#008 - Being your authentic self: "No, My Name Isn’t Mo"

Salam everyone! In this episode of Deen & Deals, we dive into a conversation that hits close to home: identity, confidence, and showing up as your full self—especially as a Muslim navigating the modern workplace. We share personal stories about growing into our identities, from refusing to shorten our names to learning how to confidently advocate for prayer, Ramadan accommodations, and faith-based boundaries on the job.We explore what it really means to be authentic at work, how confidence in your Islamic identity translates into confidence in your career, and why small acts—like asking someone how to pronounce their name properly—carry deep respect. We also highlight moments of community and unexpected connection, whether it’s finding a meditation room to pray in, helping a colleague feel comfortable practicing Islam at the office, or meeting strangers who join your prayer in public.Enjoy the episode, and may it give you the confidence to lead with your identity wherever you are.Time Stamps:01:01 The Importance of Identity01:48 Navigating Identity in the Workplace03:45 Respecting Names and Identities04:41 Balancing Faith and Work07:13 Challenges of Practicing Faith at Work09:33 Creating a Comfortable Work Environment11:11 Personal Anecdotes and Identity11:33 Embracing and Expressing Faith at Work12:38 Navigating Workplace Dynamics as a Muslim14:18 Challenges and Strategies for Public Prayer16:46 Practical Tips for Balancing Faith and Work21:10 Concluding Thoughts and ReflectionsFollow Deen & Deals:• Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...• Subscribe to our newsletter: https://deenndeals.substack.com/Where to find Mohammed:• LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammedkiswani/• Newsletter: https://www.mohammedkiswani.com• Youtube: / https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@mohammedkkiswani⁩  Where to find Futhallah:• LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/futhallah-hamed/