Tearing down the Walls: Pearl Mashour’s Path to Empowerment
Pearl Mashour’s life story is one of resilience, courage, and transformation. From fleeing Iran as a young child to navigating cultural expectations and societal norms, she has overcome immense challenges to become a powerful advocate for women’s empowerment. Through her work as a coach, speaker, and changemaker, Pearl is redefining what it means to live authentically and inspiring women worldwide to reclaim their voices and their power. This is the journey of a woman who turned adversity into purpose, breaking generational cycles and creating a legacy of empowerment.
Pearl, your journey began very young when your family fled Iran. How did that experience shape your values and your mission to empower women?
Leaving Iran at such a tender age profoundly shaped who I am today. At just six years old, I experienced firsthand how fragile freedom can be. I remember the terror and confusion of that late-night departure, pretending we were simply going on vacation to avoid suspicion at the airport. The tension in the air was palpable; leaving behind all ur cherished belongings felt like abandoning pieces of our lives. The most heartbreaking memory was hugging my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, not knowing when- or if- I would ever see them again. I didn’t fully grasp the weight of the situation at the time, but I knew enough to feel the ache of leaving my world behind. In the wake of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, my family became refugees. Even as a child, I overheard conversations and saw the stark changes playing on the news. One of the most striking shifts was the erosion of women’s rights- a battle that shaped my understanding of the world. I learned early that my path would be more challenging as a woman. I would face battles I didn’t choose but would need to fight- stronger and harder than I ever thought possible. That realization has fueled me ever since, inspiring a resilience that remains at the core of who I am.
You mentioned witnessing gender inequality both in Iran and in America. How did these early observations influence your understanding of women’s societal roles?
From an early age, I witnessed the pervasive gender inequality, especially within Iranian culture. Arranged marriages were common in our family, and it was self-evident that the man was the patriarch. My grandparents didn’t know any differently- this dynamic had been modeled for them for generations. They believed their role was to raise beautiful daughters and marry them off to men from “good” families. For the daughters, there was no choice. They couldn’t pursue proper education, decide their futures, or even choose whom to marry. As a result, none of them found happiness in their marriages. This cycle of silence and submission repeated itself, generation after generation.
Fortunately, my mom chose to break the pattern in one crucial way. Despite receiving a request for an arranged marriage, she refused to set me up. But even so, she carried the deeply ingrained belief that a woman’s primary role was nurturing, caring for the household, and always putting others’ needs before hers. As I watched this unfold, it lit a fire within me. I felt an undeniable pull in the opposite direction. I knew I had to dedicate myself to breaking the cycle of generational trauma and empowering women to reclaim their voices, their choices, and their full potential. This mission became the cornerstone of my life. This is where my” Why” was born.
Can you share more about the pivotal moment when you realised that you wanted to dedicate your life to breaking the cycle of generational trauma?
Becoming a mother transformed my perspective in profound ways. As a mother of three, including two daughters, I feel an immense responsibility to lead by example- to embody self-love, acceptance, and resilience. I have worked to instill these values in my children, empowering them to navigate their paths toward fulfilment and freedom.
As both a woman and an Iranian, I have to work even harder to help my children unlearn the limited beliefs that generations before us accepted as truth. I have made it my mission to rewire their thinking, to erase the outdated patterns that hold so many back, and to create opportunities for them that I never had.
Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to do simple things like cheerleading, dating, or even going away to college- things that were seen as off-limits for girls. When that’s all you know, it becomes your reality until, one day, you start questioning the stereotypes you have been taught. That’s when change began. I decided to break those patterns, not just for myself but for my children. My kids know that I am their biggest advocate, especially my daughters. I have paved the way for them to access opportunities I could only dream of while protecting them from the judgment of those still entrenched in patriarchy. As a result, I never worry about my daughters being afraid to use their voices or stand up against injustice. From a young age, I have shared with them the sacrifices their grandparents made to bring me to America. I remind them that their freedom and opportunities directly result from that bravery and they have the privilege- and responsibility to chase the American Dream without limitations.
As a mother of three, particularly two daughters, how do you consciously lead by example in teaching them self-love and the courage to pursue their dreams?
Being Iranian, I grew acutely aware of how the government and society regarded women as second-class citizens, depriving them of fundamental rights. Gender discrimination was woven into nearly every aspect of law and daily life. I witnessed the injustice of gender inequality firsthand, particularly through my mother’s experience. Raised in a patriarchal society, her reliance and potential were stifled. Denied the opportunity for a college education, she was unable to pursue her dreams or live independently.
When we moved to America, I saw a different, yet equally pervasive, form of gender bias. Women were often expected to prioritize their roles as wives and mothers above their aspirations. Those who defied these expectations were unfairly labelled as selfish or ungrateful. These experiences became a turning point for me. I realized the need for change- and that I could be part of that change. It was time to break the cycle of generational trauma and rewrite the narrative for one woman at a time. This realization fueled my resolve to dedicate myself to empowering women to reclaim their potential, challenge societal norms, and break from the limitations imposed on them for generations.
You describe yourself as a “Master Women Empowerment Coach.” What does it mean to empower women, and how do you approach this work with your clients?
As a Master Women’s Empowerment Coach, my approach integrates both the body and the mind. Many of us don’t realize how deeply pain and trauma are stored in our bodies- a concept beautifully articulated by Dr.Bessel van der Kolk in his groundbreaking book, The Body Keeps Score. I guide my clients in reconnecting with their authentic selves, peeling back the layers of external expectations and roles. Through this process, they rebuild confidence and self-worth, learning to set boundaries, reclaim their voices, and fully embrace their empowerment. A key tool I use is the Empowerment Spectrum, which helps clients identify where they are emotionally and energetically. Together, we explore the archetypes that may have served as protective mechanisms in the past but now need to be re-evaluated to support growth. This journey enables clients to rise to higher levels of consciousness, where they can speak their truth and shift their perspective- unlocking transformation in their emotions and energy.
