Navigating Cultures and Leadership: Lessons from Dr. Manal A. Al Makoshi
In a compelling new episode of Leaders Mic, we sit down with Dr. Manal Al-Makoshi, a trailblazing educator, leader, and advocate for inclusive communities. From her experiences as a Third Culture Kid (TCK) to leading large academic teams and promoting adaptive sports in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Manal shares insights that inspire both aspiring leaders and educators alike. This episode delves into personal growth, professional excellence, and the power of adaptability in leadership.
Growing Up as a Third Culture Kid
Dr. Manal opens up about her unique upbringing as a Third Culture Kid, a term describing children who grow up immersed in multiple cultures, creating a “third” culture of their own. Having spent her early years in the United States before returning to Saudi Arabia, she experienced the challenges and rewards of navigating different cultural norms. From learning how to adapt social behaviors like eye contact and smiling to embracing her multicultural identity, these experiences shaped her resilience, flexibility, and ability to communicate across diverse communities.
A Passion for Education and Professional Growth
Education runs deep in Dr. Manal’s family, with both parents in academia. She began her career in schools before transitioning to university education, progressing from teaching assistant to professor. Her journey demonstrates the importance of perseverance, structured planning, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Dr. Manal highlights that working with students across different backgrounds taught her adaptability and creativity, essential skills for any leader managing dynamic environments.
Embracing Leadership Through Change
Leadership, Dr. Manal explains, is about more than holding a title—it’s about impact, vision, and empathy. She shares how she guided her university through major technological shifts, moving faculty from paper-based systems to the Blackboard platform. This change, implemented gradually over two years, prepared the team to adapt seamlessly when the COVID-19 pandemic forced a sudden transition to online learning. Her approach demonstrates the power of patience, clear communication, and fostering an environment where team members feel heard and supported.
The Role of Sports and Personal Development
Outside the professional sphere, Dr. Manal is deeply committed to sports and outdoor activities, including hiking and rowing. She believes that physical challenges cultivate teamwork, resilience, and mental clarity—qualities directly transferable to leadership. Her involvement with the Saudi Federation for Rowing, including adaptive rowing for people with disabilities, highlights her commitment to inclusivity and community building. For Dr. Manal, sports are more than recreation; they are tools for personal growth and leadership development.
Creating Inclusive Communities
A recurring theme throughout the episode is Dr. Manal’s dedication to building inclusive communities. Whether mentoring students, supporting faculty, or fostering collaborative environments in professional settings, she emphasizes the importance of ensuring everyone feels valued and informed. By creating orientation systems, mentoring programs, and accessible communication channels, Dr. Manal showcases how leaders can empower their teams and create sustainable ecosystems of success.
This episode offers a wealth of insights for aspiring leaders, educators, and professionals navigating complex organizational environments:
Multicultural experiences foster resilience, adaptability, and empathy.
Leadership requires patience, vision, and the ability to guide teams through change.
Inclusive communities enhance collaboration, engagement, and performance.
Personal passions, such as sports and outdoor activities, strengthen leadership qualities.
Continuous learning, feedback, and self-awareness are vital for growth.
Dr. Manal Al-Makoshi’s journey illustrates how personal experiences, professional expertise, and a commitment to inclusivity converge to create impactful leadership. Whether you are an educator, a leader, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode of Leaders Mic offers valuable lessons on navigating change, cultivating resilience, and leading with empathy.
Listen to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Anghami.
