chatGRG

chatGRG
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chatGRG brings out the human essence in a world of artificial intelligence. In a world of noise and automation, we go straight to the source: people who’ve built careers, led teams, and launched ventures across this region. Our guests aren’t here to tell stories. They’re here to share insights—shaped by years of navigating the Gulf’s unique market dynamics, cultural expectations, and leadership realities. From career moves and hiring trends to entrepreneurial grit and executive thinking, we unpack what it really takes to succeed here, backed by real-world experience, not theory. Whether you’re growing a career or building something of your own, this is the insight you wish someone had shared sooner.

  1. Big Hass on Building Arabic Hip Hop in Saudi + Life as an Autism Dad

    18 DEC

    Big Hass on Building Arabic Hip Hop in Saudi + Life as an Autism Dad

    Hip hop, basketball, and fatherhood shaped Big Hass in ways he never saw coming. What began as a young love for music eventually led him to become one of the most recognisable voices in Arabic Hip Hop in Saudi Arabia, yet the story behind that journey is far more personal than many realise. In this episode of The Brand of YOU, Big Hass sits down with Robyn for a conversation filled with honesty. Their shared experiences give him the space to open up about the moments that shaped him long before his career took off. They talk about: ↳ How basketball and Shaquille O’Neal influenced his mindset, work ethic, and love for hip hop. ↳ How hip hop taught him more than just music, and why it became his way of understanding the world. ↳ The bold move that started with a blog and grew into Saudi Arabia’s first hip hop radio show. ↳ His complicated relationship with personal branding and why success sometimes feels heavier than it looks. ↳ His journey as an Autism Dad and how fatherhood redefined his purpose and identity. Tune in to catch a glimpse into the man behind the mic and get ready for a vulnerable and touching chat that you will not want to miss. (00:00:00) Opening: From Basketball Courts to Hip-Hop Radio - The Big House Origin Story(00:09:05) The Birth of Arabic Hip-Hop Radio: Fighting for a Voice in Saudi Arabia(00:14:20) Hip-Hop as Cultural Export: Why Arabic Artists Need This American Blueprint(00:16:12) The Consistency Paradox: Why Success Metrics Miss What Really Matters(00:20:20) The Business vs. Culture Dilemma: When Money Threatens the Art(00:16:06) Wishing for a Bigger Movement: The Struggle of Building Alone(00:25:30) Ahmad: The Autism Journey That Changed Everything(00:29:02) Breaking Middle Eastern Taboos: From Changing Diapers to Running in Malls(00:29:41) Autism Isn't a Disease: Love, Community, and Giving Them a Platform(00:31:41) The Real Big House: Autism Dad Above All Else  Listen on: Spotify: Apple:  Connect with Big Hass:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/big_hass/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bighass Follow Our Host - Robyn Abou Chedid:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynabouchedid/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlnamedrobyn/

    35 min
  2. Dubai Is Hiring Like Crazy, So Why Is No One Getting Hired? | Iyas Seidan - MP at Ember Enablement

    10 DEC

    Dubai Is Hiring Like Crazy, So Why Is No One Getting Hired? | Iyas Seidan - MP at Ember Enablement

    On paper, the GCC looks like a job seeker’s paradise. In reality, some roles attract 1500 applicants or more, turning hiring into a crowded, confusing maze for both companies and candidates. In this episode of Out of Office, Iyas Seidan, Managing Partner at Ember Enablement, takes us inside the real hiring world that candidates never get to see. He lifts the lid on what happens when HR is buried under thousands of CVs, why great talent still gets overlooked, and how companies really make decisions. We talk about:↳ Why too much choice is making hiring harder, not easier, for companies in the GCC ↳ How outdated assessments and rigid processes can push strong candidates out of the running ↳ Why some companies already know who they want before a job post even goes live ↳ How Gen Z is reshaping expectations around the modern workplace ↳ What AI and automation are really doing to your chances when you hit apply If you want to understand what HR is really thinking and how to stand out in a market where 1500 people are applying alongside you, this is a must listen.(00:00:00) Opening: The Middle East Hiring Paradox - High Competition, Low Opportunity(00:10:38) The Hidden Truth: 80% of Jobs Already Have Internal Candidates(00:12:32) AI in Recruitment: Are We Ready or Just Pretending to Be Experts?(00:14:43) The Dating Analogy: Why Automation Might Actually Improve Candidate Experience(00:06:02) Beyond the CV: The Seven to Eight Box Matrix for Leadership Hiring(00:08:11) The Assessment Trap: Case Studies and the Talent You're Losing(00:18:14) Gen Z Will Change Everything: The Attestation Generation(00:22:43) The Career Pivot Challenge: Moving from Software Engineering to HR(00:24:17) Who You Know vs What You Know: The Networking Reality(00:16:15) The Ethical Dilemma: Damaging Your Brand by Posting Fake RolesListen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gqXgnFapLps9v6Ef2KRUR?si=HDe63qmxSSOPOCWvZFNqUw Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dubai-is-hiring-like-crazy-so-why-is-no-one-getting/id1781880969?i=1000740622208 Connect with Iyas:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iyas-seidan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iyas_seidan/ Follow Our Host: Mark Timms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktimmsgrg/

    25 min
  3. Will AI Decide Your Next Job in the Middle East? | Kirsty Koen – Group CHRO at IDS Borjomi Int.

    3 DEC

    Will AI Decide Your Next Job in the Middle East? | Kirsty Koen – Group CHRO at IDS Borjomi Int.

