#30 Adversity Warrior Sihame El Kaouakibi: From Rock Bottom to Peak Performance

If you were the host of this show, how would you define the following guest?

Our first guest from Belgium: Sihame El Kaouakibi.

She’s a Moroccan immigrant, a burnout and bankruptcy survivor, a parliamentarian, a champion of diversity and inclusion, the creator of Women Leaders OS, and a women’s leadership coach. She is all of these and more.

But beyond these identities, what truly captivates me are the experiences that have shaped these transformations.

Some people thrive in politics, others in stability. Sihame thrives in adversity. She describes herself as more than resilient—she’s anti-fragile. I see Sihame as someone who has learned, over time, to turn adversity into an advantage. It’s not an inborn talent; it’s something nurtured and developed.

How? Tune in and find out now.

Episode Breakdown:

02:15—Burnt Out, Bankrupt, and Back in Business

“I went from being burnt out, confused, overwhelmed, and even bankrupt to now being in the best shape of my life—physically, mentally, and professionally.”

5:56—Validation Detox: Kicking the Need for External Approval

“Without success, without my work, without external validation and recognition, I felt like nothing. I felt nobody.”

11:42—Politics 101: When Ego Meets Reality

“I made an ego-driven decision, and it was a messiah complex, believing I had everything—like potential and talents to drive change.”

“I wasn’t aligned with my values and beliefs anymore. So my lesson is if you feel you have to give up on your principles, quit.”

21:59—Thriving vs. Surviving: Why “You’re Not Stuck, You’re Just in the Wrong Pot” Applies to Your Career

“The most liberating decision can be to move on and find your tribe, find your environment where you can thrive.”

“Sometimes it’s better to accept the rejection than feeling stuck. Rejection can be redirection, and it’s sometimes better to just leave.”

25:41—Operating System for Women Leaders: How to Handle Life’s Curveballs Without Crashing

“My mission is to help 1 million women turn life challenges into life changes for the better. These women want to break through in their careers, but they want to do it without the burnouts.”

“Women still lack internal beliefs and also support systems. So it starts really with women deciding that they are worthy and willing to change.”

43:46—Success Isn’t Always Instagram-Pretty: The Ugly Side of the Hustle

“There’s so much about glamorized success, but there is always another side. People you envy might be in deep pain, even if they are millionaires or have social status.”

Connect with Us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Sihame El Kaouakibi

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