We create conscious
spaces to learn, unlearn
and relearn.
Tough Convos is a Black Canadian and woman-owned platform run by multicultural and multilingual thought leaders. We believe that inclusive cultures don't happen by accident. Creating a space where everyone feels safe to show up takes a willingness to learn and accountability. And it all starts by having tough conversations that expose biases, raise awareness, and form strong bonds within your team.
You're not alone on this journey. Let's get to work.
Daphne Magna
Founder, Tough Convos
“I believe that cultural Intelligence is a superpower.”
Hola! Ciao! Welcome!
I'm Daphne Magna, the force behind Tough Convos.
I'm not your typical management consultant—I'm all about crafting inclusive cultures and nurturing inclusive leaders through transformative content and experiences. Call me an educator, because my mission, both in life and in business, is centered around deepening our understanding of ourselves and each other, no matter where we're from.
My journey began with a fiery family story—my white Italian mom was kicked out for loving my Black St. Lucian dad. Growing up I lived and breathed many forms of racism, whether a teen being called negre in France or a career woman being denied opportunities.
Those experiences ignited my lifelong quest to bridge divides through exposure, communication, and empathy. I've since intentionally carved out a career that challenges the norms through curated content, education, activism, and corporate responsibility.
At Tough Convos, we're on a multi-faceted mission. We focus deeply on building cultural intelligence, addressing diversity and inclusion, and honing communication skills that will help all of us live and work with more integrity and equity.
Tough Convos is the culmination of 20 years of work advocating for human rights, creating safe spaces for tough conversations, challenging ingrained biases, and nurturing inclusive mindsets. My intention has always been to create a world where my son isn't afraid to talk to strangers, where differences spark innovation, and where freedoms to move, think, believe and grow are an inalienable right for everyone, everywhere.
I won't lie—it's no walk in the park. But hey, they say the grander the goal, the sweeter the victory. And I'm all in for making it happen, one tough convo at a time.
One love.
Daphne
Why
Daphne MAGNA?
VALUES WE LIVE BY
Equity
We’re building/shaping a future where DEI is a part of our DNA.
Cultural Intelligence
We aim to raise the collective consciousness one convo at a time.
Humility
We take every opportunity we can to learn from each other.
Relativity
We recognize that truth is built on individual experiences.
Responsibility
We are willing to own our actions and confront the uncomfortable situations in life.
TOUGH CONVOS BY NUMBERS
Hosted 40+ Tough Convos since 2021
on building inclusive cultures, understanding the Black experience, promoting cultural awareness, and improving allyship by tackling racism at work
Published over 150+ articles
on various subjects including DEI strategies, cultural diversity in the workplace, Black culture and history, and why allyship is such a powerful tool.
Touched 3,000+ executives, people leaders, students and entrepreneurs
Delivered live Q&A sessions, team trainings & conference seminars furthering leader skills.
You're in
good company
highly inclusive companies are more likely to hit their financial target goals by up to 120%
Ready to empower your team and create a culture
where everyone can win?
We’ll help you deepen the conversation, promote inclusivity and cultural diversity so you can make lasting change in your company culture.