From Being Bullied to Being Mayor: How Politics Became My Therapy with Sumbul Siddiqui

Sense of Self

Sometimes the hardest job becomes your greatest teacher. Sumbul Siddiqui never expected that becoming Cambridge's first Muslim mayor would force her to confront the bullied child she once was - or that leading through COVID would become the ultimate confidence-building experience. In this raw conversation, she reveals how public service became an unexpected form of therapy, teaching her to trust herself even when the world seemed to be watching and waiting for her to fail. 📚 Essential Insights: - How childhood bullying shapes adult leadership styles - The connection between public service and personal healing - Why representation matters for both communities and individuals - Practical tools for building confidence in high-pressure situations - The role of therapy in maintaining perspective during public attacks 🎓 About Our Guest: Sumbul Siddiqui served as mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and continues to advocate for inclusive leadership and mental health awareness in public service. Connect with Sumbul! instagram.com/councillorsiddiqui/ A note on ethics, process, and safety: - The individuals in this podcast have graciously shared their stories and it's important to note that while these discussions are enriching and enlightening, they are not a substitute for therapy or mental healthcare. - Please note that each guest has given their consent to participate, had full control over what aspects of their journey were shared, and either currently engages in therapy or has done so in the past. Thanks from all of us at Sense of Self and The Mission Entertainment.