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EPISODE #

86

Maha Abouelenein: build your brand, bet on yourself and live with no regrets!

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About this episode

I sat down with Maha Abouelenein, powerhouse communicator, entrepreneur, and best-selling author of Seven Rules of Self-Reliance. Maha shares her incredible journey—from starting as a secretary for Naguib Sawiris to building a PR empire, working with global icons like Gary Vee, and becoming a bestselling author.

We dive into the lessons from her book, the importance of betting on yourself, unlearning outdated ideas, and building a personal brand rooted in authenticity. Maha’s insights are both inspiring and practical, whether you’re an entrepreneur, corporate leader, or someone seeking purpose and growth. This is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and self-belief!

Support for the show comes from Capital.com, a global investment company with offices in Dubai. Click here and get a chance to win AED 1m.

Contents:

00:00:00 Episode Trailer

00:01:44 Guest introduction: Maha Abouelenein

00:02:31 Discussing the book: Seven rules of self reliance

00:03:42 The importance of confidence and self-belief

00:06:42 Imposter syndrome and gender

00:07:48 Taking initiative and creating opportunities

00:16:15 Failure as a stepping stone to success

00:17:42 Navigating cultural differences and challenges

00:23:57 Building and protecting your reputation

00:26:26 Taking pride in every job

00:35:04 The value of personal branding

00:39:00 The power of authenticity

00:39:29 Gary Vee’s content strategy

00:41:44 Overcoming fear and self-doubt

00:45:25 Personal stories and family struggles

00:50:43 Building self-reliance

00:56:16 Pricing your services

00:59:54 The importance of relationships

01:02:36 Unlearning and evolving

01:04:09 Living with no regrets

01:07:38 Rapid fire questions

 

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Maha Abouelenein

guest profile

Maha Abouelenein

Maha Abouelenein is a personal branding expert, CEO and founder of global communications consulting firm Digital and Savvy, and best-selling author of 7 Rules of Self-Reliance. With over three decades of experience, she has crafted strategies for global corporations, startups, sports organizations, governments, CEOs, and high-net-worth individuals. She managed communications for major tech companies in the Middle East, including Google, Netflix, Udacity, and Careem. She helped Weber Shandwick establish 18 offices in the Middle East and led the Cairo operation. She also contributed to the largest IPO and acquisition in Egypt’s history at Orascom Telecom. Raised and educated in the U.S. to Egyptian parents, Maha bridges cultures, supporting businesses navigating opportunities in the Middle East. She has been named one of the most influential women in Dubai, a Forbes Power Woman of the Middle East, a Top Woman in PR by PR News and one of Minnesota’s Leading Women in Business. She is an Advisor to LockChain.ai and Global Gaming League, sits on the Global Board of Directors of the Associated Press, contributes to Forbes and Entrepreneur, and hosts the business podcast Savvy Talk.

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