Is Your Career More Important Than Family? Working Mothers in Dubai | Lamisse Muhtaseb, Deliotte

The conversation around working mothers in the Middle East has evolved, but the reality often tells a different story. In this episode of Out of Office, Lamisse Muhtaseb, Managing Director, People and Purpose at Deloitte Middle East, shares an honest look at what it means to return to work as a mother in today’s job market. We reveal: ↳ The hidden challenges mothers face when re-entering the workforce and how companies can genuinely help them succeed. ↳ Why flexibility is not a favour but a business advantage. ↳ How inclusion must go beyond gender and translate into everyday action. ↳ The mindset every returning mother needs before stepping back in. If you have ever wondered what it really takes to balance ambition, identity, and motherhood in a region that never slows down, this conversation is a must listen. Chapters 00:00:00 Opening: The Hidden Bias Against Returning Mothers 00:01:08 The Middle East Job Market Reality Check 00:03:05 When Compromise Becomes Survival 00:05:36 Beyond the CV: Rethinking What Matters in Hiring 00:06:42 The Maternity Maze: Why New Mothers Struggle to Return 00:08:35 Government Support vs Corporate Reality 00:10:26 The Career Break Stigma 00:11:39 Going to the Source of the Problem 00:15:36 The Business Case for Inclusion 00:17:17 Tackling Unconscious Bias Head-On 00:18:13 The Five-Month Pregnant Candidate Dilemma 00:20:29 The Secret Sauce of Work-Life Balance 00:22:38 Advice for Returning Mothers: Own Your Story 00:25:29 The Success Story: Progress Is Possible Listen on: Spotify: Apple: Connect with Lamisse: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamisse-muhtaseb-2508522/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamisse_muhtaseb/ Follow Our Host: Mark Timms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktimmsgrg/