The Courageous Leaders Podcast

112: Nishma Patel Robb: Empowered Living: Trusting Yourself, Embracing Change, and Pushing Boundaries

Joanna Howes

In this powerful episode, Jo engages in a candid conversation with Nishma Patel Robb, Founder and CEO of Glittersphere who shares her life experiences, career journey, and the importance of embracing vulnerability. 

Nishma opens up about her struggles with racism, exclusion, and the societal pressure to fit in. She recounts the pivotal moments that led her to make significant life changes, including leaving a 20-year marriage and a dream job at Google to focus on herself and her own dreams.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Experiences of Racism and Exclusion: Nishma discusses the challenges she faced as a South Asian woman and the impact of feeling the need to fit in.
  • Authenticity and Vulnerability: The journey from crafting an image and wearing business attire to dropping the mask in her forties and embracing vulnerability as a leadership strength
  • Facing Life Changes: Nishma’s courageous decision to leave her marriage and job to embark on a new adventure focused on self-discovery and growth.
  • Time Management and Self-Awareness: Insights from both Jo and Nishma on the importance of managing one's mind, time, and self-belief for personal and professional development.
  • Imposter Syndrome: Nishma's personal experience with imposter syndrome and her “yay me” folder for validating accomplishments.
  • Self-Reflection: Jo Howes discusses overworking to prove herself due to a lack of confidence and beliefs, emphasising the need for self-reflection.
  • Leadership and Career Growth: The importance of challenging norms, breaking protocols, and finding freedom within restrictive environments to drive personal and professional growth..
  • Courageous Leadership: Defining courageous leadership as the ability to say yes and no to certain things confidently and without overthinking.

Thank you for tuning into the Courageous Leaders Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. 

Stay courageous and keep pushing the boundaries!

00:00 Johanna Howes welcomes Nishma Patel Wall, CEO, speaker.

03:21 Leaving Google for self-discovery at 50.

06:57 Creativity, self-reflection, and future aspirations.

10:08 Discovering career direction through writing a bucket list.

15:21 Rediscovering positivity and the power of belief.

16:34 Self-awareness and managing your mind are essential.

22:23 Counter imposter syndrome with a "yay me" folder.

24:50 Transitioned through different career paths, facing pressure.

28:13 Questioning societal expectations, forging one's path.

30:37 Desire for change and exploration in work.

34:51 Inspiring leaders to overcome restrictions and take action.

35:52 Scribble, connect, ask, push, motivate, language, agency.

41:33 Respect rules, but don't fear change.

43:14 Overcoming fear by sharing personal life stories.

46:36 Realising the power of vulnerability in leadership.

51:1

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