We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Safaa Kasraoui a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Safaa, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
I find this question quite intriguing, particularly because it delves into the notion of generosity and its origins.
As a journalist and Chief of Staff at Morocco World News, I’ve come to appreciate that true generosity often manifests itself through actions rather than self-recognition.
In our culture, it’s customary to let others acknowledge our virtues, and I’ve learned this firsthand.
Generosity, for me, is a trait I’ve cultivated through the influences of my family. My husband, father, mother, sister, mom and brother have been pivotal in shaping my understanding of generosity.
Even my extended family, including the youngest ones like my “bobo” niece Shahd, nephews Omar, Ilyas, and even the mischievous but endearing Nizar, as well as Nour, have all played roles in this journey.
What’s fascinating is how these personal connections have translated into my professional life.
Whether through chance encounters or professional relationships, I’ve found that being generous extends beyond material goods—it’s about showing respect, fostering love for others, and committing wholeheartedly to my work and personal endeavors.
This ethos has guided me not only in my professional capacity, where I freely share my expertise to benefit others, but also in my private life, where I strive to make a positive impact on those around me.
In essence, generosity, to me, is about care and consideration. It’s about how we treat one another with respect and empathy, both in our personal interactions and in the broader scope of our professional engagements. I’m grateful for the lessons my family and colleagues have taught me, and I carry these values with me every day.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a journalist and team leader at Morocco World News, every aspect of my work feels special to me. Since childhood, I’ve dreamed of becoming a journalist. Though I didn’t have the opportunity to study journalism formally, I believe I found my way into the industry through what I can only describe as divine intervention—a plan set by Allah. Every day in this field is a blend of challenge and joy. It’s a continuous learning journey where I discover something new every minute, keeping my adrenaline pumping. Beyond journalism, I aspire to expand my skills into book writing. Currently, I’m working on a project that unfortunately had to be paused due to work commitments, but I’m determined to finish it soon. This book aims to explore the complexities of Moroccan culture and shed light on the challenges faced by young women in Morocco…
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Commitment is one of life’s most crucial elements. Once you set a goal and commit to it, there’s virtually nothing you can’t achieve. I believe in embracing life fully, expecting both the best and the worst, and navigating through challenges with resilience. If setbacks occur, I see them as opportunities to learn and grow, to restart and build upon successes. Ego, in my view, serves no purpose—it leads nowhere. My advice to others is to embrace moments of feeling lost; it’s not a failure but a part of the journey. What truly matters is the willingness to explore and find your way forward rather than stagnating in uncertainty.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I can’t attribute my success to just one person, but my family, especially my husband, has played a crucial role. He has constantly encouraged me to persevere and overcome the challenges of depression and self-doubt. My sister has been a pillar of support, both emotionally and financially, and she remains my superhero. My dad, my ultimate cheerleader, supported me tirelessly through my education, even during my university years—typical for a daddy’s girl like me.
I am immensely grateful to my entire family, including my brother, who calls me the “best journalist in the world.” This phrase makes me happy, although I know it’s not true. I also appreciate my mom’s unwavering support.
I will definitely continue doing my best, not only in my career as a journalist but also as a human.. Additionally, my experience at Morocco World News has significantly boosted my self-esteem and honed my journalism skills.
And of course thank you to all my work colleagues for their help and support and for shaping the person I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/author/kasraoui-safaa
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saf%C3%A2a-kasraoui-3281b2130/
Image Credits
Safaa Kasraoui
