From Beirut Beginnings to International Growth
The journey of May Seraphim-Ashkar is a story of courage and determination. Her professional path began in Beirut, where she walked into her first job at an advertising agency as a shy and uncertain individual. At that time, she almost was not hired. However, her persistence convinced the team to give her an internship. This first step laid the foundation for everything that would follow in her career.
May reflects on these early days with honesty. She did not have confidence or polish when she started. Instead, she brought eagerness to learn and a willingness to absorb as much as possible. She understood early on that professional growth rarely comes from comfort. True confidence comes from experience, not from pretending to know it all.
The Dubai Leap That Changed Everything
One of the most pivotal moments in May’s career was when she was offered a role in Dubai, a city she had never visited. The idea of relocating was terrifying, and she nearly said no. What ultimately pushed her to take the leap was intuition. She trusted her gut feeling that this move was the right decision, even though it meant stepping far outside her comfort zone.
Looking back, she sees it as one of the best choices she has ever made. The move challenged her, expanded her network, and allowed her to discover her potential in ways she could never have imagined if she had stayed in familiar surroundings. Dubai became the place where she grew not only professionally but personally, learning that fear and excitement often feel the same at the beginning.
The Teacher Who Sparked a Lifelong Passion
Influential figures can appear unexpectedly. For May, it was her tenth grade English teacher who introduced her to advertising. The passion he had for the subject made a lasting impression and opened a door to a career path she might never have explored.
That lesson revealed advertising as a field where creativity and strategy intersect. It taught her that ideas can influence minds, shape perceptions, and tell compelling stories. This early spark became the foundation for her understanding of what it means to communicate effectively, creatively, and meaningfully.
Leaving Comfort Behind to Fuel Growth
One of May’s most defining achievements was leaving the advertising role she had held for nearly eight years. Stepping away from a familiar position was not easy, but she understood that remaining in comfort would limit her potential.
This bold decision accelerated her growth and challenged her to explore new dimensions of her skills. It taught her that personal and professional development often requires leaving the familiar behind and embracing the unknown. This choice not only pushed her creatively but helped her gain a deeper understanding of herself.
Finding Home in Storytelling and People
Storytelling has always been central to May’s work. In her current role in marketing, she focuses on promoting people and culture. Her creative instincts allow her to shape narratives that resonate, making organizations feel authentic and human.
She believes that success comes from understanding people—their motivations, needs, and aspirations. By focusing on this human perspective, she has transformed how her organization is perceived. Her work demonstrates that brands are more than expertise; they are a collective of stories, values, and personalities.
The Unconventional Path to Consulting Influence
May’s background was unconventional for the consulting industry, but it became her strength. She brought a fresh perspective, creative instincts, and a different lens to a field that often values traditional experience.
Her presence has challenged conventions and encouraged new ways of thinking. She shows that innovation is not limited to creative industries and that unconventional paths can create meaningful change. By thinking differently, she has influenced how her organization approaches storytelling, culture, and engagement.
A Reputation Built on Boldness
May aims to leave an impact defined by boldness. She wants to be remembered as someone unafraid to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and trust her intuition. Her philosophy is that risks, when thoughtful and data-informed, lead to growth and transformation.
She believes that true success is not measured by avoiding mistakes, but by embracing opportunities and trusting your instincts. If there were a professional epitaph for her, it would read: She chose courage over comfort. This principle reflects her approach to career and life, emphasizing boldness, resilience, and authenticity.
Lessons for the Next Generation
May’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone starting their professional path. She emphasizes that it is okay to be unsure at the beginning of a career. No one expects young professionals to know everything. Instead, the early phase should be about learning, absorbing, and growing.
She advises young professionals to embrace curiosity, seek knowledge even in unexpected areas, and resist the urge to fake confidence. True confidence comes with experience, reflection, and authenticity. By following these principles, emerging professionals can shape their careers with integrity and purpose.
The Story Continues
May Seraphim-Ashkar’s story continues to inspire. From her beginnings in Beirut to bold moves across borders and redefining narratives in her work, she stands as a reminder that courage, curiosity, and people-centered thinking lead to remarkable outcomes.
Her journey is not defined solely by professional milestones but by mindset, learning, and the courage to embrace change. It shows that uncertainty can lead to clarity, discomfort can fuel growth, and following your instincts can create a career defined by passion, purpose, and lasting impact.
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