A Success Story: Helping a Young Professional Find His Voice in Interviews
Recently, I had the privilege of working with a bright and talented young man who was preparing for an important job interview. While he was highly skilled and qualified, he faced a common yet challenging hurdle: he struggled to talk about himself. Specifically, he found it difficult to respond confidently to the classic interview prompt, *“Tell me about yourself.”* This simple question often left him stumbling, unsure of how to present his experiences and achievements in a compelling way.
Recognizing his potential, I began by guiding him through a process of self-reflection. Together, we focused on identifying the most impactful stories from his life and career—moments that showcased his skills, values, and unique qualities. He started by outlining the content of these stories, breaking them down into their core elements, and then rewriting them with fresh perspectives and a clear narrative structure. This exercise not only helped him organize his thoughts but also allowed him to see his experiences in a new light, transforming them into powerful anecdotes that resonated with his personal and professional journey.
As he grew more confident in the content of his stories, we shifted our focus to his presentation skills—what I like to call the *storyteller’s toolkit*. We worked on refining his voice modulation, eye contact, facial expressions, and posture. These elements are critical in conveying confidence and authenticity, and he embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. Through practice and feedback, he began to embody the role of a storyteller, someone who could engage his audience and leave a lasting impression.
Finally, we addressed the inevitable stage fright and anxiety that often accompany high-stakes interviews. We discussed strategies to manage nerves, such as grounding techniques and mental preparation, and practiced mock interviews to simulate the real experience. Over time, his confidence grew, and he became more comfortable with the idea of presenting himself authentically.
The true measure of success came when I followed up with him after his interview. Not only had he performed exceptionally well, but he had also secured the job. For me, this was more than just a professional achievement—it was a deeply personal moment of fulfillment. Knowing that I had played a small part in helping him overcome his challenges and achieve his goal was incredibly rewarding.
This experience reinforced my belief in the transformative power of storytelling and self-awareness. It’s not just about landing a job; it’s about helping individuals recognize their worth, articulate their value, and step into their potential with confidence. For me, that is the essence of making a meaningful difference—one story at a time.
A Success Story: Crafting a Compelling Brand Narrative
I was recently approached by a passionate brand owner who sought help in articulating the story of her local pharmaceutical brand. Alongside her siblings, all of whom are pharmacists, she had transformed their collective knowledge and expertise into creating a line of locally-made skincare products. When she first reached out to me, she was unsure of what her brand’s story truly was. Like many entrepreneurs, she was caught in a web of ideas and emotions, struggling to pinpoint the essence of her brand’s identity and purpose.
Our journey began with deep, exploratory conversations. Together, we dug into the motivations behind her decision to launch the brand, peeling back the layers to uncover the real reason—often hidden within the complexities of our thoughts and aspirations. Step by step, we discovered her genuine passion: a desire to combine her pharmaceutical expertise with a commitment to providing high-quality, locally-made skincare solutions. This passion became the heart of her brand’s story, a narrative that not only reflected her values but also resonated with her audience.
Once the story was crafted, we shifted our focus to presentation skills. We worked on how to effectively communicate this narrative, ensuring it was both authentic and impactful. This included preparing her to record a compelling video as part of her application for a prestigious grant. The video was designed to convey not just the facts about her brand, but the emotion and purpose behind it.
I was thrilled to learn that her application progressed to the interview stage of the grant process. This milestone is a testament to her dedication and the power of a well-told story. I have no doubt that her brand’s narrative will continue to open doors and touch hearts, as it reflects the authenticity and passion that drive her work.
For me, this experience was a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling. It’s not just about creating a narrative; it’s about uncovering the soul of a brand and giving it a voice that inspires and connects. I wish her continued success and look forward to seeing her story reach every door and every heart it is meant to touch.
A Summer of Stories in Minya: Nurturing Young Creatives at New Hermopolis
When Dr. Mervat first shared her vision for a summer camp at her beautiful New Hermopolis in Minya, a place I was fortunate to visit over a decade ago, I was immediately enthusiastic. My excitement stemmed from two key reasons: my deep respect for Dr. Mervat and the incredible work she champions in her hometown, and the brilliant concept of a summer school for Minya's children, centered on storytelling as a powerful art form. To deliver this unique blend of art and learning to young minds felt truly inspired.
Last month, attending the inauguration of the summer camp was a moving experience. Witnessing the children's bright anticipation and the audience's engagement was deeply inspiring, further fueling my ongoing thoughts on how children, especially those more connected to nature, interact with their world. New Hermopolis, with its unique setting, seemed to naturally foster this connection.
