cultureA

In episode #20, I’m excited to welcome Kameron Hutchinson, a visionary in the world of recruitment and headhunting, who has been making waves in Dubai and beyond. As the Recruitment Director for Allsopp & Allsopp, Kameron has revolutionized how talent is sourced and nurtured in the competitive real estate industry. His dual role also sees him leading Allsopp Recruitment, where he's pioneering a technology-driven approach to connect the dots between ambitious companies and top-tier talent. In this episode, we explore his insights on what it’s like to hire for the Property sector; what he defines as the ‘right profile’ for Allsopp & Allsopp and how grit, consistency and passion can help set you apart from the crowd. We did not hold back! We explored everything from Dubai’s flourishing Real Estate market, the perception that the market is saturated with brokers and the qualities you should look for when hiring within the sector. Kameron’s Profiles:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kameron-hutchinson-119735b6/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recruiterkam/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

Talent and performance management and development are the bedrock of organizational success, guiding the cultivation of skills and abilities crucial for achieving goals and sustaining growth. In episode #19, I was honored to sit across the table from Feras Zeidan, a distinguished professional in Learning & Development and Talent Management. With over 25 years of global experience, Feras has made significant contributions in diverse sectors like Ed-Tech, ICT, Telecoms, Retail, and Hospitality.His expertise in leading diverse and cross-cultural teams and leveraging data and analytics for talent development has set him apart in the industry. Feras is also a CIPD Certified Trainer and a Non Executive Board Advisor, bringing a wealth of knowledge in talent management and digital transformation. Feras has a unique perspective on people development, making him a sought-after speaker and consultant. With a passion for creating and delivering engaging learning solutions that enhance performance, productivity, and retention, Feras has provided multiple industries with support in employee development. In today's dynamic landscape, businesses recognize the paramount significance of nurturing talent as a strategic imperative. By nurturing a culture that prioritizes continuous learning and development, companies not only harness the full potential of their workforce but also cultivate loyalty and engagement. Effective talent and performance management not only enhance productivity and innovation but also foster a sense of belonging and fulfillment, driving sustainable success in an ever-evolving marketplace.Feras’ LinkedIn Profile:https://www.linkedin.com/in/feraszeidan/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

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 appreciation for human potential, offering valuable insights for our global HR community.Link to Hisham’s LinkedIn profile:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hishamelsaied/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

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 in making health programs that fit the busy lives of today's workers. This episode will look at how companies are starting to see health as essential for their teams and share tips on fitting exercise and stress relief into a packed workday.His approach goes beyond exercise routines, encompassing a holistic view of wellness that includes mental health, dietary guidance, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to the unique pressures of the corporate world. Join us as we delve into Diego's journey of creating a culture of health that empowers individuals to perform at their peak while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life.Diego’s LinkedIn profile:https://www.linkedin.com/in/diegocarrete/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

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 business.In this episode we chat through many L&D challenges, tips and learnings that Ashirvad has navigated throughout his career. With over 18 years of experience shaping human capital value in global corporate firms, Ashirvad stands out for his innovative approaches in performance management and skill-building. Not only does he come to the table with a global perspective but has also worked with over 10,000 professionals across 21 countries and in 2022 won the Learning Professional of the Year award in the UK.Ashirvad’s LinkedIn Profile:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashirvadlobo/Link to book:Full of Life: Discover the path to success in your life, career and businesshttps://amzn.eu/d/3PCsJ38 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

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 managers with the resources and training needed to support their teams' mental health effectively​​.But it's not just about broadening access to care; it's about ensuring that care is inclusive. The mental health field currently faces a diversity challenge, with a majority of professionals not reflecting the varied backgrounds of those they serve. This gap underscores the importance of building a diverse network of mental health providers, which is essential for fostering better outcomes across the board​​.So, where does this leave us? It's clear that while we've made strides in acknowledging the importance of mental health in the workplace, there's much work to be done. Employers need to take a holistic approach, not just in offering support but in creating an environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help.This episode dives into this complex issue, with Ryan sharing his personal journey through mental health challenges. It's a conversation that promises to shed light on the human side of these statistics, reminding us that behind every number is a person navigating their path to well-being.Sharing these stories can inspire change, encourage open dialogue, and ultimately, contribute to a more understanding and supportive workplace for everyone. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

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 cosmetics. This episode explores the innovative strategies L'Oréal employs to attract and retain top talent, ensuring diversity and inclusion are at the heart of their efforts, and adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of the job market. Sanaa shares how L'Oréal's commitment to sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and technology-driven solutions are key to their TA strategy. We also delve into how the pandemic has reshaped recruitment and the importance of maintaining a strong employer brand. For anyone interested in the intricacies of Talent Acquisition, especially in the vibrant, diverse and complex Middle East region, this conversation with Sanaa Ahmed offers valuable insights into creating successful TA strategies that resonate in today’s dynamic work environment. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

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 Director, Director, and now the Senior Director of Talent. This progression speaks to her deep knowledge and leadership in this domain. Beyond her work with Jumeirah, Kerry's roles with Al Futtaim, Mackenzie Jones Middle East, and Asda add depth to her HR journey. From retail to sales & marketing, her diverse experience can shed light on the varied facets of HR and recruitment across different industries. This episode is filled with the trends, triumphs, and tribulations she's witnessed and experienced in the dynamic world of HR. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

