Send us a textThe Honourable Leela Sharon Aheer shares the story that shaped her life and leadership.Growing up in Alberta as the daughter of an Indian immigrant father and a Canadian mother, Leela learned early what it meant to stand out, speak up, and build community. At just 15 years old, she was directly confronted by white supremacist hate. Instead of shrinking, that moment became the catalyst for using her voice and stepping into leadership.In this episode, Leela walks through her unconventional path from music and teaching into politics, winning her first election by just 260 votes and later serving as Alberta’s Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism, and Status of Women. She shares grounded lessons on women’s leadership, servant leadership, and why real change is built through small, consistent actions rather than power or position.This conversation is a reminder that you do not need permission to lead. You just need to activate yourself.Episode Notes In this episode, we cover:• Leela’s early life and how identity and community shaped her leadership • Being targeted by hate at 15 and choosing to speak up instead of stay silent • Why she left political science for music and later returned to politics • Winning her first election by 260 votes and navigating imposter syndrome • Why women’s rights must be protected in legislation • How to build bridges with people you strongly disagree with • Why momentum matters more than burnout • Her vision for global collaboration, trade, and women’s leadership • The simple lesson she believes every woman needs to hearGuest Information The Honourable Leela Sharon Aheer, ECAEmail: [email protected] Twitter: @LeelaAheer Instagram: leelasharonaheer LinkedIn: Hon. Leela (Sharon) Aheer--- Subscribe and ReviewIf you loved this episode, drop us a review, share it with a badass woman in your life, and subscribe to Badass Women in Business wherever you get your podcasts. Stay badass. Stay bold. Build it your way. Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here: Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders Instagram: @badass_women_in_business LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com Athena: athenaac.com