The Power of Self-Reliance
FEBRUARY 12TH 2025
EPISODE 79: THE POWER OF SELF-RELIANCE
What if the key to unlocking your potential wasn’t waiting for the perfect opportunity but realizing that you get to create it?
In this episode of The Gently Used Human, Dr. Scott Lyons sits down with Maha Abouelenein, a global expert in communications, branding, and self-reliance, to explore the mindset shifts that turn hesitation into action, connections into opportunities, and self-doubt into unshakable confidence.
Maha’s career spans decades as a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies, CEOs, and some of the world’s most influential brands. She understands what it takes to build influence, create lasting relationships, and step fully into your strengths. In this conversation, she shares the strategies she’s used to navigate her own journey—from overcoming personal challenges to becoming one of the most sought-after voices in branding and communication.
Together, Maha and Scott break down how to reframe self-doubt, develop confidence through action, and build a personal brand that reflects who you truly are. They explore why networking doesn’t have to feel transactional, how the simple shift from have to to get to can change your entire outlook, and why true success comes from showing up, creating value, and taking bold steps forward.
This episode is filled with practical insights on how to stop waiting, start owning your story, and build the kind of influence that opens doors.
Topics We Break Down:
Reframing self-doubt – Why waiting for confidence is a trap
Building your network – How to connect with people authentically
The power of gratitude – Why shifting from have to → get to changes everything
Personal branding – Why your reputation matters more than ever
Taking the first step – How to break free from hesitation and just start
This is a conversation about power, presence, and the freedom that comes from stepping into who you truly are. Listen now on The Gently Used Human.
Maha's "Icebreaker Questions for Introverts"
How can I help?
What brought you to this event?
What do you enjoy most about your work?
What projects are you excited about working on next?
How did you first get started in [industry]?
What do you find most challenging/rewarding about your job?
What inspired you to pursue a career in [specific field]?
Are there any industry trends or developments that particularly interest you right now?
How do you see your industry evolving in the next few years?
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in [industry/profession]
What are your thoughts on [current industry news/topic]
Have you attended any interesting conferences or workshops lately?
Are there any skills or knowledge areas you're currently looking to develop?
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE
Show Notes
Episode Links:
Discount Codes:
Save 10% on The Embody Lab’s live and online workshops and certificate programs* with the offer code GENTLYUSED10
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Special Guest
MAHA ABOUELENEIN
Maha Abouelenein is a personal branding expert, CEO, and founder of global communications consulting firm Digital & Savvy, and bestselling author of 7 Rules of Self-Reliance. With more than three decades of experience, she has crafted strategies for global corporations, startups, sports organizations, governments, CEOs, and high-net-worth individuals. She managed communications for major tech companies in the Middle East, including Google, Netflix, Udacity, and Careem. She helped Weber Shandwick establish 18 offices in the Middle East and led the Cairo operation. Maha sits on the Global Board of Directors of the Associated Press and the Board of the Animal Humane Society. She also is an Advisor to LockChain.ai and Global Gaming League. Maha contributes to Forbes and Entrepreneur and hosts the Savvy Talk podcast.
CONNECT WITH MAHA ABOUELENEIN:
Your Host
DR. SCOTT LYONS
Dr. Scott Lyons is a licensed holistic psychologist, educator and author of the book Addicted to Drama: Healing Dependency on Crisis and Chaos in Yourself and Others, with Hachette publishing. Scott is also the host of The Gently Used Human Podcast, a delightfully depthful and often hilarious exploration of what it is to be human, to have lived life, and come out gently used.
As a renowned body-based trauma expert, Doctor of Osteopathy (Spain) and Mind-Body Medicine specialist, Scott helps people to break free from cycles of pain, limited beliefs, and trauma. Scott is an innovator in transformative wellness and trauma therapy, teaching over half a million people internationally over the past twenty years how to relieve stress and restore vitality. Scott has worked with many of the country’s top leaders and CEOs as an executive coach and wellness consultant.
Scott is the creator of The Embody Lab—the largest online learning platform for body-based trauma therapies—and developer of Somatic Stress Release™, a holistic process of restoring biological resilience, taught in over 20 countries. Scott is also the founder and progressive designer of Omala, a wellness brand dedicated to creating sustainably sourced tools for transformation.
About the Podcast
THE GENTLY USED HUMAN
Dr. Scott Lyons and his world renowned guests take us into the delightfully depthful and often hilarious exploration of what it is to be human, to have lived life, and come out gently used. From passion to pain, glory to defeat, comedy to drama to tragedy, we’ve all been through it. This show unpacks the psychology and humor needed to keep you thriving on the roller coaster of being human.
