Meet Maher Jurdi '17
Meet Maher Jurdi, Class of 2017, who graduated from IC with a degree from the Lebanese Program. Maher continued his education at “The American University of Beirut” and graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. In the year 2021, Maher joined IE University in Madrid, Spain and graduated with a master’s degree in Business.
On his journey of self-discovery, Maher was interested in making the voices of regular people heard. The voice of people you might know yet have limited access to their identity. Maher wanted to challenge the notion that only famous individuals have stories worth sharing as he firmly believed that everyone, regardless of their background or status, had unique experiences and insights that can resonate with others. “My motivation stemmed from a deep-seated belief in the power of inclusivity and the importance of amplifying diverse voices.” In the shadow of that mentality, Maher and his friend Walid Antabli came up with an idea of creating a podcast and that is how "Higher Take" was born.
This podcast, launched in May 2022, serves as a platform to share inspiring stories, insights, and advice from successful individuals across various fields. By featuring guests who have overcome challenges and achieved success, the podcast aims to inspire and empower its audience to discover their own paths and navigate their personal and professional journeys. By creating a platform where everyday people could share their stories, struggles, triumphs, and perspectives, Maher aimed to foster empathy, connection, and understanding among listeners. “I wanted to show that relatable voices matter just as much as those of celebrities or experts.”
Higher Take podcast is also engaged in raising awareness about the importance of education, personal development, and resilience. Through engaging with the experiences and perspectives shared on the podcast, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own goals, challenges, and aspirations, ultimately empowering them to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. Overall, "Higher Take" serves not only as a source of inspiration and entertainment but also as a valuable resource for personal growth and development, highlighting the keys to success and resilience in today's ever-changing world. "Higher Take" contributes to fostering a community of lifelong learners.
Over the course of his journey, Maher had the privilege of hosting 40 guests from diverse backgrounds, sharing their stories and insights with the listeners. This inclusivity has been a cornerstone of the podcast's success, allowing Maher to build a community that values authenticity and relatability, reaching over 25k followers in 2 years around all social media platforms. Notable successes were achieved in engaging a diverse audience with a wide array of guests, fostering meaningful connections, and building a community. The positive feedback received from both guests and listeners underscored the platform's impact in inspiring individuals and facilitating genuine conversations.
The reception to the initiative of creating a more inclusive and authentic podcasting community has been overwhelmingly positive. When Higher Take podcast was first launched with the aim of featuring everyday people and their stories, Maher was not sure how it would be received. However, he quickly realized that there was a genuine hunger for this type of content. Guests who joined the podcast were enthusiastic about the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives with a wider audience. Many expressed gratitude for the platform to discuss topics that were important to them, whether it was their career journey, personal struggles, or insights into their passions and interests. Listeners, too, responded positively to the inclusive nature of the podcast. They appreciated hearing from a diverse range of voices and found value in the relatability of the stories shared. Instead of feeling intimidated or distant from the experiences of high-profile guests, they felt a sense of connection and empathy with the everyday individuals featured on the podcast. Moreover, the initiative to prioritize inclusivity and authenticity resonated with the broader podcasting community. Collaborations and partnerships with other podcasters and organizations were formed based on shared values and goals. “Together, we worked to amplify voices and promote diversity in the podcasting space.”
Starting the podcast was undoubtedly a leap of faith, as there were uncertainties and challenges along the way. Balancing podcast production with other commitments, grappling with technical glitches, and navigating the complexities of growth and visibility presented significant hurdles. Despite these obstacles, each challenge served as a learning opportunity, reinforcing resilience, and reaffirming the commitment to creating authentic, impactful content. Through perseverance and innovation, these challenges were overcome, contributing to the podcast's continued growth and success. “The podcast’s path was not without its challenges. However, I was driven by the conviction that the rewards of creating a more inclusive and authentic podcasting community would far outweigh the risks.”
Moving forward, Maher aspires to continue amplifying diverse voices, fostering empathy, understanding, and creating a community that values authenticity and inclusivity. “Ultimately, my long-term goal is to make a positive impact through storytelling and contribute to building a more empathetic and connected world.”
Being an IC student had a profound impact on Maher’s life choices and played a significant role in shaping his career success. The academic environment at IC provided him with a strong foundation of knowledge and critical thinking skills that have been invaluable throughout Maher’s professional journey. IC's emphasis on interdisciplinary education exposed Maher to a wide range of subjects and perspectives, helping him develop a holistic understanding of the world. “This broad knowledge base has allowed me to adapt to diverse work environments and tackle complex challenges with confidence, and starting my podcast was the biggest testimony.”
One cherished memory Maher would like to share from his time at IC is the experience of running for the Student Representative Council (SRC) during his senior year. It was an amazing journey filled with excitement, passion, and personal growth. From the moment he decided to run for SRC, Maher was met with overwhelming support from his peers and teachers. “Campaigning allowed me to connect with fellow students on a deeper level, listen to their concerns, and articulate my vision for positive change within the school community.” The process of running for SRC taught Maher invaluable lessons in leadership, resilience, and teamwork. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone, encouraging me to speak up, take initiative, and advocate for the needs of my classmates.” On election day, the sense of anticipation was immeasurable as students cast their votes. “Regardless of the outcome, the experience of running for SRC had already become a victory. It had brought me closer to my peers, instilled in me a sense of responsibility, and ignited a passion for making a difference.” The resilience and confidence instilled in Maher as an IC student has undoubtedly played a role in his willingness to take risks and pursue his passions, despite the uncertainties that may arise. “The belief that every experience, regardless of the outcome, contributes to personal growth and learning is a testament to the lessons I learned at IC.”
“To my fellow IC alumni, I would like to spread this message: Embrace every opportunity to lead, inspire, and serve others. Whether it is running for student council, pursuing a passion project, or volunteering in your community, never underestimate the impact you can make. Remember that true success is not measured solely by achievements but by the lives you touch and the positive change you bring about. Let us continue to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, and service instilled in us by IC, and together, let's strive to make a meaningful difference in the world.”