Sihame El Kaouakibi

And that's where I really regret the decision because I went into politics at a bad time. I had several big projects. and teams running. So when I started my mandate, I invested all my time in politics and people, leaving my teams and projects behind. And of course, there were other managers and board members, etc. You were the face, so you were accountable. And

And that's where I really regret the decision because I went into politics at a bad time. I had several big projects. and teams running. So when I started my mandate, I invested all my time in politics and people, leaving my teams and projects behind. And of course, there were other managers and board members, etc. You were the face, so you were accountable. And

This really gave my political opponents the best shot to spin and turn disinformation, hurting my reputation. And I almost lost everything. My health even led to, like I said, bankruptcy. And it's just because I was quite naive because choosing one party made other parties that supported, for example, our organization... organizations are furious. They felt that's something typical of politics.

This really gave my political opponents the best shot to spin and turn disinformation, hurting my reputation. And I almost lost everything. My health even led to, like I said, bankruptcy. And it's just because I was quite naive because choosing one party made other parties that supported, for example, our organization... organizations are furious. They felt that's something typical of politics.

They always feel that you owe them, right? And because of my choice, it felt for them like betrayal. So my initial motivation to speak up in these hard times, pivotal times for the country, as a community builder with 15 years of experience, let's go into politics and have this system changing. The initial motivation was it may be legit, but the consequences.

They always feel that you owe them, right? And because of my choice, it felt for them like betrayal. So my initial motivation to speak up in these hard times, pivotal times for the country, as a community builder with 15 years of experience, let's go into politics and have this system changing. The initial motivation was it may be legit, but the consequences.

I didn't think about the consequences enough. And it was a very hard way to experience this harsh truth. And it became now a reset button on my 35th birthday. But the good thing, I lost a big part of my ego and my relationships and health are stronger than ever. Because the key lessons really is, because that was a big part of your question. So sorry that I'm just answering now.

I didn't think about the consequences enough. And it was a very hard way to experience this harsh truth. And it became now a reset button on my 35th birthday. But the good thing, I lost a big part of my ego and my relationships and health are stronger than ever. Because the key lessons really is, because that was a big part of your question. So sorry that I'm just answering now.

If I think about it, I wasn't aligned with my values and beliefs anymore. So my lesson is, if you feel you have to give up on your principles, quit. Certainly in politics, quit. Don't fight. And it's like, oh, see, that's not really courageous. It's because the status quo is hard to change. And especially if you speak up for the underrepresented.

If I think about it, I wasn't aligned with my values and beliefs anymore. So my lesson is, if you feel you have to give up on your principles, quit. Certainly in politics, quit. Don't fight. And it's like, oh, see, that's not really courageous. It's because the status quo is hard to change. And especially if you speak up for the underrepresented.

If something happens to you, they can't speak up for you. You lose anyway. And especially when you started politics from a kind of a messiah complex. You go into politics because you want to change things, because you believe you can change things. And thinking that you can change deep-rooted inequalities just by yourself. Not true. It's not possible.

If something happens to you, they can't speak up for you. You lose anyway. And especially when you started politics from a kind of a messiah complex. You go into politics because you want to change things, because you believe you can change things. And thinking that you can change deep-rooted inequalities just by yourself. Not true. It's not possible.

So first of all, I actually had to convert my circles of trust and credibility communities to the bigger purpose and then enter politics. You need to build strong foundations. Your mandate actually isn't associated just with you, but stands for bigger projects. That's the only way that you don't isolate, but that you can start to collaborate.

So first of all, I actually had to convert my circles of trust and credibility communities to the bigger purpose and then enter politics. You need to build strong foundations. Your mandate actually isn't associated just with you, but stands for bigger projects. That's the only way that you don't isolate, but that you can start to collaborate.

And another key lesson, don't make ego-driven decisions. Sometimes you have to stay low, work harder, because when you rise too fast, the powers in place will focus on you, bring you down quickly. And then the question is left, like, what legacy is then left? What change did you bring? Was it for the better or for the worse?

And another key lesson, don't make ego-driven decisions. Sometimes you have to stay low, work harder, because when you rise too fast, the powers in place will focus on you, bring you down quickly. And then the question is left, like, what legacy is then left? What change did you bring? Was it for the better or for the worse?

And then the biggest lesson, of course, from a governance point of view, if you have companies or mandates, just quit before entering politics to avoid them being used against you. And the most beautiful lesson I think, you are elected by the people. Okay. So even though they can maybe damage your reputation with misinformation and political campaigns, adversity, they cannot take your seat. Okay.

And then the biggest lesson, of course, from a governance point of view, if you have companies or mandates, just quit before entering politics to avoid them being used against you. And the most beautiful lesson I think, you are elected by the people. Okay. So even though they can maybe damage your reputation with misinformation and political campaigns, adversity, they cannot take your seat. Okay.

It's the people chose you. Don't ever forget that and try to show up, be courageous. But if the environment is too toxic. Is it worth it? If you're quite isolated, especially as people who stand for change, sometimes it's not worth it. You still need to prioritize yourself, self-care.

It's the people chose you. Don't ever forget that and try to show up, be courageous. But if the environment is too toxic. Is it worth it? If you're quite isolated, especially as people who stand for change, sometimes it's not worth it. You still need to prioritize yourself, self-care.