Hala Batainah 
I recently rewatched The Queen’s Gambit, a Netflix series that beautifully weaves a coming-of-age story of a young female chess player. It struck me that chess, in its strategic complexity, holds valuable lessons for leadership. In this week’s blog, I delve into these parallels, answering the question ‘What can chess teach us about leadership?’ and … Read more
Have you ever met someone so convinced of their infallibility that it borders on arrogance? Perhaps you have encountered a leader who seems to believe they are always right, unwilling to listen to others or acknowledge mistakes. Well, this is the dangerous territory of hubris. Hubris is not a fancy term for arrogance; it is … Read more
With International Women’s Day (IWD) happening this week, I cannot help but reflect on the tangled web of promises and realities we, as women, find ourselves in. Since late last year, I have been questioning many of our national and international systems, laws and human rights, and while it is not typically what I focus … Read more
This week, I wanted to dive into a topic that is as relatable as it is frustrating: dealing with disappointment when our leaders don’t quite live up to our expectations. Whether in the corporate world, a community organisation, a school or a club, chances are you have experienced that sinking feeling when the people in … Read more
This week, I wanted to delve into what conflict can teach us about ourselves as leaders, exploring how challenges unveil our character, decision-making capabilities, and resilience. In the dynamic landscape of organisational life, conflicts are not just inevitable obstacles to be overcome. They are empowering opportunities that serve a positive and powerful purpose: they are … Read more
For my first post for 2024, I thought I would write about something that I have been reflecting on for quite some time and is something I think some of us struggle with more than others. Something that might seem counterintuitive in a world that often celebrates the word “yes” and the “hustle” like it … Read more
There is much chatter in leadership discussion circles about legacy, particularly the legacy a leader may leave once they depart an organisation or role. And it seems that “What’s the legacy you want to leave?” is on many interviewers’ lists of questions (whether it is a good question or not is debatable). Leaving a legacy … Read more
Growing up, the etiquette rulebook in many societies often said, “Don’t dive into sex, politics, or religion, especially at work or with new acquaintances.” The rationale is clear: these topics can be contentious and uncomfortable. Yet, as a friend wisely advised, even once familiarity is established, discussions must be approached with a learning mindset rather … Read more
Life is an intricate journey sometimes filled with peaks of joy and valleys of despair. During the lows of personal crises and identity struggles, we often question who we are and where we are headed. In these moments, self-discovery becomes a crucial compass, guiding us through the storm towards a more authentic and fulfilled existence. … Read more
Humanity is a mosaic of emotions, a symphony of experiences that span the spectrum from joy to sorrow, love to hate, and everything in between. Many scientists have tried to boil human emotions down to seven or eight universal emotional expressions, with some suggesting that humans experience 17 million combinations of emotions in a lifetime. … Read more