'Do it Scared' with Shanie Mohamed

What’s it like to be part of the first generation in your family born in America? The first to go to college? A nonprofit executive at just 23 years old?

Hard? Yes.

Scary? Definitely.

Lonely? Sometimes.

But Shanie found a way to rise.

She just celebrated her 27th birthday and is reflecting on what it really means to do it first, to lead the way (and set the example for her little girls that look like her), stay rooted in her values, and navigate cultural differences while learning to trust herself in new spaces.

Let me be clear: Shanie will absolutely be giving a TED Talk someday. But for now, we get to hear her story right here.

In this week’s episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down (in-person) with Shanie Mohamed, a superstar young professional, community builder, mentor, and the Director of Economic Development at the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce. She’s also a friend.

Okay, but what does this have to do with you?

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be brave enough to start.

Shanie figured a lot out early. But she’ll be the first to tell you, she’s still learning how to find balance, joy, and alignment along the way.

So here’s my invitation for you this week:

I mentioned the Life Wheel in this episode (it’s one of my favorite tools). Here’s the link if you want to reflect on your own wheel. Out of balance? That's okay. That just means it's time to adjust.

Behind the Mic:

Hey! If you’re a young professional (or any professional) and you’ve been feeling a little lonely lately… you’re not alone.

And here’s a personal take: it can feel especially lonely when you’re in a career that people don’t really understand. If you find a lot of identity in your work (if you’re passionate about what you do) but the people around you just don’t get it... that’s tough. I’ve been there.

My advice: try explaining it anyway. Sometimes we stop trying because it feels draining. But if it matters to you, it’s worth sharing. And chances are, the people who love you will care too, once they understand.

Maybe that’s how we start to feel a little less lonely.

Tune in. Take what you need. Pass it on. ✨