Maha Abouelenein’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and self-reliance. Raised in a small town in Minnesota by Egyptian parents, her life’s journey took her across continents, into boardrooms of global companies, and onto the frontlines of communications for tech giants like Google and Netflix. In our conversation, Maha shared valuable insights on self-reliance, the power of storytelling, and how to stay focused in an increasingly distracted world.

Maha’s upbringing and early career formed the foundation for her understanding of self-reliance. At 27, when her parents decided to move back to Egypt, she joined them to care for her mother, who had multiple sclerosis. “I moved to Egypt thinking, okay, this is my new life now, and I need to figure out how to build a new life in a new country,” she explained. This transition wasn’t easy—new country, new language, new career. She was offered a job as an office manager for a tech billionaire, a position she initially felt overqualified for.

But a piece of advice from her father shifted her perspective. “He said, ‘Just put your head down, put in the work, and turn it into the role you want it to become,’” Maha shared. She did just that, transforming her position into a springboard for a remarkable career in communications.

For the full interview, listen to our ‘Evolving with Gratitude’ podcast episode, embedded in this article (above) and also available on your favorite podcast platform.

Self-Reliance: A Superpower

One of the key themes of Maha’s book, 7 Rules of Self-Reliance, is that self-reliance is not about independence or doing everything alone. Instead, she describes it as having the confidence to rely on your own strengths and taking initiative. In her words, “Self-reliance is not about being independent or going alone and not needing anyone. It’s the exact opposite. It’s about betting on yourself. It’s about investing in yourself.”

Maha’s definition of self-reliance resonated with me because it’s not just about self-sufficiency but about recognizing your own value and capacity. She emphasizes that self-reliance doesn’t exclude others: “It’s not about being independent or selfish. It’s about being valuable and invaluable to others.”

Self-reliance is not about being independent or selfish. It’s about being valuable and invaluable to others.

—Maha Abouelenein

Stay Low, Keep Moving

Maha’s first rule, “Stay Low, Keep Moving,” comes from a military term, but for her, it’s a metaphor for life. “Stay low” means staying focused amidst distractions, while “keep moving” is about pushing forward despite setbacks. In today’s world, with constant demands on our attention—whether it’s from social media or daily challenges—this rule is more important than ever.

“Life is messy. Take a deep breath, regroup, and keep moving,” she said. For Maha, success isn’t about overnight achievements, but rather the small, consistent efforts that build over time. She advises focusing on “winning today,” a strategy that has helped her navigate both personal and professional challenges.

The Power of Adaptability

In our conversation, Maha shared a story about working with a client who was reluctant to share critical information. The situation required her to adapt her approach to remove the barriers to effective communication. This adaptability, she explained, is crucial in any field—whether you’re an educator, a healthcare provider, or a business leader. “You need to be curious and know how to ask the right questions. Because if you’re going to create value for somebody else, you’re going to have to start asking your questions,” she said.

This adaptability aligns with another central theme in Maha’s book: the importance of being a lifelong learner. In today’s fast-changing world, Maha believes it’s essential to stay curious and open to new information, whether it’s through self-study or seeking advice from others.

You need to be curious and know how to ask the right questions.

—Maha Abouelenein

Storytelling as a Tool for Well-Being

Throughout our conversation, Maha stressed the power of storytelling—not just in professional branding, but in personal growth. “The most important story is the one you tell yourself,” she explained. This isn’t just about crafting a narrative for others, but about having clarity and confidence in your own values and abilities.

Storytelling, according to Maha, is deeply tied to well-being. Whether we’re communicating with colleagues, family, or ourselves, the stories we tell shape our experiences and outcomes. “Communication is something that will never go out of style,” she noted. “How do you connect with an audience? How do you move someone? How do you tell a story, whether it’s for your business, your brand, or your family member?” It’s a skill that will always be valuable.

The most important story is the one you tell yourself.

—Maha Abouelenein

Personal Branding: Reputation as Currency

Maha emphasized that personal branding is not just about your online presence—it’s about your reputation. “Your personal brand equals your reputation,” she explained, emphasizing that it’s not just about social media presence but how you show up in all areas of your life. Reputation, like currency, is something you invest in through every interaction and the way you treat others.

Being intentional about your personal brand means taking responsibility for how you show up in all aspects of life. Maha’s insight reminds us that reputation is one of the most valuable assets we can cultivate.

Your personal brand equals your reputation.

—Maha Abouelenein

A Call to Action: Building Relationships

As we wrapped up our conversation, Maha reminded us of the importance of relationships. One of her favorite chapters in 7 Rules of Self-Reliance is about being a “long-term player,” which means investing in relationships and building trust over time. “We live and die by our relationships,” she said. Whether through personal connections, professional networks, or community engagements, these relationships are what carry us through challenges and open doors to new opportunities.

Her insights emphasize that self-reliance isn’t about isolation—it’s about showing up fully, with confidence and humility, and building connections that sustain us.

In her book, Maha outlines seven key rules for self-reliance:

Rule #1: Stay Low, Keep Moving
Rule #2: Be a Value Creator
Rule #3: Don’t Be a Waiter
Rule #4: Unlearn, Relearn, and Invest in Yourself
Rule #5: Think of Your Reputation as Currency
Rule #6: Be a Long-Term Player
Rule #7: Live with No Regrets

Each rule serves as a practical guide for becoming more self-reliant and thriving in both personal and professional life. To close, Maha left us with this thought-provoking question: “Which of the seven rules will you focus on first?”

With gratitude,
Lainie

Photo Credit: Rick Gmitro

Connect with and learn from Maha Abouelenein:

Website: MahaAbouelenein.com
Book: 7 Rules of Self-Reliance: How to Stay Low, Keep Moving, Invest in Yourself, and Own Your Future
Podcast: Savvy Talk 
Instagram: @mahagaber
LinkedIn: @maha-abouelenein

7 Rules of Self-Reliance: How to Stay Low, Keep Moving, Invest in Yourself, and Own Your Future by Maha Abouelenein