Ep 85: From Courtrooms to Conflict Zones: Rabia Siddique on Storytelling, Speaking, and the Power of One

August 19, 2025

85: From Courtrooms to Conflict Zones: Rabia Siddique on Storytelling, Speaking, and the Power of One

Have you ever held back from speaking because you thought your audience was “too small”?

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Have you ever held back from speaking because you thought your audience was “too small”?

In this episode crossover from the Raise 1000 Voices Podcast, Jacqueline Brooker sits down with Rabia Siddique, internationally recognised speaker, human rights lawyer, author, and humanitarian, to explore how your voice has the power to create impact, even if it only reaches one person at first.

Rabia’s extraordinary life has taken her from courtrooms to conflict zones, where she has stood for justice, faced life-threatening challenges, and spoken truth to power against some of the world’s most influential institutions. Her story is a lesson in courage, resilience, and the art of turning personal stories into messages that inspire change.

This episode is a masterclass in public speaking, storytelling, and overcoming self-doubt, perfect for emerging speakers, thought leaders, and anyone who has ever wondered: “Who am I to stand on stage?”

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Reframe success as a speaker by embracing the Power of One (06:58) 
  • Grow your influence step by step — why starting small creates big ripples (12:12) 
  • Master storytelling for impact: how to choose what to share (and what to leave out) (38:13) 
  • Quiet your inner critic by reconnecting with your younger self (25:19) 
  • Speak with courage and grace, even when your story feels raw (33:36) 

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” or the “perfect audience” to begin sharing your story, this conversation will shift your perspective. Rabia shows us that influence is not about numbers—it’s about connection.

That your story, your perspective, and your voice are already powerful enough to create change. All it takes is the decision to begin. 🎙 Listen to this episode of Raise 1000 Voices with Rabia Siddique and learn how to share your story with confidence.

QUOTES

“It’s not about me — it’s about the service my story can bring.” – Rabia Siddique

“The impact you have on one person has the capacity to turn into the impact others have on thousands.” – Rabia Siddique

“Don’t waste any of your precious time or energy worrying about what other people think. Live the life you were born to live.” – Rabia Siddique

RESOURCES

ABOUT RABIA SIDDIQUE

Rabia is an international humanitarian lawyer, retired British Army senior officer, former war crimes and terrorism prosecutor, and hostage survivor.

She has undertaken humanitarian aid work in Asia, South America, Europe, and the Middle East, for which she was decorated by Queen Elizabeth II.

Having survived a hostage crisis in Iraq in 2005 Rabia sued the British Government for discrimination when both the military and government tried to cover up her involvement in the incident, which saw her leading hostage negotiations for the release of two British Special Forces illegally kidnapped and detained by Iraqi based terrorists.  Rabia was held hostage for over eight hours and subjected to cruel and unusual treatment in front of her male colleagues. After their eventual rescue, Rabia’s colleagues were recognised, psychologically supported, and decorated for their efforts and bravery, however, Rabia was gagged, ignored, and ordered to never speak of the role she played on that fateful day where she almost lost her life.

As a result of her betrayal at the hands of her military superiors and the then Prime Minister of Great Britain Rabia was diagnosed with PTSD and after her recovery she held both the British Army and Government to account for their systematic discrimination of women and ethnic minorities.  Her landmark case made international news and saw the floodgates open for many similar cases.  It heralded profound changes in defence and public policy, attitudes, and the support offered to female soldiers serving on the frontline, ethnic minorities, and military personnel suffering with PTSD.

Rabia’s best-selling memoir “Equal Justice: My Journey as a Woman, a Soldier and a Muslim” was published by Pan MacMillan in 2013 and work is currently underway to adapt this to a movie.  She is currently writing her second book “A Beautiful Revolution”, a book about the power we all have to be the change in our lives and in the world around us.

Rabia is now a multi award-winning storyteller, inspirational speaker, leadership consultant, media commentator, and human rights advocate. Peace and the sustainability of our planet is what drives her.

But her biggest challenge and joy is being a mother to her young triplet boys!

WHERE TO FIND RABIA SIDDIQUE

WHERE TO FIND JACQUELINE BROOKER

To connect and learn more about creating a Speaker Driven Business connect with Jacqueline on LinkedIn. You can also follow Jacqueline on Instagram or join the private Facebook group

Join the Speak More Collective.