The Jen Gottlieb Show Rules of Self-Reliance: How Personal Branding Led Maha Abouelenein to Top Roles at Google & Netflix
Born and raised in Minnesota, Maha Abouelenein made the brave decision to move back to Egypt at 27 to care for her mother. In the process, she took up a job she felt overqualified for—secretary to a billionaire. That job turned out to be the catalyst for an incredible journey from "front office" to business partner, eventually leading Maha to become the communications lead for giants like Google, Netflix, and the ruler of Dubai.
In this episode, Maha shares her playbook for success: embracing discomfort, building authentic relationships, and staying resilient in the face of challenges. She recounts the valuable lessons learned from her father, the importance of reputation as an entrepreneur, and how she rebuilt her life at 50 after returning to the US during the pandemic.
Maha also discusses her book, 'The Seven Rules of Self-Reliance,' as a guide for aspiring entrepreneurs. It's not just about independence—it's about knowing when to ask for help, creating opportunities rather than waiting for them, and investing in the relationships that matter most.
"If you're asked to do something and you're not sure you can, say yes. You'll learn a lot about yourself." ~ Maha Abouelenein
In This Episode:
- Moving back to Egypt: a leap of faith
- From secretary to business partner
- The power of relationships and building trust
- Why reputation matters in entrepreneurship
- Practical tips on investing in relationships
- Rebuilding a business amidst a pandemic
- Visibility is your responsibility: why storytelling matters
- Turning struggles into strengths
- "Unlearn, relearn, and invest in yourself"
- Don’t be a waiter, be a creator
- Learning from failed goals and then building resilience
- Tips for finding mentors and seeking guidance
- Maha's perspective on giving value
- The two unspoken rules of self-reliance
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About Maha Abouelenein:
Maha is the CEO and Founder of Digital & Savvy, a global communications consulting firm with a presence in the USA, Dubai, and Egypt. With over 30 years of PR experience, she has worked with global corporations, high-growth tech startups, governments, and thought leaders. Maha is passionate about nurturing meaningful relationships and using storytelling to build a reputation.
Raised in the USA by Egyptian parents, Maha comfortably bridges Western and Arab cultures. She is a sought-after keynote speaker, having graced stages like Web Summit, Cannes Lions, and VeeCon, and she also hosts the top-rated podcast, SavvyTalk. In 2020, she was recognized by Forbes as one of the Middle East's power women and currently serves on the global board of directors for the Associated Press.
Maha offers 1:1 workshops on Executive Media Training and Personal Branding, empowering others to invest in themselves, communicate effectively, and tell their stories.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mahagaber/
Website: https://www.mahaabouelenein.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maha.gaber
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maha-abouelenein/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@digitalandsavvy
Buy her book: https://a.co/d/1fOnMyb
Where to find me:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jen_gottlieb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenleahgottlieb
Website: https://jengottlieb.com/
My business: https://www.superconnectormedia.com/