Reflections & Realisations

Lessons from the Top: Katie Golding on Leadership, Resilience, and Staying True to Yourself

Time Stamps  00:00 Beginning life and career in London 10:01 Mentorship and career opportunities 15:50 Overcoming news addiction habits 18:13 Managing pandemic-related fears 21:42 Coping with work burnout 29:52 Recognizing humanity in others more 35:34 Managing injury and pre-race stress 39:46 Working with public figures 45:28 Coaching Noor to run 1k 51:05 Reflecting on drinking culture 55:44 Discussing faith as guidance 01:09:09 Reflecting on childhood fitness dreams Key Quotes  "I put my secret down to my success in my career is I still love what I do. I love what I do every single day." "Real queens fix each other's crowns." "I think women can do anything they want. They can't do everything. I think that's the—I think it is about choosing and having a sacrifice and knowing what percentage you're going to commit to each." About the Guest Katie Golding is a chief marketing and communications officer recognized as one of Forbes Middle East’s Top 10 Women in Marketing. Blending a career in boardrooms, newsrooms, and community initiatives, she is also a run coach and a dedicated mother of two. Katie is passionate about mentorship, empowering women, and using fitness as a source of clarity and balance in her life. About the Host Alveena is a psychology MSc student, writer, and seeker exploring the intersection of mental health, psychology, and Islamic spirituality. Her work blends academic insight with lived experience to explore identity, belonging, and healing. Through her writing and podcast, she shares personal reflections that bridge science and spirituality, encouraging honest self-inquiry and wholehearted living.  Links & Resources LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alveena-salim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withalveena/ [https://www.instagram.com/withalveena/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiegolding/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiegolding/]   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Breaking the Mold: Mental Health, Burnout & Identity as a British Muslim Man

Did you know many men struggle in silence with burnout and mental health challenges? In this deeply personal conversation, Shahbaz Khan opens up about his journey as a British Muslim, growing up between cultures, facing racism, and navigating the pressures of career, family, and community expectations. From imposter syndrome to overcoming shame and vulnerability, Shahbaz shares what it really took to choose growth and healing, even when life felt overwhelming. Whether you’re the child of immigrants, a parent, a professional navigating bias, or someone quietly suffering under the weight of expectations, this episode is for you.  Time Stamps  00:00 – Intro & early childhood  10:00 – Returning to the UK & fitting in  20:00 – Academic life-changing moments  30:00 – Racism, belonging, and cultural challenges  50:00 – Spiritual turning points and identity  1:00:00 – Career hurdles & professional identity  1:14:00 – Burnout, therapy, healing, and self-discovery  1:36:00 – Wisdom for the next generation Key Quotes "I wanted to be anything but me – but in the end, I had to face myself." "People forget the repercussions of 9/11. The subsequent wars, the subsequent racial hatred, the subsequent Islamophobia. No one really talks about that. Because that fallout. To talk about that fallout and to address that fallout in many people's minds is to minimize 9/11 or 7/7 in the events of itself. And I think that's unfair" Thank you for listening. If something in an episode touched you, made you think, or just hit different… I’d love to hear it. Alveena [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500183/fan_mail/new] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lessons Beyond Borders: Community, Resilience, and Womanhood in Zanzibar

In this episode of Reflections and Realisations, Saima opens up to Alveena about her life-changing experiences building a school and working in Zanzibar. Through a series of intimate reflections and honest revelations, Saima shares how the local children’s creativity—like crafting footballs from banana leaves—taught her the true meaning of resilience and community support. The conversation doesn’t shy away from the complexities of identity and belonging. Together, they shed light on the cultural, structural, and safety barriers that shape where and how women can contribute. You’ll hear stories of orphans being taken in by struggling schools, of communities raising children together in ways both heartening and eye-opening, and of the critical importance of learning—and teaching—English and reading as tools for real change. Whether you’re passionate about education, curious about cross-cultural work, or invested in women’s empowerment, this episode invites you to rethink charity, privilege, and what it really means to give and receive. Key topics covered: * The resilience, generosity, and resourcefulness of Zanzibar’s children and community * How a community-centered mindset contrasts with individualistic Western models * The power and challenges of working as a woman in educational development, in both Zanzibar and Pakistan * Honest reflections on identity, belonging, and the impact of labels—being Western, Muslim, and a woman * Stories of orphan care, community solidarity, and redefining what makes a school * Why giving back is often as much about personal healing as altruism Links & Resources: * Stay connected with Reflections and Realisations—subscribe for more stories on community, education, and empowerment * Discover more about Saima’s work and her school projects in Zanzibar on Instagram * Learn about effective community support and educational outreach in low-resource settings Tune in for deep insights, personal anecdotes, and questions that challenge us all to broaden our definitions of service, success, and self. Thank you for listening. If something in an episode touched you, made you think, or just hit different… I’d love to hear it. Alveena [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500183/fan_mail/new] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why We Say "I'm Just a Teacher": Overcoming Cultural Barriers, Modesty, and the Power of Authenticity

