Deep Dive with Misk 2030 Leaders – A conversation with Dr. Manal A. Al Makoshi
Deep Dive with Misk 2030 Leaders | JEDDAH – Leading across cultures, changing from within
In this powerful episode of Deep Dive with Misk 2030 Leaders, we meet Dr. Manal Al Makoshi—an academic leader, educator, athlete, and community builder whose journey bridges continents, cultures, and careers. With a background shaped by her life as a Third Culture Kid, Dr. Manal redefines what it means to lead from empathy, adapt through change, and stay rooted in purpose.
Resilience between worlds
Raised between Saudi Arabia and the U.S., Dr. Manal navigated identity shifts from a young age, learning to code-switch between cultures while embracing the complexity that shaped her leadership style. Her career began in education, where she taught across classrooms and climbed into senior academic roles before joining the government sector. As a leader in the Authority for People with Disabilities, she now focuses on global cooperation and inclusion.
Whether it's modernizing educational systems before the pandemic or pioneering adaptive sports initiatives, Dr. Manal brings innovation, compassion, and creativity into every role she takes on.
Inside the episode
Dr. Manal shares how leading through uncertainty—especially during COVID—showed her the value of gradual change, empathetic systems, and building team trust. She speaks candidly about the moments of failure that made her stronger, the teachers who inspired her, and her belief that feedback is the cornerstone of growth. We also explore her passion for nature, hiking, and her role in the Saudi Rowing Federation, where inclusion and teamwork take center stage.
For Dr. Manal, leadership isn't about position—it’s about presence. It’s found in the classroom, on a mountain trail, or in creating safe spaces where people feel they belong.
Episode Timeline
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:36 Manal's Background and Third Culture Kid Experience
03:49 Professional Journey in Academia
05:17 Challenges and Growth in Teaching
08:33 Personal Interests and Activities
10:13 Leadership and Adaptation
20:24 Vision and Future Plans
22:28 Audience Q&A
29:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t quite fit in—or if you're building bridges between people, ideas, or cultures—this episode will speak to your soul.
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