Marko Danial shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Marko, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Who are you learning from right now?
Right now, I’m honestly learning the most from myself. Every project I take on, whether it’s engineering, content creation, or building my brands, teaches me something new. I’ve been reflecting a lot on past successes and mistakes, and using those lessons to make better decisions moving forward. It’s a constant process of experimenting, adjusting, and pushing myself to grow.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Marko Danial, also known as Pharaoic. I’m a mechanical engineer, entrepreneur, and content creator who runs multiple brands that bring together technology, storytelling, and design. I began my college journey at Saint Mary’s College of California as part of a 3+2 engineering program, earning my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts before transferring to the University of Southern California. At USC, I earned both my Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering, along with a minor in entrepreneurship.
I’m the founder of Techineer, a platform that makes engineering, science, and technology exciting for millions of people around the world. Through short-form videos, creative visuals, and engaging storytelling, Techineer breaks down complex concepts into content anyone can enjoy, from curious students to industry professionals. I also run Pharaoic Media, where I focus on creative strategy, digital growth, and helping brands and creators bring their ideas to life.
In 2024, I co-founded BAAI with Adam Meskouri. It’s a hybrid page focused on visual storytelling across travel, art, movement, and technology. After rebranding an existing niche page, we leaned into creative, experimental content and built a vibrant, fast-growing community that now has over 1.3 million followers. BAAI blends visuals from different cultures and creative niches, with the goal of inspiring curiosity and exploration. Between Techineer, BAAI, and my own projects under Pharaoic, my work is all about bridging engineering, creativity, and storytelling in ways that inspire and inform.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was when I moved from Egypt to California in 2007. The culture shock was huge, and I had to quickly adapt to a completely different way of life. That experience taught me how to be flexible, open-minded, and willing to learn from every situation. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for different perspectives, which now influences how I approach problem-solving, connect with people, and create content that can resonate with audiences anywhere.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to not be afraid to take risks. Some of the best things I’ve done in my life and career happened because I stepped out of my comfort zone, even when I didn’t have everything figured out. Trust yourself, work hard, and keep moving forward. The opportunities will come, and you’ll be ready for them.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. What you see online through my brands and content is a genuine reflection of my interests, personality, and the things I’m passionate about. I might share different sides of myself depending on the platform or project, but it all comes from the same place. I’ve always believed that being authentic is the best way to connect with people.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m doing what I was born to do. I’ve always been drawn to creating, building, and sharing ideas, and over time I found ways to turn those passions into both a career and a platform. No one told me to go down this exact path, but I followed what genuinely excited me and kept building from there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pharaoic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pharaoic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pharaoic
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/pharaoic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pharaoic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/pharaoic
