What does it really mean to be fearless at work and is it about confidence, risk-taking, privilege, or something deeper? In this episode, Helen Beedham sits down with globally recognised tech founder, author, CEO, and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Soulaima Gourani, to rethink what it means to dance through life and career challenges, rather than simply climb ladders. Together, they unpack how setbacks, risk, and an authentic sense of self can fuel our most brilliant moves in business and beyond.
Helen and Soulaima explore:
⭐️ How to view life and career as a dance, not a ladder, and turn adversity into unconventional opportunities.
⭐️ The “8% Rule”, where Soulaima says yes to things when she understands just 8% of them, trusting her intuition and energy rather than waiting to be “fully ready.”
⭐️ How to keep imposter syndrome in check by reframing failures and openly sharing challenges.
⭐️ How to be guided by what truly energises you and using that when weighing up big decisions.
⭐️ How to create your own opportunities and networks instead of waiting for invitations, and to avoid measuring your own self-worth against others.
About Soulaima Gourani:
Soulaima Gourani dropped out of school in 7th grade, left home at 13, and grew up in foster care. Today, she’s a globally recognized tech entrepreneur, WEF Young Global Leader, Thinkers50 honoree, and former UN Women’s Advisor. With a background in SaaS sales and jobs at Maersk, Microsoft, and HP, she has since mentored TED Fellows, founded award-winning companies, and been named one of the Top 100 Women in Tech and "40 under 40."
An MBA from CBS and with executive education from Harvard, Wharton, Yale, and 10+ global institutions, Soulaima has lectured at HKS, CBS, LBS, HULT, and more. Currently nominated for Global Tech Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 and 100 Reputable Women of African Descent, she’s on a mission to eliminate barriers and radically improve people's quality of life.
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
Follow Soulaima on Linked In.
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