Ep 508: How to Invest in Yourself and Thrive In 2026

HerMoney with Jean Chatzky

Jean Chatzky Her Money

Business, Investing

4.8 • 1.3K Ratings

🗓️ 31 December 2025

⏱️ 34 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Ready to invest in yourself in 2026 and beyond? In this empowering episode, Jean sits down with Maha Abouelenein, global communications strategist and author of the bestselling book 7 Rules of Self-Reliance, to talk about how women can build confidence, create value, and stop waiting for permission to grow. Maha shares the pivotal story of how she rebuilt her life after a major career pivot, going from secretary to business partner in just four years, and how we can all tap into the mindset of self-reliance to create real opportunity, no matter where we’re starting from. We discuss: What it really means to invest in yourself—personally, professionally, and financially Why your reputation is currency, and how to build a personal brand that opens doors How to develop the five key traits of self-reliant people: initiative, adaptability, decision-making, leadership, and growth mindset Maha’s mantra “Stay low, keep moving”—and how it can help you block the noise and stay focused Why hustle culture is out, and value culture is in How to use small daily actions to build lasting change 🎧 Don’t miss our bonus Mailbag episode this Friday, where Maha returns to answer your real-life questions on personal branding and career transitions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	And it's really hard right now to do nothing.
0:05.6	It takes effort to do nothing.
0:08.1	Like if you have like an afternoon off where you have nothing to do,
0:11.1	you feel like you should be productive in doing something.
0:13.8	Use that time.
0:14.8	Is it Tuesday nights or Sunday mornings?
0:16.8	Can I block off one hour where I'm going to be reading?
0:20.1	Can I block off one hour where I'm going to be reading? Can I block off one hour where I'm going to be knitting?
0:23.1	Can I block off one hour to play pickleball or one hour to learn how to bake sourdough?
0:27.8	It's about being intentional with your time and to stay low, not be low profile, but just stay low and focused on what you want to achieve.
0:38.3	Hey, everyone, welcome to Hermione. I'm Gene Chatsky. As we step into a brand new year, one filled with fresh goals, big dreams, a few inevitable curveballs.
0:50.3	There is no better time to talk about what it really means to invest in yourself,
0:56.7	not just financially, but mentally, emotionally, professionally. Look, self-reliance is not just
1:03.5	a buzzword. It is a life strategy, and my guest today knows exactly how to help us harness it.
1:12.2	Maha Abu Elanane is a global communications powerhouse, a personal branding expert,
1:19.0	and now the best-selling author of seven rules of self-reliance,
1:24.1	how to stay low, keep moving, invest inself, and Own Your Future. Her book,
1:29.7	It's a masterclass in building confidence, adding value, and taking real action, especially in
1:35.2	today's world where everything, everything feels like it is moving at warp speed. Maha, welcome to her
1:43.4	money. So nice to see you. Thank you, Jean. I am so delighted to be here.
1:47.5	I have been following your work for such a long time and to be on your show is truly a full
1:52.4	circle moment for me. It's great to have you here. Maha and I met at a conference in Minnesota.
	...

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