Off Track: Power Isn’t Visible. That’s the Point.

Welcome back to Off Track, the space where I speak unscripted, unfiltered and straight from the heart. No guests, no notes, just honest reflections shaped by real conversations and real life.

This episode follows my recent conversation with Mazen Hayek, former spokesperson for MBC Group and one of the most influential figures in Arab media over the last two decades. What started as a discussion about media, power and leadership became a much deeper reflection on ego, trust and what really matters in a world obsessed with visibility.

Here are the three insights behind this episode.

1️⃣ Visibility Is Not Power. Credibility Is.

One of the strongest takeaways from Mazen was this idea that real power rarely sits in the spotlight. In high stakes communication, your job isn’t to be seen, it’s to be trusted. As a spokesperson, Mazen was never the message. He was the bridge between the institution and the audience. That means parking your opinions, suppressing ego and understanding that the mission always comes before the individual. In a world pushing personal brand above everything else, this felt like a necessary reminder that chasing visibility too hard can quietly end careers.

2️⃣ Trust Is the Only Currency That Actually Compounds

Power doesn’t buy trust. But trust, over time, creates power. How a media institution handles sensitive topics, avoids sensationalism and treats its audience with respect determines whether people believe it or walk away. Right now, we’re living through a collapse of trust in traditional media, and that vacuum has been filled by individuals. Podcasts, long form conversations and consistent voices have become trusted not because they’re perfect, but because they’re familiar. Consistency builds credibility. Authenticity compounds trust.

3️⃣ In an AI World, Value Comes From Choosing the Right Battles

As AI accelerates, Mazen spoke about the importance of context, judgement and human insight. For me, that insight landed slightly differently. The real challenge isn’t competing with machines on intelligence, it’s knowing where to place our energy. Emotional intelligence. Self awareness. Fighting the right battles instead of every battle. In a world of noise, power now comes from discernment. What you engage in matters as much as what you ignore.

Honest, reflective and straight from the heart.

This is me, off my chest and off the cuff.

Welcome to Off Track. 🎙️✨