The beginning
TC’s journey into leadership began with a series of unexpected turns. Growing up, she experienced frequent moves, attending five different secondary schools before graduation. Transitioning from small, intimate classrooms to bustling inner-city schools was a culture shock. Navigating these new environments safely became a pressing concern, prompting her to acquire new skills.
Early on, TC noticed intricate social dynamics shaping leadership within student sub-groups, formal teams, and the broader community. Each school year, leadership hierarchies swiftly formed and evolved with the influx of new students and the departure of graduating seniors. This phenomenon — a hidden curriculum of sorts — fascinated her. Whether in schools or outside, she observed these patterns persist, underscoring the universality of human interaction dynamics.
As a Black, Indigenous Oceania, South Asian, non-binary Autistic woman, TC’s unique identity made her stand out. Seeking safety, she learned to blend into groups, relying on her keen observation of leadership dynamics for success. Little did she realize then that these observations would become the cornerstone of her career and life’s purpose.
1998 — A career takes shape
In 1998, TC embarked on a pioneering journey as one of Canada’s few leadership coaches. Armed with a Master’s Degree in Leadership & Training from Royal Roads University, her coaching approach was informed by a blend of knowledge, lived experience, and unwavering passion. She worked with leaders in healthcare, education, government, and not-for-profits — helping them grow, adapt, and lead with greater purpose.
2017 — An unexpected turning point
At 48 years old, TC received a late diagnosis of autism — a moment that changed everything. Rather than a limitation, the diagnosis was a revelation. It reframed a lifetime of experiences and opened an entirely new chapter in her professional life. She returned to formal education to pursue a doctoral degree in Leadership, Policy, & Governance at the University of Calgary, focusing her research on how higher education leaders can enhance services and outcomes for Autistic students.
TC’s Autistic disposition enriches her ability to immerse herself in subjects of deep interest and discern patterns within complex systems — a gift for which she is profoundly grateful. Her organizational clients recognized the valuable perspective her lived experience provided, informing policies and practices within their specific contexts.
Today — Where research, storytelling, and inclusion meet
Today, TC is a globally recognized keynote speaker, researcher, and leadership coach who inspires academic and scientific communities worldwide to put inclusion into practice. Undoubtedly, leadership in its myriad forms remains the focal point of her unwavering dedication — and her unlikely story continues to unfold.
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