She Leads: CEO Stories - Maryam Marzara
Every month, we highlight the stories of Women CEOs who are leading the way in business. They offer a glimpse into their journeys, along with valuable insights and advice to inspire and empower the next generation of Women CEOs.
Maryam is the CEO of Marzara Consulting & Coaching, Inc, her company offers executive coaching, team coaching, speaking engagements and transforms working groups into effective, high-performing teams. She’s a lifelong learner, global citizen and people connector. Maryam believes that the root of transformational change is in: authenticity, courage, curiosity, empathy and self-awareness.
When did you realise you would become a CEO?
I never fully saw that “I would become a CEO” as an initial perspective. What drove me towards this career was my passion and my values; and the title of CEO that I was inheriting was realized later as an afterthought when I was establishing my business with the government. It was then that I realized that not only am I the Executive Coach, but I am also the CEO, overseeing all aspects of my business, e.g. legal work, marketing/PR work, sales strategy and more.
As you stepped into the role, what excited you and scared you the most?
What scared me most were the ambiguous parts. Some things weren't ambiguous, but some were. With that being said, I’m a big believer of practicing what I preach, and while I am human and share the journey of the human condition and experience fear like all other leaders and humans do, I knew that this fear I was experiencing was an opportunity for me to practice, embody and integrate the very same principles that lead the way I coach fellow leaders and executives.
This is why I was also so excited about the possibilities that were unfolding (and the ones yet to come) and the impact I knew I was making to help leaders feel less alone and empower them to be the best versions of themselves, and in turn, help them achieve their goals, dreams and/or their biggest desires.
What is something that has surprised you about being a CEO?
I think the fact that there aren't a lot of things that have truly surprised me is what has surprised me! But I suppose it makes sense because of the nature of my work. I see firsthand what is asked of leaders through my clients and the daily commitment and work it takes to be a leader --so maybe it makes sense that nothing has truly surprised me. For example, I'm not surprised when I have to curb my own inner critics daily and remind myself exactly what I remind my clients: it's a daily commitment to not allow your inner critics to sabotage. Or another example being: the sacrifices that I see my clients make as leaders and the sacrifices I also make as an entrepreneur.
Is there something you attribute to your success as a CEO?
The mindset coaching I use with my clients is a key attribute to my own success as well. Being a leader is indisputably hard. Working alongside a team has its own challenges. Relationships take work and effort, and change (at all sizes) is no easy feat. Celebrating your own superpowers requires courage and bravery.
And reaching out to ask for help can be daunting, to put it lightly. While all these are true, they don’t need to remain true forever and at all times. Perspective-taking and learning how to navigate through our inner critics can help us exponentially. These have been a game changer for both myself and my clients.
What advice would you give to a woman aspiring to become a CEO?
The best pieces of advice I would give to a woman aspiring to become a CEO are:
Identify and articulate your “why” and your core values. There will be challenging days ahead and remembering your why/purpose/core values will help ground you and help you navigate during times that require tough decision-making.
Prioritize your well-being, and not just physical well-being, but also: spiritual, mental, emotional &, relational well-being.
Don’t forget you have a choice. Even in times where you think there isn’t a choice, I’m willing to bet there is a choice there underneath a possible limiting belief.
Don’t underestimate a walk. Take a walk and revisit what’s in front of you.
Finally, what is something you think all Women CEOs would benefit from knowing?
Your mind is both your best friend and your enemy at the same time. Your inner critics will come out to play when you’re in the midst of making bold, big and courageous steps. Invest in yourself by getting a Coach that can help you bring out your inner wisdom and leader within. Don't make leadership harder than it already is, you deserve to have support through a Coach. Everyone benefits from a Coach, including Coaches. I always say the best Coaches have a Coach.
For more information about Maryam Marzara, find her on LinkedIn or her website.
