Tell us about yourself.:
"I am a highly accomplished professional with a Master's degree in Education specializing in Educational Leadership. With over 20+ years of experience in the field of equity, diversity, and inclusion, I am a sought-after Speaker and Trainer. I am also the owner of Real Talk Solutions, a company dedicated to providing training in equity and diversity to inclusive leaders and organizations.

I am passionate about creating communities of belonging, and I am committed to partnering with inclusive leaders and organizations to foster equitable and inclusive work cultures and communities.

Through my engaging keynote speeches, impactful training sessions, community-building initiatives, and media appearances, I actively promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.

Having personally experienced exclusion based on gender and race, I bring a deep understanding and empathy to my work. Drawing on my extensive background as a business consultant, entrepreneur, educator, and mindset coach spanning over 20 years, I possess a unique ability to engage diverse groups of people across various sectors.

My expertise lies in facilitating difficult conversations about race, gender, privilege, mental health awareness, and equity. I empower HR managers, business owners, and community leaders to develop their equity-building skills and create spaces where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging.

Approaching my work with empathy, compassion, and encouragement, I am dedicated to forging a brighter, more inclusive future for all."

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
The first six years of my life were spent in Trinidad, a where I had vibrant and strong matriarchal community that shaped my early views on leadership and entrepreneurship. Moving to Canada exposed me to inequities and challenges, highlighting the importance of individual allies and leaders in making a positive impact. I aim to share the message that despite societal messages of inferiority, everyone has inherent value and potential.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don't have any unusual writing habits; I simply need to be in the right mood, have some solitude, and create a peaceful and calm environment to write.

What authors have influenced you?
The first six years of my life were spent in Trinidad, a where I had vibrant and strong matriarchal community that shaped my early views on leadership and entrepreneurship. Moving to Canada exposed me to inequities and challenges, highlighting the importance of individual allies and leaders in making a positive impact. I aim to share the message that despite societal messages of inferiority, everyone has inherent value and potential.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to writers is to take it step by step, not feeling pressured to write the entire book at once. Start with smaller pieces and gradually bring them together.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
The best advice I've received, from my mother, is to never let anyone, not even myself, steal my joy. This advice has helped me navigate tough times and appreciate both the good and bad experiences in my life.

What are you reading now?
I'm currently engrossed in "The Two Lives of Sarah" by Katherine Adele West, the author of "Saving Ruby King." The book is set in 1960s Memphis, portraying a young mother finding solace in a boarding house where family extends beyond blood ties, capturing the essence of being Black in that era.

What’s your biggest weakness?
My weakness? Plain old-fashioned cheesecake, the baked kind, paired with a perfectly brewed cup of tea.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Choosing a favorite book is tough, but Maya Angelou's collection of poems and "The Four Agreements" by don Miguel Ruiz hold special places in my heart. I find myself revisiting them multiple times, always discovering new truths and inspiration.

When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
When I'm not writing, I enjoy relaxing and spending time with my niece, engaging in silly activities that bring out my inner child.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first story that deeply impacted me was Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye." The main character's struggle with self-worth due to societal standards of beauty resonated with me, reflecting on my mother's experiences with colourism and feeling unworthy due to her dark skin. This novel provided insight into my mother's challenges growing up in a society that equated darkness with inferiority, shaping my understanding of the power in embracing one's identity as a Black woman.

What has inspired you and your writing style?
I am driven by curiosity and a passion for storytelling. I enjoy simplifying complex information into a conversational format, allowing people to explore various aspects of leadership in an accessible manner beyond academia.

I was inspired to write my first book because, during my time completing my masters in education, I noticed the challenges faced by full-time students and business owners in balancing their responsibilities. I wanted to create a book that would provide research-based insights on leadership, equity, and diversity in a digestible format, emphasizing the importance of caring and seeing people as human beings to be truly inclusive leaders.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I'm developing the SHINE Club program for racialized children, focusing on empowerment and resilience in the face of racism in schools. This initiative aligns with my passion for fostering caring leadership through training and consultation for inclusive organizations.

What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
Through my website, showing up on social media and by doing in-person book readings. I find my friends, family and strategic partners are really my biggest supporters. I have also found a lot of great connections and support through a local women-identifying entrepreneurial group.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The next step for me as a writer is to focus on promoting my current book and developing it into a training tool for creating courses on caring leadership. I believe the future of my leadership book lies in collaborating with real-life leaders to incorporate self-care and resilience, as their ability to lead impacts the realization of equity.

How well do you work under pressure?
I thrive under pressure by setting deadlines and having an accountability partner to keep me motivated. The right amount of pressure pushes me to accomplish tasks without feeling overwhelmed.

How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
I chose a conversational tone in my writing to make readers feel like they are engaging with me personally, reflecting my approach in real-life interactions. This style aims to create a sense of storytelling and connection.

If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
To my fans, I would share that I have a playful and curious nature, always eager to learn about others. I deeply appreciate their support and am grateful for their encouragement of my work.

V.Ophelia Rigault’s Author Websites and Profiles
Website
Goodreads Profile

V.Ophelia Rigault’s Social Media Links
Facebook Page
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn
Pinterest
YouTube Account