Less than 2% of female founders ever break 1M in revenue. We’re on a mission to change that. Welcome to CEO School. I'm your host, Suneera Madhani, and each week, you’ll learn from incredible mentors who’ve made it to the 2% club and women well on their way. But first, a few class rules. Grab your seat because we’re here to get sh*t done. We’re one team, one dream. And we believe that we deserve to have it all because nothing bad happens when women make more money. You’re a real business now. Class is officially in session.
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Less than 2% of female founders ever break 1M in revenue. We’re on a mission to change that. Welcome to CEO School. I'm your host, Suneera Madhani, and each week, you’ll learn from incredible mentors who’ve made it to the 2% club and women well on their way. But first, a few class rules. Grab your seat because we’re here to get sh*t done. We’re one team, one dream. And we believe that we deserve to have it all because nothing bad happens when women make more money. You’re a real business now. Class is officially in session.
354. Mother. Immigrant. Matriarch: An Emotional Mother’s Day Special with Shama Rehmetullah
CEO School with Suneera Madhani
34 minutes
6 months ago
354. Mother. Immigrant. Matriarch: An Emotional Mother’s Day Special with Shama Rehmetullah
This week on CEO School, we’re celebrating Mother’s Day with one of the most heartfelt, vulnerable, and inspiring episodes yet. Host Suneera Madhani is joined by the most important guest she’s ever had on the show—her mom, Shama Rehmetullah.
In this candid conversation, Suneera and her mom talk about everything from growing up during wartime in Bangladesh to immigrating to the U.S. with nothing but a dream. Shama shares how she worked her way up from sweeping floors at 15 to managing a Garrett Popcorn shop in Chicago, how she raised her children with resilience and joy, and how she still shows up with purpose every single day. They also talk about generational patterns, breaking cycles, and the complicated, beautiful journey of being both a mom and a daughter.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🌍 Shama’s journey through war, immigration, and starting over in America
💪 How to raise kids with strong values while chasing your own dreams
🧠 What “mom guilt” really means—and why you don’t have to carry it
❤️ How to build confidence, community, and a life that reflects your purpose
✨ The family mottos and generational wisdom that still guide Suneera today
Whether you’re a mother, daughter, or entrepreneur navigating motherhood and ambition, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and you absolutely have what it takes.
💬 Your Turn: What’s the best advice your mother ever gave you? Tag @ceoschool and let us know!
📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence.
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CEO School with Suneera Madhani
Less than 2% of female founders ever break 1M in revenue. We’re on a mission to change that. Welcome to CEO School. I'm your host, Suneera Madhani, and each week, you’ll learn from incredible mentors who’ve made it to the 2% club and women well on their way. But first, a few class rules. Grab your seat because we’re here to get sh*t done. We’re one team, one dream. And we believe that we deserve to have it all because nothing bad happens when women make more money. You’re a real business now. Class is officially in session.
