In this episode, Ishreen takes listeners on a deep dive into the life of Khadija bint Khuwaylid, a remarkable 7th-century businesswoman whose leadership principles offer timeless lessons for fostering inclusion and belonging in today's workplaces. She explores Khadija's extraordinary success in the male-dominated trading industry, her unwavering support for the early Muslim community, and her commitment to philanthropy and resilience in the face of adversity.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Khadija bint Khuwaylid exemplified the ability to see potential in individuals and ideas that others might overlook, as demonstrated by her recognition of Muhammad's integrity and character. She showed unwavering support for Muhammad and the early Muslim community, emphasising the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and values, even in the face of adversity and personal sacrifice. Khadija prioritised hiring based on integrity and character rather than social status, highlighting the need for organisations to look beyond traditional qualifications when promoting diverse talent. Her philanthropy and support for the less fortunate, including feeding the hungry and providing dowries for women, illustrate the significance of creating support systems that foster belonging within organisations. Despite facing significant hardships, including financial loss during the Quraysh boycott, Khadija remained committed to her values and mission, serving as a reminder for leaders to maintain their dedication to inclusion and equity, even when faced with challenges. BEST MOMENTS "Khadija shows us that there's a different way to approach it. Are we doing enough to look beyond just the traditional qualifications and really consider someone's character?" "Khadija was the first person to embrace Islam. She believed him instantly. No hesitation, no doubt." "Her resilience wasn't just about gritting her teeth and bearing it. It was about staying true to what she believed in." "It's a challenge to all of us to make sure that their organisation's commitment to inclusion isn't just a fad." "Khadija's story shows us that real change is possible when we have the courage to lead with our values." VALUABLE RESOURCES Privilege Survey  https://intelligentlinking261447.typeform.com/to/SNkQvD0v Website: https://belongingpioneers.com/privilege-research-and-podcast Email: equitychampions@belongingpioneers.com ABOUT THE HOSTS Ishreen Bradley, a Strategic Pioneer, excels in guiding Professional Leaders through complex challenges with clarity, confidence, and courage. She focuses on cultivating inclusive cultures and authentic leadership, offering senior leaders advice, consultancy, training, and coaching. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ishreenbradley-diversity-equity-inclusion-advisor Privilege, Eruption, Culture, Diversity, inclusion, Equity, diverse, cultural, impact, power: https://privilege-eruption.com