Meet Dr. Izdihar Jamil, Ph.D. | Author. TEDx Curator. Visibility Expert.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Izdihar Jamil, Ph.D. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Izdihar, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I help leaders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs share their stories in ways that create real impact through bestselling books, media features, TV, and influential stages. These stories inspire action, touch hearts, and spark change in communities.

For example, I helped Brenna, a CEO of a multi-million-dollar company, capture her leadership experiences and timeless lessons in her bestselling book- guiding other leaders to navigate uncertainty with purpose and compassion.

My own TEDx talk, “Coming to America. A Story of A Hijab Wearing Woman” in 2021 was born from a personal mission: to inspire my 11-year-old daughter, Nadrah, to embrace her heritage as a proud Muslim woman. That talk sparked a movement, encouraging families to celebrate their roots despite societal expectations.

Motivated by this, I founded TEDxHuntingtonBeach, giving community members a platform to share ideas that solve real problems.

Our talks have reached nearly three million viewers, with messages pouring in about the lives transformed. Four of our speakers went on to organize TEDxFullerton, extending this impact to new communities.

Through storytelling, we create influence, drive meaningful change, and leave a lasting legacy. Every story shared is an opportunity to empower others and strengthen the world around us.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets me apart is my approach: combining impactful storytelling methods with visibility strategies that help leaders become the go-to experts in their fields, create movements, and build sustainable, profitable revenue- all in a way that’s simple, repeatable, and effective.

My journey is deeply personal. I’m just a girl from Malaysia, a small country in Southeast Asia. I never imagined leaving home, but in my early 20s, I did—first to England, then India, and now the U.S.—supporting my husband Rizal’s dream job.

Entrepreneurship was seeded me at a young age by my Grandmother Mamin. She wasn’t highly educated; she was a stay-at-home housewife. Yet she created the life she wanted by solving problems for others- sewing, cooking, buying and selling fabric—helping people make beautiful clothes. She never let circumstances define her.

In 2009, inspired by Secrets of the Millionaire Mind and Rich Dad Poor Dad, Rizal and I became obsessed with financial freedom. One day he said, “Let’s start an organic delivery business.” And I thought, “I’m four months pregnant, doing a Ph.D., and you want to start a business?”

But we saw a gap: no trusted halal organic produce for our community. So we solved it- delivering fresh, organic produce directly from the farm to people’s doors.

It wasn’t easy. Regular chicken cost $3; ours was $10- three times more! But we learned that our customers weren’t everyone- they were health-conscious professionals who valued quality. Without paid ads or a fancy website, our sales grew 10x in two years. We let the business go when we moved to the U.S. in 2015.

The move to America came with its own challenges. I’ll never forget being at Whole Foods in Orange County, picking out dates to break our fast, when a stranger asked, “Are you going to blow yourself up?” A few weeks later, two police officers in full gear, guns over their shoulders, fingers on the trigger, knocked on our door because a neighbor reported a crying baby.

I thought, “America is the biggest mistake of our lives.”

To lift my spirits, Rizal bought me a course to focus my energy on something creative. One of the assignments was going live on social media. On Mother’s Day 2018, I put on a pretty floral hijab and a pink top, and before hitting the LIVE button on Facebook for the first time to share my story, I thought, “They are going to think I’m a terrorist.” And then I HIT THE BUTTON.

Today, I’m a 21x bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and media contributor, helping leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations share their stories to make a meaningful impact. No one should ever fear who they are, and every unique voice deserves to be heard—without prejudice.

It all began with me simply showing up to share my story—and what unfolded went far beyond anything I could have imagined.

Now, I help leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations share their stories in ways that truly create impact—through bestselling books, media features, TV, and influential stages—because even the most incredible stories, the ones that could spark movements, mean nothing if they aren’t shared on platforms that give visibility and solidify credibility.

Lessons I’ve learned along the way:

1. Hit the button, even when it’s hard. Courage starts with action, not perfection.
2. Stay true to who you are, despite prejudice. Your identity is your strength—I still proudly wear the hijab.
3. Make things easy for others by solving their problems. Service is the foundation of meaningful impact.
4. Know your audience. Your message resonates most with the people who are seeking exactly what you have to offer.
5. Share your story. Growth and progress come from showing up, not waiting for the “perfect” moment.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d plan the ultimate week to show them the very best of this area. We’d start with Huntington Beach- walking along the shoreline, feeling the sand under our feet, and watching the waves roll in. It’s beautiful, serene, and the perfect place to soak in California vibes.

Of course, we’d also do the classic tourist experience in LA- strolling the Hollywood Walk of Fame, snapping photos with the stars, and going on a hike up to the Hollywood Sign for that iconic view of the city.

For some local thrills, we’d catch an Anaheim Ducks ice hockey game at the Honda center- the energy of the crowd and the excitement of the game are unforgettable. Food would be a highlight: Nomad in Long Beach for delicious Chinese cuisine, and Belacan Grill in Tustin for authentic Malaysian flavors that remind me of home.

We’d balance city adventures with nature: scenic walks in Irvine to spot majestic redwoods, and a trip up to Big Bear to enjoy crisp mountain air, stunning views, and some time outdoors.

It would be a week of contrasts- ocean waves and mountain peaks, city energy and serene nature, iconic landmarks and hidden gems, incredible food and unforgettable experiences. By the end, they’d see why I love this area so much—and why every corner has a story to tell.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m endlessly grateful for the incredible people and influences in my life- it truly takes a village. Cindy Warden, who connected me with Chris for this opportunity; Team Eason, for holding the bar high and inspiring me to be a more powerful storyteller; Carly, Vanessa, and Sam, for teaching me the art of business and sales; and The Pillow Talkers, for giving me space to dream and create.

My family’s love and encouragement fuel everything I do, and my clients’ courage and vision inspire me daily. Books like Rich Dad Poor Dad, Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, and 10x Is Easier Than 2x have shaped my growth.

Most of all, I’m thankful to God, who makes everything possible—even through the hardest times. Every connection, lesson, and cheer has brought me here and continues to propel me forward.

Website: https://www.izdiharjamil.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdrizdiharjamil

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamdrizdiharjamil/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamizdiharjamil

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWb8eXBvihwMr6AkDeKyMQ?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
Razia Jukes Photography