You've never been to an event like this before.
An event that centres Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour brilliance.
A space to witness our brilliance and discover our needs: our health and well-being, support systems, our perspectives, our stories, our work, our gifts, our strengths, our medicine and our vision.
If you’re non-BIPOC, this is where you get to see and learn the depth, breadth and brilliance of BIPOC like never before. Because all-white panels are racist, exclusionary and oh so passé.
Please know that all identities are welcome here. This is an anti-racist, intersectional, diverse space.
A space to witness our brilliance and discover our needs: our health and well-being, support systems, our perspectives, our stories, our work, our gifts, our strengths, our medicine and our vision.
If you’re non-BIPOC, this is where you get to see and learn the depth, breadth and brilliance of BIPOC like never before. Because all-white panels are racist, exclusionary and oh so passé.
Please know that all identities are welcome here. This is an anti-racist, intersectional, diverse space.
introducing...

A 10-day virtual event featuring the brilliance of BIPOC from 16th - 25th November.
The conversations we’ll have and the perspectives you’ll hear aren't only about anti-racism and
social justice, so whiteness isn’t centred.
The conversations we’ll have and the perspectives you’ll hear aren't only about anti-racism and
social justice, so whiteness isn’t centred.
At this year's event you will witness and experience:
- Virtual roundtables. Multiple speakers. Each speaker is asked questions related directly to them and their business, mission, vision and story.
- Candid 1:1 conversations with our speakers about their work, their story and their purpose.
- Workshops that will deepen connection to your heart, your wellbeing and your creativity.
- Circles that unite and provide balm for your soul. Goodness knows 2020 has show us how much we need it.
Formidable Voices has a foundation of anti-racism and social justice as a woman of colour-led movement, but it’s more than that:
It’s about diversity in representation. Not just in social identity, but in areas of work, art, purpose and expertise.
That’s why you’ll hear from artists, writers, creatives, coaches, community support workers, mental and emotional health and wellbeing practitioners, consultants, spiritual and psychic mediums and entrepreneurs.
Testimonial:
This event was transformative. The power, brilliance and calibre of each speaker truly was formidable. The diversity in speakers meant there was a richness in topics and discussions that I’d never been exposed to before. A year on, the speakers and their stories, ideas and insights still impact me. I can’t recommend Formidable Voices highly enough. Miish Grixti
This event centres 23 speakers from 5 countries around the world.
This isn’t a one-person show. It’s a virtual conference with an impact.
Each and every one of these speakers has brilliance to share with you. We talk and tackle different topics and themes, not just social justice.
So when the finalised schedule is released, you’ll be able to pick and choose your own adventure.
Yes — there’s A LOT of incredible conversations happening over these 10 days, but you’ll get incredible value from this conference even if you only choose to join a few sessions.
There’s no need to feel overwhelmed by the depth and breadth of what we’ll cover in 10 days. If there’s only one conversation, roundtable discussion or workshop that you attend, you’ll still experience the full power of being in the presence of a formidable voice - a whole new level of perspective, understanding and inspiration.
Plus, signing up for Formidable Voices 2020: Beam Your Brilliance gives you unlimited access to all recordings from the event until the end of January 2021!
Roundtable discussions will be held at a variety of times to cater for time zone differences, but if you’ll still have the opportunity to watch when it suits you.
So when the finalised schedule is released, you’ll be able to pick and choose your own adventure.
Yes — there’s A LOT of incredible conversations happening over these 10 days, but you’ll get incredible value from this conference even if you only choose to join a few sessions.
There’s no need to feel overwhelmed by the depth and breadth of what we’ll cover in 10 days. If there’s only one conversation, roundtable discussion or workshop that you attend, you’ll still experience the full power of being in the presence of a formidable voice - a whole new level of perspective, understanding and inspiration.
Plus, signing up for Formidable Voices 2020: Beam Your Brilliance gives you unlimited access to all recordings from the event until the end of January 2021!
Roundtable discussions will be held at a variety of times to cater for time zone differences, but if you’ll still have the opportunity to watch when it suits you.
Testimonial:
I left the event feeling a sense of renewed hope in the possibility of a future that is equitable, just, transformational and brilliant. I left feeling a bolstered sense of personal responsibility in taking the imperfect ongoing action required to co-conspire in creating this future with those who spoke, attended and wished it to be.