One of the most profound shifts my clients experience is learning to distinguish between their personal truth and the universal truth. They access their understanding; they move into higher states of consciousness where being” right” becomes less important than embodying courage, neutrality, love, and light-heartedness. Ultimately, the goal is to help women live fully in their women’s energy- a state of flow, intuition, and authentic power. By embracing this energy, they create lives that reflect their deepest values and highest potential.
How did your transition from a corporate career to becoming a teacher and later a coach help you find your true calling?
Throughout my life, I‘ve always known that happiness in my career was essential. Even in college, I wasn’t drawn to jobs promising the highest income. Instead, I chose paths that aligned with my passions and, most importantly, those that were personally rewarding. At my parents’ urging, I entered the corporate world immediately after graduation, taking on a role as a project manager overseeing IPOs. While the work was prestigious and fast-paced, the demanding hours and constant travel left me unfulfilled. It became clear that wasn’t the path for me.
Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, I decided to pursue a teaching credential. Becoming an educator allowed me to nurture the growth and potential of young minds- a deeply rewarding experience that gave me purpose. When motherhood arrived, I stepped back from teaching to focus on raising my children. This hiatus turned into a transformative journey, filled with life’s highs and lows, ultimately shaping the woman I am today. During this phase, I recalibrated my course, seeking fulfilment in every aspect of my life.
Through this profound self-discovery, I found my true purpose: guiding women to live empowered, authentic lives. The lessons I have learned along my path now serve as a s foundation for helping others break free from societal expectations, embrace their unique potential, and create lives that reflect their deepest values.
What do you consider to be the biggest barriers women face in society today, and how can we begin to overcome them?
At a certain point in life, many women find themselves lost. They develop a deep longing for external validation- seeking love and approval from others. This manifests in countless ways: striving to be the perfect mother, creating a warm and inviting home, staying youthful and attractive to defy aging, maintain an ideal shape, excelling in their careers, or being the “perfect” wife. In this pursuit, women often lose sight of themselves. They begin living for others, not for their happiness. Instead of cherishing the present moment, they become consumed by the fear of judgment and the endless cycle of comparison.
At the root of this struggle is the profound truth: women forget to love themselves. They’ve been conditioned through generations to believe their worth is tied to how they give to others- as mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, or caregivers. The idea of doing something purely for themselves is often labelled as selfish. But here’s the truth: when we, as women, learn that it’s not selfish to prioritize what makes us feel vibrant, confident, and energized, we can give more love to those around us. Self-love isn’t a luxury-it’s a necessity.
By releasing guilt, embracing our true selves, and becoming our own best friends, we unlock the freedom to live exuberantly. We align with our hearts, finding joy, fulfilment, and authenticity. Only then can we break the over-giving cycle and step into a life that radiates from within.
You mention that women are often labelled selfish when they prioritise their aspirations. How can we change this narrative and encourage women to pursue their passions unapologetically?
Shame and guilt are limiting beliefs that can hold us back in powerful ways. When we engage in negative self-talk and internalize these emotions, we allow them to define us, influencing how we show up in the world. For instance, imagine feeling guilty about taking a weekend away with your girlfriends. If you return home carrying that guilt, your family will sense it.
The energy you bring back will reflect those feelings, creating tension rather than harmony. Now consider the opposite. If you go away, have a wonderful time, and feel rejuvenated and recharged, you will return home as a new person. Without guilt, you recognize that you have given yourself the care you deserve. The energy shifts- you feel more present, empowered, and ready to embrace your role as mother, wife, or partner with a fresh perspective.
The key lies in shifting your perspective. When you change how you view and approach situations, your energy follows. By releasing guilt and reframing your experience, you elevate yourself to a more positive state that benefits you and those around you.
How has your journey of healing your legacy impacted your ability to help others reclaim their potential and live their fullest lives?
In healing my legacy, I strive to set my mother, myself, and my daughters free. This is my purpose- my driving force- to champion women’s empowerment and inspire future generations to embrace their limitless potential. I empower women to take control of their lives and step into their innate power, reigniting their passion and confidence. In today’s fast-paced world, the need to empower women to reach their full potential has never been more urgent.
Women face countless barriers and societal expectations, often struggling to break free from limiting beliefs that stifle their growth and success. This is where my work becomes invaluable, providing expert support and a clear roadmap to help women navigate their personal and professional journeys. Through my guidance, women discover the tools to thrive in all aspects of life and business. Together, we break through barriers, rewrite narratives, and create a future where women lead boldly and live authentically.
Finally, what is your vision for the future of women’s empowerment, and how can each woman contribute to this collective movement toward change?
My driving purpose in all that I do is to champion women’s empowerment and inspire generations to embrace their limitless potential. I want women across the globe to reclaim their power, passion, and confidence.
As women, we can be mentally strong and trust in our unique talents. While each of us is different, we are all extraordinary in our way. When we cultivate confidence, practice self-love, let go of judgment, and live with compassion- for others and ourselves- we unlock true happiness. My podcast, Female Fluence, is more than just a podcast- it’s a movement. A space where women can connect, collaborate, learn, and grow. By lifting each other, we create a ripple effect of empowerment, proving there’s room for everyone at the table. Together, we thrive. So stop waiting for the perfect moment when the kids leave for college, when you lose weight, get married, get divorced, or finally quit a job you dislike. The right time is now. My message is simple: choose today to make the rest of your life the best part, no matter your age or stage. The power to take the first step is always in your hands. As Oprah Winfrey wisely said, “The future of life as we know it is being determined by everything we’re doing -and not doing. Now.”
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