Your Audience Deserves the Best.

Salima is an award winning keynote speaker specializing in giving action-oriented, interactive, and engaging talks for employee resource groups, nonprofits, and organizations.

Salima has spoken throughout Canada and internationally in person and virtually. She's available for keynote speeches and workshops. If you're looking for a speaker to activate and motivate your audience, you're in the right place!

Have an event in mind?

Let’s chat.

Salima’s Signature Programs

  • Hard work alone won’t get you to the top. This keynote empowers you with the P.I.E. framework to elevate your influence, break through barriers, and accelerate your career success.

    Overview:

    As an immigrant, my parents always told me, “Work hard and your work will get you noticed and promoted.” My parents’ advice was right for the first few years in my career, it worked, and I moved up quickly. However, no one told me that as you get more senior in your career, working hard just isn’t enough. Applying the same formula and believing that my hard work would speak for itself cost me my job, my confidence, and my worth.

    Years later, I discovered a framework that put the career trauma I experienced in perspective. What a light bulb moment it was for me to learn that our forward trajectory in our careers is based on three simple elements composed of P.I.E. I was so focused on one element of P.I.E., I had not invested in the other two elements. This talk is for those leaders who are also falling into the same trap and want to change their influence and trajectory.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Leave feeling inspired and empowered

    • Learn a new framework for breaking through the glass ceiling

    • Be inspired by other leaders and how they have applied the P.I.E. framework

    Who Can Benefit:

    High Potential Leaders

    Women Leaders

    People of Color Leaders

  • Menopositivity flips the script on menopause at work! Get ready to bust myths, tackle stigma, and be empowered with the tools to thrive at work. With actionable insights and a fresh outlook, Salima’s talk will empower you to view menopause as a fresh chapter, not a career roadblock—connection, confidence, and strength await!

    Overview: 

    Menopositivity is a highly interactive and energetic presentation that takes a taboo topic - menopause - and turns it on its head. Together, we will cover: the stages of menopause, debunking myths, how menopause shows up at work and tools to manage those interruptions, personal stories for inspiration, and reframing menopause as a stage to thrive. 

    Key Takeaways:

    • Learn the different symptoms and stages of Menopause and debunk myths

    • Learn how menopause shows up at work and the tools to manage those interruptions

    • Actionable advice and resources to support women experiencing (peri)menopause.

    • Discover inspiration and empowerment through the stories and experiences of other women: You are not alone.

    • Learn how menopause-specific benefits create better workplaces

    • Learn how to advocate for your needs and rights in the workplace

    • Learn how to reframe menopause as a stage to thrive

    Who Can Benefit:

    Women 

    Allies

  • Sponsorship is the career game-changer that shatters bias and accelerates success. This program reveals how to become an impactful sponsor, secure one for yourself, and unlock the true potential of sponsorship to propel diverse talent forward.

    Overview:
    Women and underrepresented groups are often over-mentored but under-sponsored, leaving career growth stagnant. Sponsorship—the active advocacy for talent in decision-making rooms—is the most effective way to break barriers and advance careers. Yet, many leaders mistake mentorship for sponsorship, and few employees know how to secure a sponsor who truly advocates for their success.

    This session clarifies the sponsorship-mentorship divide, shares actionable strategies for both sponsors and sponsees, and offers a blueprint for building sponsorship relationships that open doors, amplify voices, and drive equity in today’s workplace.

    Get ready for a high-energy journey filled with insights and ‘aha’ moments as we explore actionable strategies sponsors can implement immediately and practical tools for professionals to secure a sponsor who champions their success. No fluff, just real talk—and proven tactics you can use the very next day.

    Why this workshop matters: This isn’t just about career growth—it’s about reshaping workplace equity and building a culture where talent from all backgrounds thrives. Leaders will leave inspired and equipped to drive change, and professionals will gain the confidence and strategies to ascend in their careers like never before.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The critical difference between mentorship and sponsorship.

    • What great sponsorship looks like and why it’s transformational.

    • Strategies for leaders to sponsor effectively and for professionals to secure advocacy.

    • Practical tools to break glass ceilings and foster inclusive leadership.

    Who Can Benefit:

    • Senior leaders ready to drive equity by championing diverse talent.

