187. WE Explorers Maryam and Nivaal on Combining Listening and Decision-Making

In this episode, Julia speaks with identical twins Maryam and Nivaal, who often lead together as one voice. They share how their approach to leading has evolved sometimes converging, sometimes diverging and how they balance respect for each other’s strengths with the need to make joint decisions. Maryam & Nivaal were part of Women Emerging expedition for Global Changemakers in partnership with YouthtopiaThe conversation explores a central dilemma for leaders: if you never listen, you risk mistakes and isolation; if you listen to everyone, you risk paralysis. Maryam and Neval talk candidly about how they’ve learned to find the balance, from setting boundaries around feedback to recognising when to say no, and creating structures that make input meaningful rather than overwhelming. Listen to this episode to explore how to find your own voice as a leader while still creating space for others and how to balance inclusion with clarity when making tough decisions. About the guest:  Maryam and Nivaal Rehman became activists when they were eight years old, and started inspiring girls in their village in Pakistan to continue their education, when poverty was leading them to quit school and work instead. The now 18-year-old twins have since worked in their local and global community for causes including girls’ education in Pakistan and around the world, climate justice, gender equality and inclusivity. They even have their own non-profit, The World With MNR, that uses advocacy, storytelling and development to take action and inspire others to do the same.They are continuing their activism through volunteering, traveling and sharing their experiences through their social media and their YouTube channel, The World With MNR. They’ve used their platform to cover several events — from the Social Good Summit in New York City, to the Girl Up Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. — and interview global figures, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, and Madame Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank. Their activism has led to recognition in media and several awards, including the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award (now the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers). Most recently, they released their documentary on the status of girls’ education in Pakistan, and held global screenings to spark further conversation and inspire audience members to take action themselves.