We recently connected with Soufiane Mouhtaj and have shared our conversation below.

Soufiane, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

The definition of success can vary from person to person, but in my opinion, success is a mindset. It’s about setting a goal ahead of you and working diligently to achieve it.

For example, moving from Morocco to the USA was a significant step for me. Embracing new challenges and being ready to start over in an unfamiliar culture can be daunting. However, with an open mindset and a willingness to put in the work, you start to see improvement over time.

I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration in Hospitality Business and worked for luxurious hotel brands in Morocco. When I moved to America, I decided to start from the bottom and work my way up. This decision was driven by my desire to understand the culture and business from different management styles. With my extensive experience, I decided to start a podcast where I host guests with similar experiences to share and inspire others.

Success, to me, is about resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. It’s about taking risks, embracing change, and being persistent in the face of challenges.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Growing up in Morocco, I always had a feeling that I would create something special in the future. Sports played a significant role in my life, especially basketball, which helped me clear my thoughts and stay disciplined. After high school, I discovered a passion for exploring new cultures and meeting new people. Given that Morocco is a tourist-friendly country, I decided to pursue a degree in tourism at ISITT Tanger, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Hospitality.

Starting my career in five-star hotels helped me build my skills in attention to detail and learn about the luxury hospitality world. I had the honor of working in some of the best places in the world, which enriched my professional experience. Eventually, I had the opportunity to move to the United States and continue my career. Moving to the States opened more doors for me, allowing me to become an entrepreneur and work on my brand alongside my professional job.

One of my latest projects is a podcast launched in late 2024. This podcast is a platform for me to share my experiences and those of other professionals, aiming to inspire more people. Through my work, I strive to provide exceptional service and create memorable experiences for my clients. What sets me apart is my dedication to excellence and my ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

I am most proud of my journey from Morocco to the United States and the growth I have achieved both personally and professionally. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my brand is built on a foundation of passion, hard work, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Whether through my hospitality services or my podcast, my goal is to inspire and uplift others.

How did you build your audience on social media?

The big change for me came during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, everyone I was talking to virtually was going through a tough period. I decided to start sharing stories and videos to keep people motivated and inspired, giving them hope and something positive to look forward to. This initiative resonated with many, and I began to connect with more people who shared their stories with me and encouraged me to keep posting.

During this period, I also started exploring entrepreneurship and recognized the internet as a powerful tool to connect, learn, and reach more people. This realization was the foundation for building my brand and gaining more followers. My situation is somewhat unique because I have followers from Europe, Morocco, and the USA. To keep everyone engaged, I post diverse content and communicate in different languages with subtitles, which has been well-received by my audience.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my key advice is to not listen to negative feedback and stay true to yourself. People want to see the real person, not a fake image. Authenticity is crucial. My second piece of advice is to stay consistent and post regularly. Consistency helps build trust and keeps your audience engaged.

Any advice for managing a team?

My advice for managing a team and maintaining high morale is to be consistent in your management approach while recognizing that everyone can be managed differently. As a leader, it’s important to adjust how you set expectations, communicate effectively, and ensure that your team has the resources they need to perform at a high level.

Engaging the team by listening to their concerns and suggestions is crucial. Being present in the operations, showing support, and expressing appreciation can significantly boost morale. It’s about creating an environment where team members feel valued and heard. Consistency in your actions and communication helps build trust and reliability, which are key to maintaining a motivated and high-performing team.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soufiane_mouhtaj/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soufiane.mouhtaj
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soufiane-mouhtaj-011b5b36/
• Twitter: https://x.com/SMouhtaj
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpotlightbySM-ji3bn