This next episode of The Courage to Lead is truly special as I had the honour of interviewing Isaiah Dawe, the CEO of ID Know Yourself, a non-profit organisation dedicated to mentoring Aboriginal young people in and out of home care and the child protection system.

Isaiah’s story is nothing short of inspiring, and I can’t wait for you to hear it. Here are some intriguing moments from our conversation:

Leadership from Humble Beginnings:

Isaiah attributes his first true experience of leadership to an Aboriginal elder he called his "foster pop." This elder’s teachings about discipline, hard work, and making good choices left a lasting impact on Isaiah.

The Power of Kindness

A pivotal moment in Isaiah’s life was when a classmate showed him genuine care during a difficult time, igniting a spark in him to extend that same kindness to others.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Despite facing disconnection and mistreatment in foster care, Isaiah found solace in sports and the bond with his younger sister, adopting the mantra, "it’s you and me against the world."

Self-Care and Balance

Isaiah candidly shares his struggles with self-doubt and the importance of self-care, including physical exercise, meditation, and connecting with his cultural roots.

Transformative Mentorship

Isaiah’s organisation has supported over 250 families, emphasising the importance of creating a supportive environment where young people can thrive.

From Foster Care to Leadership

Isaiah’s journey from being taken from his family at two months old to becoming a leader and mentor is a testament to his resilience and determination.

Cultural Reconnection

Discover how Isaiah reconnected with his cultural identity and the profound impact it had on his life and work.

Stanford Experience

Learn about Isaiah’s life-changing experience at Stanford University, where he studied non-profit executive leadership on a full scholarship.  I heard recently the power of education, once you have it (education) it cannot be taken away from you.

Isaiah’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of community support and the importance of small acts of kindness. His journey from foster care to leadership is a call to action for all of us to support and uplift those around us.

A great quote at the end of the interview from Isaiah:  "If there is hope in the future, there is power in the present."  Zig Ziggler

I hope you find this episode as inspiring and thought-provoking as I did. Tune in to hear more about Isaiah’s incredible journey and the valuable lessons he has to share.

Listen to the full episode here.

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