Life
Mariam Farag, Global Keynote Speaker and Author, has built a business based on shifting the perspective of how companies and individuals talk about their brand.
Here, Farag puts pen to paper and shares how a humanized and purpose-led approach can affect a positive change in her book, ‘Humanize Your Brand: Stand Out in a Busy Digital World’.
What inspired you to write a book, Humanize Your Brand: Stand Out in a Busy Digital World – was it a leap of faith?
For years, I saw how brands struggled to create genuine connections in a world that’s increasingly digital. The idea of humanizing brands had been growing in- side me, but deciding to write the book was a leap of faith. It was my way of stepping out of my comfort zone and putting my beliefs into action – sharing my story and insights so others could connect more authentically with their audiences.
In your book, you discuss taking on a holistic approach to building meaningful connections, online and offline – can you expand on this? And who can benefit from this?
A holistic approach means seeing the bigger picture – your audience isn’t just a statistic; they’re real people with emotions, values, and unique stories. Whether you’re communicating online or offline, it’s about creating experiences that feel genuine and personal. Online, this could mean sharing relatable stories or engaging meaningfully with your audience. Offline, it’s about showing up as your authentic self and building relationships based on trust. This approach is valuable for everyone – from entrepreneurs and corporate leaders to freelancers and individuals. Whether you’re building a brand, a business, or just meaningful relationships, it’s about leading with authenticity and connection.
Why is finding your own personal voice so important in business and in life – and how can one find this?
Your personal voice is your unique identity – it’s what sets you apart in a world full of noise. In business, it builds trust and relatability. In life, it’s how you express your values and beliefs. To find your voice, you need to embrace your story – every success, failure, and lesson that makes you who you are. Reflect on what you stand for, and give yourself permission to show up authentically, even if it feels vulnerable. It’s not about perfection; it’s about being real.
What advice can you give to those who are afraid of putting themselves out there, and how is this relevant to your life?
Start small. You don’t have to share everything all at once. Begin by sharing what you’re comfortable with – something that feels meaningful to you. For me, putting myself out there felt intimidating at first, especially sharing vulnerable moments. But I learned that when I opened up, people connected with me on a deeper level. The key is to focus on your purpose and remember that your story can inspire and help others. Don’t aim for perfection; aim for connection.
What activities or tools can help support celebrating our own successes and bring out their best self?
Celebrating your successes doesn’t have to be grand – it’s about acknowledgment. I suggest creating a “success jar,” where you jot down your wins throughout the year, no matter how small. Journaling is another powerful tool to reflect on what you’ve achieved and how it made you feel. Sharing accomplishments with people who support and uplift you can also amplify the joy. For me, gratitude plays a huge role – taking a moment to pause, say “I did this,” and appreciating the journey helps me see my growth. These small habits fuel confidence and remind you of your unique strengths.
“I believe that profit and purpose can coexist. The sweet spot lies in choosing opportunities that align with your mission and communicating authentically”
How do you balance being commercial while staying true to your values?
It starts with clarity – knowing your core values and sticking to them. Whether it’s me as an individual or a brand, I always ask, “Does this align with my purpose? Is it creating genuine value?” For brands, balancing commercial success and authenticity means integrating purpose into every decision. For example, brands that embrace sustainability or social impact do so not because it’s trendy, but because it aligns with their values. It’s also about transparency and consistency – audiences notice when your actions don’t align with your words. I believe that profit and purpose can coexist. The sweet spot lies in choosing opportunities that align with your mission and communicating authentically. When your audience sees that alignment, you build trust, which is the foundation of both meaningful connections and long-term commercial success.
What are some of your personal daily rituals that help you with self-expression and self-examination?
I start my mornings with intention-setting – it’s a simple practice that keeps me focused and mindful. Journaling is my go-to tool for self-expression; it helps me unpack my thoughts, reflect on my feelings, and clarify my goals. I also dedicate time to learning, whether through books, podcasts, or exploring new perspectives – it fuels my creativity and growth. Movement, like Pilates or even a walk-in nature, helps me reconnect with my body and find clarity. These rituals may seem small, but they create space for self-reflection and allow me to express myself authentically.
How do you manage being a thought leader in such an effortless way?
The key is authenticity – I don’t try to be perfect; I focus on being real. Social media can feel overwhelming if you approach it as a performance, so I approach it as a conversation. I share what I believe in, what inspires me, and what I think can spark meaningful dialogue. Thought leadership isn’t about being flawless; it’s about being consistent, relatable, and intentional. I also make it a point to listen to and engage with my audience. Effortlessness comes from alignment – when you’re sharing ideas that reflect your values, it feels natural.
You’ve had an incredible career journey so far. Was there a moment you considered giving up, and where did you get the drive to stay positive and continue through your challenges?
Yes, there were moments when giving up felt like the easiest option, especially during tough times like 2020. I was overwhelmed by personal and professional setbacks and doubted whether I could keep going. In those moments, I leaned on my support system – my family, friends, and mentors – who reminded me of my purpose. I also gave myself permission to rest and reflect without guilt. The drive to continue came from focusing on the bigger picture and recognising that challenges are temporary. Each obstacle shaped me into a stronger and more compassionate person, and I’m grateful for the lessons they brought.
This is The Optimism Issue – how do you stay optimistic?
Optimism, for me, is a daily choice. It’s not about ignoring struggles but re-framing them as opportunities to grow. I practise gratitude – it helps me focus on the positive, even in the smallest things. I also surround myself with forward-thinking, supportive people who inspire me to keep going. Staying connected to my purpose is another anchor – knowing that my work has meaning keeps me motivated. Finally, I remind myself that every setback is temporary and that progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Optimism is believing in what’s possible, even when the path ahead isn’t clear.