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 Services at Amazon, and her previous roles, including the HR Risk & Compliance Lead for the Middle East & Africa, Shanu has navigated complex landscapes of compliance, risk management, and HR strategy. Her experience in the GCC as a Senior Regional HR Manager saw her pioneering people strategies that profoundly influenced leadership, organizational design, and cultural transformation.This episode will dive into the core of Shanu's experiences and insights. We explore her journey up the corporate hierarchy, discussing key moments and decisions that defined her career. Shanu will share her experiences in diplomacy, revealing how she turned potential conflicts into opportunities, a skill crucial in the high-stakes corporate world.For HR professionals and business leaders alike, Shanu will offer invaluable advice on bridging gaps and resolving conflicts within large organizations. We'll also delve into universal challenges in the workplace, discussing strategies for employees at all levels to overcome feelings of stagnation and regain control of their career trajectories. Shanu's tactical advice will be a guiding light for those aiming to drive change and implement new initiatives in such environments. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

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 targets. This has allowed him to deeply understand and influence the cultural and tourism landscape of the UAE.In our discussion, we'll delve into Omar's approach to balancing local talent with the international demands of tourism, his strategies for fostering a culturally diverse workforce, and how he navigates the challenges of high turnover in this vibrant sector. Omar's unique perspective promises to shed light on the intricacies of HR within the context of UAE's rich cultural heritage and booming tourism industry.Join us for an enlightening conversation that promises a deeper understanding of the intersection between HR and cultural tourism in the UAE. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

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 to leading Augmented Workforce. He has left a significant impact in various high-profile roles across the Middle East & Africa. His work is characterized by a passion for AI, analytics, and a constant pursuit of the perfect synergy between digital tools and human talent. A seasoned public speaker, coach, and a Project Management Professional, David's insights have shaped the HR landscape and his approach to employee experience, performance, and culture transformation is both innovative and inspiring. Join us as we delve into the mind of a leader who's not just predicting the future of the workforce but actively shaping it.For more information on Augmented Workforce, visit https://augmented-workforce.com David's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davevanlochem/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

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 and drive change in complex, multinational environments. His unique blend of global perspectives and deep understanding of local dynamics in the MENA region absolutely makes him a must-listen-to guest. From managing talent acquisition for thousands of employees to implementing strategic HR technologies, Rod’s insights offer invaluable lessons for HR professionals navigating the intricate world of talent management in diverse and dynamic markets. In this episode, Rod will share his experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the world of talent acquisition. Expect to gain a wealth of knowledge, from innovative recruitment strategies to effective leadership in HR. Whether you're an HR professional, business leader, or someone passionate about the future of work, this episode with Rod Gil is not to be missed! Subscribe now to www.cultureapodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

In part 2 of my episode with Abe Seksek, CEO of Rainmaking MENA, we hear more about the tips, tricks and universal successes he identified while working with startups across the region. Find out about the quick wins he was able to put in place to hire, train and retain employees and save hours of manual repetitive work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

In part one of this two-part episode, Abe Seksek, CEO of Rainmaking MENA, joins me to discuss his extensive experience in scaling startups, driving innovation, and co-founding an HR software solutions companies. He provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities HR professionals face in a rapidly evolving digital world. His journey from leading operations at major organizations to spearheading HR solutions, underscores the intersection of operational excellence and human resources. This episode promises to offer a fresh perspective on how HR can drive innovation, scalability, and operational efficiency in any organization. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

Rana is a Senior HR Leader for Amazon. She joins me in episode #7 to discuss how she maintains positivity through particularly challenging days and career plateaus. She shares her tips on how to ensure to stay ahead of the curve and up to date on industry trends, best practices and cultivating strong partnerships across your business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

In episode #6 I'm joined by Sanaa Ahmed, the Talent Acquisition Director for Middle East and North Africa at L'Oréal. We discuss her experience moving from Pakistan to the UAE for a new role within L'Oréal and the challenges or misconceptions that are tied to moving into a complex market like the Middle East. You will not want to miss hearing her fresh perspective on the abundance of opportunities the Middle East has to offer. Subscribe to cultureA Podcast: www.cultureapodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

In Episode #5 Rasha AlSadhan, Chief People & Culture Officer for Alamar Foods Company joins me to discuss her approach to driving HR change. Rasha is well versed in HR transformation, having lead initiatives across multiple industries and countries in order to push forward People Organisations whilst keeping employee wellbeing and engagement at the forefront. Subscribe to cultureA podcast: www.cultureapodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

Jumana Odeh is a Senior HR Partner for Amazon Web Services (AWS) and joins me to talk about a very difficult skill to master: Balancing Firmness and Fairness. Whether you're an HR professional, manager or employee that works within a direct feedback culture, you're going to want to hear how Jumana has navigated the art of delivering a tough message.Subscribe to cultureA Podcast: www.cultureapodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

David is the Recruitment Director for Accenture and joins me on this episode to provide an insider’s look to how Accenture approach flexible working. Listen to hear insights on how driving better work-life balance helped to reduce attrition.Subscribe to cultureA podcast:www.cultureapodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

Rajashree is the Global Director of People for Kitopi and joins me on episode #2 to discuss Emiratisation as a regulation and how to implement a successful emiratisation strategy. Listen in to hear how Kitopi is approaching building and maintaining an inclusive culture where individual interests and potential help to carve out career paths.Subscribe to cultureA podcast: www.cultureapodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com

Yousef Albarqawi is a serial entrepreneur with first-hand experience in multiple Middle Eastern markets. Today, Yousef joins me to give me insight (and a couple sneak peaks) on alfii; a simplified customer-centric HR Management tool that is sure to transform your day to day.Subscribe to cultureA podcast: www.cultureapodcast.comWhere to find alfii:websiteCompany LinkedIn pagealfii in the news:crunchbaseWamdaEntrepreneur Middle EastThe National NewsForbes Middle East This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.cultureapodcast.com