Same Language, Different Meaning: Leading Across Cultures | Lamiaa Soliman | EP 116

In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Lamiaa Soliman, a global leader working at the intersection of healthcare, technology, AI, and international expansion. Drawing from lived experience across the Middle East, Europe, and North America, Lamiaa shares what it truly means to lead across cultures — not from theory, but from practice. From navigating healthcare adoption in culturally sensitive markets to understanding why slowing down can be a strategic advantage, this conversation explores how trust, listening, humility, and context shape successful leadership. Lamiaa also reflects on growing up in Saudi Arabia, bridging Western and Middle Eastern leadership models, dispelling stereotypes, and why representation, ethical AI, and human-centered design matter more than ever in global healthcare. This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation for leaders navigating complexity, change, and cross-border work in today’s world. ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome to Leading Minds Revealed 01:10 — Introducing Lamiaa Solaiman 02:09 — Returning to Saudi Arabia and unlearning assumptions 03:41 — Women, technology, and shifting cultural narratives 04:57 — The challenge of leading across cultures 05:48 — Healthcare as a culturally sensitive space 06:47 — Why language and naming matter 07:46 — Human-centered design across borders 08:40 — “Same language, different meanings” 10:09 — Family dynamics and patient decision-making 11:43 — Expanding healthcare platforms globally 13:19 — Navigating the NHS and public systems 14:49 — Time, trust, and relationship-based regions 15:53 — Growing up between cultures 18:01 — Skills leaders need in cross-cultural meetings 19:44 — Listening beyond words 21:16 — Growth mindset and adapting to change 22:15 — AI adoption in unexpected ways 25:30 — A lesson in slowing down during conflict 27:29 — Dispelling stereotypes through presence 29:55 — Polarization, identity, and empathy 32:24 — Diversity, inclusion, and lived experience 37:30 — AI, healthcare, and representation 41:14 — Ethics, data, and patient impact 45:43 — Genomics and population health 47:30 — Leadership shaped by upbringing 50:09 — Majlis, storytelling, and leadership without titles 52:45 — Ego, humility, and informed leadership 56:24 — How leaders can build cultural fluency 01:00:19 — Where to connect with Lamiaa 01:02:00 — Final reflections and close 📣 CALL TO ACTION If this episode resonated with you: 👍 Like the video 💬 Share your biggest takeaway in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on mindful leadership 📤 Share this episode with someone leading across cultures