#48. Tapping into the Mind of #1 PR Woman in the Arab World & Ex-Google Head of Communications with Maha Abouelenein

Maha Abouelenein is an Egyptian American communications consultant specializing in strategic communications, public diplomacy, and campaign management.  An executive and entrepreneur -- Maha is one of the most experienced and connected communications specialists in the Middle East, with more than 22 years of experience, advising global corporate giants, high growth tech startups, top governments, and high net worth individuals. She specializes in helping big tech companies launchpad into the Middle East market – from Google and Netflix to Udacity and more. She is now working with Serial Entrepreneur, digital guru, and 5X Best Selling Author GaryVee. More on Maha’s incredible Bio Below! Timestamps: [3:00] Intro & Childhood [6:00] Identity Struggle, Marriage, and Social Pressure  [11:00] Overcoming Leadership Challenges & Advice [13:00] The Cultural Context of Leadership [16:00] The Meaning of Empathy to Maha [22::00] Building a True Effective and Solid Team Members  Quotes: • You have to have the confidence to believe that you own a seat at the table and that you should be there. • All business is personal. • We didn't use to have conversations about Empathy in business. It was always about personal relationships. • Empathy is now the core component of leadership and dealing with people in business and culture. Key lessons:  • Marriage and relationships aren't meant to make you whole, they're meant to support you while you work on making yourself whole. • Leadership advice: 1. Confidence & preparation  2. Feeling secure about opinions.  3. Focusing on added value. •  Advice on Building a Team:  - skills - chemistry - cultural fit - believing in the work being done - passion Maha has a reputation for delivering results and ability to manage projects from inception to execution with creative, strategic and analytical drive. Raised and educated in the USA to Egyptian parents, she is home in both West and Arab world