“Running, beyond being a physical challenge, represents a lot more for me; it’s a powerful metaphor for life itself.”
Sonia Haboub is a dynamic force, balancing the worlds of athletics, business, and academia with remarkable dedication. As an elite athlete, CEO, and PhD professor, she embodies resilience, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to growth.
You wear many hats: athlete, CEO, PhD professor, and world traveler. Can you share how each of these roles shapes your identity and the woman you are today?
Each of these experiences adds a layer to my character and personal growth, making me someone who is not only versatile but also deeply driven and introspective.
As an athlete, I have cultivated an exceptional sense of discipline, physical endurance, and mental resilience. The rigorous training schedules and the competitive spirit of sports have taught me the value of perseverance and how to handle both success and failure with grace. Athletics also promote teamwork and collaboration, which translates into my leadership as a CEO, as I know how to bring a team together towards a common goal. Being an athlete shapes my identity by instilling a mindset that always strives for improvement, fosters a strong work ethic, and teaches me the importance of maintaining balance between body and mind.
As a CEO, I wear the hat of a leader, strategic thinker, and decision-maker. This role sharpens my ability to think long-term, manage complex challenges, and inspire others. Being at the helm of a company requires not just managerial skills but also a deep sense of vision and responsibility. My experiences in this role have no doubt shaped me as a confident, assertive individual, always looking for innovative ways to evolve both my business and me. This role has likely instilled in me a sense of accountability, decision-making confidence, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing environments.
My role as a PhD professor enriches my identity by grounding me in the world of academia and intellectual exploration. It enables me to continually learn, share knowledge, and mentor the next generation of leaders and thinkers. Teaching also fosters patience, empathy, and effective communication; traits that carry over into my work as both an athlete and a CEO. By constantly engaging with complex ideas and theories, I am constantly challenged to think critically and stay intellectually engaged, which empowers me to apply new perspectives in all my other roles.
As a world traveler, my sense of identity is further shaped by my exposure to diverse cultures, ideas, and experiences. Traveling not only broadens my horizons but also fosters adaptability and a deep appreciation for diversity. Additionally, my travels may inspire my athletic endeavors by introducing me to new activities and lifestyles, while also enriching my teaching as I bring real-world, multicultural experiences into the classroom. The constant movement and exploration have likely made me more open-minded, curious, and connected to the global community.
Together, these roles help me develop a well-rounded and grounded identity. As an athlete, I have cultivated resilience and the drive to push beyond limits. As a CEO, I have honed my leadership abilities and strategic thinking. As a PhD professor, I have fostered a lifelong commitment to learning, mentorship, and intellectual engagement. Finally, as a world traveler, I have gained an open-minded, adaptable, and culturally aware perspective on life.
Your journey is a powerful example of resilience. For women who face obstacles, what advice would you offer to help them find strength in the face of adversity?
Embrace your unique path: Balance multiple passions, running, fashion, and wellness. It is important to recognize that everyone’s journey is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all path to success. Embrace your individuality, and remember that obstacles are part of the process, not a reason to give up.
Focus on what you can control: In times of adversity, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by things outside of your control. Focus on what you can control, your mindset, actions, and reactions. Small, positive steps every day can help you regain a sense of power over your life.
Build a support network: Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift you. Whether it's friends, family, mentors, or even sports/activities communities, having a strong network can provide encouragement and guidance when the going gets tough.
Stay committed to your goals: Even when facing setbacks, it's important to stay focused on your long-term goals. Resilience isn’t about never falling down; it’s about getting back up every time. Stay committed to your dreams, even when challenges arise, and trust that persistence will pay off.
Prioritize self-care and mental health: Just like physical strength, mental resilience needs to be nurtured. Take time to care for your body and mind. Exercise, mindfulness, meditation, or hobbies that bring joy can recharge your energy and build emotional resilience.
