S2 Ep26. Mariam Janahi's Ripple Effect: One Woman’s Impact Across Continents

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In this heartwarming episode of ABWilson's Heart of the Matter, Aderonke Bademosi Wilson sits down with Mariam Janahi to explore her transformative journey and the personal growth that has shaped who she is today. Mariam warmly describes herself as caring, close to people and deeply kindhearted, qualities she believes blossomed over time, especially after retiring from a demanding career in human resources at Batelco, Bahrain’s telecommunications giant.

Reflecting on how she defines herself, Mariam opens up about her early years in HR, where she adopted a goal-oriented, sometimes tough approach. However, as her career evolved, so did her passion for connecting with people. She recounts how her natural ease in engaging with strangers, such as during her very first meeting with Aderonke in Nepal, speaks to this personal transformation. Her generosity and compassion, whether through emotional support or financial help, are values deeply rooted in the lessons passed down by her late father.

Mariam shares three particularly meaningful aspects of her life. First, she discusses the challenges she faced as a woman navigating a male-dominated workplace at Batelco. Although informal networking often came easier to her male counterparts, Mariam rose to a prominent position and became a champion for equal opportunity, paving the way for other women to succeed.

Second, her love for people and her dedication to empowerment shine through. Mariam finds deep fulfillment in lifting others up, often driven by her own lived experiences. Her belief in the potential of others is a recurring theme throughout her story.

Third, her passion for travel has played a pivotal role in shaping her worldview. Many of her journeys, often work-related, exposed her to diverse cultures and perspectives, helping her cultivate an open mind and a rich appreciation for human connection.

Among her more recent accomplishments, Mariam recounts the complex yet rewarding process of selling her house in Lebanon. Prompted by the pandemic and ongoing political instability, the decision took time and effort, especially given the banking challenges in the country. Yet, with perseverance, the sale concluded successfully. Aderonke fondly recalls visiting the home and learning more about Lebanon, especially a surprising geographical lesson about Tripoli and a memorable visit to the home of renowned writer Kahlil Gibran.

Mariam’s desire to make a difference is perhaps most evident in her long-standing commitment to charitable work. Since 2002, she has supported children’s education through an orphanage in Bahrain. Her giving spirit extended during a 2020 trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar, where she was moved to help a safari driver and a single mother working as a waitress. Guided by Islamic principles of zakat and sadaqa, she helped the driver build a house and supported the waitress by funding her children's education and investing in her small business.

At the core of Mariam’s impact are two qualities she holds dear: empathy and being a good listener. She believes these traits allow her to truly connect with others and offer meaningful support. What motivates her most is seeing the people she helps take ownership of their lives and strive for self-reliance. It is this reciprocal energy that fuels her continued kindness and generosity, making Mariam Janahi not only an inspiring guest, but also a shining example of what it means to lead with heart.

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