Scaling with Soul: My Top Takeaways from Talking with Global Thought Leader Soulaima Gourani
- Kate Mayeski
- Jun 12
- 4 min read
My conversation with Soulaima Gourani changed me.
I’m still riding the adrenaline high from one of the most powerful conversations I’ve had on the podcast.
If you haven’t listened yet:
This wasn’t just another interview — it was a conversation that reminded me why I do this work: to help brilliant but buried leaders build businesses that reflect their values, their voice, and their vision.
I sat down with Soulaima Gourani, tech founder, global thought leader, CEO of Happioh, author (books here) — and one of the most grounded, generous leaders I’ve ever met.
Here’s what stayed with me — and what I hope sparks something for you too.
Your Unique Story (like Soulaima's) Is More Valuable Than You Think
Early in the episode, I read a section from Soulaima’s book — about growing up in foster care, surviving trauma, and building a life against the odds.
As I read those words aloud, it felt like I was speaking parts of my own story.
Sometimes, we forget that our lived experience is the brand. It’s the trust builder. The differentiator.
The heart behind the business.
If your content feels stuck, your message scattered — start here. Reconnect with the story only you can tell.
The Real Definition of Success Isn’t on Your LinkedIn Profile
One of my favorite moments was when Soulaima said:
“I didn’t mess up my marriage or my kids.”
Not the accolades. Not the revenue. Not the social proof.
Success is building a life you’re proud of — not just a business that looks good from the outside.
At Maverick May Solutions, I work with founders and thought leaders who don’t just want to scale — they want to scale sustainably. With clarity. With systems that buy back their time. With room to breathe and lead.
Build Your Own Damn Table
Another truth bomb:
“Build your own table instead of waiting for a seat at someone else’s.”
So many smart leaders I work with are stuck in “waiting” energy:
→ Waiting to be featured → Waiting to be invited into the right rooms → Waiting for permission to lead visibly
You don’t need permission. You need a strategy. You need systems that help you show up consistently. You need content and a personal brand that earns trust while you sleep.
This is exactly what we build inside my consulting work.
Relationships Move the Needle
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was the story of Ebbe — a teacher who saw potential in Soulaima when no one else did.
One person. One moment. One belief that changed everything.
If you’re building a premium business, remember this: systems scale, but relationships convert.
Trust is your greatest asset. Build it on purpose.
Stay Curious. Stay Relevant.
Soulaima talked about the importance of staying curious and continuing to learn.
That’s leadership in 2025.
The expert economy is exploding — but expertise alone isn’t enough. You need content ecosystems that showcase your thought leadership. You need backend systems that give you capacity to serve at a higher level. You need messaging that positions you as the go-to voice in your space.
Curiosity + clarity + execution = premium positioning.
Mental Hygiene = Business Hygiene
One of the most personal parts of our conversation? Mental hygiene.
As leaders, we’re carrying a lot. Business growth is personal growth.
If your mind is cluttered, your content will be.If your systems are chaotic, your capacity will shrink.If your message is unclear, your revenue will reflect that.
This is why I coach clients on both structure and soul. Because the best strategy in the world won’t land if the leader behind it is burned out or blocked.
Serve First. Always.
At the end of our conversation, Soulaima offered a simple, generous piece of advice:
“You give so much of yourself. You should teach more people to have higher emotional intelligence.”
That is exactly the energy I bring to my work — and the type of businesses I help build:
→ Thoughtful → Human-centered → Generous → Premium by design
Clients buy clarity, trust, and elevated experiences, not effort or volume.
Ready to Scale with Strategy, Structure, and Soul?
In every job I’ve ever done — from scrubbing toilets to leading ops teams — I’ve shown up the same way:
Do the work. Bring heart. Build trust. Stay curious. Stay scrappy.
This conversation reminded me: that’s the work that lasts.
And if you’re ready to:
→ Clarify your personal brand
→ Build monetized content ecosystems that work while you do other things
→ Streamline your backend systems so you can lead at a higher level
…let’s talk.
We’ll map out where your brand, content, and backend are holding you back — and design a plan to help you scale with clarity and ease.
Strategy. Structure. Soul.
That’s how we build premium businesses that stand the test of time.
See you at the table.
— Kate
Comments