"I Never Expected to End Up in Tech—But I Found My Passion."

By Mariam Al Hamad, Business Development & Project Manager at Mahali (5 years at noon)

What inspired you to pursue a career in tech/e-commerce?

I never expected to end up in tech. My background is in design, and this industry felt like a completely different world. But I started at noon Mahali as an intern, helping launch the project, and the more I learned about e-commerce and tech, the more I loved it.

There’s always something new—a problem to solve, a client to support, a project to kickstart. The fast-paced environment, constant innovation, and the impact of the work pulled me in. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I had found my passion.

The best career advice I’ve ever received

"Focus on delivering results, not perfection."

You’ll never know how well something works until you put it out there, test it, and refine it. This advice completely shifted how I approach my work and projects.

Overcoming burnout and stress

The biggest challenge I’ve faced? Burnout.

In my early years, I pushed myself to the limit—mentally and physically. By my third year, I was drained. Work consumed my thoughts even outside of working hours, and I knew something had to change.

I took a step back and started being more intentional with my time. I focused on what truly mattered, set boundaries, and prioritized rest. Learning how to balance my energy has helped me become not just a better professional but a healthier and happier person overall.

Imposter syndrome—have I experienced it?

Absolutely. Coming from a completely different field, I felt like I was constantly playing catch-up.

But over time, I realized that my background was actually an advantage—it helped me bring fresh perspectives and approach problems differently. I also made the effort to build my foundation through learning, taking courses, and growing my confidence in what I bring to the table.

Advice to my younger self

Speak up.

If you have a different idea, a new approach—trust yourself and voice it. I’ve learned that following the "traditional" way of doing things isn’t always the best path. Innovation happens when you bring your unique perspective into the mix.

Why do we need more women in tech?

Because diversity fuels innovation.

Women bring different perspectives, skillsets, and problem-solving approaches that balance how the industry functions. More representation means products designed with both men and women in mind.

We need to create more opportunities for young girls to explore the industry early on and ensure women in leadership roles serve as visible, inspiring role models.

How do diverse teams create better technology?

Different viewpoints lead to better, more creative products. Diversity removes biases in design and decision-making, leading to more inclusive and effective solutions.

Staying motivated in a fast-moving, male-dominated industry

I remind myself: I’ve made it this far—I can keep going.

I trust myself, lean on my incredible team, and, honestly, a daily coffee helps too. 😆

My mantra when things get tough

"الحياة حلوة" (Life is sweet).

Whenever things get chaotic, I repeat this to myself. It’s a reminder that things will work out—and even if they don’t, there’s always something to learn, something to look forward to, or at the very least, something to laugh about.

🚀 Proud to be part of a growing community of women in tech.

Connect with Mariam Al Hamad on LinkedIn. Learn more about Mahali here.

Shop products from local Mahali sellers on noon here.