Farah Ismail

I am a courage catalyst, executive coach, facilitator, speaker and founder of Interact Consulting. 

AI Will Never Replace Human

Everyone’s racing to upskill for AI. To stay relevant. To stay sharp. To not fall behind. And yes, AI is extraordinary. It’s helping us become more efficient than we ever imagined. But in this rush to optimize and upgrade, something quieter is happening. I see brilliant leaders second-guessing their value, shrinking their voice, and questioning their place in the room. Because while we’re busy learning how to keep up with technology, we must not forget what makes us irreplaceably human. That’s where the real leadership edge lies. And it brings me back to a powerful truth I heard in a recent webinar that landed deep: “The one thing AI will never have is soul.” Rob Cressy That’s it. Soul. AI can write content, but it can’t hold presence. It can analyze data, but it can’t listen between the lines. It can replicate a message, but it can’t replicate you. Because true transformation doesn’t come from the tools we use. It comes from who we are when we use them. With awareness. With courage. With soul. Remember, the most powerful way to live is to inspire or move someone to live better. You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel and grab your free copy of “Dare to Be You” eBook here. Farah IsmailI am a courage catalyst, executive coach, facilitator, speaker and founder of Interact Consulting.  www.coachfarah.com

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How To Play Bigger

We’re officially halfway through 2025. If you needed a wake-up call to play bigger, this is it. Over the weekend, I had the privilege of being in a room filled with inspiring entrepreneurs, changemakers, and leaders – all brought together by the bold vision of Aspire For Her. Exactly five years ago, Aspire For Her was born mid-flight, with a courageous mission scribbled on a napkin: To add Ten Million Women to the workforce in India by 2030. Today, AFH is a thriving global community – lifting women into careers, leadership, and impact across industries and borders. In partnership with SEED & Payoneer, there is real growth opportunities to help women entrepreneurs succeed in international markets. As I listened to Madhura DasGupta Sinha, Founder & CEO of AFH, and the esteemed panel Pavithra Y Sundareshan, Andrew Collister, Juhi Santani, RDI share stories of intention, collaboration, shaping culture and astounding service, I felt a fire awaken in me. I began to scribble what I want to create in the next 6 months, 5 years, 10 years. It felt scary. It felt exhilarating. I felt energized. I felt aligned. I left the room not just inspired, but activated. A reminder to commit to play bigger and invite others to do the same. A big thank you to the entire team of Aspire For her, everyone who made this possible, and the wonderful venue in the heart of the city, Yutori Spaces. What about you? What’s one intention you are setting for the rest of 2025? Remember, the most powerful way to live is to inspire or move someone to live better. You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel and grab your free copy of “Dare to Be You” eBook here. Farah IsmailI am a courage catalyst, executive coach, facilitator, speaker and founder of Interact Consulting.  www.coachfarah.com

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Thinking Out of The Box

No one tells you to think out of the box when you’re at the beach! Because there, you naturally do. The waves, the horizon, the endless sky, they remind you that there is always more beyond what you can see. Sometimes, getting out of the B❒X starts with simply stepping away… and allowing new possibilities to rise. But the beach isn’t the only place where I access my creative superpowers. For me, it’s running in the park, traveling somewhere new, being unhurried, or sending voice notes to people who I care about. What do you do to get out of your own thinking? Remember, the most powerful way to live is to inspire or move someone to live better. You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel and grab your free copy of “Dare to Be You” eBook here. Farah IsmailI am a courage catalyst, executive coach, facilitator, speaker and founder of Interact Consulting.  www.coachfarah.com

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5 Things That Deeply Moved Me During A Week In Switzerland

Some places don’t just change your view—they shift something inside you. A week in Switzerland did that for us. What we received was so much more—moments that moved us, surprised us, and stayed with us. Here are 5 simple yet powerful experiences that resonated deeply. Experiencing the pace of presence. People walk slowly, board trains patiently, and truly savor their moments with their loved ones. It reminded me that when we stop rushing, we start to experience peace. A train driver’s final stop. At one station, we witnessed a heartwarming celebration for a retiring train driver. As he brought the last train home, his family and friends were waiting—with cheers, flowers, and pride. A beautiful reminder of making time to honor the journey. Hiking for the first time. We said yes to a hike to Bachalpsee, one of the most stunning alpine lakes above Grindelwald. We paused many times, unsure of how far we had to go. At one point, we asked, “Is it worth it?” The uncertainty became part of the magic. “Let’s go a little further” became our mantra and yes, it was absolutely worth it. Unexpected conversations. In a gondola, we met a kind, soft-spoken man from Colombia. Turns out, he was attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the highest Ironman! You never know who will inspire you next. You can follow Jose Alfonso here. Choosing our experiences. On our last day, we decided to watch Circus Knie, which has been touring Switzerland for over 100 years. We laughed at the German comedy, gasped at the breathtaking acts, and had a shared experience with over 2000 people that was precious. Such a powerful reminder that joy and wonder speak every language. We were spontaneous and following our curiosity, pausing when something moved us, and letting the journey surprise us. The magic wasn’t in the itinerary—it was in what we allowed ourselves to feel, notice, and follow. It is so true for life isn’t it? What travel experience has shaped your thinking? I’d love to hear. Remember, the most powerful way to live is to inspire or move someone to live better. You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel and grab your free copy of “Dare to Be You” eBook here. Farah IsmailI am a courage catalyst, executive coach, facilitator, speaker and founder of Interact Consulting.  www.coachfarah.com

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What Makes Me Scared Is Scared

When we were asked to write a bio in the AJC School, I felt that familiar mix of excitement and fear—because this wasn’t just about crafting a typical paragraph or two. This exercise was an invitation to truly stand for who I am and what I do. It became an opportunity to write about myself and my work as an act of self-love, a chance to be bold and unapologetic. It’s easy to downplay our accomplishments when talking about ourselves, but this was no time for playing small. This was about fully stepping into who we are, embracing the courage it takes to honor our journey. Today, I feel nudged to share my bio with you. And as I do, my request is that you hear this bio as if it’s about you. If you think, “Wow, Farah is amazing,” then yes—I am. But so are you. The courage and certainty I have in speaking these words? That’s available to you too. There’s nothing I can do that you can’t also do. So, as you listen, ask yourself: ✔️ Who would I need to be to live a life of courage? ✔️ Who would I need to be to fully love myself and my life? ✔️ Who would I need to be to know, without a doubt, that my life makes a huge difference in this world? If ever there was a time to be the author of our own lives, it is now—a time to focus on our dreams, gain clarity on what we truly love, and invite freedom. Tony Robbins once said, “It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.” My moment was declaring my freedom. So, here’s my invitation to you… Take a moment to write your own bio—not as a list of accomplishments, but as a bold declaration of who you are and what you stand for. Share a line or two in the comments or simply write it for yourself as an act of self-love and courage. Remember, the most powerful way to live is to inspire or move someone to live better. So, if you’ve found a piece of your journey in these words and you want to know more about my journey, I invite you to join me further. Let’s continue the conversation. You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel and grab your free copy of “Dare to Be You” eBook here. Farah IsmailI am a courage catalyst, executive coach, facilitator, speaker and founder of Interact Consulting.  www.coachfarah.com

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