Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary

Episode: Sihame El Kaouakibi: Rising from Rock Bottom to Achieve Peak Performance — Part Two
Host: Vince Chan
Release Date: December 31, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan sits down with Siham L. Kawakibi, a remarkable Moroccan immigrant, burnout and bankruptcy survivor, parliamentarian, diversity and inclusion champion, and the visionary behind Women Leaders OS. Siham brings a wealth of experience in women's leadership and personal transformation, making her an invaluable voice for high-performing women seeking to navigate life's challenges and achieve peak performance.

Guest Background and Siham's Journey

Vince opens the conversation by highlighting Siham's diverse background and resilience:

Vince Chan [00:09]: "She thrives in adversity. She describes herself as more than resilient. She is anti-fragile."

Siham elaborates on her journey, emphasizing that her ability to turn adversity into an advantage is not innate but cultivated over time. Her experiences in politics and corporate environments exposed her to toxic behaviors and mental health struggles, prompting her to transition into entrepreneurship.

Siham L. Kawakibi [02:08]: "The environment is everything. If you feel you're surviving instead of thriving, you need to quit. You need to leave."

Women Leaders OS: Empowering Women

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Women Leaders OS, Siham's transformative coaching program designed to support high-performing women in overcoming burnout and achieving fulfillment without sacrificing their well-being.

Siham L. Kawakibi [06:44]: "Women Leaders OS was exactly what I needed at many points in my life. It leads you to a healing journey that guides you back to your true self."

The program offers a 90-day coaching experience that goes beyond career advancement to include redefining success, reframing challenges, and aligning professional aspirations with personal fulfillment. Siham emphasizes the importance of community within the program, providing a supportive network where women can share experiences and grow together.

Siham L. Kawakibi [09:00]: "The most liberating decision can be to move on. Find your tribe, find your environment so you can thrive."

To ensure accessibility, Siham is digitizing the tools used in her coaching, such as life assessments, decision matrices, and habit trackers, allowing women to utilize these resources anytime, anywhere.

Universal Challenges of Women Leaders

Siham discusses the universal challenges faced by women leaders across different cultures and regions. Despite geographical differences, many obstacles such as sexism, racism, societal expectations, and the need for authentic leadership are common threads.

Siham L. Kawakibi [17:37]: "When you work with women from different parts of the world, you find that many of the challenges they face are universal."

She highlights that cultural contexts add layers to these challenges, but the core issues remain consistent globally. This universality allows for a shared understanding and collaborative problem-solving within her coaching community.

The Importance of Trust and Community

Trust emerges as a pivotal theme in Siham's approach. Building trust within her coaching relationships is essential for effective transformation and making a lasting impact.

Vince Chan [24:50]: "Trust has come up as a key theme... It's hard to build, hard to find, and once broken, difficult to repair."

Siham underscores the significance of a supportive community where women feel safe to share and grow:

Siham L. Kawakibi [20:00]: "A supportive community with all these different kinds of women is so important because they can really share experiences, gain insight, support each other."

This sense of belonging helps combat isolation and fosters an environment where women can thrive both personally and professionally.

Advice for Women Facing Challenges

As the episode nears its conclusion, Siham offers profound advice for women feeling lost or struggling to find direction:

1. Believe in Overcoming Losses

   Siham L. Kawakibi [26:39]: "You have to believe that you will overcome this loss. We all did."

2. Avoid Comparing Yourself to Glamorized Success

   Siham L. Kawakibi [26:39]: "Don't mirror yourself with these people when you are lost... Focus on yourself."

3. Embrace Structured Daily Routines Siham advocates for practical steps such as journaling, practicing gratitude, engaging in sports, and continuous learning to foster personal growth and transformation.

Siham L. Kawakibi [26:39]: "Create a structured daily routine. Do daily walks in nature, start journaling, practice gratitude."

Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of aligning one's values with their actions and trusting the transformative process.

Conclusion

Vince and Siham conclude the episode by reflecting on the importance of sharing authentic stories and building a platform for diverse voices. Both acknowledge the challenges of hosting and participating in English-speaking podcasts as non-native speakers but celebrate the progress in making their voices heard globally.

Vince Chan [33:18]: "In a noisy world, that's what really matters. Thank you so much for joining us today."

Siham echoes the sentiment, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute and inspire others through her experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Authentic Leadership: Embracing one's true self and feminine strengths is crucial for effective leadership.

• Community Support: Building and engaging with a supportive community can significantly impact personal and professional growth.

• Overcoming Adversity: Turning challenges into opportunities requires resilience, structured routines, and continuous self-belief.

• Universal Challenges: Many of the obstacles women leaders face are universal, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries.

Notable Quotes:

• Siham L. Kawakibi [02:08]: "The environment is everything. If you feel you're surviving instead of thriving, you need to quit. You need to leave."

• Siham L. Kawakibi [06:44]: "Women Leaders OS was exactly what I needed at many points in my life. It leads you to a healing journey that guides you back to your true self."

• Siham L. Kawakibi [17:37]: "When you work with women from different parts of the world, you find that many of the challenges they face are universal."

• Vince Chan [24:50]: "Trust has come up as a key theme... It's hard to build, hard to find, and once broken, difficult to repair."

• Siham L. Kawakibi [26:39]: "You have to believe that you will overcome this loss. We all did."

For more insights and inspiring stories, subscribe to the Chief Change Officer podcast on Listen Notes, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Follow Vince Chan on LinkedIn and join the community to harness change as your superpower.