In this episode of the Speak In Flow podcast, Melinda Lee interviews Abdalmohsen Elmalk, a product performance manager at ASML with a Ph.D. in physics. Elmalk shows us how he transformed obstacles into leadership wisdom. Growing up in Sudan, where resources were scarce and opportunities were limited, he refused to let language barriers, financial constraints, or self-doubt prevent him from pursuing a world-class education. His story reveals the profound truth that real leadership is based on the power of human connection.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The Power of Belief

Elmalk's journey began with a simple but powerful conviction:

"My belief was stronger than my doubts."

Growing up in Sudan with limited resources, he faced seemingly insurmountable barriers. Yet his unwavering determination to pursue quality education became the driving force that propelled him across continents.

The Role of Human Connection

"Surround yourself with people who support your vision."

While personal drive is essential, transformative growth often happens through human connections.

Behind every "self-made" success are the people who opened doors at critical moments. For Elmalk, that person was a Dutch professor who became his unexpected bridge to opportunities abroad.

Adaptability as a Leadership Skill

Each new environment - from Dutch labs to Silicon Valley boardrooms - required him to "fit the mood" while maintaining his core values.

For leaders navigating today's globalized workplaces, Elmalk's journey offers a masterclass in turning culture shock into a leadership superpower, where every adaptation strengthens your ability to connect across boundaries.

The Missing Link in Hybrid Teams

In our era of remote work and global teams, Elmalk identifies emotional disconnect as the silent productivity killer. His solution is deceptively simple yet profound: "Add humanity to communication."

Connect with Abdalmohsen Elmalk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elmalk/

About the Guest:

Abdalmohsen Elmalk is a semiconductor innovator and cross-cultural leader who bridges physics expertise with human-centered leadership at ASML, the tech giant powering Silicon Valley’s chip revolution. As Manager of the E-beam Application Products team, he transforms complex tech into real-world solutions while mentoring global teams.

Fun Facts:

• 🔬 Microscope Whisperer: Earned his PhD studying single molecules (because why think small when you can think atomic?).
• 💡 First-Principles Leader: Approaches management like physics, observing, adapting, and creating the right conditions for teams to shine.
• 🧠 Polyglot Brain: Fluent in 3 languages, 4 scientific disciplines, and the universal language of authentic connection.

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

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