Inclusive Leadership: A Video Podcast Series

Empirical Study & Podcast Production

Despite growing awareness of gender inequalities in leadership, women remain underrepresented in executive positions worldwide. This project addresses this issue by not only analysing the barriers to female leadership but also providing accessible solutions. Based on an empirical study, the project partners are developing a digital capacity-building program that aims to empower all genders to succeed in leadership roles and equip future leaders with practical advice.

Understanding the leadership gap

In an empirical study, the project partners Dr. Hiba Rajha and Prof. Dr. Sascha Hein, and AGYA alumna Dr. Luise Fischer firstly identified key obstacles and opportunities for gender inclusivity in leadership positions across Germany and the Arab world. Examining how MBA and other higher education programmes can play a transformative role in closing the gender gap, findings indicated that while higher education is crucial for career advancement, it often fails to address gender disparities or provide accessible training for women aspiring to leadership roles. To bridge this gap, the project team employed a participatory action research (PAR) approach, ensuring that various voices of professionals, educators, and business leaders would shape the development of the digital education content.

Creating change through digital learning: A podcast series

The results of the study were key to the creation of a podcast series, which features conversations with experts in leadership, diversity, and career development. The first season includes discussions with lawyer and gender diversity advocate Leila Bazzi, author and journalist Ouadih Dada, and sustainability expert Sylvain Lambert. The first season includes discussions with lawyer and gender diversity advocate Leila Bazzi, author and journalist Ouadih Dada, sustainability expert Sylvain Lambert, UNESCO artist for peace and leadership coach Guila Clara Kessous, and Fany Benedetti, Former Executive Director of the French Committee for UN Women. Episodes explore and discuss topics such as resilience, networking, negotiation skills, and overcoming workplace biases. By sharing personal stories and evidence-based strategies, the series provides practical guidance for navigating leadership challenges, and democratizes leadership education by making high-quality training accessible to a broad audience.

As a scientist, creating a podcast on inclusive leadership has been one of my most passionate projects, allowing me to engage in intercultural, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary participative research.

Hiba N. Rajha

A vision for inclusive leadership

By combining empirical research with digital education tools, the project aims to create a lasting impact in higher education and professional training. This way, it not only provides future leaders with essential skills but also fosters a cultural shift towards greater gender inclusivity in executive roles. Through its innovative approach, the project contributes to the broader goal of diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership across Germany, Europe, and the Arab world.

The podcasts, produced by and realized in cooperation with the digital media platform WOUMNIA, founded by Franco-Moroccan entrepreneur and Corporate Social Responsibilty advocate Aziza Abbassi, will be shared with business schools and further refined based on feedback from students and industry professionals. The launch of the series marks a significant step toward breaking down barriers and empowering the next generation of leaders.