RANA BOKHARI ON CONNECTION AND AFFIRMATION

Episode 12

Hello World – I am back! I had to take some time off, which I explain more about in today’s episode, and it’s interesting how these things align sometimes. So today’s episode is extra special and extra long! Take your time to enjoy it. Rana Bokhari is on the show today and she is one fierce incredible woman. Her story and her many lifetimes from fashion design to leader of a major political party, from how she grew up on a farm to where she is today leading her own business, hers is a story that will provide you with so many insights into the struggles we face as women when we rise and it will provide you with much wisdom to face the very real challenges in our society. Her message is empowering and affirming of what we need to do as women to have our voice heard, and to heal from times we have been abused. She talks more about the details of breaking the “glass ceiling”, which is really a brick wall as she puts it, in her TEDx talk (see link in show notes below). She reminds us of the power of connection and the root of all strength as love. Enjoy today’s episode and tell everyone you know about it – the wisdom and teachings in this episode alone, you’ll carry for lifetimes. Here’s a little background about Rana:

Rana Bokhari, B.A. (Criminology), B.A. (Psychology), J.D., Notary Public
Rana Bokhari is a graduate of the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law (Juris Doctor), and also has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Psychology. During her studies, she served as President of the Manitoba Law Students’ Association, made the Dean’s List for excellence in academics, and received The Carolynne Boivin Award  for her research and support of women’s rights. In May of 2013, Rana was called to the Manitoba Bar.

She was elected as Leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party in 2013 and chose to pursue her new career in politics. As the first female minority leader and youngest leader of the Liberal Party in the history of Manitoba politics, she is an inspiration to all Manitobans to get involved and take leadership on issues that matter to everyone.

Although her career is demanding and diverse, Rana finds time to devote to her passions, including charity work. She is a committed believer in public service and involves herself in community affairs and organizations; in particular, she advocates for women’s rights and for mental health services being part of Manitoba Health Care coverage. In the past, she has participated in Winnipeg’s “CEO Sleep-out”, raising funds for the homeless. In addition, Rana travels country-wide, discussing “Women in Leadership” roles and is a strong supporter of the LGBTQ community.

Namaste,
Andrea

 WE DISCUSS:

• Why I decided to disconnect to reconnect while there were no episodes the last month.
• Why the Goddess that I assign to Rana is Tara, Goddess of Compassion and Protection
• How Rana and I have different roots that lead us to our shared confidence
• How we treat differences in society and the role of male dominance
• The influence of institutions shaped by men
• How we raise our children and intuitions that will become us
• Why we need to come together as a collective of women to make the changes we need happen
• Women in leadership and power
• What the minority factor is and what we need to do about it
• What the facts are about women on boards and recognition of disproportionate representation
• What is Feminism and how it means different things to different people, especially women of colour
• Why developing our collective and individual awareness to disproportionate treatment is important and what we need to do about it
• How Rana took on her role for being an advocate for under-represented groups
• How her fearlessness lead her to her greatest achievements
• How Rana found herself in the fashion-industry and our shared connection to fashion design
• How we need to recognize where we come from and honour our ancestors
• How we are all interconnected – deeply connected with all life on this planet and our responsibility in that realm
• What the few facts are in life and the need to remind yourself of them daily in order to focus on our purpose
• What Rana did after her fashion-stint
• Why Rana choose to go to Law school
• What Rana thinks about her profession and what work she thinks needs to be done to move the profession in a better direction
• What it means to professionally practice with connection and how that can create change
• How Rana’s life burned to the ground at a pivotal moment
• What Rana’s most satisfying thing was coming out of politics
• How the structure of politics limited Rana from speaking out when other’s ‘trolled’ her
• How Rana’s TEDx talk brings to light what really happens behind the scenes for female political leaders and why she decided to talk about it
• What Rana recommends other women do when feeling disrespected or trapped by the old-boys-club
• What Rana’s only regret in her life is
• How Rana lost herself in politics and then found herself again and what she is doing now
• What Rana thinks about her ability to do her passionate work for social-change now vs. her time in politics
• How Rana feels about the freedom and power she has found by forming her own business in law
• What the principals are that Rana founded her law practice on
• What Rana’s thoughts are on Women as Political Leaders from around the world
• How Rana found herself in the business of law and entrepreneurship
• How Rana is called to serve the Indigenous Community in her work
• How Rana first met Elder Dave Courchene and how he played an influential role in her life
• How running her own practice as a business compares to practicing law
• How Rana used her divine feminine force to reinvent herself when she had only $164 available to her
• How Rana handles herself in the boardroom to have her voice heard and the advice she has for other women
• Why we need a Revolt in the boardroom
• Why we need “self-defence” in the boardroom
• What people told Rana when she left politics and why she didn’t listen
• What advice Rana is for women no matter the career path you are on
• What the collective tapestry of women is that we are building
• What Rana takes great comfort in lately and how this helps her collect the signs around her
• What Rana’s advice is for finding your own purpose
• How Rana faces her fears everyday
• What the single most important lesson Rana has learned along her journey so far
• What Rana’s vision is for her future and the next big dreams she is chasing
• What Rana’s work-life balance looks life
• What Rana’s younger self would give her for advice today
• What Rana’s hidden talent is
• What motivates Rana and why
• What Rana does to feed her spiritual self and her advice for others looking to connect
• Where Rana invites everyone to for a spiritual experience
• What Rana advises on surrendering
• How Rana defines success

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Next Fempower LIVE! Event is happening on Nov. 18, 2018 12:30pm at Spa Botanica on Corydon Ave in Winnipeg MB, featuring the women co-owners and co-founders Harman and Gabrielle.
  

SHOW NOTES

• TEDx Rana’s talk: Leadership: Breaking Traditional Gender, Age, & Religious Barriers
• Elder Dave Courchene of Turtle Lodge
• Rana’s business website http://www.bswlaw.ca/
• Spa Botanica 1459C Corydon Ave. Wpg Mb