I recently had the privilege of speaking with Mr Ali Kadri, CEO of the Islamic College of Brisbane (ICB). A leader whose journey of courage, resilience, and faith continues to inspire me. His work, particularly highlighted in the powerful documentary The SWAP, reveals the complexities and risks of leadership when navigating not just external pressures, but also internal struggles within communities. Our conversation was both insightful and deeply moving, revealing profound lessons in leadership, faith, and the importance of building bridges across divides.

A Bold and Risky Leadership Journey

When I asked Mr Kadri what inspired him to take on such a bold and risky leadership role, he shared a deeply personal perspective rooted in his background and experiences. For Mr. Kdrid, leadership is about more than just making decisions; it’s about effecting real change by first looking inward. As he puts it, “We can’t address what’s happening externally without first asking what we can change within ourselves.”

His leadership philosophy challenges individuals and communities alike to look inward to foster a deeper understanding of others. A turning point came when he observed his community becoming increasingly insular, isolated from broader society. Amidst growing external pressures, Mr Kadri recognised that real change had to come from within.

This was not a popular stance. Yet he firmly believed, “The right thing to do is not always the popular thing to do. Do the unpopular thing first, then the rest will follow.” His unwavering commitment to this principle motivated him to step into leadership, even when resistance came from both inside and outside the community. His story reminds us that effective leadership often involves charting a path that others may not immediately see, but that is rooted in a deeper sense of purpose.

Leading Under Pressure: Staying Focused on the Goal

When discussing how he structured decision-making within his team, Mr Kadri emphasised the importance of clarity. “You have to be very clear on what you want to achieve,” he explained.

This clarity served as the foundation for aligning diverse stakeholders, each with their own concerns and priorities, around a common goal. Decision-making was not simply about setting a vision, but also about anticipating risks and developing strategies to mitigate them.

During the 12 months leading up to the documentary, Mr Kadri recognised the potential for misunderstanding and worked tirelessly to ensure that students, parents, board members, and other key stakeholders were informed, engaged, and aligned with the project’s goals. His approach was grounded in transparency and open dialogue.

One particularly significant moment involved an external partner expressing concerns about the potential impact of the documentary. Rather than responding defensively, Mr Kadri initiated respectful, open conversations. Through these discussions, he was able to address concerns and reinforce the larger vision, ultimately ensuring broader support. This is a prime example of how strong governance involves navigating conflict with diplomacy and keeping stakeholders focused on a shared purpose.

Navigating Challenges: Leading Through Pressure

The pressures of leadership intensified when Mr Kadri’s decisions were questioned by extended families and community members. It wasn’t merely external criticism; it was the internal questioning that proved most challenging.

Some parties expressed concerns about how the community would be portrayed. Despite the hurdles, Mr Kadri remained focused on the broader objective: to promote understanding, education, and exposure while mitigating potential risks.

His ability to maintain composure under pressure, prioritising clear communication and relationships, was key to the project’s success. Mr Kadri’s leadership illustrates that managing internal doubts and external risks requires clarity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the vision.

Empowering Others: Building Leadership and Bridging Divides

One of the most inspiring aspects of Mr Kadri’s leadership is his commitment to empowering others and breaking down barriers that divide communities. As he shared, “Instead of pouring energy into pulling each other apart, why not channel that same energy into what we can achieve together?”

This message is not just about inclusion; it is about leadership anchored in unity and collective growth. Through his work, particularly in The Mosque Next Door documentary, Mr Kadri demonstrates how building bridges, not walls, creates spaces for collaboration and understanding.

During our conversation, I raised a question that had been on my mind: Where did harmful perceptions of Muslims as “dangerous” originate? Who seeded this idea, and for what purpose? In a multicultural nation like Australia, should we not be celebrating our diversity rather than fostering division?

Mr Kadri reflected thoughtfully, emphasising the critical need for leaders to stand against harmful narratives often perpetuated by sections of the media. He stressed the importance of rejecting stereotypes and promoting open dialogue, only then can we begin to heal divisions.

This belief underpins his work within and beyond the Muslim community, reinforcing that true leadership is about fostering unity and challenging fear-based narratives.

