A letter from Fahmeeda

Dear Lorna

I wanted to thank you for sharing your ideas on TED Talk. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to you and have so much appreciation for your ideas. For a very long time I have believed in a collaborative style of leadership and have often endured judgement because of my beliefs and how I lead. I work in a petrochemical environment and by its very nature, presents a harsh and male dominated environment. It’s an environment (as you may be aware) where a heroic style of leadership is often valued. The benefit of collaborating with others is recognised (I am not going to discount this) and yet there remains boundaries for when this is appropriate or required.

As I was listening to you, I felt a sense of ‘coming home’. I had a powerful somatic reaction and I felt so inspired by your courage and bravery.

I wanted to recognise and acknowledge what your message meant to me. I was once more inspired to continue being who I am and remain authentic in all that I do including how I lead with and through others. It gave me second wind to hold firm, in a world of constant judgement and criticism, and to not conform to a more conventional way of leading. Knowing that there is a like-minded community out there has been exceptionally settling for me.

With deep gratitude and warmth.

Fahmeeda