After two decades leading globalization at brands like Harley-Davidson and Zendesk, Wada’a Fahel made a bold move.
She left the corporate world behind to launch her own consulting firm, LocVerse.
In this powerful episode of Merging Minds, host Javi Diaz talks with Wada’a’s about her journey.
From career burnout to finding meaning in a new way of working.
A Brave Exit
Wada’a didn’t leave her last job in the usual way.
She was drained, uninspired, and knew something had to change.
“I was literally disengaged on calls. Sometimes I would lose my words. That’s when I knew I had to go.”
A website she had been working on in secret was the nudge she needed.
When her hosting service reminded her to publish or delete, she chose to publish and she never looked back.
Building LocVerse
LocVerse wasn’t born overnight. Wada’a had been consulting informally for years.
From benchmarking to reviewing RFPs, she was already helping others.
She just hadn’t made it official.
“There’s a sense of reward to consulting. You help, there’s closure, and then you move to the next challenge.”
With enough savings, passive income, and a few steady clients, she finally made it real. LocVerse became her full-time mission.
What LocVerse Actually Does
Wada’a describes LocVerse as a place where 20 years of experience meet a fast-changing, AI-driven world.
Her clients include:
- Agencies looking for visibility and credibility
- Buyers seeking strategy, team building, or centralization
- Organizations struggling with localization anxiety
“I provide an impartial view in an AI-charged environment. Clients and agencies are both facing pressure. I help them see what they can’t.”
AI Isn’t Magic. It’s a Tool
When clients reach out, AI is often the first topic.
“It’s always at the forefront. But it’s not a magic wand. It won’t fix everything overnight.”
Instead of vague suggestions, Wada’a offers frameworks.
She listens first, validates what’s working, then guides them with a custom roadmap.
Agencies Need to Think Differently
One of the boldest points Wada’a makes is about the agency side of the business.
“Everyone is chasing tech clients. But there are hidden gems out there, other sectors with huge potential.”
She sees agencies missing opportunities because they focus on the same verticals, ignoring sectors that might need help but aren’t getting attention.
Why Storytelling Matters
Wada’a and Javi also unpack the power of storytelling.
She helps her clients stop selling themselves as the hero and start showing up as the guide.
“You’re not Skywalker. You’re Yoda. You’re here to help them become the hero.”
This shift in perspective changes everything, especially in sales, executive pitches, and internal influence.
Small Wins, Big Growth
Leaving a stable job wasn’t just a professional decision it was personal.
“It took courage. But I had the experience, the financial backup, and I knew it was time.”
For others considering the leap, she offers simple advice:
- Build passive income before you quit
- Be brutally honest about what you want
- Start by helping people. Word of mouth is gold
Coaching, Not Answers
Wada’a doesn’t believe in just giving clients the answers. She coaches them instead, nudging them to think like buyers, not just sellers.
“I want them to evolve. Next time they get asked the same questions, I want them to pause and think differently.”
Her Leadership Philosophy
Wada’a’s leadership style is built on life experience, not talent.
“I wasn’t born a leader. I built these skills from the bricks thrown my way.”
Her secret? Patience and resilience.
She says true growth happens in small steps, not overnight wins.
Final Thoughts
Wada’a Fahel’s journey is proof that taking a leap can lead to something better.
She turned discontent into clarity and built a business that helps others find their own way forward.
If you're in the localization or globalization space, her story is a must-listen.
LocVerse isn’t just a business. It’s a mindset shift.
“You’re not there to shine. You’re there to guide. That’s the future of leadership.”
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