Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Weam Namou. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Weam with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I get my work ethic from my mother, a woman who never held a job outside the home but ran her household with the skill and precision of a top CEO. She gave birth to 12 children, endured the heartbreak of burying two, and managed to keep her family together with unwavering focus on what truly mattered. Her ability to succeed in what many find overwhelming—maintaining unity and prioritizing the essential—was a skill I didn’t fully appreciate when I was younger. At the time, I dismissed her insights because she lacked the formal education and professional experience I had. But as I grew older, and especially after I became a mother, I came to realize the depth of her wisdom and how much she had taught me about the value of hard work, the importance of focus, and the power of setting clear priorities.
This work ethic is also deeply rooted in my identity as a Chaldean. Many in Michigan marvel at how much Chaldean immigrants have accomplished in just a few decades, with most arriving less than 50 years ago. Our success is no accident. It’s the result of relentless hard work, a trait embedded in our culture and history. As descendants of ancient Mesopotamians, the pioneers of writing, city-states, schools, and science, we carry a legacy of innovation, resilience, and determination. It’s in our blood.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
<nr-sentence class=”nr-s19″ id=”nr-s19″ page=”0″>I’m an author and filmmaker with a mission: to tell inspiring stories rooted in my ancient Chaldean heritage.</nr-sentence><nr-sentence class=”nr-s20″ id=”nr-s20″ page=”0″> The Chaldeans, known for their spirituality and scholarly contributions, have a rich yet often-overlooked history.</nr-sentence><nr-sentence class=”nr-s21″ id=”nr-s21″ page=”0″> As descendants of this resilient culture, we still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ, and carry forward traditions that celebrate faith, wisdom, and service.</nr-sentence><nr-sentence class=”nr-s22″ id=”nr-s22″ page=”0″>
For me, storytelling is not just a profession; it’s a way to preserve this heritage and inspire others.</nr-sentence><nr-sentence class=”nr-s23″ id=”nr-s23″ page=”0″> Over the years, I’ve authored more than 20 books—including an Eric Hoffer Award winner—and written, directed, and produced two feature films that have collectively won over 50 awards.</nr-sentence><nr-sentence class=”nr-s24″ id=”nr-s24″ page=”0″> Balancing these creative pursuits with raising a family has been one of my greatest achievements, and I credit my ability to do so to the values of hard work, focus, and service instilled in me.</nr-sentence><nr-sentence class=”nr-s25″ id=”nr-s25″ page=”0″>
Beyond my creative work, I’m passionate about empowering others through coaching, workshops, and community initiatives. Over the past two decades, I’ve held leadership roles in nonprofits focused on arts and culture. In 2018, I founded Unique Voices in Films to promote purposeful storytelling through film and launched The Path of Consciousness, a writing and spiritual community centered on creativity and healing. As an Ambassador for the Authors Guild, I advocate for writers and host free monthly online workshops like Writing Ritual.
Through my programs, including coaching and events rooted in Babylonian and spiritual teachings, I guide individuals in harnessing the power of writing and storytelling to transform their lives. You can learn more about upcoming workshops and offerings on my website or Meetup page: The Path of Consciousness. https://www.meetup.com/the-path-of-consciousness/
At the core of all I do—whether writing, filmmaking, or community-building—is the desire to inspire, uplift, and honor the rich legacy of my ancestors.</nr-sentence>
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
<nr-sentence class=”nr-s30″ id=”nr-s30″ page=”0″>Resilience: I’ve faced plenty of rejections and grew up in a culture where women weren’t always encouraged to follow big dreams.</nr-sentence><nr-sentence class=”nr-s31″ id=”nr-s31″ page=”0″> But I didn’t let that stop me.</nr-sentence><nr-sentence class=”nr-s32″ id=”nr-s32″ page=”0″> Every setback taught me how to push forward and create my own path.</nr-sentence><nr-sentence class=”nr-s33″ id=”nr-s33″ page=”0″> Advice: Don’t let challenges knock you down.</nr-sentence><nr-sentence class=”nr-s34″ id=”nr-s34″ page=”0″> Use them to build yourself up.</nr-sentence><nr-sentence class=”nr-s35″ id=”nr-s35″ page=”0″>
Focus: I had to let go of a lot of distractions, like saying no to a busy social life which is very common in homes of Middle Eastern background.</nr-sentence><nr-sentence class=”nr-s36″ id=”nr-s36″ page=”0″> I do this so I could give my energy to what really mattered: my family, my work, and my purpose.</nr-sentence><nr-sentence class=”nr-s37″ id=”nr-s37″ page=”0″> Advice: Protect your time and focus on what’s truly important to you.</nr-sentence><nr-sentence class=”nr-s38″ id=”nr-s38″ page=”0″> It’s okay to say no.</nr-sentence><nr-sentence class=”nr-s39 nr-sentence-highlight-light nr-highlighted-sentence” id=”nr-s39″ page=”0″>
Service: Doing good for others always comes back around.</nr-sentence><nr-sentence class=”nr-s40″ id=”nr-s40″ page=”0″> Through storytelling, I’ve been able to preserve my heritage, inspire people, and build communities.</nr-sentence><nr-sentence class=”nr-s41″ id=”nr-s41″ page=”0″> Advice: Use what you’re good at to help others, but don’t forget to take care of yourself too.</nr-sentence>
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Bring me to the United States.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://weamnamou.com/
- Instagram: @weamnamou
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weamnamou/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weamnamou/
- Twitter: @weamnamou
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@weamnamou-8991

Image Credits
Kenneth Moss
