The right time to lead

Learn more about the Master of Arts in Leadership.

Timing is everything.

When Sharon Floyd began the Master of Arts in Leadership, she expected to explore her leadership style and how to navigate systems that were not always aligned with her values.

What she couldn't have anticipated was the impact of doing this work during turbulent moments in history. As she looked inward, the world outside was shifting in monumental ways.

The COVID-19 pandemic was reshaping lives. The killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis ignited global conversations about anti-Black racism.

"I found myself needing to deeply examine my own experience within the work I was doing," says Floyd, MAL '21. "I was working in the gender-based violence sector, a sector that I believed would truly understand intersectionality and the challenges I face as a Black woman in leadership advocating for equity and inclusion during this pivotal time."

As she moved through the program, one thing became clear.

"What mattered most was how I showed up, and how I chose to lead, ensuring I was the best leader I could be, regardless of the circumstances."

Time for reflection

As CEO for Embrave, an Ontario-based agency addressing gender-based violence through shelters and community outreach supports, the timing was right to better understand herself as a leader so she could better engage her staff in their shared work to end gender-based violence.

"Being a part of a program that really focused on values-based leadership was integral because social justice work is really about upholding principles of equity, inclusion, equality, and access," she says. "The MA Leadership program aligned directly with both my role and the impact I wanted to make in my organization and our community."

The pandemic shifted the focus of her research, pivoting her toward first-person inquiry and creating an opportunity to look at her own leadership more deeply.

She asked herself: How could she uphold her feminist, anti-racist, anti-oppression leadership values while working with others to effect positive social change? She answered that question by looking at her own values and biases related to the policing and child welfare systems.

The work would have lasting impacts on her career and life.

"Sometimes working in systems, you understand you cannot easily change the system, but you can choose how you show up within it," Floyd says. "When I encounter approaches that conflict with my values, I now have the clarity to recognize it, navigate through it, and respond in a way that feels authentic."

Sharon Floyd with her sons at her swearing in ceremony to be a Justice of the Peace for the Ontario Court of Justice.

Time to lead

As Royal Roads University marks the 30th anniversary of its Master of Arts in Leadership program, alumni like Floyd demonstrate how its approach to critical self-reflection and systems thinking translates into real-world impact.

As she learned more about herself, new opportunities followed. Not long after graduating, Floyd accepted an appointment to be a Justice of the Peace for the Ontario Court of Justice. In 2024, she was honoured with a 100 Accomplished Black Canadian (ABC) Women Award.

"Whenever I face a leadership challenge, I find myself returning to lessons from Royal Roads. Some of which have been life-changing," she says. "Critical self-reflection keeps me grounded and helps me stay connected to who I am, why I am here, and what I am here to do."

Time for clarity

Looking back, Floyd says the timing of the program mattered. As world events reshaped perspectives and focus, the need for critical self-reflection and values alignment to do the work she found meaningful was obvious.

"My learning at Royal Roads gave me that clarity, and it has allowed me to coach, mentor, and support others as they work towards finding that clarity for themselves as well."

The work, heavy at times, is also inspiring.

"I am inspired by the strength and resilience of those who face adversity. What continues to move me is the fortitude and tenacity of those who continue to speak up against systemic racism when they see it," she says. "I am hopeful when I see young people who are aware of the societal issues and are making real commitments to social justice work."

Learn more about the Master of Arts in Leadership.