Having a background in industries that often 'whitewash' events and panels, Formidable Voices was the first event I’d seen promoting a full schedule of Black, Indigenous, First Nations and people of colour speakers. I’d also completed classes of Sharyn's previously, and knew that what she was creating here would be transformational for all involved. As soon as the event was advertised, I knew I had to find a way to get myself a seat in that room!
Formidable Voices was THE BEST event I have ever attended. My wish is that all my friends, family, clients, community members and every single person who reads this will get tickets and attend. I know it will be epic.
Naomi Arnold
I left the event feeling a sense of renewed hope in the possibility of a future that is equitable, just, transformational and brilliant. I left feeling a bolstered sense of personal responsibility in taking the imperfect ongoing action required to co-conspire in creating this future with those who spoke, attended and wished it to be.
Having a background in industries that often 'whitewash' events and panels, Formidable Voices was the first event I’d seen promoting a full schedule of Black, Indigenous, First Nations and people of colour speakers. I’d also completed classes of Sharyn's previously, and knew that what she was creating here would be transformational for all involved. As soon as the event was advertised, I knew I had to find a way to get myself a seat in that room!
Formidable Voices was THE BEST event I have ever attended. My wish is that all my friends, family, clients, community members and every single person who reads this will get tickets and attend. I know it will be epic.
Naomi Arnold
At the MTV Movie Awards in 2019, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson said, “Bring everybody with you.” That’s what I have devoted myself to doing. Bring people together, elevating others, creating opportunities and amplifying formidable voices.
This event isn’t a ‘show’. It’s an experience you won't forget.
Our voices won’t be censored, quietened or edited here. This is our event.
For the Black, Blak, Brown, Indigenous and People of Colour reading this, this event is where you will feel safe.
This event isn’t a ‘show’. It’s an experience you won't forget.
Our voices won’t be censored, quietened or edited here. This is our event.
For the Black, Blak, Brown, Indigenous and People of Colour reading this, this event is where you will feel safe.
a note from sharyn holmes
I built this table, but it’s not just mine. It’s not just for me. It's not about me. It's about and for Us.
It’s collective.
A lot of people talk about inclusion, diversity and change...but they don’t share equitable space with others. They don’t facilitate change, create opportunities or provide a platform where others can make money too.
Formidable Voices is more than just talk. It’s action, shared space, deep and meaningful conversations, experiences, story telling, heart connection and so much more.
There are a lot of quiet achievers in coaching, writing, social and restorative justice and activism, art and creativity, community work and they deserve recognition.
Some people get seen because they’re louder. Not because they’ve been the most inclusive, or the best cheerleader, or have the most value to share.
What you'll hear at Beam Your Brilliance are messages that need to be amplified. This is brilliance that must be seen and heard. These are people who live their purpose with passion and who explore and navigate the world and their work with so much heart. These are people whose work has had an impact on me and I want to share them with you.
You’ll observe powerful points of view, perspectives and be offered a way of looking at things that you may not have considered before.
We have powerful stories to share.
Are you sick of hearing from the same people and seeing the same old, same old whitewashed panels and summits? Formidable Voices dares to be different. You will not see wanels (white-only panels) here.
Some people get seen because they’re louder. Not because they’ve been the most inclusive, or the best cheerleader, or have the most value to share.
What you'll hear at Beam Your Brilliance are messages that need to be amplified. This is brilliance that must be seen and heard. These are people who live their purpose with passion and who explore and navigate the world and their work with so much heart. These are people whose work has had an impact on me and I want to share them with you.
You’ll observe powerful points of view, perspectives and be offered a way of looking at things that you may not have considered before.
We have powerful stories to share.
Are you sick of hearing from the same people and seeing the same old, same old whitewashed panels and summits? Formidable Voices dares to be different. You will not see wanels (white-only panels) here.
Attendees at our 2019 in-person event said:
The best event they’ve ever been to
I’ve never been to an event that’s all women of colour before
After attending any one of the conversations held over these 10 days, you’ll feel excited, empowered, nourished and motivated by the stories that we share.
This is your opportunity to hear stories that you haven't heard before.
From perspectives that you haven’t seen before.
So you can feel connected and emboldened in ways you haven’t felt before.
The best event they’ve ever been to
I’ve never been to an event that’s all women of colour before
After attending any one of the conversations held over these 10 days, you’ll feel excited, empowered, nourished and motivated by the stories that we share.
This is your opportunity to hear stories that you haven't heard before.
