Fire and Silence
Fire and Silence
A Roadmap for BIPOC Leaders
Available Feb. 24th, 2026
“I’m just tired of having to struggle every day in white dominant organizations and sorry for the swearing, but every f*ing week. And each week, I think, am I gonna be less tired and more ready for the fight?” ~Leader of Colour
Necessary tactics for BIPOC leaders to navigate from survive to thrive.
In these politically fraught times, organizations need strong leadership to help navigate uncertainty and complexity. A crucial yet overlooked group are leaders who are also racial minorities, often moving into positions of influence with little acknowledgement or support. If you’re one of these readers, this book is specifically for you. Fire and Silence offers a roadmap to leadership using compassion instead of trauma, authority without victimhood, and strength inclusive of vulnerability, in ways that are fair to all.
From the trenches of social activism to coaching board room executives, Annahid Dashtgard offers proven strategies and real-world stories alongside practical tips and tools to support the growing number of BIPOC leaders achieve the impact and recognition they so richly deserve — without having to sacrifice who they are in the process.
“Fire and Silence is a powerful, unflinching guide for BIPOC leaders navigating systems that were not built for us. With wisdom, vulnerability, and clarity, Dashtgard offers both solace and strategy, making this book an essential companion for changemakers.”
~Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto
“This would be an important book at any time, but in the present context of heightened divisions, anger and hate it is an excellent and timely resource for leaders as they navigate troubled waters.”
~The Honourable Ratna Omidvar, OC, O.Ont.
“This book is a must read for leaders navigating today’s workplace full of rapid shifts, uncertainty, and polarization. Both a practical guide and a personal call to action, Annahid’s words are uniquely positioned to help BIPOC leaders navigate with authority and compassion.”
~Deepa Purushothaman, Author of The First, The Few, The Only
Coming February 24th, 2026 (Dundurn Press)
