#293 The Power of Story: How Somia Sadiq Transforms Conflict Through Narrative

2025-03-18

“If you ask someone how something impacted them, it’s a very big question," says Somia Sadiq, founder of Narratives, Inc. “Say ‘tell me what happened’ - then the story starts." On my podcast, she dives deep into her fascinating journey from her roots in Abu Dhabi to becoming a leader in conflict transformation and environmental advocacy in Canada. With a rich background in negotiations and community engagement, Sadiq shares her unique insights on the intersection of environmental issues and conflict resolution. She discusses her work supporting Indigenous communities in reclaiming their rights and negotiati...

“If you ask someone how something impacted them, it’s a very big question," says Somia Sadiq, founder of Narratives, Inc. “Say ‘tell me what happened’ - then the story starts." On my podcast, she dives deep into her fascinating journey from her roots in Abu Dhabi to becoming a leader in conflict transformation and environmental advocacy in Canada. With a rich background in negotiations and community engagement, Sadiq shares her unique insights on the intersection of environmental issues and conflict resolution. She discusses her work supporting Indigenous communities in reclaiming their rights and negotiating land access, emphasizing the importance of storytelling as a powerful tool for peacebuilding and understanding. Tune in to discover how Sadiq’s diverse experiences shaped her career and how her passion for community and storytelling can inspire your own path of reinvention.

About Somia:

With ancestral roots in post-colonial Punjab and Kashmir, Somia Sadiq holds experience in environmental sciences, natural resources management, negotiations, counterterrorism and countering/preventing violent extremism. Somia is the founder of Narratives Inc., a consulting firm based in Winnipeg focused on impact assessment, conflict transformation, and territorial planning. She also founded Kahanee, a non-profit dedicated to amplifying stories and promoting peacebuilding.

Connect with Sonia:

Website

Time Stamps:

01:07 - Somia Sadiq is a Canadian expert on conflict resolution

03:02 - Somia's reinvention story

06:26 - How did you get from environmental studies into conflict?

09:35 - Give us an example of a conflict resolution process in the modern world

15:01 - Do you think being a woman gives you any advantages in conflict resolution?

18:31 - Do you think it's a certain type of personality that goes into it?

19:32 - Do women have a bigger sensitivity to, in this area than men do?

22:21 - How about age? Do you get more respect as you get older?

24:26 - What's your biggest win?

26:13 - Telling stories can be a powerful tool for bringing people together

Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour:

Website
Instagram
LinkedIn
Substack

If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

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