
About Rana
I am a…
Business adviser, Business leader, Business mentor, Change agent, Connector, Consultant, Doctor, Educator/Teacher, Entrepreneur, Event planner, Global soul, Idea generator, Marketer, Muslim, Parent, Philanthropist, Social entrepreneur, World traveler
Bio
As a published researcher, university professor, mother, and global serial TEDx speaker, I am dedicated to helping companies and individuals write their success story.
- Supported over two thousand clients and students with their business growth and created a tested framework for growing and scaling service businesses.
- Experienced with hands-on marketing in myriad industries, including higher education, NGOs, microfinancing, health and beauty, franchising, advertising/media, food and beverage, and hospitality as a former marketing director for different multinational organizations and as the founder of a marketing agency.
- Earned Doctorate in Business Administration with emphasis in Marketing and Consumer Decision-making Behavior from Grenoble Ecole de Management, France.
- Completed Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Business offered jointly by Columbia Business School and MIT Sloan.
- Instruct MBA students in both the United States and International.
- Founded Creative Minds, a marketing agency empowering small businesses to build big brands since 2010 till present.
- Co-Founder of Global Businesswomen, a community focused on delivering opportunities for womenpreneurs around the world to come together in 2022.
"We each dream in a different language, but we all have the same dream."
I'm passionate about
Empowering Female Entrepreneurs
Creative Marketing Strategies
Consumer Psychology
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Startup Growth Strategies
Personal Branding
Community Building
The Role of AI in Marketing
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
Public Speaking
Building Business Partnerships
Connecting people and ideas
Raising kids to be global citizens
Mindfulness, energy and meditation
A good cup of Matcha!
An idea worth spreading
In the age of information overload, female entrepreneurs are poised to pioneer a new frontier in marketing. Leveraging unique insights and perspectives, they can navigate the bustling intersection of heart, mind, and sales. It's not just about capturing consumer attention—it's about truly resonating, connecting, and inspiring. As we balance the scales between information and inspiration, we create marketing magic that goes beyond transactions to form lasting relationships. The challenge? To turn the overwhelming into the empowering, offering not just products, but values and stories that win hearts.
Areas of expertise
Branding, Business Coaching, Business Strategy, Communication, Community Building, Consumer Psychology, Creative Marketing, customer journey, Customer Relationships, Digital Business, Digital Marketing, Diversity & Inclusion, Events Management, female entrepreneur, funnels, Higher Education, Market Research, Marketing, Mentorship, Mompreneurship, Omni Channels, Personal Branding, Product Positioning, Project Management, Public Speaking, Social Media, speaking, Startup Growth, Strategic Branding, Training, Work-Life Balance
The TED story
My journey to becoming a TEDx speaker began with a simple, yet powerful desire: to inspire more women to rewrite their stories. As an immigrant woman, a mother, and a CEO, I've navigated diverse challenges, but I've always held onto the vision of fighting for inclusivity and pursuing my dreams.
Daily, I balance the roles of a mother and a founder. These roles have not only taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and determination, but they've also shaped my perspective on communication, storytelling, and sharing ideas that matter.
Raised in a war zone and now raising my kids in the country of freedom, I bring unique insights to the TEDx community. I teach students and conduct research on both sides of the world, seeking to understand and bridge cultural divides.
Through my TEDx speeches, I aim to inspire women and aspiring entrepreneurs. I want to impact them to be resourceful, to leverage social media, to lean on their communities, and to build their own support networks. The core of my message is resilience - to encourage others not to give up, no matter the odds.
TEDx and TED Women have been transformative for me. They have connected me to inspiring spaces filled with opportunities and a community of like-minded and like-hearted women.
Looking towards the future, I aspire to continue contributing to the TED community, fostering a ripple effect of empowerment and inspiration. I aim to leverage my platform to spark important conversations, to challenge norms, and to drive change. Together with the TED community, I look forward to devising innovative solutions to the challenges we face in the business world and beyond.
Things you might not know
I studied in France for my Doctorate and I still speak only few French words! (did my research in English).
I was born in a war zone and survived death multiple times.
My vision boards are what keep me motivated!
I am a geek when it comes to AI.
I directed the first Coffee Championship in the MENA although I don't drink coffee (I am the decaf gal!)