What 200 Conversations Taught Me About Growth
Dr. Hanan El Basha, DBA
AI Tech Founder & Speaker | Ecosystem Builder | SME & Startup Strategy & Growth Consultant | Author & Podcast Host
This week marks a meaningful milestone—200 episodes of Empowered to Grow in Business podcast.
And this time, I took the guest seat.
Joined by two remarkable friends and fellow changemakers — Rana Sabra, Dr. and Asmaa Al-Kuwari — we looked back on what it’s meant to hold space for over 100 voices across industries, countries, and lived experiences. You can watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q1A6Zg30Ds.
When I started this podcast, I never imagined the ripple effect it would create — for me and for others. Hosting nearly 200 conversations with founders, CEOs, coaches, creators, investors, and game-changers across the globe has given me a front-row seat to what it truly means to be empowered to grow.
What started as a platform for sharing wisdom and journeys has evolved into a tapestry of empowerment, stitched together by moments of truth, courage, and growth.
Empowerment doesn’t look the same for everyone.
For some, it’s resilience after loss.
For others, it’s clarity in their calling.
And for many, it’s the courage to pivot, to pause, or to rise again.
Through this journey, I’ve found that growth is not just a business metric. It’s a lived experience — one that is deeply personal, often vulnerable, and always evolving.
And if you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or just unsure of your next step—know this: you’re not alone. These 200 conversations have taught me that every entrepreneur, no matter how seasoned or celebrated, has walked through doubt. What makes the difference is the choice to keep growing.
As a special gift, Rana and Asmaa gave me a project that I’m honored to take on: this summer, I’ll be compiling a video tribute highlighting what “empowered to grow” has meant to our guests.
Until then, here are 3 teaser insights that came up time and again:
Growth requires reflection. There’s power in pausing to ask, what is this teaching me?
Authenticity is a business advantage. The most impactful leaders are the ones who show up real.
Empowerment begins with ownership. Owning your path — mistakes, pivots, and all — unlocks growth.
Now let’s turn those into practical takeaways for you as a business leader:
Revisit and refine your strategy monthly/quarterly. Agility is your best asset in uncertain times.
Seek growth ecosystems. Surround yourself with people who challenge and champion you — mentors, partners, communities.
Audit your mindset often. Are your thoughts aligned with the version of yourself and your business you want to grow into?
Scale intentionally. Don’t chase growth for the sake of it. Build from a place of alignment, not urgency.
Lead by empowering others. Show up as an empowered leader by creating space for your team, partners, and clients to be challenged, to grow, and to own their part in the journey. Empowerment is contagious — it starts with you, but it shouldn't end with you. Or as I like to say on the podcast “Empowered You, Empowers Others.”
This episode is not just a milestone — it’s a mirror.
A moment to reflect on who we’ve become and where we’re headed next.
What does being empowered to grow mean to you—in this season of your life or business? I’d love to hear from you.
With gratitude and growth,
Dr. Hanan El Basha
Founder, The Business Doctor | Host, Empowered to Grow in Business
I make a difference ✨ Grow leadership capability 🔥 Develop CX & EX Understanding & Strategy ❤ Optimize Team Dynamics 🚀 Lead Change 🦸♀️
3moSo many truths here, especially: "Authenticity is a business advantage. The most impactful leaders are the ones who show up real." Over the years, the one thing I've seen over and over again is that authentic leaders ... ... are more motivated, productive, and likely to stay for a longer time - a quick search will throw up that it costs approximately 1.5 times someone's salary or 6-9 months of their salary to replace them (and that's not counting what might be paid to a recruitment agency or the lost productivity and motivation of other staff) => bottom line impact ... create and maintain a healthy corporate environment which is key to the employee experience (which starts before someone is hired and goes on after they've left the organization) which impacts productivity, motivation, and, loyalty =>bottom line impact; ... understand the importance of a positive customer experience - when customers are satisfied/happy with their experience, they are more loyal => they spread the word (the most effective and cost effective marketing is word of mouth), spend more and/or more consistently, and have a higher lifetime value (LTV) => bottom line impact.