From perspectives that you haven’t seen before.
So you can feel connected and emboldened in ways you haven’t felt before.
the formidable voices story
Formidable Voices creates powerful events, experiences, speaking and teaching opportunities, coaching and programs for BIPOC and non-BIPOC accomplices.
Formidable Voices events deliver, highlight, enhance, increase and uplift incredible, underrepresented voices and leaders of colour across coaching, creative, tech and online business, activism and social justice including speakers, writers, coaches, podcasters, published authors and healing modality practitioners and pioneers.
Formidable Voices is for all gender identities and expressions. Formidable Voices welcomes accomplices, that is, non-BIPOC to be a part of our movement to centre BIPOC at the forefront. Accomplices are people who are dismantling white supremacy and doing the transformative inner work to be forces of good in the world.
Who is this event for?
We welcome everyone who would like to attend the first Formidable Voices virtual conference event. You care about genuine inclusion and amplifying voices that are often overlooked: that’s why you’re here. Our global events and online community welcomes these people and many more:
Leaders
Entrepreneurs
Activists
Advocates
Consultants
Life Coaches
Business Coaches
Authors
Writers
Speakers
Teachers
Trainers
Small business owners
Professionals of all kinds
Creatives
Artists
Makers
Publishers
Graphic Illustrators
Healing and Spiritual practitioners
Priestesses
Sacred Circle Leaders
Astrologers
Brujas
Psychics
Counsellors
Therapists
Beauty Experts
Yoga Instructors
Formidable Voices events deliver, highlight, enhance, increase and uplift incredible, underrepresented voices and leaders of colour across coaching, creative, tech and online business, activism and social justice including speakers, writers, coaches, podcasters, published authors and healing modality practitioners and pioneers.
Formidable Voices is for all gender identities and expressions. Formidable Voices welcomes accomplices, that is, non-BIPOC to be a part of our movement to centre BIPOC at the forefront. Accomplices are people who are dismantling white supremacy and doing the transformative inner work to be forces of good in the world.
Who is this event for?
We welcome everyone who would like to attend the first Formidable Voices virtual conference event. You care about genuine inclusion and amplifying voices that are often overlooked: that’s why you’re here. Our global events and online community welcomes these people and many more:
Leaders
Entrepreneurs
Activists
Advocates
Consultants
Life Coaches
Business Coaches
Authors
Writers
Speakers
Teachers
Trainers
Small business owners
Professionals of all kinds
Creatives
Artists
Makers
Publishers
Graphic Illustrators
Healing and Spiritual practitioners
Priestesses
Sacred Circle Leaders
Astrologers
Brujas
Psychics
Counsellors
Therapists
Beauty Experts
Yoga Instructors
our why
BIPOC have powerful stories and immense presence, but you wouldn’t know it from looking at who is featured in speaker lineups and summit events, in media, in leadership positions and on the screen.
When was the last time you attended a speaking event or conference, and the keynote speakers and the entire lineup was Black, Indigenous and People of Colour from around the world? I've created this platform and space because we are bountiful in talent, and it's time inclusive leadership, voices, spirit and stories come forward. The speaker lineups in entrepreneurial spaces lack diversity and inclusion. We don't have to sit back and accept the bare minimum or scraps.
What expertise, experience, nuances and wisdom are you missing out on? There's a WEALTH of incredible humans with fantastic work that you just aren't getting exposed to because of the same old, same old ways and leadership.
How many times have you been to an event and heard the same message delivered slightly differently by the same people who get continuously invited?
Formidable Voices bridges the gap to bring front and centre BIPOC visionaries, entrepreneurs, small business owners, storytellers and magic makers.
When was the last time you attended a speaking event or conference, and the keynote speakers and the entire lineup was Black, Indigenous and People of Colour from around the world? I've created this platform and space because we are bountiful in talent, and it's time inclusive leadership, voices, spirit and stories come forward. The speaker lineups in entrepreneurial spaces lack diversity and inclusion. We don't have to sit back and accept the bare minimum or scraps.
What expertise, experience, nuances and wisdom are you missing out on? There's a WEALTH of incredible humans with fantastic work that you just aren't getting exposed to because of the same old, same old ways and leadership.
How many times have you been to an event and heard the same message delivered slightly differently by the same people who get continuously invited?
Formidable Voices bridges the gap to bring front and centre BIPOC visionaries, entrepreneurs, small business owners, storytellers and magic makers.