Let's Talk Leadership with Banangkur

Banangkur Mustafa

Conversations with inspiring women leaders from around the world with Banangkur Mustafa. read less

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Have Opportunities for Women Improved ? Two Guests Know

Have Opportunities for Women Improved ? Two Guests Know

This week, something different. I’ve invited two of my previous guests to join me. Each of them have significant corporate experience and strong opinions on women in leadership. The first of these is Kelly Ann McKnight. Kelly Ann was my first guest, almost 50 podcasts ago. Kelly Ann is a very experienced Certified Master of The Leadership Challenge. She’s worked across a broad range of clients delivering leadership programs. She’s also worked with and coached many women at all levels. Joining Kelly Ann for this conversation is Ittela Ali. Ittela pursued a rewarding career of 20 years in Program Management, Revenue Operations, GTM Enablement and Change Management in the USA, UK and Canada. Now, she is the COO and co-founder of ReMendIt and also owns a training and consulting firm, Train 4 Development.Coincidentally, the three of us are based in Canada. I want to talk to them both about how women have been given opportunities - or not - in recent years. What’s holding women back? Is empowerment and equal opportunities really working for women or are we years away from equality in the workplace? I’m sure this is going to be a lively discussion so let’s get started.

Episodes

Have Opportunities for Women Improved ? Two Guests Know

Have Opportunities for Women Improved ? Two Guests Know

This week, something different. I’ve invited two of my previous guests to join me. Each of them have significant corporate experience and strong opinions on women in leadership. The first of these is Kelly Ann McKnight. Kelly Ann was my first guest, almost 50 podcasts ago. Kelly Ann is a very experienced Certified Master of The Leadership Challenge. She’s worked across a broad range of clients delivering leadership programs. She’s also worked with and coached many women at all levels. Joining Kelly Ann for this conversation is Ittela Ali. Ittela pursued a rewarding career of 20 years in Program Management, Revenue Operations, GTM Enablement and Change Management in the USA, UK and Canada. Now, she is the COO and co-founder of ReMendIt and also owns a training and consulting firm, Train 4 Development.Coincidentally, the three of us are based in Canada. I want to talk to them both about how women have been given opportunities - or not - in recent years. What’s holding women back? Is empowerment and equal opportunities really working for women or are we years away from equality in the workplace? I’m sure this is going to be a lively discussion so let’s get started.

Inspiring Woman Leader Who Faced Challenges with Grace and Humility

Inspiring Woman Leader Who Faced Challenges with Grace and Humility

If you’ve been a regular listener to my Podcasts, I’m sure you’ll know that I’m on a quest to talk to inspiring woman leaders around the world.Of course, that often means women with diverse backgrounds.My special guest today certainly fits those criteria. Jenell Paul has an engineering degree. She’s a proud woman of color – specifically she’s African-American. She claims the shortest period of retirement - only a few hours – before she was offered a position she couldn’t refuse. During her career, as a woman and a woman who was an engineer, she was the subject of discrimination.As a woman and an African-American she was the subject of discrimination.Did that stop Jenell ? No way.She’s now a powerful leadership coach and continues to inspire others and make a difference in this world.I am so looking forward to talking to Jenell.

Leadership and Parenting in a Doctoral Dissertation

Leadership and Parenting in a Doctoral Dissertation

In producing this podcast, I always look for women leaders who have an inspiring leadership story to tell – and for us all to learn from. As you might have gathered if you’re a regular listener, I’ve had the pleasure of talking to many who are Certified Masters of The Leadership Challenge. In fact, my first guest was fellow-Canadian and Certified Master, Kelly Ann McKnight. Today I’m so pleased to be talking to another Certified Master, Brittney Majka. Brittney is taking her expertise as a Certified Master to a whole new and exciting level. She has recently begun her PhD research focused on two areas I’m passionate about. The first of these is of course leadership. And the second is parenting. Of course, parents are leaders ! I’m excited to learn how she’s making the connection between The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership – and parenting. And this becomes her PhD thesis. Even if you’re not a parent – or a woman - I’m sure you’re going to enjoy this important conversation on parenting and leadership.

Developing Leaders - Three Thousand ... and Then More...

Developing Leaders - Three Thousand ... and Then More...

