Long before I was a PhD, a project manager, or a woman leader in tech—I was a little girl being taught how to make her bed properly. Not quickly. Not sloppily. But with care, pride, and purpose. That’s how my mother introduced me to one of the most powerful concepts that continues to shape my life: Itqan — doing things with excellence, to the best of one’s abilities. It didn’t matter if it was folding laundry or finishing a school project—if you were going to do it, you gave it your all.
That one principle became my launchpad. It helped me graduate top of my class, deliver a valedictorian speech, complete my PhD before turning 30, and climb a fulfilling career path in the medtech world. Today, Itqan is framed on my office wall, right beside my degrees. And in my mind, I still hear the prophetic wisdom my mother often quoted: “God loves when one of you does a job, that they do it with Itqan (excellence).”
But she didn’t stop at excellence—she taught me intention. “Know why you’re doing what you’re doing,” she would say. That single idea transformed how I show up in life. I build health technologies to save lives, I volunteer to serve my community, I cook to nourish my family. Even on the hardest days, when deadlines pile up or projects face setbacks, my mother’s voice brings me back to my why. And suddenly, I find strength again.
She also modeled what it means to lead with both strength and softness. “Be a role model,” she’d say. “But never forget to be kind.” That lesson helped shape the leader I am today—one who checks in on her team’s well-being while pushing toward ambitious goals. One who believes that performance and compassion are not at odds—they’re a powerful combination.
And perhaps most importantly, my mother has always been my biggest cheerleader. A fierce believer in women’s potential, especially in STEM as an engineer herself, she was there when I struggled to balance work and family, reminding me that it’s the quality of time with my children that matters more than the quantity. She helped me find solutions, ask for help, and never feel guilty for dreaming big.
Her belief in me has ignited my belief in others. Today, mentoring women and helping them grow into confident, capable leaders is one of my greatest joys. I want to pass on what she gave me: unwavering encouragement, timeless wisdom, and a quiet but mighty strength.
I am who I am because of my mother. She didn’t just raise me—she built me. And every day, in my work, in my home, and in my heart—I carry her lessons forward.
Because I’m not just a woman in leadership.
I’m proudly, and powerfully, built by my mother.
About the Contributor
Mai Elfarnawany, is the VP of Engineering at Flosonics Medical, where she leads a team of 20 engineers and data scientists in advancing innovative healthcare technologies. With a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and a PMP certification, Mai bridges technical expertise with leadership excellence. She is passionate about creating collaborative environments that empower individuals to thrive and is a dedicated advocate for women in STEM, fostering inclusivity and supporting others in their paths to leadership.
This contribution is for the Mother’s Day Initiative #builtbymothers.
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