Third Culture Leaders

In this episode of Third Culture Leaders, we are honored to feature Dr. Dima Jamali, a leading voice in sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and higher education in the Middle East. From navigating life between cultures to surviving the Beirut explosion, Dr. Jamali’s personal resilience has fueled a career dedicated to mobilizing purpose-driven leadership and institutional change. We explore how living across the US, UK, and Lebanon shaped her worldview, the urgent need to institutionalize social responsibility within organizations, and how future leaders must embrace resilience, creativity, and social impact to thrive in an ever-changing world. Dr. Jamali’s wisdom offers valuable insights for educators, business leaders, and anyone seeking to lead with courage and conviction in today’s complex global landscape. Site: https://threemagazine.com/podcast/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/thirdcultureleaderspod/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/third-culture-leaders/about/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThirdCultureLeaders Guest: Dr. Dima Jamali LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dima-jamali-0340ba1b9/  

In this episode of Third Culture Leaders, filmed in Dubai, we are honored to have Dunya Al Hashar, a leading advocate for positive parenting and resilience in the UAE. As a single mother, Dunya has not only navigated the complexities of raising children on her own but has also become a guiding voice in fostering mental well-being, flexibility, and effective communication in family life. We dive into the impact of multicultural upbringing—Dunya shares her personal experiences growing up between Arab and German influences and how that shaped her thinking, parenting style, and approach to life. We discuss the cultural contrasts in discipline and communication, the power of language in shaping identity, and how third-culture kids navigate belonging and self-discovery. Dunya’s insights, which have been featured in Gulf News and other media outlets, provide valuable takeaways for parents and individuals looking to build resilience, embrace diversity, and lead by example. So, whether you're a parent, a multicultural individual, or someone curious about the intersection of heritage and personal growth, this conversation is packed with wisdom, relatability, and practical advice. Site: https://threemagazine.com/podcast/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/thirdcultureleaderspod/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/third-culture-leaders/about/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThirdCultureLeaders Guest: Dunya Al Hashar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dunya-al-hashar-3602a626/  

Daniel Bernhard, CEO at the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, reflects on Canada's evolving immigration landscape. Bernhard critiques traditional views on immigration, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive approach to integrating newcomers. He reveals troubling statistics showing a significant drop in the rate of immigrants becoming Canadian citizens and discusses the comprehensive studies his institute has conducted to understand this decline. Highlighting the "battle of belonging," he argues that feeling welcome and valued is as crucial as economic success for immigrants. He also discusses the innovative Canoe Access Pass, a program providing newcomers with cultural and recreational experiences to help them feel connected to their new home. He offers a hopeful yet critical perspective on how Canada can better embrace its multicultural identity and leverage it for national prosperity.   Follow and Listen to Third Culture Leaders:   Site: threemagazine.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/thirdcultureleaderspod/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/third-culture-leaders/about/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThirdCultureLeaders   Guest: Daniel Bernhard LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-j-bernhard/

In this special episode of Third Culture Leaders, filmed in Dubai, we sit down with Nofi Mojidi, Senior Manager, Worldwide Private Client Practice, at Fragomen, to discuss her transformative journey as a global leader and her move to the UAE over a decade ago. She shares how her strategic approach and adaptability opened doors in an emerging market, allowing her to thrive in a forward-thinking, opportunity-rich environment. From her role at Fragomen during the chaos of global border closures in 2020 to navigating innovative policies like Dubai’s remote work program, Nofi highlights the UAE's leadership in global immigration policy and its push for a sophisticated expatriate workforce. She also reflects on her experiences with diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Middle East, dispelling stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective on the region’s evolving workplace culture. This episode is packed with insights on global mobility, resilience, and embracing challenges in uncharted territories. Filmed in the dynamic city of Dubai, this is a must-watch for anyone looking to understand leadership in a multicultural and rapidly evolving global context. Follow and Listen to Third Culture Leaders:   Site: threemagazine.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/thirdcultureleaderspod/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/third-culture-leaders/about/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThirdCultureLeaders   Guest: Nofi Mojidi (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/nofimojidi/  

Third Culture Leaders is a monthly podcast hosted by our co-founder and publisher, Muraly Srinarayanathas. Each episode provides an in-depth exploration with a prominent business leader, delving into their profound experiences and specialized expertise. The podcast illuminates how these leaders skillfully navigate multiple cultural landscapes, leveraging their diverse backgrounds to drive innovation and change.

