In a world where women often navigate complex expectations, rising demands, and unrelenting pressure to do it all – there are those who remind us that we can, in fact, choose to live differently.
That we can lead with heart, run with purpose, and rise again and again, no matter the odds.
Dr Noor Amy Ismail, fondly known as Kak Amy, is one of those women.
From recently completing her PhD viva in London to summiting Mount Kinabalu for the second time, from marathon trails to spiritual pilgrimages – her journey is a masterclass in resilience, purpose, and lifelong learning.
But perhaps what makes her story most powerful isn’t just what she’s accomplished: it’s how she invites other women to rise alongside her.
“What choice do you have?”, she asks with a smile. “How do you want to live your life?”
The Power of Iqra’: Read, Learn, Lead
A firm believer in the first revelation of the Quran – Iqra’ (read), Kak Amy places learning at the centre of everything.
It’s not just about formal education, she clarifies, but about cultivating a hunger to grow, question, and evolve.
“Nelson Mandela said the only power that can change the world is education – that’s Iqra’,” she shares.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s online or offline, whether you’re a housewife or a student – knowledge is always your power.”
Her commitment to this ideal is more than words.
She has spent years pursuing knowledge, including returning to London Business School’s Sloan Leadership and Strategy Programme to deepen her understanding of soft power and leadership.
“Soft power isn’t about being weak,” she says.
“It’s about knowing when to listen, when to hold space.
Leadership isn’t about how loud you are – it’s about how grounded you are.”
The Evolution of Leadership: From Control to Compassion
Over the years, Kak Amy’s leadership style has evolved from assertive command to what she now calls servant leadership.
“I used to have no patience for underperformers, but that was me failing as a leader.”
Today, she sees her role as one of mentoring, coaching, and deeply listening – skills honed through years of inner work and academic study.
Her reflections are grounded in humility.
“You realise the more you learn, the more you are nobody,” she says.
“It’s through learning that you become humble.”
She champions a leadership model built on empathy, patience, and presence.
And it’s this ethos that she hopes to pass on to the next generation.
ABCD of Change: A Framework for Women in a Shifting World
In one of the podcast’s most vibrant moments, Kak Amy presents a powerful and surprisingly catchy framework: the ABCD (Air Batu Campur Durian) of navigating change:
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A for AI – a call for women to stop shying away from technology. “Reskill, adapt, face it head-on.”
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B for the Battle of Big Brothers – stay updated with global affairs, find your place, and seize opportunity.
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C for Climate – “We’re talking about a 3 trillion USD investment landscape in Southeast Asia. This isn’t just about saving the planet. It’s business.”
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D for Demographic shifts – “Your workplace will change. Expats, cultures, expectations – be ready.”
Every point she makes is an invitation.
A nudge.
A call to wake up and participate in shaping the world, not just surviving it.
The Marathon is Mental: Running Towards Grit
Outside of the boardroom and academic halls, Kak Amy is an eight-time marathoner, including three world majors, and she’s not slowing down anytime soon.
At the time of the podcast recording, she had just touched down from Hajj and was preparing to summit Mount Kinabalu once more.
She has since completed her second climb and successfully passed her final viva in London.
“Running is a mental game,” she says. “Every time I run, I cry. But I finish. I keep trying.”
She speaks of the ‘runner’s high’ as both a physical and spiritual experience.
It’s also a lesson in pushing through discomfort and learning the difference between pain and growth.
“You don’t have to run. Maybe yoga. Maybe something else.
But move. Honour your body. It can do wonders if you just try.”
Hajj: A Journey of Surrender and Scheduling
When she speaks about Hajj, her tone softens into something deeply sacred.
“It was a fairy tale written by the Divine for me,” she says. “1.7 million people, yet it felt like I was alone with Him.”
She recalls documenting her journey daily, with 40 to 50% of it journalled – the rest, she says, was beyond words.
A series of small miracles unfolded, from an unexpectedly quick tawaf to being personally ushered to the Rawdah where she read an entire juzuk.
“It wasn’t luck. It was an invitation.
If you want to go, just pray. Make your niat. He will call you.”
But for all the spiritual depth, she also brings a grounded practicality to her Hajj story:
“What we can control is our schedule. I had a plan. I wanted to khatam three times, and I did, alhamdullilah.”
She reminds us to reject shame culture and to focus on our own journey:
“Wear a tudung or don’t. Your time will come. But don’t talk about others. Just scroll if you don’t like it.”
Morning Rituals and the Quiet Power of Tahajjud
“I’m not the most pious person,” she says plainly. “But I’ve been guided by tahajjud for over a decade.”
She wakes as early as 4:30 a.m., writes her PhD, and works from 9 to 6 but tries to not go beyond.
Evenings are sacred, family comes first, and sleep is non-negotiable.
“The prayers of your family, they’re magical,” she says.
“Friends are great, but put your family first.”
The Final Climb: A Life of Purpose
At 49, Kak Amy is still climbing – mountains, academic peaks, and internal summits of spirit and self.
“Lead the best life every day, because that is God’s gift.”
Whether she’s mentoring rising leaders, advocating for education, embracing AI, or championing soft power, one thing is clear: Dr Noor Amy Ismail is not done. Not by a long shot.
Her message isn’t about perfection – it’s about purpose.
So if you’re wondering how to begin again, how to rise when things feel impossible, or how to lead with both strength and softness, start with Iqra’.
Read. Learn. Live.
And when in doubt, just keep climbing.
Feeling inspired and want to hear her story in her own words?
Watch the full podcast with Kak Amy:
(Note: At the time of writing this article, Kak Amy had just completed her viva and was pending minor amendments for her PhD conferral.)
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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