I'm Daphne!
Educator. I teach to learn and learn to teach.
Artist. Life is an art form and I create it everyday.
Communicator. Words are my weapon and my salve.
Linguist. Connecting with others is the truest form of power.
Traveller. You've got to see and feel to know and love.
I built Tough Convos to help leaders improve their ability to build inclusive cultures. Through accountability, learning, and tough conversations you will find your superpower too.
“Cultural Intelligence is my Superpower.”
our clients
Welcome!
I’m Daphne Magna, the driving force behind Tough Convos.
I’m not your typical management consultant—I don’t do cookie-cutter solutions or corporate jargon. What I do is build cultures that thrive and leaders who inspire, using transformative content and experiences that make real impact. At my core, I’m an educator, storyteller, and strategist who believes that the key to better leadership (and life) is understanding ourselves and each other—across cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences.
Because here’s the truth: Inclusive cultures don’t happen by accident. Someone has to take the reins. And who better than you?
"Inclusive cultures don't happen by accident."
Why Daphne MAGNA?
MY JOURNEY
Before I was leading Tough Convos, I was on stage—literally. As a performer, creative arts educator, and public speaking coach, I learned firsthand how storytelling, presence, and emotional intelligence can transform not just audiences, but entire communities.
My passion for culture runs deep. I’ve traveled the world, studied human behavior, and built a career that blends communication, leadership, and cultural intelligence. But my story started long before any of that.
It began with a bold act of love—my Italian mom was disowned for being with my St. Lucian dad. From childhood, I lived and breathed the realities of being seen as “other,” whether it was being called nègre in France or being told I was “too ethnic” for certain opportunities. Those experiences fueled my obsession with bridging divides through exposure, conversation, and empathy.
Now, I help leaders do the same—because when we truly see each other, we build cultures that win.
Our PURPOSE
At Tough Convos, we’re on a mission to reshape leadership. We help leaders develop cultural intelligence, foster inclusive cultures, and master communication—so their teams don’t just function, they flourish.
This isn’t a side project. It’s the result of 20 years of advocacy, education, and action—from fighting for human rights to coaching executives on inclusive leadership. It’s about building workplaces where:
✅ Differences fuel innovation
✅ Collaboration is the standard
✅ No one has to dim their light to fit in
At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to create a world where my son isn’t afraid to talk to strangers, where people lead with curiosity instead of fear, and where everyone, everywhere, has the right to move, think, and grow freely.
I won’t sugarcoat it—it’s hard work. But the biggest wins come from the toughest conversations.
And I’m here for every single one of them.
One love.
Daphne
VALUES WE LIVE BY
Equity
We aim to raise the collective consciousness one convo at a time.
Cultural Intelligence
We’re shaping a future where CQ is a part of our DNA.
Humility
We take every opportunity we can to learn from each other.
Relativity
We recognize that truth is built on individual experiences.
Responsibility
We are willing to own our actions and confront
the uncomfortable situations in life.
GUEST HOSTS
We feature multicultural and multilingual thought leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, artists, concerned citizens, coaches, speakers and parents who are actively working towards empowering their communities and breaking down the barriers that bias and privilege uphold.
