Ep 198 - From a refugee camp to the TEDx stage—in just one lifetime

In Episode 198 of My First Step Ever , Ishani Nigam welcomes Rukaiya Khan , a transformational leader, smile strategist, and founder of Smiltastic, for a heartfelt conversation about conviction, resilience, and the power of self-expression. Rukaiya shares her journey from a childhood shaped by cultural expectations and empathy, to discovering her voice through poetry, and later navigating the upheaval of displacement during the Gulf War. Through every transition, one thing remained constant — her ability to listen deeply, connect authentically, and believe in the power of words. This episode explores: Why self-conviction matters more than motivation How early life experiences shape empathy and leadership The healing power of writing and communication Resilience during cultural shock and emotional upheaval Transforming life challenges into purposeful impact Rukaiya’s story is not just about success — it’s about becoming , about honouring where you come from while courageously choosing where you’re going. If you’re on a journey of self-discovery, leadership, or personal growth, this episode offers grounding insights and gentle reminders that clarity often comes after courage. Learn more about Ruqya here: About Your Host – Hi, I’m Ishani Nigam, a podcaster, presenter, and storyteller! 🎭💡 My passion is to EDUTAIN (educate + entertain) my audience through powerful conversations that help dreamers, disruptors, and underdogs turn their doubts into action. 👉 Connect with me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes fun: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎬💃Sound and music credit: ***

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Ep 198 - From a refugee camp to the TEDx stage—in just one lifetime is an episode from My First Step Ever by Ishani Nigam.

This episode is 00:55:58 long.

This episode was published on Feb 6, 2026.

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