About Beyond Cubicles
📢 #BeyondCubicles is a weekly LinkedIn series created by Carolina D’Souza, born out of her own experience transitioning from a corporate career to independent consulting. Since its launch in June 2024, the series has evolved into a platform that showcases the inspiring journeys of several founders who have redefined the traditional 9-to-5.
Through authentic narratives, #BeyondCubicles highlights themes of courage, resilience, and purpose. The stories feature individuals from diverse industries—ranging from tech and education to wellness and adventure—who share their experiences of stepping away from conventional roles to pursue passion-driven careers.Â
✨ Note: All features in this series are unpaid and shared as a way to honor and amplify real stories of transformation.
“I chose to evolve publicly.”
Aida Noor’s career began as a biomedical scientist.
“While I was passionate about healthcare, I was also deeply curious about the evolving world of work,” says Aida.
In 2021, she left the structure of science to pursue a career of self-employment and creativity.
“I wanted to align my lifestyle with my values: flexibility, impact, and purpose. I also wanted to explore how I could merge my scientific background with digital content creation,” she says, adding, “I didn’t want to wait until retirement to start living. I wanted to make meaningful contributions in real-time, outside the traditional 9-5 narrative.”
Visibility and validation proved elusive.
“My pivot wasn’t easily understood by peers or potential collaborators,” she says.
Managing imposter syndrome became part of her early struggle.
To navigate, Aida turned to storytelling. She shared her journey across LinkedIn, YouTube, and via publishing and speaking engagements. “I stopped waiting for permission and started creating opportunities for myself,” she says, adding, “Your journey itself is your qualification.”
Her transformation led to the founding of two platforms: Biomedical Science and Beyond, and Creating Your Dream Career, along with the publication of two books: Aida Noor Thoughts: How I Think, Feel, and Write, and Creating Your Dream Career: Beyond Job Applications.
Through these, she empowers others to redefine success and build lives aligned with their values. She supports career transitions, documents hidden gems, and embraces a life of impact. “I collaborate with educational institutions, platforms, and professional communities across the UK and UAE.”
On personal branding, she says, “I leaned into authenticity. I didn’t try to rebrand; I chose to evolve publicly. I shared my shifts and even the fears. That vulnerability built trust, which turned into influence. By showing up across LinkedIn and YouTube, I created a cohesive voice around career development, science, and meaningful living.”
Self-employment allows her to split her time between London and Dubai, two cities that shaped her outlook. “Though I was born and raised in the UAE, it took returning as an adult to fully appreciate its energy and inspiration,” she says.
Aida’s journey from the lab to limitless living is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and leading with one’s own story. “Don’t fear starting over. A fresh path refines your purpose,” she says.