MBC Group’s Head of Corporate Sustainability & Social Impact, Mariam Farag, is in charge of the network’s social impact strategy and corporate responsibility vision. She has more than 19 years of experience in sustainable development, humanitarian relief, the media, corporate and social change in the MENA region and globally. She is an award-winning advocate, public speaker, and advisor for youth development and gender equality. During the United Nations General Assembly Week in New York in 2017, Mariam was given the title of “Humanitarian of the Year” by the international organization, the C3 US-Arab Business & Healthcare Summit. She was given the “Mother of Community Support” award at The Middle East MomPreneurs Forum in Dubai the following year.
All these achievements being a motivational speaker can still be challenging and overwhelming to her. According to an interview, Mariam mentioned the hardest part in being a motivational speaker is keeping herself motivated. “We motivational speakers occasionally fall into the trap of not being sufficiently inspired to inspire others. After all, we are all human” said Mariam. When she is scheduled to speak, she sometimes find that something that happens right before her talk has a negative impact on her mood. When that happens, all she has to do is shake it off, activate her “turn your pain into power” mode, and immerse herself in the moment once she is on stage or in front of the camera. her true motivation comes from inspiring others to believe in themselves, their goals, and their abilities to achieve them!
Mariam is a successful motivational speaker because of her bravery. She is the kind of person who never gives up. “You need to be brave to face sudden changes in your life, keep the faith and never ever give up during the lowest times and recognize the opportunities to rise again! Bravery and faith are hand in hand” said Mariam.
Mariam is persuaded that every person has a story to tell, and that brands can actually amplify these stories by providing a platform for marginalized people to share their stories. Her two boys are what keep her going. In financial gatherings, she wants them to live in a world where humanity is celebrated rather than denigrated.
“Everyone deserves fair and equal opportunities, and we all have a role to play. Mine is working with youth to develop their skills for the job market of the future and enabling organizations to invest in their communities for a more empowered society.” Said Mariam
Faith is her key to staying optimistic. She believes that staying upbeat will always bring good luck into her life. You will prosper if you make your own happiness a reality.
