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RYTHM Connect

RYTHM Connect

RYTHM Foundation
Business

RYTHM Connect is the official podcast of the RYTHM Foundation, hosted by Chairperson Umayal Eswaran, where we have conversations with people who are driving change in their communities and helping to empower and transform the lives of people in small but meaningful ways.

8 - Law, Leadership & Life -Chief Justice of Ghana Gertrude Torkornoo
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  • 8 - Law, Leadership & Life -Chief Justice of Ghana Gertrude Torkornoo

    In this episode, Ghana’s Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo, reflects on her distinguished journey as the country’s third female Chief Justice with host Umayal Eswaran. She delves into her guiding principles of authenticity, the complexities of balancing leadership demands, and the pivotal role of support systems. Join this captivating conversation on resilience, visionary leadership, and the pursuit of excellenceat the highest levels.



    ______________________________________________

    00:00-00:40 – Introduction

    Introducing Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo

    Welcoming her to RYTHM Connect


    00:41-01:55 – Ghana’s 3rd Female Chief Justice

    Chief Justice Torkornoo’s background and achievements


    02:15-04:03 – Authenticity as a Philosophy

    Chief Justice Torkornoo’s guiding philosophy is authenticity

    Being yourself and not anybody else

    Your unique self is a gift to your community


    04:04-05:31 – Challenges on the Journey

    Juggling multiple roles without conflict

    Balancing professional and personal responsibilities

    The burden of leadership


    05:37-06:14 – The Weight of Leadership

    Balancing diverse expectations from 35 million people

    Leading a government arm for both the vulnerable and the privileged


    06:15-08:16 – A Balancing Act

    Discovering balance without compromising well-being

    Staying true to her identity as Gertrude

    Women’s struggle to maintain a work-life balance


    08:25-09:30 – Quietly Rising to the Top

    Surprised by anonymity despite years of service

    Women often identify themselves before their profession


    09:38-12:48 – Strong Support System

    A loving family foundation instils confidence

    A supportive spouse offers stability

    A supportive work environment encourages growth


    12:52-15:16 – Parents Shape Futures

    Parental support builds confidence from childhood

    Loving and supportive fathers play a key role in a daughter’s strength

    Balanced perspectives from both parents are essential


    15:17-17:26 – Trust at the Core

    Trust is key to collaboration and teamwork

    Focus on real needs to build strong connections

    Clear communication ensures everyone works toward shared goals


    17:27-20:39 – Curiosity Opens Doors

    Proactiveness led to an unexpected opportunity

    Expertise in business law opened new doors


    20:40-24:13 - Learning is Lifelong

    Embrace deliberate learning for leadership growth

    Find role models to guide your journey


    24:14-27:45 - On Creative Pursuits

    - Creative pursuits enrich leadership perspective

    - Humanity thrives on diverse experiences


    27:46-32:06 - Pivotal Career Moments

    - Gained trust through active involvement and support

    - Led committees, shaping key reforms and initiatives

    - Helped execute chief justices' visions with dedication


    32:07-36:26 - Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders

    - Choose to understand where people are coming from

    - Define your problems and develop solutions

    - Engage people with kindness and compassion


    36:27-37:38 – Closing Thoughts

    - Owning your space is about making an impact

    - Never be afraid to ask for help

    Wed, 30 Oct 2024 - 37min
  • 7 - Advancing Indigenous & Culturally Responsive Education - Dr Suria Selasih

    In this inspirational episode, host Umayal Eswaranengages with Dr Suria Selasih Angit, a proud member of Malaysia’s Indigenous Orang Asli Temiar community and an educationalist at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.

    Together, they explore how to make education more inclusive and culturally responsive for indigenous and marginalised students. Tune in to this engaging dialogue as Dr Suria shares her innovative approaches to dismantling educational barriers and inspiring the next generation.


    Learn more about:

    Dr Suria on LinkedIn

    Dr Suria at the University of Nottingham

    _____________________________________

    0:00:04 - 0:00:55 – Introduction

    Introducing Dr Suria and welcoming her to RYTHM Connect


    0:00:56 - 0:02:07 – A Proud Orang Asli’s Mission

    Dr Suria’s background, advocacy, and mission The concept of co-creation in indigenous education


    00:02:08 - 00:06:32 – Foresight and Talent

    Factors leading to Dr Suria’s accomplishments Dr Suria’s exposure to mainstream education The early identification of her talents


    00:06:33 - 00:08:00 – Indigenous Community Learning

    Basic education in Orang Asli communities Community learning centres in Orang Asli villages


    00:08:01 - 00:10:37 – Dismantling Educational Barriers

    Underlying issues affecting school performance Economic, geographical, and personal barriers Employment challenges of Orang Asli graduates


    00:14:57-00:21:00 – Engaging the Community

    The active role of parents Partnering with Orang Asli communities


    00:21:01 - 00:25:09 – World Bank Project

    Dr Suria’s Bangladesh education project How this influenced her work in Malaysia Understanding context, needs analysis, and capacity-building


    00:25:10 - 00:28:17 – Partnering Policymakers

    Integrating indigenous perspectives in mainstream education Coordination and knowledge sharing The RRCC model 


    00:28:18 - 00:29:43 – Closing Thoughts

    Borrowing Dr Suria’s insights “We are looking from the outside; you are an insider.”


    00:29:45-00:31:02 – Outro

    Outgoing message to Dr Suria Directing listeners to Dr Suria’s work Reminders to subscribe and review the podcast

    END

    Sun, 28 Jul 2024 - 31min
  • 6 - Illuminating Diversity and Empowerment - Dr Hajah Yatela Zainal Abidin

    In this informative episode of RYTHM Connect, host Umayal Eswaran speaks with Dr Hajah Yatela Zainal Abidin, CEO of Sime Darby Foundation (Yayasan Sime Darby), who shares her rich experiences and deep insights on the topics of diversity, empowerment, and leadership. Through an engaging dialogue and thoughtful reflection, they navigate the complex terrain of societal challenges and triumphs, offering a compelling narrative that speaks to the heart ofgender equality, social justice, and the full realisation of women’s talents. 

     

     

    Learn more about: 

    Dr Yatela on LinkedIn 

    Yayasan Sime Darby 

    __________________________________________________________


    0:00:07-0:02:28 – Introduction  

    Introducing RYTHM Connect, Dr Yatela, and YSD. 

    0:03:40-0:08:36 – Of Adversity and Allyship 

    Dr Yatela’s career and journey with YSD  Challenges and discrimination “as a woman and in a hijab”  A male ally emerges… 

    0:10:13-0:12:38 – Unconscious Biasness 

    Opening minds with education and awareness  Diversity for performance and profits 

    0:12:50-0:14:25 – Equality Everywhere 

    Unpacking the paid paternity policy  Equity in the workplace – and home 

    0:14:26-0:17:07 – Perspectives on Family and Talent Retention 

    Umayal on what truly defines family  Sharing the benefits and burdens  Empowering women: TalentCorp’s solution 

    0:17:33- 0:24:01 – The Dilemma of Underprivileged Women 

    The absolute unacceptability of domestic violence  Advancing education and awareness  Umayal on RYTHM’s Maharani Programme 

    0:24:26-0:29:33 – Effective Governance 

    Dr Yatela on the YSD experience  Women excelling in foundation leadership  Dispelling corporate foundation myths 

    0:29:43-0:34:03 – Closing Thoughts 

    The necessity of a diverse policy ecosystem  The vital role of women in sports 

    0:34:04-0:35:26 – Outro 

    Thank you for tuning in to RYTHM Connect  Reminders to subscribe and follow us on social media 
    Sun, 24 Mar 2024 - 35min
  • 5 - Transforming Education for the Neurodivergent — Dr. Tricia Yeoh

    While prominent organisations and specialists around the world are helping to demystify neurodivergence and its various profiles, access to the necessary services and support systems remains scarce, especially in developing countries.
    In Malaysia, many neurodivergent children and their families struggle without life-changing interventions and support. Existing programmes are riddled with gaps and shortcomings, preventing children on the autism spectrum and those with other developmental disabilities from reaching their full potential and becoming meaningful contributors to society.
    In this episode of RYTHM Connect, our host Umayal Eswaran sits down with the indomitable Dr. Tricia Yeoh of IDEAS (Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs) to address the ongoing struggle of inclusivity in education and the critical policy-driven interventions that must take place in order to empower neurodivergent children for the future.


