Hana Assafiri OAM speaks candidly about growing up between Lebanon and Australia, her arranged marriage at 15, and the systemic failures women face when seeking freedom from violence. She shares how acts of kindness from strangers shaped her path, how she transformed personal trauma into purpose, and why she founded the iconic Moroccan Soup Bar, a sanctuary where food, community, and women’s empowerment intersect.

Through her memoir, The Audacity to Be Free, and her relentless activism, and latterly her artwork, Hana challenges us to rethink freedom, gender roles, and the responsibility we all share in creating a fairer, more humane world.

We explore:

- Life and freedom beyond survival

- Acts of kindness that change the trajectory of a life

- Why safe spaces and community support matter

- How men must step up as allies in addressing gender-based violence

Who is Hana Assafiri?

Hana Assafiri OAM is a renowned entrepreneur, activist, and author. Best known as the founder of Melbourne’s iconic Moroccan Soup Bar, Hana has spent over 25 years creating spaces that blend food, culture, and community justice. Hana is a leading voice on gender equity, intersectionality, and social change.

Find Hana at:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hana-assafiri-oam-293560173/

Moroccan Soup Bar https://www.moroccansoupbar.com.au/

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.

✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

⭐If this conversation lit a spark please share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.

Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive.

Credits:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - https://vinilo.com.au/

Filming: Chocolate Studios - www.chocolatestudios.com.au

Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you grow up as a third culture kid, speak four languages, and dare to question a system built without you in mind?

In this compelling episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, Professor Nada Hamad—renowned haematologist, professor, and fierce advocate—sits down with Di to talk about identity, inclusion, and the urgent need for change in the systems that shape our lives. Nada brings the full force of her experience—as a clinician, a mother of three daughters, and a woman who’s lived across cultures—to unpack the blind spots in our institutions that still fail women today. From her early start in medical school at just 14 to her powerful insights on advocacy, culture, and raising empowered daughters, this episode is equal parts wisdom and wake-up call.

We cover:

- Gendered systems and why they still fall short

- Identity, belonging, and the power of difference

- Why real inclusion means redesigning the rules

Who is Prof Nada Hamad?

A senior haematologist, clinician-researcher, and academic leader with expertise in bone marrow transplantation and cellular therapies. She is the current President of the Australia and New Zealand Transplant and Cellular Therapies (ANZTCT) society and a 2025 Fulbright Senior Scholar. A mother of three and a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Hamad is changing the conversation in medicine—and society at large.

Find Nada at:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-nada-hamad-a093384/

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.

✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

⭐If this conversation lit a spark …..

➜ Don’t keep it to yourself … share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.

➜ Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive.

CREDITS:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - https://vinilo.com.au/

DISCLAIMER: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week marks a first for the Power Of Women Podcast — our very first male guest, Wade Kingsley.

Wade’s spent his career helping people unlock bold ideas and back themselves — especially women.

In this epsiode we delve into the intersection of creativity, ageism, and gender dynamics — and explore how men and women can work and thrive better together. Wade doesn’t just talk about empowering women — he’s actively doing it & his insights are a timely reminder that the Power Of Women is stronger when supported by the right allies.

We also explore:

- The role men can play in championing female leadership

- How the workplace is shifting — and why collaboration matters more than ever.

Who is Wade Kingsley?

Wade is a creative entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of The Ideas Business and The Creative Coach. With 25+ years in media, marketing, and leadership, he helps individuals and teams build confidence in their creativity through workshops, coaching, and keynote facilitation. A passionate advocate for everyday creativity, Wade works with brands and leaders to turn bold ideas into action. He also hosts the The Creative Coach podcast.

Find Wade at:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadekingsley/

Website https://www.wadekingsley.com/

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.

✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

⭐If this conversation lit a spark …..

➜ Don’t keep it to yourself … share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.

➜ Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive.

CREDITS:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - https://vinilo.com.au/

DISCLAIMER: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.