Trust, Leadership, and Inclusion: Lessons from Bangladesh
Today I got to meet with Tanjil Ahmed Ruhullah FCILT BSc (Hons) LLB (Lond.) and Asif Iqbal, at Interport Maritime Ltd. It honestly felt like a masterclass in inclusive leadership. They are both dynamic leaders who absolutely embody the ethos of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Tanjil shared how Interport, a company launched in 2021, is rapidly growing and Asif showcased his vision for shaping the future of corporate leadership in Bangladesh through a culture of trust, mentorship, and inclusivity.
Inclusive Leadership at Work: Building on Shared Experiences
Interport’s focus on cultural diversity and inclusive practices is one of the driving forces behind their success. Asif reflected on how their company brings together people from different backgrounds, men and women from Bangladesh and beyond, to create a more efficient, welcoming workplace. Breaking with traditions, they are leading, inspiring, and breaking barriers. Asif also highlighted the importance of trust as the foundation of leadership—Interport fosters this trust through mentorship programs and inclusion initiatives.
One of the more heartwarming aspects of our conversation was their shared passion for storytelling. The illustrtations from “The Sins and Wins of Inclusive Leadership” have not only resonated with him personally but are tools he can share at both work and home. They even floated the idea of publishing a Bangla version of the book to make it accessible to the next generation of Bangladeshi leaders.
Key Takeaways:
Cultural Diversity: Celebrating diverse experiences and encouraging collaboration between men and women has created a thriving and innovative work culture in Bangladesh.
Trust and Mentorship: Trust is at the core of leadership at Interport, supported by mentorship programs that empower employees from all walks of life.
Future of Training: They have a shared vision of a future where leadership training in Bangladesh includes everyone, regardless of background, breaking traditional norms and embracing diverse talents.
Lesson Learned:
“Inclusion, trust, and diversity take time", but as Tanjil says—"take it one step at a time, and the milestones will follow!”
P.S. If you’re as excited as I am about promoting inclusive leadership in Bangladesh, reach out! Tanjil and Asif are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive future, and they could use your support—whether that’s sponsoring a local leadership book launch or getting involved with their mentorship programs.