Neha Khera, general partner at 2048 Ventures and early investor in Canadian unicorns, discusses her inspiring journey from immigrant roots to venture capital success. She delves into the challenges her family faced moving to Canada, the significance of cultural diversity, and her transition from engineering to investing. Neha highlights the unique strengths of immigrant entrepreneurs in the startup ecosystem and emphasizes the importance of leveraging networks to foster innovation. Her story intertwines resilience, heritage, and the power of community in shaping opportunities.

Meet Gina El Kattan — entrepreneur and Nuba co-founder. She discusses drawing deeply from her Egyptian heritage to enrich the Canadian business landscape, detailing the challenges and triumphs of transplanting her life and studies to a new culture. She and her mother co-founded Nuba, a business that pays homage to Egyptian traditions through their unique beverages. Gina discusses the growth of Nuba, from its humble beginnings to its expansion into the U.S. market, emphasizing the authenticity and cultural pride infused in every product. This episode not only explores the complexities of identity and belonging in a multicultural context but also celebrates the innovative spirit of immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada. Follow and Listen to Third Culture Leaders: Site: threemagazine.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/thirdcultureleaderspod/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/third-culture-leaders/about/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThirdCultureLeaders Guest: Gina El Kattan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-el-kattan-b18074a4/

Steven Harrison, CEO of Tri-County Mennonite Homes and a healthcare leader with a deep-seated passion for inclusivity and cultural adaptation, shares his life's journey and professional mission. He discusses his upbringing in a diverse family, his experiences living abroad, and how these have shaped his approach to creating welcoming environments in healthcare settings. Steven highlights his recent trip to Kenya, where he recruited healthcare professionals from refugee backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of integrating diverse perspectives into Canadian healthcare institutions. His stories of personal challenges and the innovative strategies he employs at TCM Homes to foster an inclusive culture provide a profound understanding of the complexities and opportunities in adapting healthcare practices to meet diverse needs. Follow and Listen to Third Culture Leaders: Site: threemagazine.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/thirdcultureleaderspod/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/third-culture-leaders/about/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThirdCultureLeaders

In this episode, we delve into the life of Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson, whose early experiences as an immigrant child from Hong Kong to Canada shaped her understanding of diversity and inclusion. She recounts her arrival in Canada during World War II, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities that defined her formative years. The conversation expands to explore the broader shifts in Canadian immigration policies and societal attitudes from the mid-20th century to the present, illustrating the nation’s progress and ongoing challenges through personal anecdotes and historical insights. This narrative not only highlights her unique journey but also resonates with the broader Canadian experience, offering listeners a deep understanding of the complexities of immigration and cultural integration. Podcast hosted by Muraly Srinarayanathas X: https://x.com/MuralyS5 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muralys/ Follow and Listen to Third Culture Leaders: Site: https://www.threemagazine.com X: https://x.com/TCLeadersPod IG: https://www.instagram.com/thirdcultureleaderspod/

Roy Ratnavel, author of Prisoner #1056, shares his harrowing journey from a political prisoner to a leader in Canada's financial sector. His story is one of remarkable resilience, overcoming PTSD and immense personal trials to achieve professional success. Roy discusses the profound influence of his father's wisdom on his life philosophy, emphasizing self-responsibility and the importance of personal connections in business. He provides insights into adapting to new cultures, the impact of immigration on Canada, and the significance of maintaining a diverse economic landscape. Roy’s reflections on mental health offer valuable advice for newcomers dealing with trauma. His narrative is not just a testament to overcoming adversity but also a call to embrace a diverse range of thoughts and experiences to strengthen communal bonds in Canada. Follow and Listen to Third Culture Leaders: Site: threemagazine.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/thirdcultureleaderspod/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/third-culture-leaders/about/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThirdCultureLeaders