Nour El Assaad, Social Activist and Founder
The dynamic Nour El Assaad is one of the fastest growing female social activists in Lebanon and the MENA (Middle East/North Africa) region. She was selected to represent the World Youth Vision at the United Nations on the topic of Women’s Health and Development. She is the founder of No Label ME, an anti-bullying movement in Lebanon, and Nour is also the co-founder of TopShou, a mobile fashion app.
I had the pleasure of meeting Nour following her pitch at the ArabNet Conference in Beirut. She’s a marketing whiz who lives her life in a fast-forward motion!
What is your expertise?
Marketing & Advertising. I have recently jumped in the digital marketing roller coaster and I am LOVING it! Founding No Label ME has given me a lot of expertise in social activism, especially in the Middle East. It has been very challenging for me, because social activism in the Middle East is not like any other place, especially in the area of bullying.
Define “entrepreneur” for me.
My own definition of an entrepreneur is someone who transforms a dream into a goal with perseverance. An entrepreneur is someone who is willing to move past the bumps in the long road to success, as it does not come easy. Perseverance and transformational ability are the two qualities every entrepreneur should have.
What is your current challenge?
To make everything I work on a success.
My greatest achievement is…?
Graduating college at the age of 19.
What is your motto?
Do what you love, and love what you do.
Why are you an entrepreneur?
I like success stories.
What problem are you solving?
Lack of total awareness in the Middle East about bullying and its dangers.
What problem would you like solved?
The stigma of mental health in the Middle East, especially child counseling.
Biggest regret?
No regrets, because what I will choose to regret later may be something I really wanted at the time it happened.
What mobile device do you presently use?
iPhone.
Essential app(s)?
TopShou, obviously!
Which talent would you like to have?
Singing.
Are you on Twitter?
Yes, follow me on @nourelassaad and on @nolabelme.
What’s your hashtag?
#NoLabelMe
Inc. or Rolling Stone or…..? Which magazine cover?
Forbes
What is your must-read?
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene.
If I wanted to do what you’re doing…what’s your advice?
Feeling afraid is sometimes needed to achieve results. And be prepared for the real definition of “tired” and “workaholic.”
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Red velvet cakes!
Short cut, long route, or road less traveled? What’s your roadmap?
Short cut.
Podium you’d like to stand on?
Every podium that I can!
The memories of a chef are tastes and smells; what would you say are the memories of an entrepreneur?
Curiosity and long working hours.
What’s the most important startup/entrepreneurship lesson you’ve learned?
To ask for help!
Part of the trick to staying focused is…?
Coffee and music.
You take a 3-hour ocean tour and get stranded; what three items do you have with you?
My Phone, a copybook and a pen.
Do you have any unrealized dream projects?
I have many!
What makes you happy?
Road trips.
What does success look like for you?
When you start making an influence, that is when you know you are successful.
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