Today we’d like to introduce you to Rana Khmur.
Hi Rana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My Jordanian identity is a source of pride, and I maintain a strong connection to my culture and heritage. Art became an interest since my childhood, when I spent much of my free time drawing scenes from my imagination. Following high school, Yarmouk University selected me as one of four students from 150 applicants to study fine arts, after passing a design test. As my studies progressed, I became increasingly interested in graphic design and finished at the top of my class in 2004. This academic record led to an offer to teach at Philadelphia University. A couple of years later, I left teaching to develop practical experience in design. At Kasha, I started as a graphic designer and subsequently advanced to a senior graphic designer position. Work with businesses of various sizes and in different industries further developed my skills. Collaborating with project teams and other stakeholders, I used design to address their needs and solve problems. After Kasha I got the opportunity to work for ATG (Arab Technical Group), one of the leading companies in engineering in Jordan, where I worked on all their advertising campaigns throughout the year. Afterwards, On-Time advertising agency was an important stage of my career where I collaborated with creatives and clients to create tons of innovative projects and marketing collateral. The Royal Scientific Society (RSS) was my final workplace in Jordan. I valued the opportunity to work under its president, HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, whose interests included art and design. Among our projects were the rebranding of the Jordan Museum and Princess Sumaya University (PSUT). My design work at RSS also served USAID, UNDP, ElHassan Business Park, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and other organizations. Marriage to an American citizen in 2014 brought a move with my husband to Austin, Texas, and a change in my personal and professional life. While adapting to a different country, culture, and language, I prioritized family and took on freelance assignments. A three-month contract with Yeti followed, then a position at Cushman and Wakefield. That role introduced me to commercial real estate and expanded my corporate experience through presentations and marketing materials developed with colleagues and project stakeholders. Consistent hard work, dedication, and credibility helped me establish professional connections and gain others’ trust and recognition. After nearly three years with the company, I left and started my Executive MBA program in strategic leadership, at Valor Institute of Quantic School of Business and Technology, completing the degree with honors.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it was indeed not a smooth road.
The key struggles mentioned along the way include:
Adapting to a new country: Adjusting to a different culture, language, norms, and way of interacting with the surroundings.
Loss of support system: Living mostly independently and solely without family and friends nearby, which required a huge adjustment for an outgoing person.
Workplace challenges: Navigating a different work culture, adjusting to people’s norms, and dealing with corporate politics.
Overcoming stereotypes: Putting in extra effort to change people’s stereotypes about Arabs.
Identity balance: Finding a balance between maintaining personal identity and origin while adapting to blend into the new environment, and be included. This could make you emotional, overreacting, and confused.
Navigating diverse interactions: Dealing with people of varied cultures, personalities, mentalities, and backgrounds, including facing misunderstandings, misconceptions, and people with bad intentions.
Workplace isolation: A major speed bump along my path was experiencing workplace isolation. In one of my previous roles in the US, no matter how friendly, diplomatic, or welcoming I was, I continually felt excluded from the team dynamic, which was very unusual for me, compared to all other companies I worked for throughout my career, where the situation was completely opposite! While this situation never undermined my performance, productivity, or the quality of my work, this ongoing disconnect took a heavy toll on my well-being and enthusiasm for going into the office every day. It was a tough lesson in knowing my worth, which led me to resign so I could focus my energy on healthier, more appreciative environments.
On the other side of those challenges, my career has been deeply enriched by extraordinary professional connections and meaningful growth. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with diverse, talented teams and building strong relationships with clients and peers who value credibility, mutual respect, and high standards. Beyond driving results, I find real fulfillment in making a positive impact—whether that means helping businesses bring their vision to life, supporting colleagues through complex projects, or mentoring others along the way. Every environment I’ve stepped into has served as a catalyst for my own expansion; I constantly push myself to learn new tools, master evolving design trends, and refine my strategic thinking. These rewarding experiences have not only deepened my expertise as a creative powerhouse and an accomplished designer, but also reinforced my belief in the power of uplifting others while building a career rooted in passion, integrity, and continuous learning.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What Do You Do & What Do You Specialize In?
I am a highly skilled graphic designer and creative powerhouse who specializes in all forms of print and digital graphic design. My specialization includes, editorial design, branding, pitch and proposal design, social media content, Email marketing, video production, UI/UX, and more.
What Are You Known For?
Creativity & Speed: Coming up with innovative and original ideas quickly and on the spot.
Problem Solving: Being a natural problem solver who goes above and beyond to resolve challenges.
Professional Reliability: Being exceptionally hardworking, highly reliable, and quick to earn people’s trust.
Design Expertise: Having deep knowledge and exceptional proficiency across graphic design and related creative disciplines.
Extraordinary Work Ethic: My approach is defined by an extraordinary work ethic—marked by credibility, relentless dedication, deep accountability, and a willingness to go above and beyond to consistently gain trust and deliver on every promise.
What Sets You Apart From Others?
What truly sets me apart is a rare combination of skills seldom found simultaneously in a single designer:
Versatile Creative Range: The ability to execute diverse creative projects—from high-stakes branding and pitch proposals to fast-paced digital social/email campaigns and video assets.
Technical & Project Management Skills: Pairing high-level creative execution with strong organizational skills, strict attention to detail, and robust project management ability.
Adaptability & Collaboration: The capacity to work entirely autonomously or seamlessly collaborate within teams, efficiently managing multiple projects in fast-paced environments.
Continuous Growth: Being a rapid learner who actively seeks out new skills needed to excel.
What Are You Most Proud Of?
Impact & Connections: The strong professional connections built and the businesses helped to achieve their goals.
Inspiring Others: Making a meaningful positive impact, supporting peers, and inspiring those around you.
Personal Reputation: Establishing a lasting reputation built on credibility, loyalty, dedication, and kindness.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
1. Lead with Authenticity, Respect, and Kindness
Networking shouldn’t feel like a transaction or a performance. Be genuinely yourself, as trying to fit every mold will only exhaust you. Treat everyone you meet—regardless of their background, culture, or mentality—with kindness, diplomacy, and respect. Authentic, positive human connection naturally attracts mentors who align with your values.
2. Focus on Goals, Not Just Individuals
Attach yourself to your long-term goals and professional vision rather than clinging to specific people or titles. When seeking a mentor, look for someone whose path and values align with where you want to grow. Seeking guidance around shared goals makes outreach clear, purposeful, and mutually rewarding.
3. Be Strategic, Discerning, and Self-Aware
While remaining open and approachable, protect your energy and peace of mind. Be honest and transparent, but exercise discretion regarding who you share sensitive ambitions or vulnerabilities with. Not everyone in a professional network will have your best interests at heart, so stay alert, trust your gut, and cultivate deep trust with a selective, proven inner circle.
4. Take Risks and Embrace Failure as Growth
Finding a mentor requires stepping out of your comfort zone—whether that means reaching out to someone you admire, attending new events, or pitching a bold idea. Don’t let fear of rejection hold you back; who doesn’t try doesn’t learn. Treating every interaction as a learning opportunity builds resilience and opens doors you otherwise wouldn’t reach.
5. Know Your Worth and Set Clear Boundaries
Always stay humble, but never allow yourself to stay in spaces or relationships where your skills and character are undervalued or unappreciated. A true mentor will recognize your potential, respect your worth, and encourage your growth.
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