Podcast Summary: Chief Change Officer Episode #220
Title: Sihame El Kaouakibi: How to Fail Spectacularly—Then Win Even Bigger – Part Two
Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Sihame El Kaouakibi
Release Date: March 7, 2025
Introduction
In Episode #220 of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan engages in a profound conversation with Sihame El Kaouakibi, a Moroccan immigrant, burnout and bankruptcy survivor, parliamentarian, and advocate for diversity and inclusion. Sihame is also the creator of Women Leaders OS, a comprehensive coaching program designed to empower high-performing women to navigate life’s challenges and excel without burnout.
Navigating Adversity and Embracing Entrepreneurship
Vince initiates the discussion by delving into Sihame's journey from surviving corporate burnout and bankruptcy to becoming an influential leader and entrepreneur.
Sihame shares:
“It's not an inborn talent, rather it's something nurtured and developed.” [05:21]
She elaborates on her transition from the corporate world, citing the toxic environments and political maneuvering that led to her mental health struggles. This adversity fueled her desire to become an entrepreneur, allowing her to choose environments and cultures where she could thrive.
The Power of Environment and Culture in Leadership
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the impact of workplace environments and cultures on personal and professional growth.
Sihame emphasizes:
“If you feel you're surviving instead of thriving, you need to quit. You need to leave.” [05:21]
She discusses how toxic environments can stifle even the most capable individuals, particularly women, and highlights the importance of finding supportive communities that foster authenticity and growth.
Women Leaders OS: A Transformative Approach
Vince steers the conversation towards Sihame’s innovative program, Women Leaders OS, seeking to understand its mechanics and benefits.
Sihame explains:
“Women Leaders OS was exactly what I needed at many points in my life... It’s about redefining success, reframing challenges, and aligning professional aspirations with personal fulfillment.” [08:07]
She details the program’s components, including life rule assessments, decision matrices, career path roadmaps, and habit trackers. The program aims to make transformational tools accessible and affordable, fostering a supportive community where women can share experiences and grow together.
Global Perspectives on Women’s Leadership
Given the podcast’s global reach, Vince inquires about the unique challenges faced by women leaders in Belgium and Europe compared to other regions.
Sihame observes:
“Cultural context is universal... challenges like sexism, racism, and societal expectations are prevalent across the globe.” [14:22]
She highlights that while local cultural nuances exist, many struggles faced by women leaders are universal. Sihame underscores the importance of diverse coaching that resonates with women’s multifaceted experiences, irrespective of geographical boundaries.
Universal Challenges and Coping Mechanisms
The discussion delves deeper into the universal challenges women face, from societal judgments to internal struggles like self-doubt and burnout.
Sihame states:
“It's about coping with cultural, gender, religion, and sexual orientation layers... building a supportive community helps combat isolation.” [19:56]
She emphasizes the necessity of authentic leadership and the ability to lean into one's true self, which is often hindered in toxic work environments. Sihame advocates for redefining success beyond societal benchmarks and embracing personal values.
Trust: The Cornerstone of Effective Coaching
Trust emerges as a pivotal theme, especially in the context of coaching and leadership transformation.
Sihame shares:
“Trust the process. You cannot change the situation you're in if you don't believe it.” [27:56]
She highlights that trust is fundamental in building meaningful coaching relationships, enabling women to open up and embark on their transformational journeys with confidence.
Genuine Advice for Women Facing Challenges
As the conversation wraps up, Sihame offers heartfelt advice to women feeling lost or struggling to find direction.
Top Three Pieces of Advice:
-
Believe in Your Resilience:
“Nothing in life can happen that you cannot overcome... Trust the process.” [27:56]
-
Redefine Success:
“Success is moving through the peaks and the lows, equally embracing what is granted to us.” [27:56]
-
Invest in Yourself:
“Create a structured daily routine... pursuing further education and engaging in activities that keep you sharp.” [27:56]
Sihame underscores the importance of focusing on personal progress rather than external benchmarks, advocating for continuous learning and self-care as essential tools for transformation.
Final Reflections
Vince resonates with Sihame's insights, particularly the distortion of success in the age of social media and the necessity of focusing on individual growth. He echoes the sentiment that small, consistent efforts compound over time, fostering both personal and financial empowerment.
Vince concludes:
“Learning is an investment in yourself... everything compounds over time.” [31:44]
Sihame adds a personal touch, reflecting on her experience as a non-native English speaker on her first podcast, and both hosts express gratitude for the meaningful exchange.
Conclusion
Episode #220 of Chief Change Officer offers a compelling exploration of leadership, resilience, and the transformative power of supportive communities. Sihame El Kaouakibi’s journey and her creation of Women Leaders OS serve as an inspiring blueprint for women seeking to overcome adversity and achieve lasting success. Through authentic dialogue and shared experiences, the episode empowers listeners to embrace change, trust the process, and redefine what it means to succeed.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Sihame El Kaouakibi [05:21]: “If you feel you're surviving instead of thriving, you need to quit. You need to leave.”
- Sihame El Kaouakibi [08:07]: “Women Leaders OS was exactly what I needed at many points in my life... It’s about redefining success, reframing challenges, and aligning professional aspirations with personal fulfillment.”
- Sihame El Kaouakibi [14:22]: “Cultural context is universal... challenges like sexism, racism, and societal expectations are prevalent across the globe.”
- Sihame El Kaouakibi [19:56]: “It's about coping with cultural, gender, religion, and sexual orientation layers... building a supportive community helps combat isolation.”
- Sihame El Kaouakibi [27:56]: “Nothing in life can happen that you cannot overcome... Trust the process.”
- Vince Chan [31:44]: “Learning is an investment in yourself... everything compounds over time.”
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