Let’s go to Texas today !And let’s talk to Meredith Garcia who is developing 3,000 leaders. Well, not all by herself – at least, I don't think so. Meredith had a solid corporate career and then successfully ran her own business for a number of years. But the attraction of an offer to return to work in a large state government authority in her home state of Texas – and developing leaders - was an offer she couldn’t refuse. Three thousand ? I want to find out how she did that ! So let’s talk to Meredith

The Power of Love in Leadership

The Power of Love in Leadership

Let’s talk about love.Jim Kouzes, the co-author of The Leadership Challenge, signs his emails ‘Love ‘em and lead em’. Helena Clayton is my special guest today. So why the reference to Jim Kouzes and ‘Love ‘em and lead ‘em ? ?Helena is UK-based and has developed leaders for some of the UK’s largest companies for well over 25 years, delivering leadership programs and leadership coaching.Now in all that time she must have impacted thousands of leaders.Oh – so where does love come in ? Helena believes in the power of love in leadership. And I want to know more !So let’s talk leadership - and love - with Helena Clayton.

Thirty Year Award - Developing Leaders in Protective Services

Thirty Year Award - Developing Leaders in Protective Services

My guest this week has just received an award for 30 years service in the Department of Social Service in the state of Texas.More specifically, her work has been in the critically important area of Protective Services.Lawandra Smith is passionate about developing leaders who work in this area of government helping families and people at risk. So passionate is she that two years ago she became a Certified Master of The Leadership Challenge to be able to take her development of others to another level. And her passion and sense of purpose drove out of early retirement to continue to make a difference on the department she loves. I'm so pleased to introduce Lawandra Smith

Outstanding Leader - Chief Medical Officer for Over Six Million People

Outstanding Leader - Chief Medical Officer for Over Six Million People

I’m really excited to be starting my podcast journey for 2024 with a woman who I think is truly remarkable. The role that she has, literally impacts on the lives and more specifically the health of just over 6 million people.Dr Heidi Miller is the Chief Medical Officer for the state of Missouri …. in the US, of course. The CMO of any state or government has to manage the multiple interests and pressures which come from so many - from government, to all the states healthcare practitioners and organizations, pharmaceutical companies and of course her primary clients, the citizens of Missouri. She even makes time to conduct regular consultations in her clinic.I can assure you, a role like this requires not only extensive medical expertise across the entire spectrum of medical attention but also great understanding and demonstration of … you guessed it - leadership.Dr Heidi Miller is a graduate of Harvard Medical school and has been a committed leader for many years, well before taking on the role of CMO.Let’s find out more about her amazing leadership journey .

Leader with a Lifelong Commitment to Develop Other Leaders

Leader with a Lifelong Commitment to Develop Other Leaders

My guest this week comes with a passion for developing leaders. And to deliver the best results she can, not only does she have a PhD with the focus being on leadership, but she has 23 certifications – and growing – on behavior, personality and leadership which she uses as necessary to get the best results with individual leaders.Dr Rachel Monteverdi is also a Certified Master of The Leadership Challenge.Dynamic, passionate and committed are three words I could use to describe Dr Rachel.But you decide for yourself. Either way, I know, like me, you’re going to learn so much from her in this conversation. So let’s say Hi to Dr Rachel

The Untapped Leadership Superpower - with Elise Sinha

The Untapped Leadership Superpower - with Elise Sinha

This week - a ‘first’. This is the first time in forty podcasts that I’ve invited a guest back. And yes, this is podcast 40 in my journey having conversations with inspiring woman leaders. Last year Elise Sinha joined me, and we talked about the inspiring leadership she and other dedicated healthcare executives delivered to get us through the Covid crisis.Now Elise is a very busy leadership coach. I recently read a blog she wrote about Vulnerability – the Untapped Leadership Superpower.I needed to know more. So this week let’s say ‘welcome back’ - and Hi to Elise.

Leader with Purpose - Helping Women Go Beyond Careers

Leader with Purpose - Helping Women Go Beyond Careers

If you’re a regular listener to my podcasts, I’m sure you’ll know that I’m a great supporter of anything which can help women in the workplace, That means anything which can help their careers, their empowerment, their leadership development – and even their most important role, being a mom.My guest today is Rowen Nadia Astrom.Rowen had a career in corporate communication, branding and marketing and now has her own company doing just that – and more.As a new mom, Rowen identified critical issues – even obstacles - for women who wanted to return to their careers after maternity leave or any other prolonged absence from the workplace.Even after a short period away for maternity leave, women can have doubts about work performance, a loss of confidence, and other maybe subtle workplace issues - apart from the major concern of being away from her beautiful child. As a mom of a young child, I can relate to all of that.Rowen has set up an online platform to help women return to work after a prolonged absence for whatever the reason – and I know I’m going to learn a lot about this help which is now available for women.