    Learn more about: 

    Dr Tricia Yeoh on LinkedIn  

    IDEAS Malaysia 

     

    ____________________________________________________


    0:00:08-0:02:22 – Introduction  

    – Introducing RYTHM Connect and Dr Tricia Yeoh 

     

    0:03:23-0:06:10 – Equity and Policy Reform 

    – Dr Tricia’s passion for addressing social injustices and public policy 

    – Of lasting, impactful, and systemic institutional changes 

     

    0:08:22-0:10:25 – Inclusivity in Education 

    – The IDEAS Autism Centre 

    –  Addressing educational disparities for marginalised communities 

     

    0:12:42-0:16:28 – The IDEAS Experience 

    – The think tank’s policy recommendations 

    – Dr Tricia on inclusive vs. specialised schools 

     

    0:20:44-0:24:23 – Challenging Policy Shifts 

    – The difficulty in executing changes 

    – The efforts of the private and third sectors 

     

    0:26:01-0:27:11 – Recommended Measures 

    – Inspiring students to pursue SEN studies 

    – Short-term stop-gap measures 

     

    0:30:09-0:32:08 – The Orang Asli Experience 

    – Exploring synergy with the Education Ministry 

    – “Taking what we can get” 

     

    0:36:41-0:40:00 – The Role of Parents and Communities at Large 

    – Managing misunderstandings and expectations 

    – An All-Party Parliamentary Group on SEN? 

     

    0:41:00-0:46:16 – Closing Thoughts 

    – The “art” of policy advocacy 

    – Dr Tricia on sustaining efforts 

    —Indicators of progress 

     

    0:46:16-0:48:38 – Outro 

    – Thank you for tuning in to RYTHM Connect  

    – Takeaways  

    – Reminders to subscribe and follow us on social media 

     


    Sat, 02 Mar 2024 - 48min
  • 4 - Driving Change in a Male-dominated Industry - Natasha Zulkifli

    In this inspiring episode of RYTHM Connect, host Umayal Eswaran sits with the trailblazing Natasha Zulkifli, founder of Women in Rail Malaysia and a director at YTL Construction. Join us as we delve into Natasha’s remarkable journey, where she has consistently shattered glass ceilings in the traditionally male-dominated fields of both rail and construction.

    _____________________


    Show Notes

    [00:00:01] – Introduction

    - Welcome to RYTHM Connect

    - Introducing guest, Natasha Zulkifli

     

    [00:03:29] – Natasha’s Early Career

    - Her early experiences in the construction and rail industries

    - Exploring challenges within a male-dominated profession

     

    [00:04:15] – Founding Women in Rail Malaysia

    - The inspiration behind Women in Rail Malaysia

    - Natasha shares anecdotes from the organisation’s early days

     

    [00:07:22] – Exploring Science, Tech, Engineering, and Math subjects

    - Why STEM matters, especially for girls

    - Society’s role in fostering and supporting the initiative

     

    [00:09:29] – Overcoming Barriers

    - An inspiring narrative of defying conventional norms

    - Support for brave and adventurous women

     

    [00:13:18] – Future Aspirations

    - Expanding Women in Rail across Asia Pacific

    - “Don’t overthink it, just do it!”

     

    [00:15:18] – Closing Thoughts

    - Natasha’s final thoughts and advice

    - Thanking Natasha for her time and insights

     

    [00:18:30] – Outro

    - Thank you for tuning in to RYTHM Connect

    - Preview of the next episode

    - Reminders to subscribe and follow on social media

    ________________________________________________

    RYTHM Foundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rythmfoundation/ RYTHM Foundation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RYTHMFound Women in Rail Malaysia: https://womeninrail.org.my/ Connect with Natasha Zulkifli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-zulkifli-620351197/

     



     



    Sat, 13 Jan 2024 - 19min
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