Maha Abouelenein, a strategic communication expert and USA TODAY bestselling author, transforms communication strategies for global giants and high-growth startups as CEO of Digital and Savvy. With three decades of experience bridging Western and Arab worlds, she delivers compelling keynotes on personal branding, storytelling, and self-reliance that captivate audiences across industries.
Maha Abouelenein, CEO and Founder of Digital and Savvy, is a globally-recognized communications strategist with over three decades of experience guiding Fortune 500 companies, governments, and high-profile executives across U.S. and Middle Eastern markets. Her USA TODAY bestselling book “”7 Rules of Self-Reliance”” provides transformative guidance on personal branding and professional growth, drawing from her remarkable journey from caregiver to global entrepreneur. Serving on the Global Board of Directors for the Associated Press and advising tech ventures like LockChain.ai and JumpShot, Abouelenein has orchestrated communications for Google, Netflix, and Weber Shandwick’s Middle East expansion. Honored among Dubai’s most influential women, Forbes Power Women of the Middle East nominee, and PR News Game Changer, she delivers compelling keynotes worldwide on strategic communications and cross-cultural business development. Through her Savvy Talk Podcast and Forbes contributions, Abouelenein continues championing the transformative power of storytelling and self-reliance in today’s digital landscape.
The Questions That Drive Their Work
01
How does your cross-cultural background influence your approach to strategic communication?
My Egyptian heritage and American upbringing enable me to bridge Western and Middle Eastern business cultures authentically. This dual perspective helps clients navigate complex international markets and craft culturally relevant communication strategies that resonate globally.
02
What makes your "7 Rules of Self-Reliance" methodology relevant for today's business leaders?
My methodology emphasizes creating value, building relationships, and continuous learning—essential skills for navigating today’s rapidly changing business landscape. Leaders who master self-reliance develop stronger personal brands and can better position their organizations for sustainable success.
03
How do you tailor your presentations to deliver practical takeaways for different industries?
I draw from three decades of experience across tech, sports, entertainment, and government sectors to customize content that addresses specific industry challenges. Audiences receive actionable strategies for storytelling, reputation management, and cross-cultural communication they can implement immediately.
THEIR CHOSEN OBJECT
The skull of Sophia The Robot
True self-reliance means investing in yourself, building bridges between cultures, and creating value in every relationship you nurture along the way.
What it represents
Self-reliance isn’t just a skill—it’s a superpower. When you invest in yourself and own your story, you’re not waiting for opportunities, you’re creating them. The most successful leaders understand that personal branding isn’t vanity—it’s strategy,”” Abouelenein explains.
Maha Abouelenein pioneered cross-cultural communications strategies for tech giants like Google and Netflix throughout the Middle East, bridging Western and Arab business worlds.
