In the latest episode of Dentistry Talks podcast, we speak with BBC radio presenter Nadia Ali whose story is one of community, motherhood and mentorship.
As the only permanent national broadcaster who wears a hijab in the UK, Nadia holds a powerful space in the media. In a candid discussion, she opens up about her decision to wear the hijab in 2024 – and what this has meant for her as a presenter on the BBC Asian Network.
She also discusses the importance of carving community and spaces for British Bangladeshis, and why she has leant into this mission both on radio and through her mentorship projects.
With community being part of her history, she says: ‘What was beautiful was the fact that my grandmother and my grandfather were able to really keep that flag going to say “We are Bangladeshi” at a time when it was a lot harder to do that.
‘They formed a community where people can learn Bangla and learn Arabic. They can celebrate Eid and they can celebrate Diwali – they celebrated safety in a community. Together, they built quite a few community centres in Tower Hamlets.’
In this episode, we also explore the importance of mentoring and representation, the impact of balancing personal identity within a professional setting, and how motherhood has influenced Nadia’s career. We also discuss her advice for women navigating discrimination in the field and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
You can now watch on Youtube and listen on Spotify.
Topics include:
- Importance of mentorship
- Decision to wear a hijab and its impact, both professionally and personally
- Advice for maintaining authenticity and personal identity within a professional setting
- Motherhood and its influence
- Facing discrimination.
You can listen to other episodes below:
- Dentists – disrupt or be disrupted: business lessons from a former airline managing director
- Simplify to succeed: how better organisation can reduce stress and improve your dentistry
- The power of community: former rifleman talks trauma and true support
- ‘I was arrested and sectioned for 28 days’: ex-police officer Beck House on mental health
- Why is vulnerability in dental business so crucial for success?
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