Vanessa Lesperance | SpeakerHub

Personal Details

Bio

Vanessa Lesperance is a mixed heritage Metis woman who is originally from Treaty 1 territory (Winnipeg, MB, Canada). She is a facilitator, instructor at the Justice Institute co-teaching on power and privilege, and speaker.

After earning her master's degree in leadership from Royal Roads University with a focus on decolonizing business through workplace spirituality, she became interested in the potential benefits of labyrinths in the workplace.

Vanessa recently started Vancity Labyrinth where she combines the medicine of the labyrinth with the power of sharing circles to offer her clients an ancient modality to create deep connections to self and others in the circle.

Some of her previous clients include Google, HILTI North America, TELUS and various school districts and universities. In addition, Vanessa works with Indigenous women entrepreneurs from across the country with the not-for-profit the Indigenous LIFT Collective. When not working Vanessa enjoys salsa (food and dance); exploring different hiking trails; and reading non-fiction in a comfy chair.

Current position (3)

Founder

Vancity Labyrinth

Founder

The Mindful Managers

LIFT Circle Lead

Indigenous LIFT Collective

Degrees (2)

Masters of leadership

Royal Roads University

2019 to 2021

Graduate Diploma in Business

Simon Fraser University

2015 to 2017

Presentations

Presentations (4)

Labyrinth Workshop

Create deeper connection to yourself and others in the circle with a workshop with Vancity Labyrinth. Participate in a sharing circle; experience walking a labyrinth.
Great as a team building experience. Can also be customized to your organization's needs.

"Indigenous Enough"

For Indigenous peoples in North America it is very common to question, wonder or doubt if you're "Indigenous Enough". This is a direct result of colonization and genocide and is no fault of your own, your family or community.
On Vanessa's own journey of reclaiming her Metis heritage she's met so many Indigenous folks, light skinned, dark skinned, status, non-status who have felt insecure at some point about claiming or reclaiming their own culture. Vanessa is here to tell you, you are enough, you do belong and you are Indigenous enough.

The What, Why and How of Workplace Spirituality

"Huh? Workplace spirituality...that is a thing?". YES! And its something you and your business might already be doing without knowing it.
Workplace spirituality was the focus of Vanessa's masters degree and she's excited to share with you her research, the benefits of workplace spirituality and how to easily implement in order to increase holistic well-being in the workplace and improve employee engagement.

Decolonizing Business 101

What does decolonizing business mean? Why do it? How do I do it? What are the benefits?
Vanessa has had the privilege of working alongside numerous inspiring and successful Indigenous entrepreneurs and business leaders. Through her work with the not-for-profit the Indigenous LIFT Collective she has co-created: "Decolonizing Business Starter Guide" -- enabling businesses and entrepreneurs to start thinking about ways they can decolonize business.

Decolonizing Business is an opportunity to take ED&I to the next level and ensure that justice, equity and inclusion is more than just a checked box but that it truly becomes part of a company's culture and a place where ALL team members can thrive.