In this third Masterclass, we explore one of the most complex – and yet crucial – dimensions of contemporary leadership: how to navigate difficult work environments. Led by Guila Clara Kessous, UNESCO Artist for Peace, Harvard-certified executive coach, and expert in ethical and inclusive leadership, this session offers a clear-eyed and powerful perspective on microaggressions, unconscious bias, inappropriate behaviour, and other subtle forms of discrimination that weaken professional dynamics, erode trust, and hold back talent. With a pedagogical yet deeply human approach, Guila defines what hostile work environments really are – often invisible, but profoundly destructive – and shares practical tools to recognize, deconstruct, and respond to microaggressions and bias, whether one is directly affected or a witness. She explores strategies for minority leaders to assert themselves while cultivating allyship, practical responses to sexist jokes or paternalistic remarks, and a nuanced reading of the psychological tactics linked to harassment. Above all, she shows how leaders can build cultures of safety, respect, and inclusion. This Masterclass is both uncompromising and constructive, reminding us that inclusive leadership cannot simply be declared, but must be built, step by step, decision by decision, by creating environments that protect, uplift, and give space to everyone. An essential session for anyone seeking to transform their leadership posture and make workplaces more just, safe, and aligned with human values. Learn more about the project here: https://agya.info/research/research-projects-by-year/inclusive-leadership-a-digital-approach-to-bridging-the-gender-gap

In this Masterclass, Hiba Rajha shares the key insights drawn from 40 interviews with inspiring women leaders, centered on a universal and often taboo theme: the balance between professional and personal life. The session gives voice to those who have had to juggle professional ambition, family commitments, and the search for meaning. It’s not a lesson in perfection, but a behind-the-scenes look at human leadership, where doubts, choices, sacrifices – and strategies of resilience – come to light. Among the most powerful takeaways, we learn how to break free from self-imposed limits to succeed across different spheres of life, why compromises can become acts of freedom when they align with personal values, and how the myth of ‘having it all at once’ needs to be replaced with a more dynamic vision of life. We also hear how guilt can be transformed into pride and a legacy of values, why letting go of perfectionism is essential to thriving, and how self-care, pauses, supportive networks, honest conversations with loved ones, and transparency with children can become the true pillars of sustainable balance. Hiba channels these experiences to offer us a compass for redefining success: not as a solitary sprint, but as a shared journey, nourished by clarity of priorities, the strength of connection, and the right to imperfection. Learn more about the project here: https://agya.info/research/research-projects-by-year/inclusive-leadership-a-digital-approach-to-bridging-the-gender-gap

In this Masterclass, project partners Dr. Hiba Rajha and Dr. Luise Fischer unveil the results of their qualitative study conducted with 40 women leaders from around the world. Their goal? To understand the invisible barriers women face on their path to leadership – and, more importantly, to uncover the concrete strategies they use to overcome them. Drawing from in-depth interviews, the Masterclass highlights three levels of challenges. On the personal side: self-doubt, impostor syndrome, perfectionism, and the struggle to align personal values with traditional leadership norms. On the interpersonal level: a lack of role models, limited solidarity among women, persistent gender stereotypes, mental load, and family imbalance. And on the systemic level: toxic corporate cultures, the glass ceiling, microaggressions, structural inequalities, and workplaces that fail to foster inclusion. But that’s only part of the story. Hiba and Luise also share the transformative strategies women leaders have developed: building resilience, negotiating smartly, creating support networks, practicing inclusive leadership, and staying true to their values. Along the way, they uncover surprising insights – the unexpected role of sports in boosting confidence, cultural nuances around motherhood, and even tensions between women in highly competitive environments. This Masterclass introduces an evolving model of inclusive leadership, structured around nine spheres: leading yourself, your personal life, your professional relationships, a team, change, a business, your career, your image, and your environment. Learn more about the project here: https://agya.info/research/research-projects-by-year/inclusive-leadership-a-digital-approach-to-bridging-the-gender-gap

This episode explores the origins and ambitions of the Qiyada podcast itself, in a conversation between the host, AGYA member Dr. Hiba Rajha, and her project partner, Dr. Luise Fischer, AGYA alumna and expert in Human & Historical Geography, Education, and Sustainability at Leipzig University, Germany. Together, they reflect on personal motivations, the development of their joint AGYA project, and the challenges on the path to building more inclusive spaces in academia and beyond. Join this inspiring dialogue on collaboration, leadership, and the pursuit of meaningful change. Learn more about the project here: https://agya.info/research/research-projects-by-year/inclusive-leadership-a-digital-approach-to-bridging-the-gender-gap

This episode dives into one of the most profound and universal dimensions of leadership: the inner battle. A powerful theme that runs through the journeys of many leaders, raising questions about legitimacy, ambition, and the fear of failure. To explore these invisible yet decisive dynamics, host Hiba Rajha welcomes Dr. Guila Clara Kessous. A UNESCO Artist for Peace, Officer of the French Order of Arts and Letters, Harvard-certified executive coach, and founder of the NGO Resili’Act, Guila is a pioneer of humanistic leadership, weaving together artistic creation, human rights advocacy, and the inner transformation of leaders. With sensitivity and depth, Guila sheds light on the many faces of self-doubt, perfectionism, fear of failure, and impostor syndrome. She unpacks how limiting beliefs shape our ambition, hold back our drive, and influence the way we show up as leaders for our teams. Offering concrete guidance and a deeply ethical vision of leadership, she outlines how to deconstruct these inner narratives and transform them into drivers of growth, resilience, and self-confidence. A moving and restorative episode for anyone aspiring to a more aligned, embodied, and conscious form of leadership. Learn more about the project here: https://agya.info/research/research-projects-by-year/inclusive-leadership-a-digital-approach-to-bridging-the-gender-gap

