Creating Synergy Podcast
Creating Synergy brings you engaging conversations and ideas to explore from experts who help businesses adopt new ways of working. Discover innovative approaches and initiatives, new ideas and the latest research in culture, leadership and transformation.
Creating Synergy Podcast
Creating Synergy brings you engaging conversations and ideas to explore from experts who help businesses adopt new ways of working. Discover innovative approaches and initiatives, new ideas and the latest research in culture, leadership and transformation.
June 22, 2023
#105 - Shattering Boundaries: Khadija Gbla's Journey of Resilience, Activism, and Hope
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In this special episode, we have the privilege of hosting an extraordinary guest, Khadija Gbla. Her resilience and determination have shattered the boundaries of adversity, and her story will leave you inspired, enlightened, and motivated to create positive change.
⭐ Highlights:
- From Trauma to Triumph: Khadija shares her journey as a survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM) and her commitment to ending this human rights violation.
- Navigating Hardships as a Refugee: Gain insights into Khadija's experiences as a refugee, shedding light on the challenges faced and the strength required to rebuild a new life.
- Embracing Neurodiversity: Khadija shares strategies and advocates for understanding and supporting neurodiversity.
- Confronting Racism: Learn about Khadija's experiences with extreme racism and her efforts to combat discrimination.
- Motherhood and Advocacy: Explore Khadija's experiences as a mother and her advocacy for individuals on the autism spectrum.
⚡ Key Takeaways:
- Khadija's journey inspires resilience and determination.
- Education and awareness are vital in eradicating practices like FGM.
- Supporting neurodiversity leads to a more inclusive society.
- Confronting racism requires dialogue, empathy, and dismantling biases.
- Change is possible when we believe in our ability to make a difference.
Join us on the Creating Synergy Podcast as we delve into Khadija Gbla's incredible story of resilience, activism, and hope.
Where to find Khadija Gbla
Guest Info

Khadija Gbla is a remarkable African Australian woman who defies labels and inspires change. With an impressive array of roles, she is a single mother, carer, black, non-binary, queer, neurodivergent, and disabled. Khadija's passion for human rights activism drives her to make a difference as an award-winning model, inspirational speaker, facilitator, and philanthropist.
Born in Sierra Leone and raised in Gambia, Khadija's journey brought her to Australia as a teenager. Having experienced the devastating impacts of war and seeking refuge, she now utilizes her powerful voice to advocate for women, youth, and minority groups at local, state, and international levels.
As the founder of Khadija Gbla Cultural Consultancy, Khadija provides advocacy, training, coaching, mentoring, and speaking engagements on a wide range of topics, including domestic and family violence, sexual health, racism, female genital mutilation (FGM), human rights, gender equality, intersectionality, inclusion and diversity, bias, mental health, migrants and refugees, and cultural diversity.
Khadija is a leading voice and campaigner against FGM in Australia. Through her not-for-profit organization, Ending Female Genital Mutilation Australia, she works tirelessly to protect Australian girls from this harmful practice and supports survivors. She conducts training for professionals, advocates for change, and provides community education within practicing communities in Australia.
With her impactful TEDx talk, "My mother's strange definition of empowerment," Khadija has reached millions, spreading awareness and promoting dialogue. She has represented Australia in prestigious international forums like the Harvard National Model United Nations, Commonwealth Youth Forum, and Australian and Africa Dialogue.
Khadija's visionary leadership has garnered recognition through numerous awards, including the 2019 Instyle Magazine Advocate for Acceptance Human Rights Award, 2017 Cosmopolitan Magazine Women of the Year finalist, 2016 Women's Weekly and Qantas Women of the Future finalist, 2016 AusMumpreneur Rising Star and Making a Difference - Non-Profit Award, 2014 The Advertiser South Australia's 50 Most Influential Women, 2013 Madison Magazine Australia's Top 100 Inspiring Women, 2013 Amnesty International Human Rights Activists to Watch Out in 2013, and 2011 State Finalist Young Australian of the Year.
Currently, Khadija is coordinating COVID and flood relief for remote Aboriginal communities, exemplifying her dedication to making a positive impact wherever she goes. Join her in supporting this important cause: [GoFundMe link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/you-can-help-isolated-and-atrisk-communities]
Host Info


Daniel Franco
Daniel is a 'People Collector' kind, a steadfast optimist who believes that the power of trusting relationships is foundational to our bright future. He believes that the world is a better place when we work together. Besides being the Director of Synergy IQ, Daniel is the Host of the Creating Synergy Podcast and rises up every morning with the vision that he can help leaders create a business where their people feel safe, inspired and fulfilled.
Say hello to Daniel on LinkedIn.

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