The Reluctant Leader, with Shuah Khan

Open source software is the invisible engine of today’s world, and few people understand that better than Linux Fellow—Shuah Khan. She explains how this community-built code empowers everyone from Hollywood studios to a cobbler on an Indian beach running a business from an Android phone, illustrating its profound human impact. But the conversation goes far deeper than code. A self-described “reluctant leader,” Shuah shares the curiosity-driven mindset that keeps her “in perpetual learning,” her conviction that mentorship can literally change lives, and how she has helped newcomers land dream roles through programs she leads at the Linux Foundation. She unpacks why diversity of thought—not just gender or geography—makes the kernel stronger for billions of users, and reveals why real success is working herself out of a job: stepping in where there’s a gap, building community infrastructure, then leaving it able to thrive without her.  Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering stories from remarkable women. Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more. TRANSCRIPT: https://www.shelightstheway.com/shuahkhan-interview-transcript  EPISODE LINKS: Shuah’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shuah-khan/ Shuah on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuah_Khan Shuah’s Blog: https://shuahkathamanjari.ghost.io/  Linux Foundation Mentorship: https://www.linuxfoundation.org/research/mentorship-in-open-source KEY MOMENTS: 00:00 Welcome & introduction 02:00 Open source powers our everyday lives 05:00 The long road to Linux Fellow 08:00 Collaboration over competition 10:00 Mentoring the next generation 12:00 Curiosity & perpetual learning 18:00 Why diverse life experiences make better code & communities 20:00 Stepping up when a gap appears, then inviting everyone in 22:00 Working yourself out of a job & passing the torch 24:00 Thriving in male-dominated spaces by flipping the label 28:00 Legacy writing & cultural roots 30:00 Grandfather’s library & a lifelong love of history 33:00 A jogging uncle’s lesson 35:00 Life’s sweet-bitter-sour chutney 37:00 Champions who challenge 39:00 Redefining success 41:00 Shuah’s advice for others 42:00 What She Lights the Way means to Sharissa FOLLOW: Website: shelightstheway.com/ Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/  STORIES: https://www.shelightstheway.com/stories PODCAST: Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/ RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS  Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0  Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N  Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m  BLOG: https://shelightstheway.substack.com/ CONNECT: Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story