Meet Naeemah Elias, the inspiring founder of Elias Presence, a TEDx and keynote speaker, and a former corporate leader who transformed her career to help professionals thrive. With over 13 years of experience in finance and leadership development, Naeemah empowers individuals and organizations to navigate corporate spaces with confidence, develop leadership legacies, and embrace public speaking as a tool for growth. Humans of Fuzia celebrates her journey as an example of aligning passion with purpose to create meaningful impact.
Q: Could you share your journey from corporate life to founding Elias Presence?
Naeemah Elias: I began my career as a professional actress and later spent 13 years in corporate finance, climbing the ladder while focusing on process design, training, mentorship, and talent development. Over time, I realized that the work that truly brought me joy was helping professionals navigate their careers, overcome feeling “stuck,” and thrive in corporate environments.
In 2023, I left my corporate job to follow my passion and officially launched Elias Presence on Halloween 2023. My work now focuses on three key areas:
- Thriving as an Outsider – Helping professionals who feel like outsiders learn how to navigate and succeed in corporate spaces.
- Leadership Legacy – Teaching how to develop and uplift the people around you as a leader.
- Public Speaking – Leveraging my acting and corporate coaching experience to help professionals communicate with confidence.
Launching the business was scary, but because my purpose, passion, and profession are aligned, the work flows naturally. I’ve walked the path my clients are on, and that makes helping them all the more meaningful.
Q: Who is your target audience?
Naeemah Elias: My audience is twofold:
- Individuals who feel stuck in their careers, want to grow, or struggle with belonging in corporate spaces.
- Organizations looking to support employee growth, from interns and early-career professionals to emerging leaders.
I often work with employee resource groups, sales teams, and young leaders, helping them step into confidence and leadership with the right tools.
Q: What strategies have helped you find clients as a solopreneur?
Naeemah Elias: I leveraged my existing relationships—I’ve coached and mentored thousands over the years. When I started posting on LinkedIn, sharing my stories, client experiences, and the work I’m passionate about, people began reaching out.
I also attend conferences and events, where conversations about the work I do naturally turn into opportunities. My enthusiasm for my mission often inspires people to connect or refer me.
Q: Are there any exciting projects or speaking engagements coming up?
Naeemah Elias: Yes! I’m currently running a summer leadership series for junior counselors at a summer camp, helping them develop early leadership skills. I’ll also be speaking at the Austin Conference for Women, where I’ll discuss how I use AI in business and daily life.
Q: How do you define success?
Naeemah Elias: Success is waking up excited about your day and knowing that your work adds value—to yourself, to others, and to the world around you. It’s living and working in a way that brings genuine joy.
Q: Are you a solopreneur, or do you work with a team?
Naeemah Elias: I am currently a solopreneur, wearing all the hats myself. It can be challenging, but the alignment between my mission and work makes it fulfilling.
“Align your passion and profession, and success will follow. Show up authentically, and your work will speak for itself.”
Want to be featured?
If you’d like to be featured in the Humans of Fuzia series, email us at fuziatalent@fuzia.com.