Emerging Leader with an Inspiring Leadership Focus

Emerging Leader with an Inspiring Leadership Focus

In my last podcast, I was really pleased to be talking to an experienced and very successful woman from Bahrain, Khulood Al Qattan.But there are always young women who are setting themselves up for a successful, long-term leadership journey. Sometimes in the corporate context, they’re labeled ‘emerging leaders’. My guest this week is a perfect candidate for that description – and in addition, she’s from Dubai, where women leaders are now reaching high-profile, significant leadership roles.Alia Al Ali is a young woman who is already being noticed for her leadership skills.In our conversation I want to find what lead her to becoming recognized as an exemplary leader, what she’s learned about leadership and where she sees her leadership journey taking her.

Inspired Leadership Success with Determination and Commitment

Inspired Leadership Success with Determination and Commitment

My guest today is living proof that determination and commitment brings huge rewards.She began her career in the customer service area of a bank, and after various positions in that bank, joined another bank as general manager…, then another as CEO of an investment bank twelve months later. Khulood Al Qattan is from Bahrain. At the peak of her banking career she was appointed as the first female board member of Bahrain’s national telecommunications company, Batelco and she served on the board of several international companies. But after a successful career in investment banking, how can she make the transition to international telecommunications ?And here's another change of direction – and a great honor - recently, she was appointed by His Majesty, the King of Bahrain as Vice Chairman of the national Municipal Council.Above all, she has some strong views on leadership which I believe are the reasons she‘s been so successful.

Mindful Leadership and an Inspiring Journey as a Leader in Recovery

Mindful Leadership and an Inspiring Journey as a Leader in Recovery

I have a very special guest this week. I say ‘very special’ because of what she’s been through and what she’s now doing with the experience of what she’s been through.Angie Chaplin had a 20 year career in HR and capacity management. Among her many qualifications in the area of human behavior, she’s a Certified Master of The Leadership Challenge.And she was Professor of Strategic Communication & Leadership at Seton Hall University.Her company is called, appropriately, Mindful Leadership and she brings the power of mindfulness to leaders and organizations She also focuses on the importance of mental health in the workplace – and that’s important for all of us. Just a few years ago, Angie suffered an alcohol-use disorder which became life threatening.Now she’s on her journey of recovery and she’s agreed to share that with us – as well as the important leadership work she’s doing, developing others.I know this is going to be a powerful, and I’m sure inspiring conversation.

Her Passion is for Women to Become Outstanding Leaders

Her Passion is for Women to Become Outstanding Leaders

Today, we’re going back to Bahrain. I’ve said before this maybe a small country, but it punches above its weight.And the women there are amazing. I’ve had two inspiring guests from Bahrain recently: Sonja Janahi and Dina Bseisu.My guest today is Eman Dea’bil. Eman is passionate about women becoming outstanding leaders. She’s a highly qualified project manager and is pushing for more women to become project managers.She’s also researching the impact of women in the boardroom. I’m sure you won’t be surprised that the impact is positive ! But it's just not happening enough. But we’ll let Eman explain that.

Developing Leaders for Over 20 Years and her Passion Continues

Developing Leaders for Over 20 Years and her Passion Continues

I’ve always said my podcasts are ‘conversations with inspiring leaders from around the world’.In the podcast before last we were in Nepal. The one before this, in Bahrain and now the US – Los Angeles.My guest this week is Michele Kawamoto Perry. Michele has been involved in leadership development for over 20 years. She’s a Certified Master of The Leadership Challenge, among the other qualifications she has acquired over the years to help leaders and organizations be more successful.She has a qualification from Cornell University in Diversity and Inclusion.And she’s a certified Sommelier. So I’m sure we’ll talk wine.Like me, Michele is passionate about developing women leaders.