Learn from setbacks: Every obstacle is a lesson waiting to be learned. When facing adversity, try to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth. It’s through hardship that we often find out what we’re truly capable of.
Lead with empathy and compassion: My journey, like many others, is about balancing ambition with kindness. When facing obstacles, try to be gentle with yourself. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend.
Celebrate small wins: It's easy to get discouraged if you're always focused on the big picture. Celebrate the small victories, each step forward counts, no matter how small it seems. They all add up and help build your resilience over time.
As a passionate athlete, what does running represent for you beyond just a physical challenge? How has it become a tool for personal growth and empowerment?
Running, beyond being a physical challenge, represents a lot more for me; it’s a powerful metaphor for life itself. It’s about pushing boundaries, both physically and mentally, and learning how to overcome obstacles in the process. Here’s how running has become a tool for personal growth and empowerment:
Mental Strength: Running teaches me to embrace discomfort and keep moving forward, even when I want to quit. Each mile, each step is a reminder that strength doesn’t just come from the body, it comes from the mind. It’s in those moments when you push through exhaustion or doubt that you realize your own potential to persevere.
Self-Discovery: Long runs, in particular, give me time to think, reflect, and process emotions. It’s an opportunity to tap into parts of myself that I might not connect with in my everyday life. The solitude of a run allows me to clear my head and connect with a deeper sense of self. Every run feels like a mini journey of self-discovery, where I learn new things about my limits, my resilience, and what makes me feel alive.
Empowerment Through Achievement: Every personal record, every race completed, every challenging route conquered adds to a feeling of accomplishment that I carry with me in other aspects of life. Running gives me the confidence to tackle challenges outside of fitness, proving to myself that I can face difficult situations and come out stronger on the other side.
Building Consistency and Discipline: As an athlete, running has taught me the value of consistency. Showing up every day, whether it’s for a short jog or a long run, builds discipline and reinforces the idea that hard work compounds over time. This mentality has translated into other areas of my life, whether it’s personal goals, career, or relationships.
Healing and Resilience: On a deeper level, running has helped me heal through tough times. It has provided clarity and relief during moments of stress, anxiety, or sadness. The rhythm of my breath and the movement of my body create a form of release that helps me reset. It’s been a tool of resilience, teaching me that even on the hardest days, I can rise and keep going.
In the end, running is much more than just physical activity. It’s a way to challenge myself, grow mentally, and connect with others. It empowers me to believe in myself, and it helps me live with a sense of purpose, discipline, and strength.
What does International Women’s Month mean to you, and why do you think it’s important to celebrate women’s stories of resilience, especially in the context of your own journey?
I have faced the challenges of balancing multiple passions and roles, all while overcoming personal obstacles to succeed. For her, International Women’s Month might serve as an opportunity to not only reflect on my own journey but also recognize the women who have supported me along the way.
For me as a passionate athlete, women’s stories of resilience likely remind me of the importance of pushing forward despite setbacks. Athletes, in particular, understand that resilience is a key to success, not just in sports but in all areas of life. Sharing stories of overcoming adversity fuels the drive to keep challenging oneself, whether in fitness, career, or personal growth.
In the context of my journey, International Women’s Month might be a celebration of breaking barriers in both athletics and fashion, two industries often dominated by certain expectations or stereotypes. By sharing and celebrating resilient women, it sends a powerful message that women are capable of excelling in all areas, defying expectations, and paving the way for future generations.
Celebrating women’s stories of resilience allows me and others in similar spaces, to encourage and uplift the next generation of women. As someone who has succeeded through hard work and passion, I feel I can inspire young women to follow their dreams and face challenges with confidence, whether it’s in running, fashion, or any field. My story can serve as proof that resilience leads to empowerment and success.
International Women’s Month is also a time to reflect on how personal resilience intersects with professional growth. The obstacles faced along the way, from gender biases to the pressures of balancing multiple roles, are all part of the story. By celebrating these experiences, I am acknowledging how resilience not only shapes personal achievements but also contributes to a broader cultural shift toward equality and empowerment.
