A passionate advocate for financial independence and social change, Hana Hamzeh founded Fifreedomtoday to provide practical tools and strategies for Arab youth to help them navigate their financial journeys. The media platform today, embodies a vision of financial empowerment and purpose-driven living, which goes beyond wealth building.
In an interview with Business Frontier, Founder & CEO of Fifreedomtoday, shares her commitment to democratizing financial knowledge and fostering a future in which financial literacy fuels personal and communal growth.
Q. How has your extensive background in journalism shaped your approach to digital content creation, particularly for Arab youth?
My background in journalism has been instrumental in shaping how I create digital content, especially for Arab youth. Journalism taught me the importance of storytelling, accuracy, and ethical reporting — critical principles in the digital space. With the rise of social media, content must be engaging and informative yet concise, given the shorter attention spans online. My experience allows me to blend traditional journalistic rigor with innovative digital techniques, ensuring that the content is compelling and trustworthy.
For Arab youth, who are increasingly consuming information online, providing content that resonates culturally while empowering them with knowledge and tools for their future is crucial. This approach ensures that we inform and inspire the next generation to think critically and act wisely in a rapidly changing world.
Q. Can you share the most significant challenges you faced while transitioning from traditional media to digital platforms?
Transitioning from traditional media to digital platforms was both exciting and challenging. One of the biggest challenges was to adapt to the speed and immediacy of digital content. In conventional media, there’s a structured process with multiple layers of review, but digital platforms require real-time updates and rapid responses.
Another challenge was to understand the diverse audience on digital platforms, which requires more dynamic, interactive content, and tailored to various demographics. The shift from long-form journalism to shorter, more visually-driven content was a significant adjustment. Ensuring the same depth of analysis and quality in this new format required a change in mindset and strategy. Lastly, staying updated with the latest technology and social media trends to maintain relevance in the digital space was a continuous learning process.
Q. What drives your passion for financial freedom, and how do you convey this through your platform?
My passion for financial freedom is driven by the belief that true empowerment comes from the ability to make choices that align with one’s values and dreams. Financial independence is not just about wealth; it’s about having the freedom to live on your terms.
Through Fifreedomtoday, I aim to demystify finance, making it accessible and actionable for everyone, especially Arab youth. We share stories, tools, and strategies focusing on building a life of purpose and meaning, not just financial success. Our goal is to inspire others to take control of their financial futures, see money as a tool for freedom rather than a source of stress, and use their financial power to impact the world positively.
Q. In what ways has your work with humanitarian causes influenced the content and mission of Fifreedomtoday?
Working with humanitarian causes has profoundly shaped the mission of Fifreedomtoday. It has shown me that financial education is a powerful tool for social change. I’ve seen firsthand how empowering individuals with financial knowledge can uplift entire communities, breaking the cycle of poverty and enabling sustainable development. This experience has inspired me to create content beyond individual financial success. Fifreedomtoday is about building a better world, where economic freedom is a means to contribute to the greater good. I strive to infuse our content with a sense of purpose and responsibility, encouraging our audience to use their financial independence to support causes they believe in, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Q. What role do you believe blockchain and digital transformation will play in the future of journalism?
Blockchain and digital transformation hold significant potential for the future of journalism. Blockchain technology can enhance transparency and trust in media by providing a decentralized and tamper-proof system for verifying information sources. This could combat the spread of fake news and ensure that content is authentic and credible. Moreover, blockchain can facilitate new business models for journalism, such as content-based micro-payments, allowing journalists to be compensated fairly for their work.
Digital transformation, on the other hand, is revolutionising how news is gathered, reported, and consumed. Artificial intelligence and data analytics enable more personalized and efficient content delivery, while digital tools allow for greater audience engagement. As journalism continues to evolve in this digital age, embracing these technologies will be crucial for maintaining journalistic integrity and adapting to the changing landscape.
Q. Can you share a memorable moment from your field coverage that impacted you?
One moment that profoundly shaped my perspective was during coverage of a war region in my country, Lebanon. Amidst the devastation, I met a woman who had lost her entire family yet continued to care for orphaned children in her community. Her strength and selflessness in the face of unimaginable loss moved me deeply. This encounter reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling to give voice to the voiceless and highlight the strength of the human spirit.
It was a stark reminder of the human capacity for resilience and compassion, even in the darkest times. It also deepened my commitment to humanitarian causes, driving me to create content that informs, uplifts, and inspires action. This experience continues to influence my work, reminding me that journalism is not just about reporting facts but about capturing and sharing the enduring power of hope.
Q. What advice would you give young journalists looking to make a mark in the digital media landscape?
To young journalists, I would say: Embrace the digital age, but never lose sight of the core principles of journalism—truth, integrity, and empathy. The digital landscape offers endless possibilities, but it also demands authenticity. Be curious, be bold, and let your passion for storytelling guide you. Build your voice and brand by being true to yourself, and always prioritize the stories that need to be told, not just the ones that will get clicks. Engage with your audience, listen to them, and let that connection drive your work. Remember, journalism is not just a job; it’s a responsibility to inform, inspire, and make a difference in the world. Let that mission be your compass as you navigate the ever-evolving digital media landscape.