This Inspiring Leader is Changing the Lives of Thousands

This Inspiring Leader is Changing the Lives of Thousands

This week we’re going back to Bahrain to meet a truly remarkable woman.A former banker dealing with private clients for 20 years, my guest had what she calls a ‘life changing’ event. She describes one particular day as the most important day of her life.My inspiring guest this week is Dina Bseisu.Dina is Palestinian – but she only lived there until she was four, as her family left there as refugees and moved to Bahrain.Obviously, her Palestinian heritage is so much a part of who she became.I’ll let her tell you what happened on that particular day that changed her life – but what it was is something that I believe more woman should talk about.The result of that day, in her case, lead to the establishment of a foundation which has provided help to over 25,000 women who have been marginalized as a result of conflict and continues to do so today and has changed their lives. Let me introduce you to the amazing Dina Bseisu.

One Inspiring Leader Committed to Changing Lives

One Inspiring Leader Committed to Changing Lives

If you’re a regular listening to my podcast, you’ll know that the focus is on inspiring leaders for around the world and usually the focus is on inspiring women leaders. Today the leader I’m talking to is certainly inspiring – and it’s a man. Bhupendra Ghimiri or as most people call him Bhupi, is from Nepal. Bhupi began his career as a teacher but soon realized there was a need to improve the lives of the people of Nepal in so many ways.He established a foundation which he calls Volunteers Initiative Nepal or VIN for short.Bhupi’s life purpose now is improving the lives of his fellow Nepalese. I was introduced to Bhupi through an earlier guest on my podcast, Diann Grimm. Diann established early education programs with the help of Bhupi - now there are over 50 schools in Nepal with early education classes, which is the foundation of effective learning for children.. But Bhupi is operating in a much wider area. His story is one of struggle and determination and he now has a clear vision to improve the lives of Nepalese. I am really looking forward to talking to him about his wonderful journey.

Inspiration, Leadership and Yoga - Its Mother Trucker Yoga.

Inspiration, Leadership and Yoga - Its Mother Trucker Yoga.

I always love to talk to women who are innovative and who become successful in the process. Isn't that what leaders do ?My guest this week is Hope Zvara and she is certainly innovative and successful.Hope was introduced to yoga to help her with some issues she was having.She became so involved that she then became a yoga teacher and set up her own yoga school to teach others. But then something happened which means she is now making a difference to the well-being and therefore the lives of truckers across the US. Yes, truck drivers, you know, the ones that do the long-haul transport where they’re sitting in the cabin of their truck, driving for hours.Hope had a brilliant business idea to improve the wellness of truck drivers. She calls it Mother Trucker Yoga.And now she’s changing lives … just as leaders do. Hope has some clear ideas about how she’s leading and what she wants to do as a leader.I know you’re going to enjoy my conversation with Hope.

Neuroscience and Leadership ? Let's Talk to the Expert.

Neuroscience and Leadership ? Let's Talk to the Expert.

This week my guest is a woman who, like me, left Bangladesh to begin a new phase of her life in another country. Ayesha Bibha is an Australian Bangladeshi thought leader in the neuroscience of leadership. She has experience designing and delivering learning solutions to develop global corporate, non-profit, and academic leadership capabilities. For over 17 years, she walked an ambitious path as a mom, educator, L&D consultant, facilitator, performance coach, mentor, and advisor. Ayesha is a TEDx speaker, She is the author of author of Mindspeed, she’s an affiliate professor at the University of Denver, mentor in Inspiring Rare Birds and founder of Mindspeed Academy. And she’s an expert on using neuroscience based-strategy for leadership. I’m fascinated to learn about the impact of the work she has done on neuroscience and leadership.

Jim Kouzes - Forty Years Developing Exemplary Leaders Globally

Jim Kouzes - Forty Years Developing Exemplary Leaders Globally

Just occasionally in my podcast, I move away from having an inspiring woman as my guest. But always the focus is leadership.This week, my guest is one of the most highly recognized people in the area of leadership and leadership development – globally. Forty years of evidence-based research and seven editions of the book he co-authored, certainly has him as the most highly recognized in this area. I am honored that this week my guest is Jim Kouzes.Jim and his co-author, Barry Posner have influenced the development of literally millions of leaders around the world. How many people can genuinely claim that?Their book, The Leadership Challenge has long been regarded as being in the top five leadership books of all time. And not many books make it to seven editions. I have so many questions for Jim and I’m excited to have him with me this week,