Overall, International Women’s Month serves as a reminder that women’s resilience isn’t just about enduring; it’s about thriving, achieving, and lifting each other up. For me and for all women, it’s a time to recognize the power in every woman’s story and to celebrate the ways we continue to defy odds and make our mark on the world.
Running has been a constant in your life. How can women use sports to build mental and physical strength and break through personal barriers?
Regular physical activity, like running, enhances cardiovascular health, boosts metabolism, and strengthens muscles and bones. The sense of accomplishment that comes from hitting fitness goals can significantly improve self-confidence.
It also helps women manage and maintain healthy body weight and mindset.
Exercise, including running, releases endorphins, the body's natural mood lifters. This helps combat anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, leading to greater emotional stability.
Running requires consistent training, time management, and goal setting, all of which teach discipline. Overcoming obstacles in sports, such as pushing through fatigue or completing a challenging run, builds resilience, which can be applied to other areas of life.
An aspect of running that not many share, is that it can be a form of meditation in motion. Focusing on your breath and the rhythm of your steps helps clear the mind, reduce stress, and increase mental clarity.Each milestone, whether it’s running a longer distance or reaching a fitness goal, boosts self-worth. The process of improving physically and mentally reinforces the belief that personal growth is possible.
It provides opportunities to push beyond personal limits. For women, this could mean defying stereotypes that suggest women aren’t as strong or capable as men in certain sports. Through training and perseverance, women can show themselves and others what they are truly capable of.
Many women face internalized doubts about their abilities. Engaging in sports helps them prove to themselves that they can achieve what they set out to do, whether it’s training for a marathon or hitting a personal best in a 5k.
Through sports, women can also become role models for others. Leadership opportunities, whether as a coach, mentor, or simply as a source of inspiration, can increase a woman’s sense of purpose and agency.
The sense of achievement from completing a race or setting a new personal best in a sport can translate into a stronger sense of self-worth. Women who engage in sports are more likely to feel empowered and less likely to fall victim to societal pressures.
Engaging in physical activity helps women manage stress and emotions. Whether dealing with work stress, personal struggles, or external pressures, sports become a constructive outlet for emotional release and coping.
You’ve had the opportunity to travel the world and run in various countries. How has seeing the world through running shaped your view on women’s global empowerment and unity?
My experience of running in various countries likely gave me a unique perspective on global empowerment, particularly for women. Traveling the world through running provides a sense of freedom, discipline, and connection that transcends borders and cultures. It’s an experience that can help break down stereotypes and foster understanding.
Through running, women in many countries can experience a sense of empowerment, as it challenges not only their physical abilities but often societal expectations too. In some places, women running in public might go against cultural norms, while in others, it's a common sight. By participating in races or training in diverse environments, I may have witnessed the common thread of women pushing past their limits, whether they’re running in rural towns, city streets, or scenic landscapes.
This shared experience, of striving toward a personal goal, creates unity among women globally. Regardless of where they come from, women runners understand what it feels like to set a goal, work hard, and overcome obstacles, which is incredibly empowering. It’s more than just physical strength; it’s mental resilience, confidence, and breaking down barriers.
Through my travels, I likely saw firsthand how women in different parts of the world face unique challenges—whether it’s access to sports, safety concerns, or cultural expectations. At the same time, I would have also witnessed the strength and determination of women everywhere who use running as a tool for personal freedom, physical health, and self- expression.
You’re an inspiration not only through your athletic accomplishments but also through your work in education and leadership. How do you use your platform to inspire the next generation of women leaders?
I frequently share insights into my own journey, from overcoming personal obstacles to achieving success in sports. This kind of transparency humanizes and allows me and my followers, especially young women, to see that success is not linear. I often show the struggles behind the victories, which helps my audience relate to me on a deeper level and understand that resilience and perseverance are key to overcoming challenges.
