Activist and social entrepreneur Zainab Salbi has dedicated her life to helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives and communities. As a victim herself of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein’s abuse, Zainab immigrated to the U.S., and at only 23 she founded Women for Women International.
But here’s why I REALLY wanted to have her on the show… Despite an incredibly impactful career helping women find their freedom, Zainab didn’t feel free herself. In creating and growing this huge mission, her role within the organization had become ‘her own monster’. She found herself eventually working so hard and so unfulfilled that she neared a complete breakdown.
And on this powerful episode of #GlambitionRadio, Zainab shares the insightful realization she had: She needed to share her secrets in order to find her power. (Listen now to understand what she means.)
On the show, I have Zainab walk us through how she was able to tell her truth, fully and authentically, all of which is documented in her latest book “Freedom is an Inside Job”. And it’s an honor to have her on the show today, as I was so in awe of meeting her on Richard Branson’s Necker Island seven years ago during a private ‘New Frontiers in Philanthropy’ event. (I tell the story in the show intro.)
Having been named as one of the women changing the world by leading publications such as Newsweek to People Magazine, Zainab’s 30-year career has empowered women and marginalized voices around the world. Today Zainab is the Executive Editor and host of the acclaimed PBS series “#MeToo, Now What”, as well as “The Zainab Salbi Project” with The Huffington Post and AOL, and “The Nida’a Show” with TLC Arabia.
On the show, we also discuss:
*The moment she knew it was time to step down from leading Women for Women International, but how terrified she was to admit it (this is something we all need to hear)
*Why you DON’T have to compromise yourself for your “goal” (she says even your biggest dreams won’t require you to self-sacrifice—wow—this a new feminine leadership manifesto)
*How contraction can be just as valuable as expansion – especially as you’re reaching your goals (you won’t hear this anywhere else)
*The need for a new value system—for the sake of ourselves… and the world
Zainab and I also discuss the importance of carving out time for yourself every day, why you should stop making yourself small to make others happy, and the significance to dare to do what you believe is true.
I know you’ll get something out of this episode! Listen to this episode of Glambition Radio now (or download it for later).
Xo Ali
P.S. Zainab latest book “Freedom is an Inside Job” was just released on October 2 — be sure you order your copy here.
