Meet our Founder & CEO: Dr. Shumaila Hemani

Dr. Shumaila Hemani is a creative climate advocate, Artist in Residence, and a certified Positive Neuroplasticity Teacher dedicated to fostering resilience and well-being through mindfulness meditation, deep listening, music, and intersectional justice. Her innovative methods empower individuals to navigate life’s challenges with grace and clarity.


As a distinguished founding support member of the Global Compassion Coalition, established by clinical psychologist Dr. Rick Hanson, Dr. Hemani contributes to global initiatives that promote compassion, resilience, and mental well-being.

Recognized for her thought leadership by CEO Weekly, Dr. Hemani has gained acclaim for her pioneering insights into the systemic nature of burnout and the critical role that underrepresented identities play in shaping individual experiences. Her work has received widespread praise from peers and professionals alike.


With a deep commitment to cultivating a culture of self-care and compassion, Dr. Hemani inspires others to embrace deep listening as a transformative pathway for systems change. Through her teachings and advocacy, she aims to create an equitable and just world that prioritizes the well-being of all its inhabitants.

READ THE FEATURE IN THE CEO-WEEKLY

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can you share more about your accreditation and how you came to become a coach? Do you have an accreditation from ICF?


Dr. Hemani: Thank you for your question. My journey into coaching is rooted in my extensive background in ethnomusicology and arts for social change, along with my certification as a positive neuroplasticity teacher by Dr. Rick Hanson, a well-respected clinical psychologist. While I am currently in the process of applying for an ICF scholarship to pursue further accreditation, my coaching approach is grounded in the principles of positive neuroplasticity and the methodologies developed through my artistic and academic work. Additionally, my business, The Deep Listening Path, has been well-received by clients and featured in various reputable platforms such as CEO Weekly and the Mental Health Today Podcast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What makes The Deep Listening Path's coaching different from other coaching programs?


Dr. Hemani: The Deep Listening Path stands out because it integrates positive neuroplasticity principles with artistic modalities and interdisciplinary expertise in Music and Culture. This unique approach helps clients not only expand the circle of possibility in their lives but also reconnect with their environment and community. Our methods have been validated through international recognition, and we've received positive feedback from clients in Sweden, the UK, the US, and Canada. This blend of art, science, and community engagement creates a transformative  experience that empowers your capacity to create change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 3: "Can you tell us more about your 'Color Your Burnout' approach and how it works?"


Dr. Hemani: "The 'Color Your Burnout' approach is designed to help changemakers track their energy levels and manage burnout through a creative and reflective process. It involves using colors and artistic expressions to identify and address areas of stress and fatigue. By visualizing their burnout, clients can gain deeper insights into their emotional and mental states, making it easier to develop effective coping strategies. This innovative approach has been well-received in workshops and presentations, such as those at the Map the Systems Canada Finals and the Convergence Retreat.

Vision Statement

The Deep Listening Path offers a systemic framework that addresses burnout at its root, considering the intricate interplay between personal experiences, societal structures, and environmental influences. By adopting a comprehensive perspective, it empowers individuals to explore the deeper layers of their burnout experiences and cultivate sustainable resilience. 

Unlike conventional approaches that focus solely on individual well-being or superficial solutions, The Deep Listening Path recognizes burnout as a systemic issue shaped by social, cultural, and environmental factors.

Central to The Deep Listening Path is its commitment to intersectional justice, recognizing that burnout is influenced by systemic inequities related to race, gender, sexuality, ability, and socio-economic status. Through inclusive practices and advocacy for social change, it creates a safe and empowering space for individuals from diverse backgrounds to heal and thrive.

The Deep Listening Path fosters a supportive and inclusive community where individuals can share their stories, seek guidance, and find solidarity in their journey toward healing. Through masterclasses, workshops, and personalized coaching sessions, it facilitates meaningful connections and collective empowerment, amplifying voices and fostering transformative change

Embracing principles of environmentalism and sustainability, The Deep Listening Path prioritizes eco-friendly practices and supports local markets. By partnering with organizations like Calgary Dollars, it not only promotes local businesses but also contributes to building a more sustainable and resilient economy.

 Through masterclasses, workshops, and personalized coaching sessions, The Deep Listening Path offers innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs and experiences of each individual. By combining evidence-based practices with creative expression and mindfulness techniques, it empowers clients to navigate burnout, cultivate self-awareness, and reclaim their inner strength.

Overall, The Deep Listening Path stands out for its transformative approach to well-being , embracing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and community. It offers a life-support, hope, and healing for individuals and organizations invested in sustaining their advocacy journeys to fight for social justice.





Creating New Pathways for Social Impact

 A systemic approach to burnout means shifting focus from viewing poor work-life balance or toxic productivity as causes of burnout. Instead, it recognizes them as outcomes of systemic factors affecting individuals. Blaming individuals for these outcomes is counterproductive. My approach acknowledges systemic oppression's impact on work-life balance and feelings of inadequacy, aiming for systemic change that addresses these root causes. I aspire to cultivate a community of advocates who support each other and resist oppressive forces that threaten creativity and well-being. I aim to empower creatives and advocates to sustain themselves and keep shining their light amidst challenging circumstances.

Alister Martin,
Harvard Doctor & White House Fellow



Shumaila's approach addresses the critical issue of burnout with empathy and insight. Her points about the uniqueness of each individual's experience with burnout and its systemic nature are particularly poignant.



Helen Corbett, Founder & CEO, All One Sky International



I was amazed at the series of workshops by Shumaila Hemani. In my 22 years of experience in the climate field, I never have never had the opportunity to combine my background in film/photography/art with climate change. This work Shumaila is doing is incredibly innovative, and I think it touched a deep yearning among the participants to seek equity and justice in this world in which we are immersed.

Stefanie Drozda, Program Officer, Alberta Ecotrust




Shumaila is an excellent facilitator. She guies participants to tap into new ways of experiencing their surroundings through sound and listening, helping them come away with a new perspective."