    • Women and underrepresented professionals looking to advance their careers with strategic sponsorship.

    This workshop inspires action, providing tools to create meaningful change—for individuals and the organizations they lead.

  • Ready to amplify your confidence and impact? Discover the three keys to leadership presence and tackle the challenges holding you back. Here’s the secret no one tells you: stepping into your presence starts with how you speak to yourself.

    Overview:
    Executive presence isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s deeply personal, especially in an increasingly diverse world. While executive presence alone won’t get you promoted, its absence can hold you back—particularly for women leaders. This keynote is designed to guide you through understanding, embracing, and elevating your unique leadership presence.

    You’ll explore the core elements of executive presence, dive into the specific challenges women face, and leave with actionable insights and a proven framework to communicate with confidence, authenticity, and authority. With Salima’s fresh perspective, you’ll feel energized, inspired, and ready to step into your power like never before.

    Get ready for a high-energy journey packed with humor, insights, and ‘aha’ moments to help you step into your presence and lead with purpose!

    Key Takeaways:

    • Learn the three key elements of executive presence.

    • Gain insight into why executive presence matters and the challenges women face in cultivating it.

    • Unlock strategies to find your unique leadership voice and communicate with confidence and impact.

    • Walk away with practical exercises to build authentic connections and leave a lasting impression.

    • Discover how to influence, inspire, and impress in any setting.

    Who Can Benefit:
    This workshop is perfect for executives, entrepreneurs, team leaders, and professionals at any stage of their career who are ready to exude confidence, elevate their presence, and make meaningful connections that inspire and influence.

  • Lead the way with tangible acts of allyship that close the gap between intention and action—because allyship isn’t just a skill, it’s leadership in action.

    Overview:
    Allyship is more than a buzzword; it’s a leadership skill that builds inclusive, courageous workplace cultures. With actionable insights and a fresh outlook, Salima’s talk will empower you to bridge the gap between good intentions and meaningful actions. You’ll gain insight into the power of allyship, learn how to overcome fears of speaking up, and discover how allyship strengthens credibility, authority, and trust—making it a cornerstone of effective leadership.

    We’ll break down complex ideas into relatable, actionable steps—no fluff, just real talk. Walk away with strategies to move from passive bystander to active advocate and create a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Understand why allyship is a critical leadership skill.

    • Gain insight into the role of privilege and positional power in fostering inclusion.

    • Learn how to show up in private and public ways for coworkers with marginalized identities.

    • Walk away with practical examples of allyship at individual, interpersonal, and structural levels.

    • Learn how to implement actionable strategies that create immediate impact in your workplace.

    Who Can Benefit:
    This program is for everyone—regardless of role, level, or identity—committed to fostering inclusivity and making a difference.

  • Learn how to close the wage gap, overcome negotiation barriers, and secure the compensation and career growth you deserve.

    Overview:
    The wage gap isn’t just about a paycheck—it’s about a lifetime of lost income. For women, and especially women of color, this can amount to over $900,000 over a 40-year career. The reasons are systemic, but one factor is the failure to ask for what we’re worth.  As women, we often find ways to talk ourselves out of negotiating our compensation, leaving opportunities for equity and advancement on the table.

    With actionable insights and a fresh outlook, Salima’s talk will empower you to take control of your career and claim your worth. Through compelling case studies, learn from women who fearlessly claimed their worth and successfully negotiated their value. You’ll walk away with the tools to confidently "make the ask," gain insight into the hidden costs of the wage gap, and learn how to overcome barriers and negotiate your value effectively using a 5-step framework.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Understand the $1M+ cost of the wage gap and its impact over a career.

    • Walk away with strategies to overcome negotiation barriers and build confidence.

    • Gain insight into "The Art of The Ask" with a proven 5-step framework.

    • Learn how to communicate your worth.

    • Be inspired by real-life stories of women who transformed their careers.

    Who Can Benefit:

    • Women and people of color leaders aspiring to executive roles.

    • Senior female leaders and mid-level managers seeking career advancement.

    • High-potential talent aiming for greater influence and authority.

  • Discover how to harness LinkedIn's full potential as a pivotal tool for professional development, brand building, and attracting a wealth of opportunities.

