‘YOU ARE THE POWER’

MSU alumna speaks on her new book

Growing up as the only brown girl at Mankato East High School, Maha Abouelenein found the first day of school terrifying.

“The teacher would read out roll call and everyone was a Miller or Anderson. There were no Aboueleneins. I stood out and I really wanted to fit in,” Abouelenein said. “I learned that identity, even though it was uncomfortable for me when I was younger, I took that challenge and used it as a strength.”

Little did Abouelenein know, she would become a global communications expert and entrepreneur, even being named by Forbes as one of the “Power Women in the Middle East.” 

Abouelenein, whose parents emigrated to the U.S. from Egypt, stopped by Minnesota State to talk with Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Shane Bowyer for a fireside chat to talk about her career. Her journey to success started at MSU, where she said has always felt like home. 

“My dad was the Dean of the College of Business and worked here for about 30 years, so I came to work with my dad all the time,” Abouelenein said. 

Abouelenein completed her undergraduate at MSU, earning a degree in International Business and Marketing with a minor in French before returning for her Master’s in Communication. She even launched a campaign to help name Stomper. 

“He was always a Maverick, but he didn’t have a name, so we got Subway to sponsor a campaign and children sent in their names and drawings,” Abouelenein said. 

She worked several jobs before moving back to Egypt with her parents to spend time with them. While looking for jobs, she was offered a position as a billionaire’s secretary, which her father encouraged her to take. 

“He said ‘It’s a great place to network. You get to work with a billionaire who runs multiple businesses and the access and learning you’ll get is immeasurable,’” Abouelenein said. 

That job became the stepping stone for Abouelenein’s career as she “invested herself” into the role and offered to help out as often as she could. After working on a couple of projects for the business, Abouelenein was on a team that helped launch the largest IPO in Egypt’s history along with 18 mobile networks across Africa. 

Abouelenein said if she wouldn’t have gotten to where she is today had she not taken a job she thought she was “overqualified” for.

“Figure out if a job is going to give you a chance to earn or learn,” Abouelenein said. “I wasn’t making much money, but I was learning tremendously. If it’s going to give you a chance to learn, take it.”

Abouelenein has built a name for herself, having worked as the Head of Communications at Google for a few years, helped launch Netflix in Dubai and has started her own company, Digital and Savvy. Her most recent project is her first book “7 Rules of Self-Reliance,” which debuted Oct. 8. Her book talks about going after what you want, how to build confidence and recognize potential.

Abouelenein said she wrote her book “not on what she does, but how she does it.” One of the chapters talks about “Building your Personal Brand.” Abouelenein said she prefers to use the word “reputation” instead.

“Don’t you care about your reputation? You should be spending everyday working on it because if you have a good reputation, you’re going to get that job or opportunity,” Abouelenein said.

Seeking and maintaining good working relationships is one of the keys Abouelenein has relied on for her success.

“I call it ‘making deposits in other people’s trust banks.’ Relationships are your currency,” Abouelenein said. “You have to learn how to add value to other people. If you do that, you’ll already be ahead, no matter what your job or career is.” 

While the book has self-reliance in the title, Abouelenein said the book isn’t about being independent.

“A lot of people see the word ‘self’ and they think it’s being selfish and not needing people,” Abouelenein said. “If I can teach people how to invest in themselves first, when they go into the working world, they know the keys to getting there.”

With all of her projects and remote work of running her businesses, Abouelenein prioritizes self-care so she doesn’t burn out. 

“I work hard, but I don’t miss my tennis on Saturdays or anything with my family. I never skimp on sleep and I take breaks,” Abouelenein said. “I’m not an Energizer Bunny. I can’t just work 24/7. If my tank is empty, I’m not giving to anybody else.”

Abouelenein said she hopes her book can inspire others and to “be a vessel” for people’s lives.

“You are the asset. You are the power. Everything comes from you,” Abouelenein said. “The message is a powerful essence.”
Abouelenein’s book is available for purchase at the Maverick Bookstore. Keep updated on her website at https://www.mahaabouelenein.com.

Caption: Alumna Maha Abouelenein presents on her book during the special event hosted at Ostrander Auditorium, Minnesota State on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024(TROY YANG/The Reporter).

Write to Emma.johnson.5@mnsu.edu