The Journey and an Unexpected Delight
I'll admit, as the trip approached, I had a slight apprehension about the journey itself. It's a significant distance, and traveling in the peak of summer to a region known for its heat gave me pause. However, the trip was smooth, and what truly surprised me was the weather in Minya. Perhaps it's New Hermopolis's location amidst the desert, far from urban pollution, but the early mornings offered a beautiful, crisp serenity, and even midday remained remarkably tolerable. It was a delightful and unexpected bonus.
Connecting Through Shared Stories
My time working with the children was undoubtedly the most rewarding part of the experience. Despite the large group and a wide age range—from vibrant three-year-olds to thoughtful fourteen-year-olds—their receptiveness and eagerness to engage were remarkable. Even the youngest participants were keen to be involved in every activity, their enthusiasm infectious. My role spanned two days, four hours each day. While this felt like a brief window to impart everything I hoped, I focused on sharing the most vital principles of storytelling through playful activities, creative drawing, and moments of shared joy. My sincerest hope is that I was able to plant a seed, leaving a positive and lasting imprint on their young hearts and minds.
A Heartfelt Expression of Gratitude
As I reflect on this enriching experience, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mervat, Mrs. Fibi, and all the dedicated individuals working at New Hermopolis, as well as the Megraya team. Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts brought this beautiful vision to life. I eagerly anticipate future collaborations, continuing to nurture the creative spirit and boundless potential of Minya's remarkable youth.
A Journey of Voices: Empowering visually impaired Children Through Storytelling
My journey into the world of storytelling with visually impaired children began with a simple belief: every child deserves to connect with their heritage and express themselves creatively. As an educator, I've always prioritized incorporating Egyptian folklore into my programs, offering children a window into their rich history and traditions. This philosophy guided my recent experience, an endeavor that proved to be one of the most rewarding of my career.
Building Connections: Icebreakers and Shared Stories
My initial interactions with the children focused on creating a comfortable and engaging environment. We started with icebreakers and energizers specifically adapted to their needs, fostering a sense of camaraderie and trust. Once settled, we delved into the heart of our project: storytelling. I began by reading aloud a variety of Egyptian folk tales. It was crucial for them to choose a story that resonated deeply, as their personal connection would be the foundation of their performance.
Their unanimous choice was the captivating tale of "Omena el Ghoula," a mythical creature who devours children, and the clever young girl, "Nos Nessiss", who outsmarts her. This story, rich in cultural significance and empowering themes, was a perfect fit.
The Power of Song: Adapting Tradition
As we delved deeper into the narrative, the children expressed a desire to incorporate a song. This was a wonderful challenge, prompting me to search for a piece that would complement the story and resonate with their Egyptian roots. I discovered a traditional children's game song, "أمنا الغوله طقطقي الفولة" (Omena el Ghoula, crack the fava bean). This became our foundation. I adapted the lyrics, weaving in elements of the "Omena el Ghoula" story, transforming a simple game into a dynamic narrative piece.
Beyond Expectations: Four Days to a Magical Performance
What unfolded over the next four days was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite the inherent challenges of working with children with disabilities, their dedication and intelligence shone brightly. It was truly magical how quickly they learned their parts and acted with such spirit. We integrated simple acting techniques, bringing the story to life in ways that profoundly surprised me.
One particular moment stands out: a child who initially struggled with his lines. Through one-on-one coaching, I brought in a key and a bottle, props central to his character's part in the story. By allowing him to touch and interact with these objects, we integrated the tactile experience into his memory, and he subsequently delivered his lines with confidence and flair.
The final performance, while not "perfect" in a conventional sense given the limited rehearsal time, was something far more profound. It was perfect in its authenticity and the unique contribution of each child. Every voice, every gesture, every sung note was imbued with their individual spirit, creating a beautiful and unforgettable rendition of the story.
Gratitude and Lasting Impressions
I am incredibly honored to have been part of this journey. Working with these amazing children was a privilege, and I learned invaluable lessons from their resilience, creativity, and unwavering spirit. This experience reinforced my belief in the transformative power of art and the boundless potential within every child.
My heartfelt thanks go to the Amwag team, especially Abeer, Ayat and their dedicated colleagues, for this opportunity. I am also deeply grateful to Dr. Rasha Ernest for her initial recommendation and to Hamasat El Eman organization that facilitated this incredible opportunity. Above all, my deepest appreciation goes to the remarkable children: Mariam, Hajar, Awad, Youssef, Sherouk, Rodaina, Mostafa, and Sohaila, and their incredibly supportive mothers.
Every moment of this experience was a joy, and the memories will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