This episode explores a cornerstone of contemporary leadership: professional visibility. Host Hiba Rajha welcomes Ouadih Dada, journalist, commentator, and personal development coach, known for supporting leaders in their quest for alignment, clarity, and impact. With extensive experience working alongside executives of international companies, Ouadih shares a vision of leadership rooted in authenticity, strategy, and the courage to fully embrace who you are. In this inspiring and practical conversation, he tackles head-on the challenges of self-branding, public speaking, fear of judgment, and the weight of limiting beliefs. He offers valuable tools to build a professional identity aligned with your values, to dare to be visible without self-betrayal, and to embody a positive role model in your environment. A powerful episode for anyone seeking to shine in their professional sphere without compromising their uniqueness. Learn more about the project here: https://agya.info/research/research-projects-by-year/inclusive-leadership-a-digital-approach-to-bridging-the-gender-gap

This episode explores the hidden codes of corporate life with Pascale Patat-Dubois, Professor and Director of the Executive MBA at the IÉSEG School of Management. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in major companies like Philips and General Electric, Pascale offers a thoughtful and embodied reflection on the implicit – and often invisible – norms that shape relationships, behaviours, and sometimes inequalities within organizations. She unpacks how these codes can impact performance, trust, and well-being – or, on the flip side, create stress, exclusion, and inner conflict. We also dive into their gendered, generational, and intercultural dimensions, as well as the unspoken dynamics that weigh on professional environments. Rich with concrete examples, this conversation also traces Pascale’s own journey of transformation: from adopting masculine codes to ‘fit in’, to daring a more authentic leadership style aligned with her values. She shares practical insights and tools to help us understand, navigate, and even transform these codes – without losing ourselves along the way. Learn more about the AGYA project: https://agya.info/research/research-projects-by-year/inclusive-leadership-a-digital-approach-to-bridging-the-gender-gap

This episode dives into the psychology of inclusive leadership with Daniela Silva Moura, clinical psychologist, PhD in psychopathology, MBCT instructor, and author. With more than 20 years of experience, Daniela unpacks the hidden dynamics of inclusion at work: Why do some people exclude others? Why do we tend to gravitate toward those who look or think like us? And how can we build a culture where everyone feels safe to show up as their true selves? Daniela walks us through the foundations of psychological safety, the impact of cognitive biases, and what it really takes to be an authentically inclusive leader. She talks about power, deep listening, stress, confidence, collaboration, and the ability to step outside ourselves to bring out the best in others. Packed with insights and practical tools, this episode is an invitation to transform teams, spot subtle barriers to performance, and rethink leadership as a pathway to both well-being and collective success. Learn more about the project here: https://agya.info/research/research-projects-by-year/inclusive-leadership-a-digital-approach-to-bridging-the-gender-gap

This episode explores the topic of inclusive leadership through the inspiring journey of Judith Hector Danière, Group HR Director at FaiveleyTech. Looking back on her career within major corporations such as Renault, Danone, SEB, Cartier, and Jaeger-LeCoultre, Judith reflects on the codes she had to learn, deconstruct, or reinvent in order to find her place – without denying who she is. She discusses how organizational environments influence career progression, the mechanisms behind sustainable inclusion, the weight of personal values in professional choices, and the concrete levers an HR director can activate to bring diverse talents to the forefront. Judith also speaks about sisterhood, networking, the courage to take a stand, the right to ambition, and transmission – particularly in her role as a mother. An insightful and nuanced conversation that offers keys to making workplaces fairer, more humane, and more effective.

In this episode, Nathalie Colin, leadership coach and founder of the coaching and leadership development practice Vedantia, discusses the balance between work and personal life, and the quest for aligned, sustainable, and human-centered leadership. After a 25-year career in executive roles in advertising and over 1,300 leaders through their personal and professional transformations, Nathalie shares her approach to leadership rooted in values, emotional intelligence, and body awareness. Drawing from her own journey, Nathalie reflects on topics such as burnout, work-life balance, parenting, letting go of certain ambitions, and the power of introspection and slowing down. Through practical tools, she shows us how to break free from "OverDrive" mode, identify our non-negotiable values, and navigate life transitions.

This episode evolves around the critical issues of leadership, gender equality, and human rights with Fanny Benedetti, a lawyer specialized in international law and gender equality. For over 25 years, Fanny has been at the forefront of key international negotiations – from the creation of the International Criminal Court to the Istanbul Convention against violence toward women. She shares her vision of truly transformative leadership: one that challenges social norms, deconstructs unconscious biases, and places equality at the heart of organizational strategy. The discussion focuses on cultural resistance, the current backlash against women's rights, as well as the power of inner work and the role of male allies.

This episode explores the relation of leadership, resilience, and sustainable development with Sylvain Lambert, founder of the sustainability department at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). He shares his vision of what defines a great leader today: a balance between influence, strategic vision, and courage, in a context marked by economic and environmental challenges. The discussion evolves around the role of convictions in driving change, the tensions between sustainability and business imperatives, and how leaders can anticipate risks. Sylvain also reflects on his failures, resilience, and the long-term impact of committed and sustainable leadership. This episode is available in French only.

In the first episode, lawyer Leïla Bazzi joins the discussion to speak about authentic leadership, examining the balance between personal and professional authenticity, the role of self-awareness, and the impact of leadership beyond the workplace. The conversation explores the connection between authenticity and success, underlining how staying true to oneself can shape effective leadership and career growth. Through practical advice and personal reflections, Leïla highlights how true leadership is about leaving a lasting, meaningful legacy.