Forty Over 40

Forty Women to Watch Over 40

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40 Over 40 Asks: 10Qs for Farah Mohamed, Founder and CEO of G(irls)20

Welcome to the Forty Over 40 blog. Every week we spotlight one of our honorees and their thoughts on reinvention, mentorship and momentum…plus a peek into what makes them tick.

This week’s Q & A is with Farah Mohamed, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at G(irls)20, a global platform that economically empowers girls and women around the world.

1. What was a pivotal momentum of reinvention for you?

I was about 18 hours away from Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro and I had a moment of clarity about what my next career move would be; I wanted to invest in people over products.

2. Who has been a valuable mentor or sponsor?

I have had many through my years in politics and social profit – men and women alike. The one who stands out is the Honourable Paddy Torsney who gave me my first shot in politics, made me work hard and express my ideas without fear of ridicule.

3. What is your biggest goal right now?

Expansion of G(irls)20 programming in two ways: provide girls, aged 15-17 with educational opportunities to ensure they are able to compete globally and create a program that combats youth employment.

 4. How did you get your first job? How did you jump to your second job?

My dad got me my first job which was to shred paper and work in the photocopy room of his office. I guess I did that with a certain flare because the next summer I was offered a bookkeeping job by the person who ran the accounting department.

5. What time do you typically wake up? What do you do every morning?

I wake around 6 am unless I have an international call I have to be up earlier for. I stretch, brush my teeth, wash my face, check my iPhone, turn on the news and make breakfast. Always in that order. It’s the only routine thing about me. If I am travelling abroad I don’t have a routine aside from waking up and getting out of bed.

6. How do you unplug? How often do you unplug?

I hang out with my friends over a meal, walk, glass of wine. I never completely unplug.

7. What was the last business book you read?

A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence and Power by President Jimmy Carter.

8. What song can’t you get out of your head?

September by Earth Wind and Fire. It’s a classic!

9. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Vote. It’s your privilege and your duty.

10. What is your secret indulgence?

A bowl of pasta with marinara sauce, basil and loads of parmesan with a glass of Amarone.

 Check out Farah Mohamed’s full 40 Over 40 profile here!

Whitney Johnson

Whitney Johnson

Whitney is the author of the acclaimed Dare, Dream, Do: Remarkable Things Happen When You Dare to Dream. She has been named on numerous Smart Thinkers and People to Follow lists by major media such as Inc. Magazine, Business Insider and Huffington Post and is quoted in Wall Street Journal, CNN, Fast Company, Forbes and more.
Whitney Johnson