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Tonya Whittle
Researcher | Writer |Â Developer
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Exploring human potential at the intersection of emotion, conditioning, and behaviour.
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Unlocking human and organizational potential
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 My work combines research, strategy, and practice to help people and systems expand capacity, restore choice, and create conditions where potential can emerge.
While much of my work has focused on women navigating constrained systems, the inquiry itself is human — and continues to evolve toward more inclusive, human-centred approaches.
The question that guides my work
What allows some people to live into their potential — even under constrained conditions — while others, equally capable, remain held back?Â
This question has shaped my work across women’s empowerment, leadership, social justice, health and embodiment, and academic research.
Across sectors and experiences, one pattern repeats:
Conditioning shape capacity.
Capacity shapes behaviour.
Behaviour shapes what becomes possible.
A note on focus
Much of my work currently centres women — particularly in relation to emotional labour, conditioning, and capacity within constrained systems.
The framework is human.
The context is intentional.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Research-driven programs created by women, for women — designed to unlock your full potential in life and career.
Effective leadership, empowerment, bystander intervention, and allyship training that drives real, lasting change.
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CONSULTING/RESEARCH
Tonya partners with organizations to design courses and programs. She guides strategic planning, research, and development—uncovering barriers and delivering evidence-based solutions that create meaningful change.
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"Emotional intelligence is not what holds us back — it’s what will move us forward."
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Current Research - Marine Institute
Does empathy influence risk perception — and what does that mean for safety in commercial fishing?
As part of her Master of Maritime Studies at the Marine Institute, Tonya is conducting original research on the relationship between empathy, risk perception, and safety in the commercial fishing industry — one of the most dangerous occupations in the world.
With most empathy research rooted in healthcare and education, this project marks an important shift: exploring how empathy functions in high-risk, public safety environments.
Her study focuses on the inshore fishery and investigates how emotional intelligence — particularly empathy — shapes how fishers perceive and respond to risk, and how this impacts safety.
Supervised by Dr. Steven Mallam and funded by the President’s Office at Memorial University, this research explores an understudied area of empathy and its impact on risk.Â
While this study focuses on the inshore fishery, its impact extends to other public safety institutions such as policing, firefighting, oil and gas, aviation, and public health — where risk perception, decision-making, and emotional intelligence play a critical role in safety outcomes and organizational culture.
For more information on this research you can contact Tonya at [email protected] or Dr. Mallam at [email protected].Â
BOOKS
Called “a sage with words,” Tonya’s books inspire readers to reclaim their truth and live a life that feels fully their own.
Rooted in real-life experience and emotional honesty, her writing invites deep reflection on what it means to live authentically, powerfully, and without apology.
BLOG
With both free and paid content, Tonya’s blog is a bold invitation to reflect, rise, and reclaim.
Rooted in lived experience, it weaves personal storytelling with deep insight — offering a raw, honest lens on the challenges we face and the inner work required to move through them.
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PODCAST
Hosted by Tonya Whittle, Rise Higher is a podcast exploring the intersection of emotions and behavior.Â
Through honest, thoughtful conversations, Tonya explores the inner and outer work of rising: leadership, emotional intelligence, identity, boundaries, and the courage it takes to live and work fully aligned.
Nancy Burton
Intact InsuranceÂ
I’ve taken part in day events, in-depth courses, and even international retreats — each one offering something distinct, yet deeply connected. Every experience added a new layer, building a strong foundation for lasting growth.
Through Tonya’s work, I haven’t just learned — I’ve transformed. I’ve stepped into personal breakthroughs, realized lifelong goals, and reclaimed parts of myself I didn’t even know were missing.
