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Q: What key moments or choices have most shaped your professional journey?

Several defining moments shaped my career. Creating my blog www.mariafrangieh.com and founding Socialprise were transformative choices—they pushed me to merge academic theory with real-world impact. Teaching at several international universities and mentoring in programmes like MBRIF, SPARK, and Global Thinkers Forum continually renew my commitment to creating value-driven growth. Choosing to remain a remote-first company early on also shaped our adaptability and global perspective.

Q: Did mentoring play a role in those moments, if so how?

Absolutely. Mentoring has been both a mirror and a catalyst. While mentoring others, I often gain clarity on my own path and make more informed decisions. I also value my mentors who helped me turn doubts into action and reinforced my belief that impact matters more than perfection.

Q: Can you share an experience when you had to make difficult choices in your professional life and how you handled it?

Relocating to Dubai due to the war in Lebanon was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make. Leaving my family behind and adapting to a new environment while ensuring that work continued seamlessly was a real challenge. Although I had frequently and regularly visited Dubai throughout the years as my business is established in Dubai, this was the first time I called it home. It was hard, but ultimately, it became a blessing in disguise. The move opened up new opportunities I never anticipated. I always remind others—don’t fear unexpected change; it can lead to the best things in your life.

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Q: What’s the most surprising or transformative lesson you've learned from mentoring someone, or being mentored yourself?

Mentoring taught me that what may seem obvious to me can be life-changing to someone else. One mentee once told me, “You made me believe my voice matters.” That moment reminded me that empowerment often lies in validating someone’s potential. It's not always about strategies—sometimes it’s about simply listening.

Q: How do you tailor your mentorship approach to support individuals from other cultures, or underrepresented genders and backgrounds?

I begin by listening without assumptions. I adapt my communication style, stay aware of cultural and gender nuances, and avoid applying one-size-fits-all advice. I create space for my mentees to define success on their own terms while giving them the tools to get there. Inclusion is about removing barriers.

Q: Looking back, what mindset or habit most contributed to your long-term success and resilience?

Consistency and curiosity. I commit to showing up every day, regardless of the outcome. I also ask questions constantly, whether I’m teaching, mentoring, or building strategies. That blend of stability and adaptability helped me stay relevant and resilient—even in uncertain markets.

Q: What’s a common misconception about our societies or systems that you often find yourself challenging?

That compliance and innovation can’t coexist. I work closely with startups navigating regulatory frameworks, and I always emphasise that understanding systems—especially legal and procedural ones—is not a limitation. It’s an enabler of growth. Systems can be tools for progress if we learn how to navigate them smartly.

Q: What new trends or shifts are you seeing in workplace culture or leadership?

The shift toward authenticity and value-driven leadership is real. Leaders are now expected to be communicators, not just decision-makers. Also, the integration of AI into everyday work has changed expectations around productivity and creativity. But the human element—empathy, trust, ethics—remains irreplaceable.

Q: In the age of hybrid work and AI, what is one piece of career advice you would give younger professionals or professionals who are looking to pivot?

Learn how to learn. The tools, platforms, and even job titles will keep changing. What won’t change is the need for adaptability and a growth mindset. Invest in critical thinking, communication, and digital fluency, that is how you become more efficient and can do more. And always bring your values to the table—they're your career compass.

Q: Tell us about your society/country, what social shifts do you observe? Are tech and innovation being harnessed for good?

In the MENA region, particularly the UAE and Lebanon, I see tech being increasingly used to bridge access gaps—from education to health to sustainability. Youth and women are harnessing digital tools to launch businesses and movements. There’s growing recognition that innovation should serve not just markets but also communities.

Q: How can we support entrepreneurial thinking among young people and women?

Start by making entrepreneurship accessible and easy, because it is! This means funding, training, mentorship and visibility. Share stories of women-led startups, create safe spaces to experiment and fail, and equip them with digital skills and tools. Programmes must shift from inspiration to action—mentorship alone isn’t enough without execution support.

Q: A motto you live by? 

“Keep going.”
No matter the situation, the location, or the time—no matter how small the effort or the mood—showing up consistently is what keeps momentum alive.