From Psychologist to Saudi TV Star: Mona Ahmed’s Journey to Success
Passion for Media Since Childhood
Mona Ahmed’s fascination with television and media began at a young age. Despite her passion, the thought of pursuing a career in the media field seemed distant, given the societal obstacles she faced. Raised in a conservative environment where women working in media wasn’t encouraged, Mona instead focused on a more traditional career path. She earned a degree in psychology and went on to work as a teacher and counselor, helping guide students in school.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led her to pause and reflect on her life’s direction. “The self-reflection that came with the lockdown made me realize that I wasn’t following my true passion,” says Mona. Despite her successful career in education, she felt unfulfilled and began contemplating a shift. In a courageous move, Mona decided to leave her role and pursue her lifelong dream of working in media.
Embracing a New Path
Transitioning into the media industry after years in psychology was no easy task. Mona had built a solid foundation in her career as a counselor, but her heart longed for the excitement and creativity of media. She had to start from scratch in a completely different field, which posed its own set of challenges. Despite this, she was certain it was the right choice.
“I knew I had the skills, and people around me always encouraged me, saying that I was made for this field,” Mona explains. “I always felt that television presenting was a job where I could continuously give with energy and passion.”
Though passionate, Mona faced difficulties gaining societal acceptance for her career shift. Living in a community with traditional values, many had reservations about women working in media, but Mona was determined to challenge these ideas and prove herself.
Overcoming Challenges in Media
Entering the competitive media landscape without prior experience or training was another major obstacle. Limited opportunities to gain practical experience meant Mona had to rely on her raw talent, personal growth, and commitment to success. It was her self-belief and determination that helped her break into the industry.
“I’ve worked on various programs and with many famous personalities,” she shares, “but I consider my greatest achievement to be my selection as a main television presenter during the National Days and the Founding Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As a Saudi presenter, I am deeply honored to represent my country.”
Podcasting and Personal Growth
Mona’s media career doesn’t stop with television presenting. She is also passionate about uncovering deeper stories and getting to the heart of influential personalities. To achieve this, she has launched a podcast where she interviews popular figures from social media, exploring their journeys, challenges, and triumphs.
“My podcast is a way to show the hidden side of these influencers. It’s easy to see their success, but I want to dig deeper into what it took for them to reach that point.”
Her dedication to personal growth and development shines through in her work, as she constantly seeks to improve her skills and knowledge in the media world. Mona also finds inspiration in figures such as Hala Kazim, Nashwa Al Ruwaini, and Ahmad Al Shugairi—individuals who have shaped the media industry with their authenticity and professionalism.
Balancing Life and Career
Mona recharges her energy by taking time for herself, often isolating herself to reflect and refocus. “I remind myself of who I am and what my skills are, then I return with a fresh mindset,” she says. Exercise, reading, and quiet time at cafes are her preferred methods for staying grounded in a demanding industry.
However, like any career, her journey hasn’t been without its setbacks. Mona recalls a particularly challenging experience working with an unprofessional production team for a recorded series. “It was a difficult situation,” she admits, “the lack of professionalism affected the quality of the work, which in turn impacted my performance as a presenter.”
Through this, she learned an important lesson: the success of any project is a collective effort. “Choose a professional team that can support you and allow you to excel,” she advises.
Defining Success in Her Own Terms
Mona’s perspective on success has evolved over the years. As a young woman, she believed success was synonymous with fame, but her experiences have taught her that true success lies in the quality of her work.
“Fame alone doesn’t define success,” she reflects. “It’s about delivering meaningful, high-quality work that makes an impact. Many famous people haven’t contributed anything significant to the world—true success is about making a difference.”
Her focus now is on ensuring that her work represents her values and abilities. “Your skills and the quality of your work will always define you,” Mona says. “It’s your professionalism and effort that attract genuine opportunities.”
Looking to the Future
As Mona Ahmed continues to build her media career, her aspirations remain clear: she wants to be remembered as a professional Saudi media figure who represents her country with pride, both on national and global stages. She hopes that future generations will see her as a true media personality who took her role seriously and fulfilled her mission with passion and professionalism.
“I want to represent Saudi women in the best way possible,” she says. “I want to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.”
Mona Ahmed’s journey from school counselor to media powerhouse is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and following one’s true calling.
