Rola Dagher

Speaking topics

Presentations listed below include in-person and virtual keynotes, as well as workshops, fireside chats, and other presentation formats.

• Learn it. Earn it. Return it.™: The Foundation of Transformational Leadership

  When Rola Dagher first came to Canada as a young refugee, she didn’t speak the language and had no formal education. Beginning her career in Bell’s telemarketing department, she hustled her way to the top, earning senior sales leadership roles at Bell Canada and Dell. Most recently, she was the global channel chief at Dell Technologies after a groundbreaking tenure as President and CEO of Cisco Canada.

  With over two decades of experience in the technology industry, Dagher credits her leadership philosophy, “learn it, earn it, return it™” for fueling her success, both individually and as a leader. In this story-driven keynote, Dagher shares her powerful journey from a childhood in war-torn Lebanon to boardrooms around the world, breaking down her philosophy — “learn it”, embracing continuous growth; “earn it”,  relentless hustle, determination, and resilience; and “return it”, the mentality of lifting others up — and illustrating how it creates leaders who don’t just succeed, but build world-class teams, drive transformational change, and achieve sustained excellence.

  Key takeaways include:

  • The three-phase framework that turns adversity into advantage.
  • How to hustle with heart while maintaining authentic leadership.
  • Why “returning it” amplifies your impact exponentially.
  • How to transform systemic barriers into stepping stones for yourself and others.

• Leading Through Change: Building Adaptable, Future-Ready Organizations in the Age of AI

  In an era where disruption is constant and AI reshapes how we work, Rola Dagher demonstrates how to turn disruption into opportunity while building organizations that thrive on change rather than merely survive it.

  Learn why being a “learn-it-all” beats being a “know-it-all,” and how developing your AQ (adaptability quotient) alongside your emotional intelligence creates leaders and teams who excel in partnership with AI and other new technologies. This session provides practical strategies for implementing continuous “software upgrades” in yourself and others, fostering resilient teams, and leveraging technology as a tool for human empowerment rather than replacement.

  Key takeaways include:

  • Developing adaptability quotient (AQ) for the AI era.
  • How EQ, both emotional intelligence and “execution quotient”, beats artificial intelligence.
  • Creating cultures that embrace change as competitive advantage.
  • Practical strategies for continuous learning and unlearning.

• Empowering Leadership at Every Level: Creating Cultures of Ownership

  True leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about creating environments where every individual can rise to their potential.

  In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, organizations that empower leadership at every level don’t just survive disruption but drive it. Drawing on her decades long experience as a tech leader, Rola Dagher shows audiences how to cultivate cultures of ownership, initiative, and continuous learning to unlock innovation at every level. She breaks down the crucial difference between listening to speak versus listening to understand in order to maximize individual strengths, while sharing practical strategies for leading with empathy, heart, soul, and mind to give people the empowerment and inspiration they need to make an impact.

  Key takeaways include:

  • The art of listening to understand vs. speak.
  • How to maximize individual strengths while addressing growth areas.
  • How to cultivate psychologically safe environments to enable risk-taking and innovation.
  • Strategies for empowering leadership behaviours across all levels.

• Inclusive Leadership: Betting on Yourself to Empower Others

  Inclusive leadership starts with self-acceptance and the courage to stand out rather than fit in. As someone who “didn’t fit in anywhere,” Rola Dagher shares how being proud to stand out became her superpower in creating truly diverse and innovative environments. Learn how authentic inclusive leadership begins with valuing your own unique perspective and experiences in order to create space for others to do the same, and discover how diverse teams drive stronger decision-making and unlock creativity for transformative results.

  Key takeaways include:

  • Why “fitting in” limits potential while “standing out” drives innovation.
  • How personal authenticity enables others to show up as their whole selves.
  • How diversity can become your competitive advantage.
  • Practical strategies for creating psychologically safe, inclusive environments.

• Navigating Challenges: Breaking Barriers in Leadership

  One of six daughters born in a culture where women were undervalued to becoming a celebrated and award-winning tech leader, Rola Dagher’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience and determination to break down barriers and succeed.

  This powerful session addresses the unique challenges facing aspiring leaders and provides concrete strategies for overcoming systemic barriers. Central to Dagher’s philosophy is the “elevator mentality” — when you rise, you send the elevator back down to lift others. Discover how to measure success by the impact you create, turn criticism and setbacks into fuel for growth, and become the mentor you once needed.

  Key takeaways include:

  • Strategies for overcoming systemic barriers and bias.
  • The importance of mentorship — both receiving and giving.
  • How to transform criticism and setbacks into growth opportunities.
  • Building support networks that elevate entire communities.