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https://www.pm-podcast.com/529 Genocide survivor, educator, and leadership consultant Dr. Emad Rahim joins host Cornelius Fichtner to share the S.A.L.T. model—Survive, Adaptation, Love, Transformation—a framework he forged while rebuilding his life from the Khmer Rouge killing fields to the executive boardroom. Rahim explains why acknowledging a “survival state” is the first step toward meaningful change and how project managers can move beyond firefighting into strategic growth by embracing adaptation through value-based decisions. He highlights the critical role of supportive networks (“love”) in sustaining momentum and shows how transformation becomes attainable when leaders combine clear goals with short- and long-term wins. The discussion offers practical coaching advice and ethical insights that translate directly to project environments. Listeners learn to reframe risk, communicate with empathy, and cultivate resilience to navigate scope shifts, stakeholder conflict, and fast-changing markets. Rahim’s personal journey illustrates how empathy, integrity, and a focus on people drive high-performing teams, while his anecdotes—from coaching reluctant experts to managing virtual communication breakdowns—provide actionable techniques you can apply immediately. Whether you need fresh ideas for earning PDUs or a roadmap for turning adversity into project success, these lessons will strengthen your leadership toolkit. *In This Episode, You Will Learn:* - *The S.A.L.T. Model* – A four-step framework to recognize survival mode, design adaptive plans, build supportive networks, and achieve lasting change. - *Coaching for Transformation* – How to assess where team members sit within S.A.L.T. and guide them toward higher performance. - *Ethical Decision-Making* – Practical ways to embed empathy, integrity, and social responsibility into every project choice. - *Communication Barriers* – Strategies for overcoming virtual misalignment and keeping distributed teams engaged. *Resources Mentioned* - Resilience—From Killing Fields to Boardroom https://www.pm-prepcast.com/salt – Dr. Rahim’s book detailing the S.A.L.T. framework and its leadership applications. - Inclusive 360 LLC https://inclusive360.com – Dr. Rahim’s consulting firm offering coaching and project leadership services. *Earn PDUs for This Episode:* - Visit https://www.pm-podcast.com/Earn-PDUs to see how many PDUs you can claim for your PMI certification renewal. *Quotes from This Episode* - "You can’t move forward until you admit you’re only surviving." – Emad Rahim - "Surround yourself with people who love you enough to give tough feedback." – Emad Rahim - "Ethics isn’t separate from delivery—it’s the foundation of sustainable success." – Emad Rahim *Connect with Emad Rahim* - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erahim/
