Top 3 Leadership Lessons from a Former Refugee Turned CEO

Welcome to The Online Prosperity Show, and I'm your host Prosper Taruvinga. This is the number one place where you can find exclusive content about building resilience, leading with intention, and turning your story into a strength. In this episode, we're joined by none other than Nagham Alsamari — an international speaker, resilience coach, and founder of Imkan Leadership Development. But before we dive into her powerful journey, let’s take a moment to appreciate how she went from managing school assemblies to leading transformational leadership programs. That’s not just a glow-up, that’s a full-on leadership remix.

Nagham’s story begins in a way few can imagine — fleeing violence in Iraq as a child, navigating refugee life in the Saudi Arabian desert, and eventually landing in the U.S. at 13, not knowing a word of English. She didn’t just learn a new language — she rewrote her future. From the chalkboard as a classroom teacher to the boardroom as a leadership coach, her journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.

What makes this episode a must-watch is how Nagham uses her lived experience to support professionals and entrepreneurs to lead with intention and clarity, even when the world feels chaotic. She’s not just talking about theory — she’s lived every word she teaches. Her business, Imkan Leadership Development, is built on helping others cultivate practical, human-centered leadership strategies.

This episode peels back the curtain on her balancing act — working full-time, building a business from scratch, raising a family, and mentoring others — all without losing her spark. And here’s where it gets even better: She didn’t wait until she “made it big” to make a difference. She’s making an impact while building. It’s real, it’s raw, and it’s incredibly inspiring.

One of the invisible lessons you’ll hear is how owning your story — even the uncomfortable parts — can become your greatest business asset. Her transformation didn’t come from a single “aha” moment, but from small, intentional shifts: trusting her voice, leaning into discomfort, and showing up consistently.

Imagine being told to lead a team, manage crises, and inspire change — all without being given the tools. Nagham saw this gap repeatedly in her career, and rather than complain about it, she created a solution. That’s the kind of leadership we’re here to learn about.

If you've ever felt like you're juggling too much or that your story isn't "professional" enough to be part of your brand, Nagham is here to challenge that. She’s living proof that your voice and your lived experience are powerful tools — not obstacles.

As you watch, drop in the comments if you’ve ever felt like your resilience was built in silence, behind the scenes, long before anyone saw your progress. Let’s normalize honoring the quiet strength we all carry.

From coaching leaders to speak with conviction, to running a Toastmasters club, to launching the Building Resilience podcast — Nagham is building community, one intentional step at a time. And what ties it all together is her unshakable belief that leadership is a mindset rooted in adaptability, not a title.

This episode is your permission slip to stop waiting, to start leading, and to realize you already have what it takes. Tune in for practical insights, inspiring stories, and one woman’s mission to make resilience a leadership standard.

And be sure to join us next time as we explore more ideas to help you live a happier, more prosperous life. Don’t keep this gold to yourself — share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that resilience isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build. Subscribe for more content that moves you forward.

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