172: Turning Adversity into Opportunity: Faris Alami's Path from Refugee to Entrepreneur

Sophie Alcorn Podcast

Faris Alami's incredible life story unfolds in this episode, as he recounts his transformation from a Palestinian refugee to a notable entrepreneur and leader. His narrative is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and showcases the profound impact of vision and hard work. In a revealing conversation, Faris takes us through his early adversities during the first Gulf War, the cultural and educational challenges he faced in the United States, and the entrepreneurial triumphs that followed. His founding of International Strategic Management and advising roles offer a beacon of hope and a roadmap to success for anyone with the courage to follow their dreams.

This episode is a treasure trove for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those from underserved communities or immigrant backgrounds. Learn how Faris's innovative two-page business plan and strategic insights have empowered numerous minority entrepreneurs to overcome cultural barriers and networking gaps. We shine a light on the crucial influence that entrepreneurs have, not just within local communities in the U.S. but on a global scale. Faris's journey epitomizes the philosophy of 'Start Where You Are,' proving that with the right mindset, even the most modest beginnings can lead to remarkable achievements.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• From refugee to entrepreneur
• Supporting underserved entrepreneurs and communities
• Startup funding and networking strategies
• Importance of entrepreneurship in communities
• Resilient entrepreneurial leadership insights

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Supporting Resources:

Social Links for Faris

LinkedIn

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Social Links for ISM

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Books

Start Where You Are

Power of 7 in Marketing

Courses

Power of 7 Marketing Program—My ISM Inc

The Resilient Entrepreneur Course | International Strategic Management

Podcast

Finjan Show

Publication

“When Adversity Becomes an Advantage”

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• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 089: Advocating for International Startup Founders with Jeff Farrah of National Venture Capital Association

• Episode 145: Financial Freedom and the Near-Future of Venture Capital with Asra Nadeem

• Episode 159: From Founding to Funding: Understanding Venture Capital Potential with Kristen Ostro & Nicole Fuller

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