Dr. Golnaz Golnaraghi

Dr. Golnaz Golnaraghi is an award-winning social entrepreneur, expert in human-centric leadership and belonging, and a sought-after keynote speaker

Helping bold, visionary leaders and teams cultivate trust, disrupt the status quo, and build cultures where every voice matters, so that people don’t just work, they flourish.

Dr. Golnaz Golnaraghi is an award-winning social entrepreneur and sought-after speaker who bridges corporate leadership, academia, and social impact to reimagine workplaces where people don’t just survive, they thrive. With a powerful storytelling approach backed by research, she challenges outdated leadership models, spark transformation, and equips leaders and teams with actionable insights to build cultures of trust and belonging.

Recognized as a Top 50 Changemaker by The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business (2021) and a New Entrepreneur to Watch (2022) by Future of Good, Coralus Venture (2023), and Coalition of Innovation Leaders Advancing Respect Aspiring Leaders (2024)

Founder of
Accelerate Her Future

Golnaz is founder of Accelerate Her Future, a virtual career accelerator providing tailored programs by and for Black, Indigenous and racialized women pursuing careers in business and tech while developing a network of solidarity and action. From navigating the corridors of corporate Canada to shaping the future in academia and igniting systemic change through social impact, her journey has been anything but conventional. As an Iranian-Canadian immigrant woman, she understands firsthand what it means to use your voice in spaces that weren’t built for you. Today, she brings these lived experiences, combined with research and action, to the stage, challenging leaders to reimagine leadership as relational, inclusive, and deeply human. Golnaz is recognized as a top 50 Changemaker by The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business and a CILAR Aspiring Innovator.

Book Me To Speak

Looking for a speaker who moves audiences to action? A speaker who blends bold insights, compelling storytelling, and research-backed strategies to spark meaningful change? Golnaz delivers transformative keynotes that challenge leaders and teams to build trust, foster inclusion, and create cultures where people thrive. Whether you’re hosting a leadership summit, corporate event, or industry conference, Golnaz will inspire your audience to take action.

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Featured Insights

Explore bold ideas and research-backed insights in my latest articles, podcasts, and media features.

What Audiences Are Saying

Dr. Golnaz has a unique and empowering way of facilitating. Her ability to put people at ease and create a safe and welcoming environment is beyond admirable. She is able to structure her flow and approach to ensure participants at different levels are engaged. Her session was extremely impactful and has left a lasting memory on the participants long after its completion.

Vicki Jaikaran, Co-Chair Women’s Network, WSIB

Dr. Golnaz’s talk was a compelling blend of rich storytelling, research and practical wisdom, rooted in the latest societal trends. She shared evidence-backed strategies and human-centered, actionable steps that empower each of us to contribute to meaningful change. Her approach resonated deeply, reminding us that no matter our background or ability level, we all have the power to tackle the root causes of gender inequality. What’s truly inspiring is her unwavering commitment to challenging the status quo and advocating for gender parity for all women – both powerful and necessary. Dr. Golnaz’s voice is one of courage and leadership, motivating us all to take action for a fairer, more inclusive future.

Sara Aghvami, Director, Inclusion and Belonging, Best Buy

Golnaz was a standout at Minerva’s annual Face of Leadership™ Inclusive Leadership Forum. As one of our top-rated speakers, she captivated the audience with her engaging presence, compelling storytelling, and data-driven insights. Her ability to balance hard truths with thoughtful perspective made for a truly impactful session.

Golnaz took the time to understand our audience of business leaders, ensuring her message was both relevant and actionable. Her beautifully designed slides complemented her presentation, making complex concepts accessible and memorable. Attendees left not only inspired but equipped with practical strategies to drive more inclusive leadership within their organizations. We are incredibly grateful for her contribution and highly recommend her for any event looking for an expert speaker who is insightful and authentic.

Tina Strehlke, Chief Executive Officer, Minerva BC

Let’s Work Together

“I am a first-generation immigrant from Iran and an immigrant on this land who arrived due to a revolution in my country. Honouring the women in my lineage, I am the daughter of Mehrangiz, granddaughter of Ensieh and Heshmat. I am grateful and humbled for the opportunity to live, grow and work on the lands protected by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement, the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabeg, the Attawandaron, and the Metis peoples.”