Sadiqa, my guest's mother, was fifteen years old when she became a mother for the first time as part of an arranged marriage in Baghdad, Iraq in 1955. She was a wonderful mother but Sairan thought a bit too cautious which is very common for a teenager to think. Having a more conservative husband, Sadiqa loved all of her children equally and would often do anything for them. She was more lenient than her husband. My guest was one of seven children, safely nestled in the middle of the large group of children.With no...
Sadiqa, my guest's mother, was fifteen years old when she became a mother for the first time as part of an arranged marriage in Baghdad, Iraq in 1955. She was a wonderful mother but Sairan thought a bit too cautious which is very common for a teenager to think. Having a more conservative husband, Sadiqa loved all of her children equally and would often do anything for them. She was more lenient than her husband. My guest was one of seven children, safely nestled in the middle of the large group of children.
With no formal education, she never did any professional training, she was beautiful, had a wonderful sense of humor and did everything for her children as her husband travelled frequently for business. In Sairan's mind, her mother "had seven PHD's because she raised seven wonderful children, each one unique.
Unfortunately, Sadiqa died unexpectedly at fifty-eight years old and Sairan wasn't able to introduce her first child to her mother in person.
Sairan is a Business Strategist and Engineer but she also is helping people unpack their hidden gem. Often, we think we are happy-working, taking care of the family, seeing friends, etc. But, Sairan, who was born in Bagdad and now an Iraqi American citizen, learned many life lessons at 26 years old when she came to the United States with her big American dreams.
Today, she's a mom, entrepreneur and very successful engineer, but she's come to appreciate the belief of making and impact in the world and that obstacles can be overcome. "Voices of Truth" is a compilation of engaging speakers sharing their stories of impact. Sairan is one of the contributing authors.
As one can expect, being so far away from family, at such a young age, had it's challenges and heartbreak. And it was such an honor to hear Sairan share stories of her mother. Unfortunately, things didn't work out as planned back in 2002, but I'm grateful that Sairan felt comfortable opening up to me.
My guest has launched another career where she's helping middle aged women and men take their next steps in life to figure out who they are, what they want to do with their lives and what kind of impact they want to have on the world.
I received wonderful emails from Sairan including these wonderful tidbits about her mother. She wrote "my relationship with my mother has been both foundational and transformative. She was a woman of quiet strength and resilience, and while our bond wasn’t always expressed through words, her actions taught me the value of perseverance, integrity, and grace under pressure. She laid the groundwork for the woman I’ve become—both as an engineer and a business strategist—by modeling the power of showing up fully, even when the odds are stacked against you.
I was drawn to your podcast because I believe these stories matter. The influence of our mothers or female role models often shapes our identity in powerful, often subtle, ways. I wanted to share insights on how that influence—especially in midlife—can become a springboard for reinvention. For many women, midlife feels like a cross roads. But with the right mindset, it can be a launch pad. That’s a message I hope will inspire your audience to reflect on their own journeys and the women who helped shape them."
There are many wonderful stories that Sairan shared with me. I hope you enjoy this episode. And take a part of Sadiqa with you where ever you go.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
LINKEDIN: Sairan Aqrawi, M.Sc.
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Engineering Innovator | Leadership Strategist | Transformational Team Lead | Communication Specialist | Team Performance Expert
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T AN IMPACT IN THE WORLD / AND THAT “OBSTACLES CAN BE OVERCOME”.
"Should Have Listened To My Mother" is an ongoing conversation about mothers/female role models and the roles they play in our lives. Jackie's guests are open and honest and answer the question, are you who you are today because of, or in spite of, your mother and so much more. You'll be amazed at what the responses are.
Gina Kunadian wrote this 5 Star review on Apple Podcast:
SHLTMM TESTIMONIAL GINA KUNADIAN JUNE 18, 2024
“A Heartfelt and Insightful Exploration of Maternal Love”
Jackie Tantillo’s “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast is a treasure and it’s clear why it’s a 2023 People’s Choice Podcast Award Nominee. This show delves into the profound impact mother and maternal role models have on our lives through personal stories and reflections.
Each episode offers a chance to learn how different individuals have been shaped by their mothers’ actions and words. Jackie skillfully guides these conversations, revealing why guests with similar backgrounds have forged different paths.
This podcast is a collection of timeless stories that highlight the powerful role of maternal figures in our society. Whether your mother influenced you positively or you thrived despite challenges, this show resonates deeply.
I highly recommend “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast for its insightful, heartfelt and enriching content.
Gina Kunadian
"Should Have Listened To My Mother" would not be possible without the generosity, sincerity and insight from my guests. In 2018/2019, in getting ready to launch my podcast, so many were willing to give their time and share their personal stories of their relationship with their mother, for better or worse and what they learned from that maternal relationship.
Some of my guests include Nationally and Internationally recognized authors, Journalists, Columbia University Professors, Health Practitioners, Scientists, Artists, Attorneys, Baritone Singer, Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist, Activists, Freighter Sea Captain, Film Production Manager, Professor of Writing Montclair State University, Attorney and family advocate @CUNY Law; NYC First Responder/NYC Firefighter, Child and Adult Special Needs Activist, Property Manager, Chefs, Self Help Advocates, therapists and so many more talented and insightful women and men.
Jackie has worked in the broadcasting industry for over four decades. She has interviewed many fascinating people including musicians, celebrities, authors, activists, entrepreneurs, politicians and more.
A big thank you goes to Ricky Soto, NYC based Graphic Designer, who created the logo for "Should Have Listened To My Mother".
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