Tamara C. Larson, CEO: Pioneering Transformative Leadership through Resilience, Empowerment, and Inclusive Community Building at Grow Leaders

In a world driven by innovation, resilience, and inclusion, influential women leaders continue to break barriers, challenge the status quo, and lead by example. As catalysts for positive change, they are paving the way for a future built on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Among these remarkable leaders is Tamara C. Larson, a visionary who empowers individuals to create lasting impact through service-oriented leadership.

Tamara Larson is an educator and mentor dedicated to building inclusive, diverse communities. At the heart of Tamara Larson’s mission is Grow Leaders, an organization that embodies her vision of leadership and community building. Grow Leaders fosters leadership development through customized workshops, webinars, mentorship programs, and service-learning opportunities. The organization’s core belief is that leadership is a skill everyone can develop, regardless of age or background.

CIO Bulletin recently had an inspiring conversation with Tamara C. Larson, the visionary CEO of Grow Leaders. In this engaging discussion, Tamara shared her remarkable journey, the obstacles she overcame with unwavering determination, and the bold strategies she employs to lead her company to new heights. Through her leadership, she is creating a world where leadership is accessible to all, empowering individuals to drive progress and make a lasting impact.

From Adversity to Empowerment: Tamara C. Larson’s Vision for Transformative Leadership

Tamara C. Larson’s leadership journey is anchored in the lessons of hard work and responsibility learned from her early days in a family business. Raised by a mother who was a teacher, Tamara developed an entrepreneurial spirit that now fuels her commitment to leadership and mentorship. “Impactful and transformational leadership is built on the foundation of lifelong learning,” she states. Her dedication to embracing extraordinary opportunities has broadened her impact from local to global, highlighted by her recent role in the United Nations' Women Leadership for Peace Emerging Leaders Course in Geneva.

For Tamara, thriving teams and organizations are cultivated through leadership that creates inclusive and brave spaces. “If our teams and organizations are not thriving, what are WE missing?” she questions. She views workplaces as communities where trust, respect, and collaboration are crucial. “Human capital is our most valuable asset. When we invest in our people, we invest in our future.” Her approach involves listening to understand, supporting each team member, and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and heard.

Tamara’s experiences overcoming an abusive work environment and personal health crisis have deeply influenced her approach to safe work cultures. Reflecting on her journey, she cites Zig Ziglar: “FEAR can be defined in two ways: Forget Everything And Run or Face Everything And Rise.” This mindset has guided her in identifying what’s missing in work environments and understanding team needs for thriving.

“Creating safe work cultures means meeting people where they are and asking, what is missing? What do your teams need to thrive?” Tamara explains. She emphasizes that safe spaces are unique to each individual, and embracing this diversity is key to building trust and fostering creativity.

According to Tamara, self-awareness is crucial for cultivating safe work environments: “Looking in the mirror to better understand our personal biases, whether conscious or unconscious, and reflecting on how our words, actions, and choices impact those around us.” Through integrating her personal experiences with her leadership expertise, Tamara Larson is redefining leadership and setting new standards for creating inclusive, supportive, and innovative workplaces.

Crafting Impactful Experiences through Tailored Leadership Programs

Tamara C. Larson’s approach to designing Grow Leaders’ workshops, webinars, and programs is centered on creating impactful and inclusive experiences. Recognizing that each organization has its unique culture, infrastructure, and resources, Tamara emphasizes the importance of understanding these elements to drive meaningful change.

To ensure that the programs resonate with diverse audiences, Tamara’s team prioritizes a few key elements. “Asking questions, doing our research, and understanding the unique culture of each organization are crucial,” she says. They work closely with leadership to build support and include everyone in discussions. “There is great truth in the statement that the Janitor and the CEO are equally important in the success of an organization. Each person has a job to do, and when working together towards a common goal, great things are achieved.”

Respect and understanding are at the core of Grow Leaders’ approach. Tamara and her team strive to help organizations view challenges as opportunities and embrace their diversity as a strength. “Creating an inclusive safe space creates a BRAVE space for sharing, learning, connecting, and co-creating,” Tamara adds. By combining creativity with critical thinking, Grow Leaders aims to drive innovation and help organizations achieve their common goals.

Empowering Voices with Inclusive Leadership and Transformative Mentorship

Tamara C. Larson is dedicated to empowering others and fostering positive change through inclusive leadership. She believes, “Inclusive leadership creates opportunities for positive change. By sharing my personal experiences, I aim to inspire others to drive the change our world needs.” Committed to ensuring every voice is heard, Tamara emphasizes, “True impact requires intentionality and purpose.” Her focus on breaking down systemic barriers underscores her dedication to equity and fairness.