My work in education is evident in the way I share content related to learning, growth, and development. By promoting education and personal growth, I encourage young women to value their intellectual potential as much as their physical strength. I may share tips, resources, or advice on balancing education and athletics, showcasing how both can complement each other in shaping well-rounded leaders.
Through my platform, I often highlight the importance of mentorship, particularly for young women.
I encourage my followers to embrace their unique qualities and to be confident in their abilities. Whether through motivational quotes, workout posts, or stories of self- improvement, I emphasize the importance of believing in oneself. This fosters a mindset of empowerment and self-acceptance, which is crucial for any young woman aspiring to be a leader.
My Instagram also showcases the power of community. Whether it’s through sharing group runs, charity events, or women’s empowerment initiatives, I highlight the strength that comes from working together. This promotes the idea that leadership doesn’t always have to be about going it alone; it’s about uplifting and supporting each other, especially as women.
You’re planning to run in the Congo River Marathon this year. What excites you about this opportunity and the impact it could have on empowering women in the DRC?
The Congo River Marathon offers me a platform to draw attention to the importance of women’s empowerment. By participating in such an iconic event, I can spotlight the challenges women face in the DRC and how sports, particularly running, can serve as a tool for overcoming those challenges. My participation alone sends a message that women can achieve great things, regardless of where they come from or the obstacles they face.
In many places, including parts of Africa, women face societal norms that discourage them from participating in sports or physical activities. By running in the Congo River Marathon, I can show local women that they are capable of participating in endurance sports and that they have the right to push their limits and pursue their dreams. This act could inspire young girls and women in the DRC to challenge cultural expectations and see sports as a pathway to greater freedom and empowerment.
My presence at such an event in the DRC would provide a powerful example for local women and girls. By taking part in the marathon, I would love to motivate women to pursue their goals, whether in sports, education, or leadership.
The Congo River Marathon brings together participants from various backgrounds, and by running in this event, I can foster a sense of unity. It shows the power of sports to bring people together across differences, creating a shared experience that transcends borders and cultures. For women in the DRC, this may help build a sense of community and solidarity as they rally around the idea that they, too, can become leaders and agents of change in their own lives.
What’s next for The Globerunner Scholar? Any new goals or challenges you’re excited to take on as you continue to inspire women around the world?
Given my passion for education, I might look to further integrate my love for running with initiatives that support young women’s access to education. I could launch or support more scholarship programs or educational platforms that encourage women to pursue both their athletic and academic dreams. I may also look at expanding educational programs that focus on leadership and self-development for women, particularly in underserved regions.
After running in races across the world, I would expand my platform by hosting or participating in global campaigns that focus on the empowerment of women through sports. This could include community events, talks, or workshops in different countries, where I do not only participate in races but also share my story and provides tools for women to overcome barriers they face. By creating a global network, I can unite women across borders in a common mission to support one another and achieve greatness.
One of the key issues I may continue to address is the gender gap in professional sports. I would like to focus more on advocacy, pushing for equal opportunities for women athletes, better funding, and resources, and combating stereotypes about women’s involvement in certain sports. My goal would be to ensure that young girls around the world can see athletics as an accessible and viable career path.
I am likely looking for new, unique marathons and races to challenge myself in. Running in less-explored, remote, or historically significant locations could provide me with the chance to bring more attention to those areas and inspire local communities, particularly women, to engage in running and fitness. A goal like completing marathons in underrepresented regions could be a new personal and professional challenge for me.
I am also working on building a global, supportive community for women runners. This could include creating digital platforms or groups where women of all backgrounds can connect, share experiences, train together, and support one another. Holding virtual or in- person events that focus not just on athletic achievement, but on empowerment, wellness, and leadership.
With the increasing focus on sustainability in sports, I would set new goals to combine my love for running with social and environmental activism. I might participate in or create races that fundraise for important causes, such as access to education in underserved areas.
Follow Sonia’s journey on instagram @theglobalrunnerscholar.