We were lucky to catch up with Yusra Alhuraibi Heake recently and have shared our conversation below.
Yusra, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience, to me, is the ability to adapt, persevere, and thrive in the face of adversity. My resilience stems from the extraordinary circumstances of my upbringing and the lessons I learned from my mother, my environment, and my own journey.
I spent my formative years in Yemen, where my mother raised me as a single parent in a deeply conservative society. She taught me that no matter the circumstances, it’s possible to achieve greatness through hard work and determination. She made sure I excelled in school, even as she faced societal challenges herself. Watching her, I learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding struggles—it’s about facing them head-on with grace and grit.
Life in Yemen during the Arab Spring tested that resilience further. I lived through curfews, protests, and the constant presence of armed conflict. Some days, getting to school felt like crossing a battlefield, and there were times we were locked in classrooms for safety while tanks roared outside. Despite all of this, I refused to let my education fall by the wayside. These experiences taught me how to stay focused and determined, even when the world seemed to be crumbling around me.
When I moved back to the U.S., I found myself in a completely new environment, with new challenges. Architecture school presented hurdles I never anticipated—not only did I have to learn English, but I also had to master the language of architecture. What took others hours to prepare would take me twice as long because I wanted to ensure my words were perfect. It wasn’t easy, but my time in Yemen had already taught me that nothing worth achieving comes without effort. I carried that mindset with me, earning top grades and proving to myself that I could excel regardless of my circumstances.
Traveling abroad further solidified my understanding of resilience. In India, I saw the strength of people living in poverty and in slums, yet they still found ways to celebrate life. In Greece and other European countries, I saw different approaches to overcoming challenges. These experiences expanded my perspective, showing me that resilience is universal, though it manifests in unique ways across cultures.
Today, I see resilience as my superpower. It’s what helps me navigate challenges, embrace opportunities, and believe in the possibility of a better future. Whether it’s a small hurdle or a monumental challenge, I remind myself of where I’ve been and what I’ve overcome, and I know I have the strength to keep going.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am an architectural designer by profession and an artist at heart. My journey as a creative individual began in my childhood, where I naturally took on the role of “the artist of the family.” Painting and drawing have always been an integral part of my life, providing me with a medium to express myself and connect with the world. While I haven’t pursued art as a full-time career, it remains a constant source of inspiration and joy in everything I do.
Beyond architecture and art, I co-host the Cool Ass People Podcast with my husband Brannon Heake. This podcast is a labor of love where we dive into the creative minds and souls of some of the most incredible individuals out there. Every other week, we embark on a journey of inspiration, exploration, and discovery, interviewing a diverse range of creatives—architects, painters, chefs, musicians, and more.
What makes the podcast truly special is the depth of connection we create with our guests. We go beyond discussing their creative masterpieces to uncover their personal stories, design processes, and the challenges and triumphs that have shaped their journeys. We also delve into the often-overlooked but vital topic of self-care—exploring the rituals, habits, and mindsets that keep these amazing individuals inspired and thriving.
The most exciting part of this endeavor is the opportunity to meet such extraordinary people and learn from their experiences. Through Cool Ass People, we aim to inspire our listeners—whether they’re aspiring creatives seeking guidance, seasoned professionals looking for fresh perspectives, or anyone passionate about the transformative power of creativity and self-care.
Our mission is to share awareness and encourage people to take the leap on ideas they’ve been dreaming about. By listening to the stories of others who have achieved success in their fields, we hope to empower our audience to pursue their passions fearlessly.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to continue bringing talented individuals onto the podcast and hosting fun, informative conversations for everyone to tune into. Creativity has an incredible way of connecting people, and through this platform, we hope to inspire and celebrate the human spirit.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
One is Resilience
Growing up in Yemen, I faced challenges that required me to remain focused and determined even in the face of adversity. Resilience became the foundation that allowed me to overcome obstacles, from learning a new language to excelling in architecture school.
My advice is build your resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Life will throw unexpected difficulties your way, but focus on what you can control and take it one step at a time. Remember that every small victory builds your strength for bigger battles.
Two is Self-Discipline
My journey to architecture school was marked by the constant need for self-discipline. As someone who had to master the language of architecture, I spent countless extra hours preparing for presentations and ensuring I could articulate my ideas clearly. I knew that the only way to succeed was through consistency and dedication.
My advice is develop self-discipline by setting clear goals and holding yourself accountable. Break tasks into smaller, manageable pieces, and celebrate your progress along the way. Even when motivation wanes, let your commitment to your goals keep you moving forward.
Third is Adaptability
Moving from Yemen to the U.S. was a drastic cultural shift. From adjusting to new academic expectations to navigating life in a completely different environment, adaptability became key. This skill allowed me to thrive despite the initial difficulties and later inspired me to explore even more of the world through travel and studying abroad.
My advice is cultivate adaptability by staying open to new experiences and learning to embrace change. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, it’s often where the most growth happens. Trust that you’ll find your footing, even in unfamiliar situations.
For those early in their journey, my biggest advice is to embrace the mindset that you are capable of more than you think. Focus on building these qualities through your experiences, and don’t shy away from challenges, they are the best teachers. Keep your vision clear, work consistently, and remind yourself that every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the last 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been learning to show up for myself in ways that are both intentional and compassionate. Coming from a culture where self-expression was often censored, I’ve worked on opening up and allowing myself to be more vulnerable, not just with others, but with myself.
One of the key shifts has been improving my self-talk. I’ve always been a perfectionist and incredibly hard on myself, especially when it came to achieving goals. This year, I’ve started to let go of the unrealistic expectations I used to place on myself. I’ve learned to be gentler, to celebrate progress instead of perfection, and to recognize that my worth isn’t tied to how much I achieve.
I’ve also embraced the importance of rituals and boundaries in my life. I’ve created space for the habits and practices that nourish me, while learning to let go of ideas and commitments that no longer serve me. This has allowed me to show up authentically and consistently, not just for others, but for myself.
Another significant improvement has been surrounding myself with a supportive, healthy circle of people. I’ve prioritized relationships that reflect my values and inspire growth, and I’ve let go of connections that didn’t align with the person I’m becoming.
Lastly, I’ve worked on becoming more comfortable with public expression, especially through social media. While I used to feel hesitant about sharing my thoughts or experiences openly, I’ve started to see it as a way to connect with others and own my story.
This past year has been about finding balance—between ambition and rest, openness and boundaries, and self-compassion and growth. It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey, and I’m excited to keep building on this foundation.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yusraheake/
- Other: Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coolasspeoplepodcast/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