Tamara’s holistic approach to mentorship reflects her own experiences and the importance of giving back. “Mentorship matters,” she states, viewing it as both a challenge and an inspiration. “Investing in them is investing in our future.”

A pivotal moment in her career was serving as Co-Chair and Education Chair for the Rotary Adventure in Human Rights, guiding over 200 young leaders through the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. “Seeing their growth and passion for change taught me more than I could ever teach them,” she recalls. Many of these leaders have since launched initiatives on anti-bullying and food security or pursued human rights careers.

Tamara continues to support emerging leaders through her NFP Learn Peace Canada, where three have joined as interns and advisory members. Her work exemplifies how personal experiences can inspire and empower others to drive meaningful change.

Family: The Foundation of Tamara C. Larson’s Leadership Success

Tamara C. Larson reflects on the crucial role her family has played in her success, saying, “It takes a village. Without the support of those around us, choosing the path of being a female leader and entrepreneur would be almost impossible.” Raised in a family business, Tamara learned the value of a strong work ethic early on. Each family member played a role, instilling in her a deep understanding of hard work and perseverance.

Her support system extends beyond her upbringing. “Being married to a husband who wholeheartedly believes in me and supports my dreams has been essential,” Tamara shares. She acknowledges that her family and community have been instrumental in her ability to pursue her goals and make a positive impact.

A sign in Tamara’s office underscores her philosophy: “Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.” It’s a reminder of how crucial support is in achieving success. Another piece of advice on the sign reads, “Work at something you enjoy and that’s worthy of your time and talents.”

Tamara credits her husband, family, and supportive community for enabling her to follow her dreams and strive for a better world. Their unwavering encouragement has empowered her to offer a helping hand to those in need and continue her impactful work.

The Road Ahead

Looking ahead, Tamara C. Larson envisions a legacy rooted in compassionate action and transformative change. As the driving force behind Grow Leaders and a human rights advocate, she is committed to addressing the deep inequities in our world.

“My hope is to build a legacy of compassionate action. I want to create a world where everyone has access to food, housing, a living wage, quality education, healthcare, safety, and the freedom to make choices. Grow Leaders will integrate core values such as trust, respect, compassionate action, integrity, fairness, creativity, and innovation into all our initiatives.”

Grow Leaders, in collaboration with the national NFP Learn Peace Canada, aims to harness education as a powerful tool for change. “Education is our most transformational tool for creating inclusive and safe spaces. We will focus on psychological health and well-being to foster sustainable cultures of positive peace.”

By building a culture of caring and responsibility within workplaces and communities, Tamara envisions a future where no one is left behind. “Together, we can build a world where every individual is valued and empowered to contribute to a more equitable and caring society.”

CEO’s Message to Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs

For aspiring women entrepreneurs and leaders, Tamara offers invaluable advice drawn from her own journey. Tamara emphasizes that obstacles should be viewed as opportunities. “Aspiring to be an entrepreneur requires courage, resilience, passion, and tenacity. Lean on those around you. Reach out, collaborate, and have courageous conversations. Share your vision and find your tribe—invest in a community of like-minded people who will support you.”

“You will face challenges, but seeing them as opportunities will illuminate your talents and all you have to offer. Simply be your best, be authentic, chase your dreams, and say YES!” concludes Tamara C. Larson.

Tamara C. Larson | Founder and CEO

Tamara C. Larson is a distinguished leader committed to servant leadership and impactful global change. Raised in a family that prioritized education and entrepreneurship, Tamara’s career is a testament to her lifelong passion for learning and music.

Holding a Bachelor’s in Music and French and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, Tamara drives change through Grow Leaders and Learn Peace Canada, focusing on leadership development and peace education. Her global influence includes roles as Co-Chair and Education Director for the Rotary Adventure in Human Rights and Empowering Girls Ambassador for Rotary International.

Recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and nominations for the Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize and RBC Women of Influence, Tamara’s leadership is celebrated nationally and internationally. In August 2023, Grow Leaders was named a Top Emerging Diversity and Inclusion Company in Canada.

Tamara is also a Cabinet Member for Women United, United Way of Alberta Capital Region, and a mentor for the University of Alberta’s Women in Leadership Program. Her recent role as a Positive Peace Activator reflects her commitment to creating inclusive, safe spaces and building sustainable cultures of positive peace.

“You will face challenges, but seeing them as opportunities will illuminate your talents and all you have to offer. Simply be your best, be authentic, chase your dreams, and say YES!”