The Next Steps: Expanding the Work of Inclusive Leadership

Mr Kadri’s journey is far from over, and there are powerful lessons to draw from his approach. As part of my ongoing research project, I plan to:

  1. Explore Leadership Models: I will investigate inclusive leadership models such as transformative and collaborative leadership, which align closely with Mr Kadri’s style. Understanding how these models can be applied across sectors,  education, business, governance, will inform better decision-making practices in diverse contexts.

  2. Focus on Process Improvement through Dialogue: By creating structured, participatory decision-making processes, I aim to explore how inclusive leadership fosters more effective governance. Transparent and open dialogue must underpin all organisational decisions, ensuring every voice is heard.

  3. Cross-Cultural Leadership Studies: Examining leadership practices across cultures will provide insights into shared principles of empathy, understanding, and inclusivity. Comparing Mr Kadri’s leadership with global models will deepen our understanding of what truly unites communities.

  4. Impact Assessment: I intend to assess the real-world outcomes of initiatives led by Mr Kadri and others. Measuring community cohesion, decision-making effectiveness, and social stability will help identify how inclusive leadership can be scaled and replicated in broader contexts.

A Call to Action: What Kind of Leaders Are We?

As I reflect on Mr. Kadri’s leadership, I’m prompted to ask: Leaders often claim to be inclusive and empathetic, but how often do we see these qualities in action? Are leaders truly listening with the intent to understand, or merely responding out of habit?

Consider the role of political leaders. Debates in parliament and other arenas are essential to democracy, but they can sometimes become marked by division, rather than cooperation. This raises the question: How often does the approach to leadership emphasise collaboration and mutual respect?

When communication among leaders becomes adversarial, it can influence how we communicate and engage in our own communities, workplaces, and homes. What might change if we encouraged a culture of empathy and understanding in all forms of leadership?

Leaders like Mr. Kadri show us that it is possible to lead with empathy, collaboration, and authentic listening. His style reminds us that true leadership goes beyond words or performance; it’s about fostering connection, constructive dialogue, and collective progress.

As we look ahead to crucial moments of decision-making, whether in politics, business, or community life, we must ask:

  • How can we cultivate a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and meaningful dialogue?
  • How can we work to break down the barriers that divide us, and instead focus on coming together to achieve something greater?

This is the type of leadership we can all aspire to,  one rooted in unity and understanding. It’s a direction I am committed to exploring further.

Closing Reflections

As I reflect on our conversation, I am filled with deep gratitude to Mr Ali Kadri for his openness, courage, and unwavering commitment to building bridges where others might build walls.

I am honoured to have had the opportunity to learn from his journey and leadership philosophy.

Thank you, Mr Kadri, for your generosity of spirit, for the risks you have taken, and for the example you continue to set.

It is leaders like you who remind us of what is possible when we lead with heart, conviction, and a vision greater than ourselves.

I am committed to advocating for and supporting the kind of inclusive, courageous leadership you embody, leadership that does not shy away from difficult conversations, but embraces them in the pursuit of unity, understanding, and real change.

This is the leadership our communities need. And it is a journey I am proud to walk alongside leaders like Mr Ali Kadri.

R.E.S.E.T. Your Thinking: A Practical Guide to Transformative Change

Mr. Kadir’s journey reminds us that transformative change doesn’t happen by chance, it begins with the choices we make and the thinking that drives them. Like Mr. Kadir, many of us reach crossroads where old habits, gut instincts, or outdated information are no longer enough. A new way of thinking is needed.

R.E.S.E.T. Your Thinking is designed to help you take control of that process. It gives you the tools to:

  • Refine Your Decision-Making Process: Move beyond what’s familiar to intentionally align your choices with your deepest goals and values.

  • Harness Emotional Intelligence: Balance logic and emotion to make decisions that are thoughtful, compassionate, and wise.

  • Make Purposeful, Intentional Decisions: Break free from automatic patterns and choose with clarity and purpose.

Decision-making isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about creating space for insight, reflection, and true transformation. Whether you’re navigating career changes, business strategies, or personal challenges, R.E.S.E.T. Your Thinking offers a clear, practical path forward, just as Mr. Kadir found his.

Click here to get your copy today — and begin your own journey of courageous, transformative change.

I trust this guide will bring you valuable insights that inspire real action, growth, and new possibilities.