In this episode of Reflections and Realisations, Alveena Salim and Saima Raja dive deep into the cultural challenges faced by brown and Muslim women in education, teaching, and creative fields. They unpack why the phrase "I'm just a teacher" is so common in their communities, exploring how cultural expectations, false modesty, and fear of the evil eye (nazar) hold women back from owning their accomplishments. You'll hear personal stories about overcoming stereotypes, generational trauma, and the haunting effects of learned helplessness and perfectionism. Saima shares her journey from life coach and artist to school founder in Zanzibar, while Alveena discusses parenting with intention and breaking traditional barriers. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, a creative, or someone navigating your own cultural, religious, or professional challenges, this episode offers honest insights and practical strategies for finding your voice and forging your path. Alveena and Saima delve into personal stories of resilience, breaking social molds, and learning to embrace authenticity—even when the world expects you to shrink. Key topics covered: * The cultural stigma around teaching and other professions—why “just a teacher” is a phrase that needs to change * Navigating expectations within the brown and Muslim community, and combating learned helplessness and perfectionism * The psychological toll of making oneself smaller, and the importance of self-reflection and doing “the work” * Supporting children to pursue non-traditional paths and encouraging creativity, regardless of gender norms * Overcoming insecurity, handling nazar (evil eye), and learning to share achievements without fear * The realities of being a brown, Muslim woman in education—including bias, the need for role models, and resilience in leadership * The critical role of multilingualism in education, building relationships with students, and advocating for home languages * Why internal work leads to external success, and how mentorship and community support fuel personal and professional growth Links & Resources: * Follow Saima at Coach2Positive for life coaching support and community empowerment * Learn more about Honour Consultancy and multilingual education * Discover updates from Saima's school in Zanzibar on Instagram * Subscribe to Reflections and Realisations for future episodes and conversations Thank you for listening. If something in an episode touched you, made you think, or just hit different… I’d love to hear it. Alveena [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500183/fan_mail/new] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Resilience, Faith, and Breaking Barriers in Silicon Valley

Welcome to Reflections and Realisations. I’m so glad you’re here.  Join Alveena Salim as she sits down with Kausar Tahir, founder and clinical pharmacist, to explore the challenges and triumphs of launching a startup as a visibly Muslim woman. From navigating rejections and accelerator programs to pitching in Silicon Valley, Kausar Tahir shares an honest account of how resilience, faith, and authenticity have guided her journey. Learn how Kausar Tahir overcame obstacles, leveraged her unique perspective as her strength, and stayed true to her values in the fast-paced world of tech startups. Discover insights about balancing family and professional ambitions, the reality behind the glossy social media highlights, and why being comfortable with rejection is an essential trait for any entrepreneur. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a woman in business, or simply looking for motivational stories about personal growth and breaking barriers, this episode delivers actionable advice and heartfelt wisdom. Plus, find out more about Kausar Tahir's app, Meenow Health, dedicated to women’s wellness and available on Apple and Google Play. Key topics covered: * The realities of the startup journey: ups, downs, and the power of persistence * Navigating cultural and religious barriers and staying authentic * The mindset of Silicon Valley: collaboration, networking, and learning * Handling rejection, building resilience, and letting go of outcomes * Balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and community work * Mental health and the motivation to create meaningful impact Links & Resources: * Download Meenow Health (Apple/Google Play) * Follow Kausar Tahir on social media for more updates * Subscribe to Reflections and Realisations for future episodes Tune in to be inspired by Kausar Tahir’s remarkable journey and discover how faith, community, and perseverance can help you chart your own path, no matter where you start.  Thank you for listening. If something in an episode touched you, made you think, or just hit different… I’d love to hear it. Alveena [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500183/fan_mail/new] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.