We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lisa Haisha. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lisa below.
Hi Lisa, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I traveled to Iraq alone to discover my roots George W was about to invade Iraq. My father is from Iraq. I moved to LA to be an actor and it wasn’t working out because of my background. I could not do most parts that I was asked to do and I kept getting #MeToo’d . After a few years, I quit and felt lost. I decided that my Iraqi roots is what is holding me back from being my authentic self. I had to think about dozens of people before I could make a decision because all of their lives would be affected by my choices. I saw Christiane Amanpour on the news saying they closed the Iraqi airport and now people had to take a 15 hour bus ride into Baghdad from Jordan to get in and it was dangerous. .The bus stopped five times and sometimes terrorists kidnapped Americans for ransom. I got an idea. I could go to Iraq and take this bus and get kidnapped. Then I could write about it and be on CNN and then be a war reported. I thought it was a great Plan B. So I booked a ticket to Baghdad against my father’s wishes. I was 27 years old. I took this risk because I was depressed and had no idea what to do with the rest of my life. I felt if I survived, I’d have a great adventure and a book and possible career. If I didn’t survive, that was ok too. I had no more will to live. So I ent on this journey, tried to get kidnapped by flashing cubic zirconia and hundred dollar bills during the five stops to check visas. Nothing. Everyone was so kind. I spent a month in Iraq and had many adventures including going to my dad’s birth hone, his school and to Babylon, a road trip across Iraq and an Orphanage. I started interviewing the children there and ended up wiring a book about the orphans in fifteen countries. It took me five years. Then that book made me a writer and gave me a speaking career and then I got a masters in spiritual psychology and started coaching. My whole life changed because of this decision to go to Iraq during a war.
Lisa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My website is: lisahaisha.com it has everything on it.
I am an author, teacher, coach, and speaker. I lead retreats and workshops around the world. I have three books published on self help: 1. SoulBlazing Transform your Imposters into Super Powers and live a purposeful, Authentic Life. Las Siete Mascaras version in Spanish- 2. ME: A SoulBlazing Journal: Create Your Roadmap for Personal Growth, Wellness and the Happiness You Deserve 4. Whispers from Children’s Hearts and a new one coming out in Fall, 2025 called Under a Baghdad Roof. It’s about my trip to Iraq. I offer private coaching. I also have a monthly virtual workshop and two pre-recorded courses. Join me on a retreat or my next seminar. Also, starting my SoulBlazing Podcast In January, 2025.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
The most successful thing one needs to do to be successful in my field besides training and knowledge is to travel and to travel alone. When you do this you meet people from all walks of life and you can genuinely connect with others. If you have someone with you, you don’t usually meet as many people and the connection is more shallow.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I had to pivot when I quit acting. After my trip to Iraq, and 15 countries over five years interviewing orphans, I decided to be an author, coach, host and speaker. I feel it’s rewarding and exciting to meet many people and have deep chats and learn about people intimately. I love my career. It’s my passion, not a job.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lisahaisha.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisahaisha
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulblazingwithlisahaisha/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lisahaisha_motivationalspeaker-writer-lifecoach
- Twitter: https://x.com/lisahaisha?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu-6Cq9oYluJ9IEmBmoFxaA
- Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lisa.haisha/video/7413034419633622278
Image Credits
Ragan Lynn
Kian Saneii