Meet Nagham Alsamari

We were lucky to catch up with Nagham Alsamari recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nagham, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Resilience has been a defining part of my life since I was 4 years old. My earliest memory is of fleeing my hometown of Basrah during the First Gulf War. After our house was bombed, my family and I had no home to return to. We packed into a car, driving toward Karbala with nothing but each other and the hope of finding safety. That experience taught me that resilience is about finding strength in togetherness, even when the world around you feels like it’s falling apart.

But life didn’t stop testing me there. The Second Gulf War and the rebellion in 1991 uprooted us yet again. I spent four long years in a refugee camp in Saudi Arabia, a harsh and desolate place where the only constants were uncertainty and waiting. Yet, even there, I witnessed the power of hope and community. My family, like so many others, worked tirelessly to preserve a sense of normalcy for us children, instilling in me the belief that no matter how dire the circumstances, we could rise above them.

Eventually, my journey led me to the United States as a refugee, where a whole new set of challenges awaited me. I was a teenager in a foreign country, navigating a completely unfamiliar culture and language. I quickly learned that resilience wasn’t just about surviving—it was about thriving in the face of adversity. I embraced every opportunity to learn and grow, pushing through discomfort and fear to build a new life for myself and my family.

These experiences shaped not only who I am but also the work I do today. Resilience became the foundation of my leadership philosophy and the guiding principle of my business, Imkan Leadership Development. Whether I’m coaching leaders, building resilient teams, or sharing my story with audiences, I emphasize that resilience is not something we’re born with; it’s cultivated through every trial we face.

For me, resilience is rooted in those early lessons of survival, the love and determination of my family, and the belief that every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger. My journey—from a bombed house in Basrah to a refugee camp in Saudi Arabia, and eventually to the United States—has taught me that resilience is the key to transforming adversity into strength and purpose. It’s this message that I now share with others, helping them navigate their own challenges and discover their full potential.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

At Imkan Leadership Development, I help organizations and individuals build resilience, improve communication, and lead with confidence. Imkan means “possibility” in Arabic, and that’s exactly what I aim to create—a space where possibilities thrive, and people can overcome challenges to achieve sustainable success.

My work is centered on resilience because it’s been a defining theme in my own life. From my early experiences as a refugee to becoming a leader and entrepreneur, I’ve seen how resilience can transform lives and organizations. I use tools like the DISC personality assessment to help individuals and teams better understand themselves and each other, fostering collaboration, reducing stress, and boosting productivity.

What excites me most about my work is the transformative impact it has. Whether it’s coaching a leader to communicate more effectively or helping a team adapt to change, I love seeing people realize their potential. It’s rewarding to witness how these skills create ripple effects, not just in their professional lives but in their personal lives as well.

I also focus on delivering training programs, workshops, and keynote speeches that equip people to embrace change and navigate unpredictability with confidence. My Resilient Leaders’ Circle and interactive events like Imkan Connect are spaces where professionals and entrepreneurs can come together, network, and grow in meaningful ways.

Currently, I’m excited about several upcoming projects, including:
1. The February Imkan Connect Event: This will feature interactive networking sessions and a keynote speech on leveraging social media for business growth, alongside a workshop on using AI tools to boost productivity.
2. New Coaching Packages: I’ve tailored my offerings to address specific needs like communication, leadership, and team building. These include DISC assessments and personalized debriefs to help clients take actionable steps toward growth.

What makes Imkan special is its focus on customization and authenticity. Every client’s journey is unique, and I take the time to understand their challenges, strengths, and goals before creating a tailored solution.

At its core, my brand is about empowering others. My hope is that every interaction with Imkan Leadership Development inspires people to see obstacles not as barriers but as opportunities to lead with resilience and strength.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities and skills have been instrumental in shaping my journey:

1. Resilience

Resilience has been at the core of everything I’ve accomplished. It’s not just about bouncing back from challenges but also about finding meaning and opportunities in those moments. My advice for developing resilience is to embrace discomfort as a teacher. Life will always present obstacles, but if you focus on learning from them instead of avoiding them, you’ll build a foundation of strength that will carry you forward. Journaling, self-reflection, and surrounding yourself with supportive people are great ways to nurture resilience.

2. Adaptability

The ability to adapt to change has been crucial throughout my journey—from starting over in new countries to transitioning careers and building a business. Adaptability is a skill that grows when you step out of your comfort zone. My advice is to say yes to opportunities that challenge you, even if you feel unprepared. With every step, you’ll gain confidence in navigating the unknown, and that flexibility will become your superpower.

3. Effective Communication

Strong communication skills have allowed me to connect with diverse audiences, lead teams, and build meaningful relationships. It’s not just about speaking clearly; it’s about listening, empathizing, and understanding others’ perspectives. To improve this skill, practice active listening—give others your full attention and ask thoughtful questions. Tools like the DISC personality assessment are also invaluable for understanding communication styles and building stronger connections.

Advice for Those Early in Their Journey
1. Invest in Yourself: Take the time to learn and grow, whether through formal education, mentorship, or self-directed learning.
2. Be Patient and Persistent: Growth takes time, and setbacks are part of the process. Keep moving forward, even if progress feels slow.
3. Find Your Purpose: Anchor your efforts in something meaningful to you. When you have a clear “why,” it’s easier to stay motivated and overcome obstacles.

Remember, success isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Embrace the journey, learn from every experience, and trust that each step is bringing you closer to your goals.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! Collaboration is at the heart of everything I do, and I’m always looking for opportunities to partner with like-minded individuals and organizations.

I’m particularly interested in collaborating with:
1. Organizations and Leaders Focused on Growth: I work with medium to large businesses and nonprofits to build resilient teams, enhance communication, and foster effective leadership.
2. Fellow Coaches and Trainers: I’d love to connect with professionals who specialize in areas like leadership development, organizational strategy, and team dynamics to create collaborative workshops, events, or programs.
3. Event Organizers and Community Leaders: Whether it’s conferences, networking events, or professional development seminars, I’m excited to bring my expertise in resilience and communication to new audiences.
4. Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners: I’m looking for expert speakers and sponsors for my Imkan Connect Symposium, a semiannual event designed to help small businesses thrive by providing actionable insights and networking opportunities. This event brings learning from experts in the field to help small business owners boost their businesses at an affordable price. Topics include branding, marketing, web design, social media tools, AI tools, networking for small businesses, and more.

I also host a leadership podcast, Leading the Way, where I meet with experts in the field to discuss insights, strategies, and tools for leadership and resilience. If you’re an expert or thought leader with a story to share, I’d love to explore having you as a guest!

If you’re someone who’s passionate about leadership, resilience, or creating meaningful change, let’s connect! You can reach me at [email protected], through my website at imkanleadership.com, or on LinkedIn and social media @leadwithimkan.

I believe that collaboration is a powerful way to amplify impact, and I’m always excited to explore new possibilities with others who share a similar vision. Let’s work together to make a difference!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Images by Author, Headshot by Shawn Lee Studios

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