Ever felt like the existing media just doesn’t get you? That’s exactly how May Abdel-Essam felt, and instead of just complaining, she did something about it. Born in Egypt and raised in Germany, May returned to Egypt at 16 and turned her dissatisfaction with women’s magazines into the creation of “What Women Want,” a groundbreaking publication that evolved into a highly successful media agency. In this episode, she takes us through her remarkable journey from a young intern feeling unfulfilled in traditional roles to becoming a media mogul and empowering voice for female creatives.

May opens up about the ups and downs of her entrepreneurial journey, from launching her magazine without any investors to navigating ethical dilemmas in advertising. She shares poignant stories about rejecting lucrative deals to maintain high standards and the personal toll it took on her. We also cover the evolution of her ventures and her current passion project, Her Story Films, designed to uplift female creatives. This conversation is a treasure trove of insights on how to balance professional ambitions with personal well-being, and the transformative decisions that helped her prioritize mental health while achieving business success.

We also dive into the collaborative efforts that have amplified her impact, including her partnership the government of Netherlands to support female entrepreneurs through the Film Incubator initiative. May’s journey underscores the importance of support networks and staying true to one’s values. If you’re looking for inspiration, valuable advice for aspiring businesswomen, and a heartfelt reminder to embrace imperfection, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we uncover the lessons May has learned over nearly two decades of forging her own path in the media world.

May has a BA in Mass Communication with a specialization in integrated marketing from Misr International University in Egypt. She is a VV Grow MENA Fellow, VV Global Network Leader and a TedxCairoWomen 2016 Speaker. She has been appointed the WED Egypt Ambassador for 2016 to 2018 (Women Entrepreneurship Day) creating a network of female entrepreneurs in Egypt.

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