    Overview:

    Your personal brand is your golden ticket, and LinkedIn is where you shine. With over 700 million users, it’s the go-to platform to boost your exposure, build your reputation, and attract the opportunities you deserve—inside your company and beyond. In this program, you’ll learn how to craft a standout profile, share content that builds credibility, and turn LinkedIn into your ultimate career growth tool. Let’s make it happen!

    Key Takeaways:

    • Understand why leveraging LinkedIn is essential to build your brand and attract internal and external opportunities

    • Discover strategies to optimize your LinkedIn profile and grow your network effectively

    • Learn the art of content creation that elevates your visibility and credibility on LinkedIn

    Who Can Benefit:

    • Employees at all levels

    • Entrepreneurs looking to build their personal brand

*Can be customized/personalized for your event.

Seeking an Impactful Speaker for International Women's Day and/or Women's History Month?

Discover the Key to Inclusive Leadership!

🌟 Grab Your Exclusive Copy: Checklist for Inspired Inclusion: Your Allyship Guide

✅ Download Now and Elevate Your Event!

Salima’s Past Keynotes

International Women’s Day

  • Signature Presentation on Career Trauma and the Art of Sponsorship for the World’s Largest E-commerce Company

  • Allyship is Leadership for Siemens Energy

Black History Month

  • Executive Presence for Women of Color for Siemens Energy

Employee Resource Groups

  • Why You Need P.I.E for Nokia Women's Innovation Group

  • Why You Need P.I.E. for Dell’s Women In Tech Rally

  • Allyship is Leadership for Cassels

  • The Art of Sponsorship for Siemens Energy

Sales Conference

  • Growth Mindset for Pattison Outdoor Advertising

Other

  • Why You Need P.I.E for Plaid Leadership Development

  • Executive Presence for Women of Color for Tamil Women Rising

  • Executive Panel for The Art of Leadership for Women

  • Executive Panel for Carleton University

  • Executive Presence for Women of Color for WNorth Network

Salima’s Past Keynotes

International Women’s Day:

  • Signature Presentation on Career Trauma and the Art of Sponsorship for the World’s Largest E-commerce Company

  • Allyship is Leadership for Siemens Energy

Black History Month:

  • Executive Presence for Women of Color for Siemens Energy

Employee Resource Groups:

  • Why You Need P.I.E. for Dell’s Women In Tech Rally

  • Allyship is Leadership for Cassels

  • The Art of Sponsorship for Siemens Energy

Sales Conference:

  • Growth Mindset for Pattison Outdoor Advertising

Other:

  • Executive Presence for Women of Color for Tamil Women Rising

  • Executive Panel for The Art of Leadership for Women

  • Executive Panel for Carlton University

  • Executive Presence for Women of Color for WNorth Network

Salima Has Supported Leaders From

Meet Salima

Salima is a passionate advocate for women of color in the workplace and serves as the Founder, CEO, and Certified Executive Coach of Unleash Forward. With over 20 years of experience, including executive-level roles in multinational and technology corporations, she is a highly sought-after speaker, coach, and thought-leader, frequently addressing topics such as advancing women of color, leadership, and diversity. Notably, Salima recently delivered the Signature keynote for IWD2023 at the world's largest e-commerce company.

Driven by her commitment to fostering diverse perspectives at the leadership table, Salima partners with organizations in creating equitable work environments that facilitate the success of women and people of color.

Before venturing into her entrepreneurial career, Salima held notable positions as Vice-President Digital at Edelman PR, Senior Vice-President at CGI, Managing Director for Sonic Boom Digital Marketing Agency and Post-Grad Marketing Professor at George Brown College in Toronto for nine years.

Testimonials

“Salima’s keynote on Allyship & Sponsorship was educational, inspiring and useful for our organization… The feedback from the audience has been overwhelmingly positive where many of the members started applying the knowledge within their development plans. Salima’s preparation was thorough and systematically in tune with the aim of our event and it has been a pleasure to work with Salima. I would strongly recommend her.”

- Mineta Galijasevic, Chair of Global Leadership of Women Network at Siemens Energy

Mineta Galijasevic, Chair of Global Leadership of Women Network at Siemens Energy, smiles at the camera

Have an event in mind?

Let’s chat.