A story about leadership. Not really.
It’s about survival.
In Part 2 of our conversation, Sal Naseem peels back the layers of what it actually takes to drive change in a system built to resist it. A system that doesn’t just push back—it pulls you apart.
Sal doesn’t sugar-coat it: the racism, the denial, the people who tried to break him from the inside out.
But here’s the thing—Sal’s not here for pity. He’s here for truth. He lays bare the cost of being the first. The cost of speaking up. The cost of doing what’s right when everyone else is too afraid.
This episode cuts to the heart of what it means to fight for change when the odds—and the system—are stacked against you.
Why You Need to Listen:
"They Tried to Break Me": Sal’s searing account of fighting institutional racism while facing betrayal from his own organisation.
The Glass Cliff, Up Close: Sal reveals the impossible pressures placed on him as the first senior Muslim leader in his space - and what it taught him about leadership and survival.
Resilience Redefined: Forget the polished leadership buzzwords. This is raw. It’s messy. It’s real.
A Call to Action: Sal doesn’t just want you to listen - he wants you to choose. What kind of leader are you willing to be?
What cost are you willing to bear?
The Reality Check:
Change isn’t a strategy. It’s a fight. Sal knows that better than anyone.
So if you’re comfortable where you are—this episode isn’t for you.
But if you’re ready to see it, hear it, and own it—you’re in the right place.
🎧 Listen now. This is Part 2. And it’s not pulling any punches.
Guest:
https://www.instagram.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sal-naseem
Listen on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-class-of-their-own/id1732288997
Watch on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast/podcasts
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Apq2pSbmvytPjABrlidpN?si=4d62eba56abb45ad
Social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aclassoftheirownpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast
Website:
https://www.playforchange.co.uk/aclassoftheirownpodcast
Host: Mira Magecha
https://www.linkedin.com/in/miramagecha
https://www.instagram.com/mira_magecha
Creative Director: Alex Payne
https://www.instagram.com/alexjamespayne
Editor: Josh Partridge
https://www.instagram.com/joshfilmmaker
Music: Jay Witsey
https://www.instagram.com/jay.witsey
Studio: Podcast House
https://www.podcasthouse.uk
Episode bought to you by: play for change
https://www.playforchange.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/play_forchange
https://www.linkedin.com/company/playforchangeltd
