Leading with Authenticity and Curiosity: Jumanah Saadeh’s Leadership Journey
As part of the Sanger Leadership Center’s 10-year anniversary celebration, we’re amplifying the voices of students, alumni, and partners who have shaped—and been shaped by—our programs. Jumanah Saadeh, a Ross MBA student, is one of a few Wolverines who has engaged with every Sanger program over the course of her academic career. As a recipient of the Michigan Ross Leader Endorsement (MRLE), Jumanah exemplifies the kind of authentic, reflective, and collaborative leadership we strive to cultivate at Michigan.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a lifelong Michigander and proud Ann Arbor native, so the University of Michigan has always been part of the backdrop of my life. As the daughter of a teacher, I have a deep love of learning and I’m passionate about education, community, and stewardship. I find joy in exploring nature and discovering the world, so I can often be found outside on a trail, meeting new people, and traveling. Inside, I’m likely to be found reading with a hot cup of tea or spending time with my family over coffee and cookies.
Looking back, how did your experiences at Sanger shape your leadership style and career path?
Sanger provided me with tools and frameworks—like the Michigan Model of Leadership—that empowered me to identify and strengthen my collaborative leadership style. I’ve been able to apply these insights directly in my role as a project manager at the University, where building relationships and creative problem-solving are key. I lead by being warm and approachable—in other words, by being my authentic self.
Can you share a moment when you applied a leadership skill you learned through the Michigan Ross Leader Endorsement (MRLE) in your professional life?
The most novel leadership skill I learned through the MRLE was experimentation: generating hypotheses, testing them, and incorporating feedback. I’ve adopted this mindset in the workplace as an ongoing practice. I regularly meet with colleagues to gather their ideas and input, which I then use to shape and improve future projects. It’s been a valuable way to foster collaboration and innovation.
What’s one lesson from your time at Sanger that has stuck with you over the years?
Storytelling is a powerful tool. Growing up, I loved hearing my grandmother’s stories and spending time at the library with my mom, but I hadn’t made the connection that my own experiences were stories worth sharing. At Sanger, I learned how personal storytelling can be used to teach, lead, communicate, and build bridges—and that’s a lesson I carry with me in all areas of my life.
As we celebrate Sanger’s 10-year anniversary, what excites you about the next 10 years of leadership development at Michigan?
I’m excited to see Sanger’s programming expand to reach even more Michigan students. Interdisciplinary learning mirrors real-world collaboration and brings in diverse perspectives that help students become more empathetic, well-rounded global citizens. That kind of leadership development aligns perfectly with Michigan’s mission to be the leaders and best.
If you could give one piece of advice to a current U-M student about leadership, what would it be?
Leadership is an ever-evolving journey of applied learning. Identify your strengths and push yourself to grow them further. Pinpoint areas you want to improve and find opportunities to experiment. There are incredible resources at Ross—shoutout to Sanger!—and also within your own networks: family, friends, colleagues, and community. Remember that learning can be fun, and lean into it!
Ready to start your leadership journey?
Explore Sanger’s Leadership Roadmap to find programs that match your goals and interests.
