Medicine Wheel teachings help Sheridan students discover their strengths and leadership

Sheridan students explored the valuable teachings of the Medicine Wheel, an Indigenous framework that represents balance, growth and the interconnectedness of all life, during a recent workshop led by Indigenous entrepreneur, online marketer and startup business training coach Mallory Rose at the Hazel McCallion Campus.  

The session was hosted in partnership between Sheridan’s Office for Indigenous Education and Engagement (OIEE) and the EDGE entrepreneurship hub. 

Rose, an Anishinaabe-kwe, Ojibwe woman from Curve Lake First Nation, shared how the Medicine Wheel is a way of life and a guide to care for oneself as a whole being. She led participants through an exercise to understand their leadership style using the wheel. By answering five questions, participants discovered their leadership styles — Visionary, Connector, Grounded Leader, or Driver — and created their own medicine wheels. 

In addition to students, attendees included Amy Reader, Associate Vice President of Indigenous Education and Internal Engagement; Randi Jacob, Indigenous Engagement and Education Specialist; and Audrey Rochette, former Associate Vice President of Indigenous Engagement and External Education. 

“One of the most valuable takeaways for me was the reminder to slow down and listen to my inner knowing,” said Seyi Adekoya, a Project Management student at Sheridan’s Pilon School of Business. “As an entrepreneur, it's easy to get caught up in strategy and productivity, but this event helped me reconnect. It reminded me that clarity often comes from stillness, and I left feeling more grounded, more in tune with myself, and inspired to build from that place.” 

Rose advised students to not worry about their weaknesses and instead “find your strengths and lean into those because that’s where you will offer the most value.” 

The shared reflections and storytelling were designed to support students’ personal growth as part of Sheridan's commitment to provide a well-rounded educational experience for its learners and entrepreneurs. 

“We are grateful for the OIEE's partnership in helping us bridge Indigenous knowledge systems with early entrepreneurship experiences for Sheridan students,” said Nadine Sinno, Manager of Student Engagement at Sheridan EDGE, who organized the workshop. “It's important to create space for students to engage with Indigenous teachings and reflect on how these values can shape their entrepreneurial journey. Entrepreneurship is about expanding how we think, lead, and connect with the world — including embracing cross-cultural awareness.”