Chief Change Officer

#363 Sihame El Kaouakibi: Burnout, Bankruptcy, and the Beauty of Reinvention—Part One


Listen Later

What happens when a rising political star crashes—publicly, painfully, and all at once?

In Part One, Sihame El Kaouakibi, Moroccan-born former Belgian MP and five-time founder, shares the deeply personal story behind her public unraveling. Once a celebrated social entrepreneur and national leader, Sihame faced burnout, betrayal, and bankruptcy—all while navigating racism, politics, and impossible expectations.

But instead of disappearing, she rebuilt. This episode is a raw look at what it means to hit rock bottom, question your worth, and slowly rise again—stronger, clearer, and more committed to purpose than ever. If you’ve ever felt stuck, silenced, or lost in your own ambition, this one’s for you.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

Burnout, Bankruptcy, and the Breakthrough

“I lost everything—my energy, my confidence, even my bank account. But it became fertile ground.”

When Validation Becomes Addiction

“I built my identity on achievements. Without them, I felt like nobody.”

Politics Was a Zero-Sum Game. So She Quit.

“Entrepreneurship was about creation. Politics was about survival—and I was dying inside.”

The Messiah Complex Trap

“I believed I could change everything. I was wrong—and I paid the price.”

The Privilege of Slowing Down

“I had to let go of control, ego, and my former self. Healing took three years—but it gave me my life back.”

The Environment You Choose Shapes the Outcome You Get

“You’re not stuck—you’re just in the wrong pot. Rejection can be redirection.”

Women Leaders OS: Built From Her Own Scars

“I help women go from burnout to breakthrough—not with hustle, but with internal belief and system-level support.”

The Ugly Side of Glamour

“People you envy might be drowning. Success isn’t always Instagram-pretty.”

_____________________

Connect with Us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Sihame El Kaouakibi

 

--Chief Change Officer--
Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
80+ Countries Reached Daily.
Global Top 1% Podcast.
Top 5 US Business.
Top 1 US Careers.

>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Chief Change OfficerBy Vince Chan

  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7

4.7

245 ratings


More shows like Chief Change Officer

View all
Hidden Brain by Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

Hidden Brain

43,594 Listeners

Worklife with Adam Grant by TED

Worklife with Adam Grant

9,160 Listeners

Young and Profiting with Hala Taha (Entrepreneurship, Sales, Marketing) by Hala Taha | Entrepreneurship, Sales, Marketing | YAP Media Network

Young and Profiting with Hala Taha (Entrepreneurship, Sales, Marketing)

1,332 Listeners

Habits and Hustle by Jen Cohen

Habits and Hustle

804 Listeners

Life Kit by NPR

Life Kit

4,762 Listeners

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos by Pushkin Industries

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

14,292 Listeners

Founder's Story by IBH Media

Founder's Story

206 Listeners

3 Takeaways by Lynn Thoman

3 Takeaways

280 Listeners

How to Be a Better Human by TED

How to Be a Better Human

1,398 Listeners

Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

Huberman Lab

29,178 Listeners

Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin by Money News Network

Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin

1,654 Listeners

Proven Podcast by Charles Schwartz

Proven Podcast

300 Listeners

The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex by Paul Alex Espinoza

The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex

413 Listeners

What Your Therapist Thinks by Felicia Keller Boyle & Kristie Plantinga

What Your Therapist Thinks

205 Listeners

Behind the Business with Michelle Toh by Michelle Toh

Behind the Business with Michelle Toh

24 Listeners