40. The Future of Marketing: Building Trust through Authenticity with Dr. Rana Sabra

Dr. Rana is a marketing strategist, global speaker, academic researcher and author, and dedicated advocate for small businesses. With a legacy rooted in resilience, from her grandfather's farming days to becoming the first in her family to earn a doctorate internationally, Rana's passion lies in helping others move the needle in their lives. 

As the founder of Creative Minds and host of the Success Club Podcast, her impact includes:

• Empowering over 2,000 entrepreneurs and executives worldwide 

• Speaking at Forbes Women’s Summit 

• Delivering 3 TEDx talks across global stages (USA, Mexico, UK) 

• Driving 300% growth for multinational brands as a former Marketing Director 

 

With a Doctorate in Marketing and Consumer Behavior from France and a Postgrad Diploma in Digital Business Transformation from the USA, Dr. Rana brings 20+ years of experience to her roles as a business strategist, success coach, and university professor.

Her speaking engagements blend academic insights with real-world strategies, offering audiences actionable tactics for navigating today's complex business landscape. Whether addressing startup entrepreneurs or senior executives, Dr. Rana's talks are known for their engaging style and practical, results-driven content.

Dr. Rana's research-based approach has helped scale businesses across diverse industries and markets. Known for infusing entrepreneurship with innovation, she transforms visions into reality, empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their professional dreams in the global marketplace.

 

In this insightful episode of Courage Unlocked, Dr. Rana Sabra—marketing strategist, academic researcher, TEDx speaker, and champion for small businesses—dives into the evolving landscape of marketing. With over 20 years of experience in consumer behavior and digital business transformation, she brings a research-backed perspective on what’s working (and what’s not) in today’s fast-changing world.

Dr. Rana shares why human behavior, not just technology, is driving the future of marketing. She unpacks the power of personal branding, why businesses must prioritize long-form content over short viral moments, and how small businesses can stand out by building real trust with their audience.

She also shares her deeply personal mission to support Lebanese entrepreneurs affected by war, offering them free access to her signature mastermind program. Her passion for creating real change—both in marketing and in the lives of others—shines through in this conversation.

If you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or business owner looking to build a brand that lasts, this episode is packed with invaluable wisdom.

 

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Takeaways

• Marketing is shifting back to human connection.

• Social media is just a tool; what people really crave is trust, authenticity, and real experiences.

• Personal branding is for everyone.

• Whether you're a student, an entrepreneur, or a corporate leader, building a strong personal brand is key to standing out and creating impact.

• Long-form content is making a comeback.

• Quick viral moments don’t build lasting trust. Podcasts, YouTube videos, and deep-dive content are the future of marketing.

• Don’t obsess over social media metrics.

• A million followers don’t mean a million dollars. Focus on meaningful engagement and real connections.

• AI is a tool, not a replacement for strategy.

• Leveraging AI in marketing can save time, but human creativity and research-driven insights will always win.

• Small businesses have a ripple effect.

• Supporting small businesses, especially those in crisis, has a direct impact on communities and economies.

• Resilience is the foundation of success.

• Dr. Rana’s work with Lebanese women entrepreneurs proves that hope, education, and strategy can rebuild businesses and lives.

 

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This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the future of marketing with confidence and purpose. Join us as Dr. Rana Sabra shares her expertise, her passion, and her unwavering belief in the power of people over platforms.

 

Dr. Rana’s Links

• Instagram

• Linkedin

• Website

• Speaking Videos