Episode #18 is an eye-opener. I’m joined by Hisham ElSaied, an award-winning global power leader in HR, renowned for his strategic acumen in driving the MENA People Strategy at Helmerich & Payne. With over 18 years of multinational HR experience across the MEA region, Hisham stands as a testament to mastering cross-cultural dynamics in the workplace. With a history working with Japanese, Canadian and French organizations, he brings a unique perspective to our conversation on navigating diverse cultural environments. His innovative approach in HR combines technical savvy with a deep appreci ..read more

In episode #17 my guest Diego Carrete, Chief Wellness Officer at First Abu Dhabi Bank, joins me to discuss how wellness and work come together. Diego is all about turning wellness into a key part of how companies operate, showing that taking care of health at work is good for both employees and business performance. In this episode, we talk about making wellness a big part of company culture and share easy ways to stay fit and reduce stress, even with a busy job. As the Chief Wellness Officer at First Abu Dhabi Bank, Diego works on bringing new health strategies into the workplace. He believes ..read more

In episode #16 I welcome Ashirvad Lobo, Manager - Leader Coaching at Amazon. Ashirvad has 18 years of experience in Learning and Development starting as a Trainer and moving up to training management positions. He also worked as a Training Consultant for 6 years in India and Dubai. For the last 9 years he has managed regional and global learning functions in Manufacturing, Aviation and E-commerce and plays an active role in the Learning community with dual fellowships from CIPD and LPI. He is also the co-author of the book Full of Life : Discover the path to success in your life, career and bu ..read more

In episode #15, I sit down with Ryan Parker, Senior Tech Recruiter at Amazon Web Services, who very bravely shares with me his mental health struggles and how they had a direct impact on his work, his career progression and the steps he had to take to find better coping mechanisms. The conversation is shifting. More employees are opening up about their mental health struggles at work, moving from 23% in 2021 to 46% in 2023. This shift towards transparency is key to breaking down stigma and building a supportive workplace culture​​. However, there's still a gap when it comes to equipping manage ..read more

In episode #14, we dive deep into the world of Talent Acquisition at L'Oréal with Sanaa Ahmed, the Director of TA at L'Oréal Middle East and North Africa. It's Sanaa's second time joining me on cultureA. The first time, sharing her experience as a candidate transferring internally from Pakistan to Dubai with L'Oreal. This time we dive deep to uncover the world of L'Oreal's Talent Acquisition Strategy. Sanaa's journey to the top of the TA field is nothing short of inspiring, and she brings a wealth of experience and insight into one of the most competitive industries in the world: beauty and co ..read more

In episode #13 I host an eminent figure in the talent acquisition landscape, Kerry Robbins, Senior Director - Talent at the esteemed Jumeirah Group & Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts. With a decade-long commitment to the Jumeirah Group and an extensive background in talent acquisition and human resources, Kerry offers fantastic insights and experiences from the heart of the United Arab Emirates' luxurious hospitality industry. In her 10-year tenure with Jumeirah Group, Kerry has ascended through various positions within the talent acquisition sphere, including roles such as the Associate Dire ..read more

In episode #12, I delve into the fascinating world of business, leadership, and personal growth with Shanu Satiani, a seasoned HR leader and strategist, currently spearheading HR for META & APAC at Amazon. Shanu's journey is one of remarkable ascent through the corporate ladder, marked by strategic decisions and turning points that have shaped her career. With over two decades of experience, she's a testament to the power of adaptability and strategic foresight in the ever-evolving world of human resources. In her current role as Senior Manager for META & APAC Business Mobility Service ..read more

In episode #11 I’m thrilled to host Omar Bahlool, a seasoned Human Resources Business Partner at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). Omar's expertise, deeply rooted in the UAE's culture and tourism sector, positions him uniquely to offer valuable insights into this dynamic field. With a proven track record in the government relations industry, Omar excels in strategic areas like negotiation, executive search, and leadership. His role at DCT Abu Dhabi, where he has been for over five years, centers around enhancing recruitment processes and achieving Emiratisation ..read more

On Episode #10, it was my pleasure to host a true visionary in the world of human resources and technology, David van Lochem. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Augmented Workforce, David has been at the forefront of blending advanced AI tools with the human touch to revolutionize the workforce. His journey spans over two decades, with profound experience in HR, tech, and a particular focus on the Middle East and Africa. His mission is simple yet ambitious: to make work an awesome experience for everyone while pushing the boundaries of excellence in the industry.David's expertise isn't just limited ..read more

Episode #9 features a true innovator in the HR industry, Rodrigo Gil, the Group Talent Acquisition Director at Edge. Rod stands out as a dynamic and influential leader whose expertise spans across multinational companies in the Middle East. Rod's journey is about revolutionizing the talent acquisition landscape. His transformative approach, which includes the integration of AI and cutting-edge technologies, has drastically improved hiring processes and diversity in talent pools. His success in roles across major organizations like Al-Futtaim and Boeing reflects his exceptional ability to adapt ..read more