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In this deeply moving and transformative episode of Growing Tall Poppies, Dr. Nat Green welcomes the remarkable Dr. Selma Music — clinical psychologist, neuroscientist, confidence and visibility coach, and founder of Rise Above Borders.

Selma’s story is one of unimaginable trauma, extraordinary resilience, and radiant post-traumatic growth. As a war survivor, refugee, eldest daughter of migrants, and now a trailblazing leader for migrant women, Selma shares her powerful journey from invisibility and identity loss to bold, values-led leadership.

Together, Nat and Selma explore how trauma shapes identity and visibility, how post-traumatic growth requires community, and how to rise — without apology, without burnout, and without betraying who you are.

🎧 In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

Highlights

• Selma’s early life surviving the Bosnian War and losing close family to genocide
• Navigating identity loss as a displaced child, refugee, and new migrant
• The silent burden of being the eldest daughter of migrants
• Why playfulness, joy, and connection were missing pieces — and how she reclaimed them
• The unseen pressures of being the “first” in education and career
• Her shift from academic success to living aligned with her soul
• Healing visibility wounds and leading without betraying your values
• How imposter syndrome can be a protective part, not just a mindset flaw
• The dangers of traditional leadership programs that ignore trauma and cultural identity
• Why a trauma-informed, holistic approach is essential for post-traumatic growth
• The mission of Rise Above Borders and how it’s helping migrant women lead safely and boldly
• The importance of community, not just therapy, in long-term healing
• What Selma would tell her younger self — and how she’s become the lighthouse for others

💬 You’ll Love This Episode If You’ve Ever Asked:

• “Why do I still feel unsafe being seen?”
• “How do I lead without losing myself or betraying my roots?”
• “Can joy and leadership coexist after trauma?”
• “Is there a community that truly gets me?”
• “Why does my imposter syndrome feel like survival, not self-sabotage?”

Key Takeaways:

✔️ Hope for your healing
✔️ Permission to lead as your whole self
✔️ Insight into how trauma shapes identity
✔️ Strategies for safe, authentic visibility
✔️ A heartfelt reminder that you're not alone

📣 Connect with Dr. Selma Music:

Instagram: @RiseAboveBorders
📬 DM her to connect, collaborate or just say hey - go over to Insta -This is where she is most active and real conversations happen.

💥 Final Words from Dr. Selma:

“Imposter syndrome kept me safe. But now, I don’t need to hide. I’m here — whole, visible, and leading others to rise.”

💛 Final Words from Dr Nat:

“Selma is not just s

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Intro and Outro music: Inspired Ambient by Playsound.
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be deemed or treated as psychological treatment or to replace the need for psychological treatment.