±Ę´Ç˛őłŮ±đ»ĺ:ĚýFebruary 2026
The learner spotlights feature students from Open Learning & Career Development who bring a wealth of dedication and diverse perspectives to their studies, and our programs benefit greatly as they work to advance their careers.
I am more aware of how people experience systems differently and how to manage the edge cases of extremely challenging behaviours… Inclusion is not an afterthought but a guiding principle."
After working for two decades in Dubai—one of the world’s most culturally diverse environments—Stephanie Bernier knew that "effective leadership must be inclusive, relational, and deeply attuned to difference."
However, even for a veteran of diverse spaces, the need to formalize those experiences was clear. Stephanie enrolled in the certificate to bridge the gap between her practical experience and "research-informed approaches," ensuring her leadership style was grounded in the most current frameworks available.
From Theory to "Immediate Application"
A common critique of leadership training is that it feels too abstract. The Certificate in Inclusive Leadership solves this by providing a structured roadmap across five key areas:
- : Exploring the brain and bias.
- : Cultivating empathy and resilience.
- : Embedding accountability into systems.
- : Strengthening ethical judgment.
- : Navigating complexity with compassion.
For Stephanie, the program’s strength lay in its balance. "The most valuable part of the program was the combination of reflection and practical frameworks I could immediately apply in my work," she explains. “Learning alongside a cohort that shared a similar desire to enact meaningful change was especially impactful. Listening to others’ experiences broadened my perspective and reinforced the importance of inclusive, relational leadership in practice.”
The Impact: Inclusion as a Guiding Principle
The hallmark of a well-rounded leader is the ability to handle high-stakes human dynamics. Stephanie notes that the certificate fundamentally strengthened her approach, allowing her to lead with greater clarity, compassion, and intentionality.
"I am more aware of how people experience systems differently and how to manage the edge cases of extremely challenging behaviours… Inclusion is not an afterthought but a guiding principle."
Whether she is facilitating difficult conversations or designing inclusive learning spaces, Stephanie now operates with a toolkit that prioritizes psychological safety and relational trust.
If you’re committed to building healthier, more inclusive, and values-aligned work environments, this certificate will give you both the confidence and the tools needed for success!”
Is This the Next Step for Your Career?
Leadership is a journey of constant refinement. If you are looking to move beyond traditional management and become a leader who can navigate the complexities of modern work environments, this certificate provides both the confidence and the tools needed for success.
As Stephanie puts it: “If you’re committed to building healthier, more inclusive, and values-aligned work environments, this certificate will give you both the confidence and the tools needed for success!”
The workplace is evolving, and the skills that got you here won't necessarily be the ones that take you further. Equip yourself with the cognitive mastery and inclusive strategies needed to drive real change. Find out more about the next cohort of our .
