From Refugee to CEO: Sabir Zazai’s Inspiring Leadership Journey

The Human CEO Podcast

Welcome to episode 137 of The Human CEO.

My guest today is Sabir Zazai. Sabir's story begins in Afghanistan, where the impact of war forced him to flee his homeland. From the refugee camps of Jalalabad to the welcoming community of Coventry, Sabir's tale of resilience and determination is beyond inspirational.

Sabir Zazai is a champion for refugees, using his personal journey and leadership skills to make a lasting impact. As the CEO of the Scottish Refugee Council, Sabir works tirelessly to provide protection, support, and opportunities for individuals fleeing conflict and seeking a new start in Scotland. With a background that includes growing up in a refugee camp in Afghanistan and eventually finding sanctuary in the UK, Sabir brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by refugees. His own experiences fuel his unwavering commitment to creating a society that embraces diversity and offers a helping hand to those in need.

Sabir's leadership is marked by his ability to engage with various stakeholders, from government officials to local communities.

"When people are forced to flee their home, when their lives are turned upside down, it takes all of us to work together to help them rebuild their lives in safety and dignity". - Sabir Zazai

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand the mission of the Scottish Refugee Council in just 7 words.
• Discover the critical challenges faced by refugees.
• Learn why it's essential to treat refugees with compassion.
• Explore Sabir Zazai's inspiring leadership journey.
• Uncover the importance of listening and communication in effective leadership.

Importance of Compassion: Simple act leading to positive change
Displaying compassion towards refugees can lead to profound changes, altering the narrative of their journey from despair to one of hope and resilience. It signifies recognising their dreams, aspirations, and the unique value they bring to our communities. Compassion fuels the collective endeavor of society to aid refugees in rebuilding their lives.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:01 - Challenges Faced by Refugees
00:02:28 - Challenges Faced by the Organisation
00:05:31 - Sabir's Personal Journey
00:08:12 - Overcoming Challenges
00:18:34 - Finding Hope in Suffering
00:21:00 - Learning from Mistakes
00:26:23 - Inspirational Leaders
00:28:59 - Disagreeing Agreeably
00:33:55 - Future Plans and Opportunities
You can find out more about Scottish Refugee Council and how you can support them here.