We recently connected with Rashel Hariri and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rashel , thanks for sitting with us today to chat about topics that are relevant to so many. One of those topics is communication skills, because we live in an age where our ability to communicate effectively can be like a superpower. Can you share how you developed your ability to communicate well?
Growing up in a bustling household with four older sisters, I was immersed in various communication styles. As the youngest, I keenly observed and absorbed the nuances of interpersonal interactions, fostering an innate curiosity for understanding people. Despite initially being reserved, I consciously tried to break out of my shell, evolving into a more outgoing person.
My journey towards strong, clear and empathetic communication was significantly influenced by icons like Oprah Winfrey, whose hosting style captivated me from an early age. Analyzing her techniques and approach became a hobby, shaping my own style in the process. I learned so much from watching her navigate conversations with various personalities. She maintained her composure but was never afraid to be candid with her guests or disagree.
Authenticity is a cornerstone of my communication philosophy. I believe in fostering genuine connections through honest and sometimes uncomfortable conversations. I embrace feedback that is not sugarcoated. I prefer to receive and provide feedback that is genuinely helpful and direct.
In my professional endeavours, particularly as a team leader and manager, I’ve been challenged to navigate the delicate balance of driving a collective vision while nurturing individual growth. These experiences have continually pushed me out of my comfort zone, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and empathy in effective communication.
Being a good communicator isn’t just about passing along information. It’s about sharing a message in a way that’s short, meaningful, and makes sense to the other person. Good communication is about connecting with others on a deeper level, building relationships, and making a positive impact.
In my personal life and through my podcast, I’ve honed my communication skills by allowing conversations to flow naturally. As a keen listener, I prioritize genuine interaction over scripted dialogue. This approach has been instrumental in the success of my podcast as I strive to create authentic connections with my guests. Rather than simply hosting a show, I aim to engage in a meaningful conversation that resonates with listeners. The spontaneity and authenticity of these exchanges have become the defining features of my podcast, enriching both my experience and that of my audience.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’ve had an exciting 15-year marketing career working across non-profit, banking, food and beverage, and technology sectors at some iconic global brands, like McDonald’s and Shopify. Today, I’m a Strategist, Marketing Consultant, and Startup Advisor…and now the Founder and Host of She’s Interesting.
I’ve always been deeply passionate about entrepreneurship and the world of content. I often find myself meticulously dissecting content and analyzing its impact to understand its audience appeal. But as I dove deeper into my analysis of podcasting, I noticed a glaring gap. Much of the entrepreneurial content is predominantly male-driven, leaving little room for the diverse stories of women, especially those over 30 and women of colour. The constant “hustle hard” narrative just didn’t resonate with me. I was searching for content that shared the real and detailed entrepreneurial journeys of women, not just the highlight reels. That’s when I realized. If I couldn’t find the content I was craving, I should create it myself. I decided to create a platform with the same casual, fun, real and informative feel as the Whatsapp group chats I have with my female friends and broadcast it to a broader audience. That’s when She’s Interesting podcast was born.
I’m currently working on expanding She’s Interesting into a larger platform and offering resources for women entrepreneurs that will support them from setup to scaleup!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop 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?
Self Belief – Looking back, I realize that one of the most impactful qualities in my journey has been self-belief. Trusting in my abilities, even when faced with challenges or doubts, has been crucial in pushing through obstacles and achieving my goals. My advice to those early in their journey is to cultivate self-belief by recognizing their strengths, celebrating their successes, and embracing failures as opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you, and remember to be kind to yourself along the way.
Growth Mindset – Reflecting on my journey, I attribute much of my progress to adopting a growth mindset. Embracing the idea that skills and abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work has been transformative. For those at the outset of their journey, I encourage cultivating a growth mindset by embracing challenges, seeking feedback, and viewing setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement. Stay curious, stay resilient, and never underestimate the power of perseverance.
Determination – Looking back on my journey, I recognize the significance of determination in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. Maintaining a relentless focus on my goals, even in the face of adversity, has propelled me forward. To those just beginning their journey, I advise nurturing determination by setting clear goals, staying committed to them, and persevering through setbacks. Surround yourself with a supportive network, stay adaptable, and keep pushing forward, because with determination, anything is possible.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m looking to collaborate with brands and businesses that target professional, highly ambitious women over 30. As my platform grows and gains traction, I am opening my doors to sponsors, affiliate programs, and investors.
If you’re interested in partnering with She’s Interesting on content sponsorships, brand deals, and advertising, you can reach me at https://rashelhariri.com/contact
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shesinteresting.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shesinterestingpodcast
- Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/shes-interesting-podcast
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shesinterestingpodcast
Image Credits
Photography by https://ulibphotography.com/
