
THRIVE 2023
Virtual Leadership Program
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
THRIVE is a three-month virtual program that will develop the next generation of queer and trans people managers. Participants will get exclusive access to queer and trans leaders working at the highest levels of Canadian business and engage in important peer-to-peer discussions. Through live Zoom sessions, collaborative group study, and self-directed work our third THRIVE cohort will collectively unlock their potential as out leaders.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
The third cohort of THRIVE will support a positive learning environment and peer-to-peer learning. The process by which those interested in participating will open on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. The deadline for applications will be Friday, February 17, 2023. Those selected for the THRIVE cohort will pay a participation fee of $1500 (+ tax) for employees of Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners and $2000 (+ tax) for employees of other organizations, due upon acceptance. Applicants who are self-employed, employed by a nonprofit or by a registered charity may indicate their interest in being considered for a scholarship to THRIVE. Those accepted as scholarship participants will be charged no fee for participation.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
The primary goal of THRIVE is to develop and support Two-Spirit, queer, and trans leaders within medium-to-large Canadian employers. Those who would get the very most out of this opportunity will fit the following profile:
- Self-identified as Two-Spirit, queer, trans or otherwise marginalized on the grounds of gender expression, gender identity and/or sexual orientation
- At least five years of experience in the workplace
- In a position of management or on management track
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
All sessions will be Tuesday evenings, beginning at 6 pm ET and running 2-3 hours, depending on the speaker.
Additional details to come soon.
Sessions
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Kick-Off Session: Telling Your Story and Putting Equity Measures into Practice
- Supplementary topic: Looking Inward: Your Leadership Journey
- With Paul Taylor (he/him) & Saylesh Wesley (she/her)
- Approved EDI Professionalism: two (2) hours
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Being an Anti-racist Leader
- Supplementary topic: Building Anti-Oppression into your Inclusive Leadership Strategy
- With Cicely Belle Blain (they/them)
- Approved EDI Professionalism: two (2) hours
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Decolonizing Leadership
- Supplementary topic: Reflecting on Indigenous Inclusion and Partnerships
- With Keith Bellerose-Smith (he/him)
- Approved EDI Professionalism: two (2) hours
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Resilience as a leader: incorporating mental health strategies in the workplace
- Supplementary topic: Managing Challenging Conversations
- With Tiana Field-Ridley (she/her)
- Approved Professionalism: two (2) hours
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
The Future of Work
- Supplementary topic: Practical applications and reflections of the program and your leadership journey
- With Beck Bailey (he/him) & Saylesh Wesley (she/her)
- Approved EDI Professionalism: two (2) hours
Study Groups
Study groups are meant to deepen the experience of the program by offering the opportunity to collaboratively engage with curriculum material and form networking connections with small groups of peers. It is recommended that study groups occur on alternating Tuesday evenings from 6 pm – 7 pm ET; however, actual timing of the study group is up to the discretion of each individual study group and can happen at any time between scheduled sessions.
- Week of March 6 – 10, 2023
- Week of March 20 – 24, 2023
- Week of April 3 – April 7, 2023
- Week of April 17 – 21, 2023
Networking Event
Beyond study groups, participants will also have the opportunity to connect further with their peers through an exclusive virtual speed networking event happening at the end of the program, in addition to gaining access to the THRIVE Alumni LinkedIn Group.
Learning Objectives
- To build strategic connections with other out leaders
- To further leadership development through a combination of support from thought leaders, curriculum focused on self-growth, and networking opportunities
- To deepen the relationship to leadership-focused curriculum through self-directed learning and collaborative study groups
Accreditation hours
Law Society of Ontario has accredited the total of 10 hours of Professionalism Hours for THRIVE 2023:
- This program contains two (2) hours of Professionalism Content
- This program contains eight (8) hours of EDI Professionalism Content
SPEAKERS

SAYLESH WESLEY (she/her)
Indigenous Enhancement Teacher
Chilliwack School District

BECK BAILEY (he/him)
Managing Director, Global Lead of Inclusion & Diversity
Accenture

CICELY BELLE BLAIN (they/them)
CEO & Principal Consultant
Bakau Consulting

KEITH BELLEROSE-SMITH (he/him)
Director General
Department of Justice Canada

TIANA FIELD-RIDLEY (she/her)
Senior Program Manager, Workplace Mental Health
Mental Health Commission of Canada

PAUL TAYLOR (he/him)
Anti-poverty activist & co-founder / Teacher
Evenings & Weekends Consulting / Simon Fraser University
SPONSORS


TESTIMONIALS
FAQ
Because of this year’s event format, here are some questions you might be asking yourself when considering whether or not THRIVE 2023 is right for you and associated answers:
APPLICATION
The process by which those interested in participating will open on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. The deadline for applications will be Friday, February 17, 2023. Those selected for the THRIVE cohort will pay a participation fee of $1500 (+ tax) for employees of Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners and $2000 (+ tax) for employees of other organizations, due upon acceptance.
Disclosure: the application form is available only in English because THRIVE will be offered exclusively in English.
The application process is closed.
Questions about THRIVE 2023 or any of our upcoming events can be directed to info@prideatwork.ca.