The Strength of Staying Grounded

At our core, we are all human. Stay humble

In a world where leadership is often equated with prestige and hierarchy, Ariya Malek of Educational Awakening Center brings us back to what truly matters: humility. He reminds us that the ability to relate to others on a human level is foundational to lasting trust and influence. Rather than leading with status, lead with humanity.

I always strive to remain humble. I come from humble beginnings, and I don’t let my current status dictate my attitude toward others. Being able to connect in a relatable way, on an even playing field, allows me to build trust with those I interact with. If we define ourselves based on our external factors, then we are dependent on what we have to define ourselves, rather than on who

we are internally. And we are all human beings at the core. – Ariya Malek, Educational Awakening Center

Leadership isn’t about power plays or posturing. It’s about remembering who you are, connecting with others without pretense, and fostering environments where people feel seen and respected. Ariya’s perspective highlights the value of grounding yourself in internal integrity rather than external validation. A humble leader is an approachable leader—and approachability breeds trust.