends beyond traditional counselling. It encompasses various methods such as meditation, faith, holistic treatments, and spiritual practices. Each individual's journey is unique, and it is crucial to find approaches that resonate personally. Rohene's own exploration has included practices that connect her to her body, such as meditation and holistic treatments, as well as neurofeedback, which helped her rewire her brain's response to stimuli.
Redefining Leadership for Women of Color
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the systemic obstacles women of colour face in leadership roles. These challenges often stem from frameworks rooted in power and hierarchy, which fail to recognise the diverse experiences and contributions of women of colour. Rohene advocates for a redefined understanding of leadership that embraces equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Rohene shares heartfelt insights on the dual burden of race and gender, the isolation often experienced in leadership roles, and the unrealistic labels imposed on women of colour. She underscores the transformative potential of inner work in navigating these challenges non-reactively and maintaining peace of mind. By committing to personal growth and self-discovery, women of colour can break generational cycles and pave the way for future generations.
The Journey Continues
The episode concludes with a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the platform supporting personal development and the hope for a future where our efforts to break cycles yield long-term, lasting change. Rohene envisions a world where her great, great, great grandchild recognises her as a cycle breaker, and she encourages listeners to aspire to break cycles in their own lives.
Rohene's message is clear: inner work is crucial for creating lasting change, not only for ourselves but for future generations. By embracing different methods for personal growth and being open to new approaches, we can embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing. This episode serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of inner work and its profound impact on redefining leadership for women of colour.
Final Thoughts
Healing intergenerational trauma and redefining leadership for women of colour are monumental tasks that require commitment, courage, and compassion. Rohene Bouajram's insights and experiences offer a powerful testament to the transformative potential of inner work. By questioning the paradigms that shape our lives, embracing diverse methods for personal growth, and committing to breaking generational cycles, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in personal development, leadership, and the profound impact of inner work. Join us as we explore the transformative journeys of self-discovery and the essential role of equity, diversity, and inclusion in redefining leadership for women of colour.
For the full episode, show notes, and links, click here.