    Hiring in the Middle East is changing fast, and as Kirsty points out, the real story sits somewhere between the rise of AI and the power of genuine human connection. In this episode of Out of Office, Kirsty Koen, Group CHRO at IDS Borjomi International, talks through the unwritten rules of hiring in the region, why some candidates move forward easily, and why others fall out of the process without ever understanding what went wrong. We reveal:↳ Why soft skills and relational intelligence now outweigh technical ability in today’s job market.↳ How candidates can structure the perfect interview answer and show real value beyond the job description.↳ What hiring managers get wrong about Gen Z↳ Why AI and ATS systems are disrupting recruitment and how candidates can navigate the shift.↳ The hidden expectations candidates never ask about but absolutely should. If you want to stop guessing what HR wants and to start landing opportunities in the Middle East, this is the episode to listen to. (00:00:00) Opening: The AI Hype and Middle East Hiring Reality (00:01:17) Understanding the Middle East's Familial Culture (00:03:14) The Three Dimensions of Hiring: Technical, Soft Skills, and Networking (00:04:46) Common Hiring Manager Mistakes (00:08:39) Red Flags: When Candidates Just Want Dubai (00:09:49) The Art of Asking Questions in Interviews (00:11:09) Quality Over Quantity: The Talent Abundance Myth (00:14:25) The Gen Z Question: Are We Overthinking It? (00:13:34) Career Longevity vs Job Hopping: The Complete Cycle (00:18:16) AI in Recruitment: The Black Box Interview Disaster (00:22:30) The Hunger Games: Competing in Dubai's Job Market Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6spVLsSjrJYAK93ntA6nNC?si=fc536887c15d442c Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/will-ai-decide-your-next-job-in-the-middle-east/id1781880969?i=1000739482541 Connect with Kirsty:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstykoen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kewwiggs/ Follow Our Host: Mark Timms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktimmsgrg/

    24 min
  4. Stop Public Speaking for Free and Learn How To Get Paid | Saana Azzam - Founder of MENA Speakers

    24 NOV

    Stop Public Speaking for Free and Learn How To Get Paid | Saana Azzam - Founder of MENA Speakers

    Public speaking is something we all do, but for Saana Azzam, it became a business, a career, and a way to reshape how an entire region finds its voice. She built a platform that turns people’s stories, ideas, and expertise into paid opportunities and meaningful impact. In this episode of The Brand of You, Saana Azzam, Founder of MENA Speakers, joins us to uncover the craft behind speaking, and how to build a career from it. We chat about: ↳ How Saana went from economist to one of the Middle East’s most in-demand speaker coaches. ↳ What separates a good speaker from an impactful one. ↳ Why so many people still speak for free and how to start charging for your voice. ↳ The inner critic, stage anxiety, and the surprising mindset shift that changed her approach to confidence. ↳ How personal branding shapes every opportunity on and off the stage. If you want to learn how to step onto any stage with clarity, own your message, and get paid for the value you bring, tune into this episode now! (00:00:00) Opening: The $100,000 Speaking Fee Reality(00:01:00) From Finance to Founding MENA Speakers(00:02:06) Why Events Need Great Speakers(00:02:59) The Speaker Pyramid: From Educational to Transformational(00:04:49) The Three Pillars: Narrative, Delivery, and Personal Brand(00:07:33) Stop Speaking for Free: Understanding Speaker Rates(00:09:36) The First Paid Gig: From Student to Paid Speaker at 20(00:13:05) Battling the Inner Critic: Finding Your Power on Stage(00:17:31) Stage Presence: Why Standing Changes Everything(00:26:49) First Impressions and What You Wear Matters Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/02EKSscXVhhrhazoAKA2d4?si=LozewuMxRWWmN6Zs5mNAnw Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stop-public-speaking-for-free-and-learn-how-to-get/id1781880969?i=1000738106453 Connect with Saana:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saanaazzam/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saanaazzam/  MENA Speakers:  Website: https://mena-speakers.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menaspeakers/  Follow Our Host - Robyn Abou Chedid:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynabouchedid/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlnamedrobyn/

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

    16 NOV

    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. (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: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lIDFHFRURyEmEVx5Ksdkw/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-your-career-more-important-than-family-working-mothers/id1781880969?i=1000736941219Connect 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/

    27 min
  6. Shark Tank Winner Bana Idris Builds a Personal Brand That Becomes the Product

    11 NOV

    Shark Tank Winner Bana Idris Builds a Personal Brand That Becomes the Product

    A single mum with relentless drive turned her hustle into a business that went on to win Shark Tank. Now, she’s showing what real success looks like beyond the show, and how she became the brand that made it all possible. In this episode of The Brand of You, we sit down with Bana Idris, Founder of B Bronzé, to talk about the journey behind the glow, from building confidence to finding stillness in a world that never slows down. We talk about:↳ How Bana went from dietician to entrepreneur in the beauty space, and the identity shift that came with it.↳ What it takes to stay grounded when the spotlight hits.↳ The power of protecting your energy and learning where to invest it.↳ How motherhood, meditation, and self-belief shaped her as a woman. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after the big win, the quiet growth, the self-doubt, and the rediscovery, this one’s for you. (00:00:00) Opening: From Shark Tank Winner to Personal Brand Powerhouse (00:02:07) The Journey Begins: From Fitness to Instagram Fame (00:03:48) Building Confidence: The Gift of Inner Beauty (00:05:33) Raising a Confident Son While Staying Humble (00:08:06) The Hustler's Mind: When Energy Never Stops (00:11:42) Protecting Your Energy in Business and Life (00:13:15) Identity Evolution: From Dietician to Entrepreneur (00:16:02) Beyond the Shark Tank Title: A Decade of Achievement (00:18:31) Living Life as a Playground: The Philosophy of Play (00:20:44) B-Bronzé Evolution: From Simple Bottle to Global Dreams Listen on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6aRgKmtTKhtsSIAGqrjlrF?si=h8sf2t_mQYuuWvKPARgzfAApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shark-tank-winner-bana-idris-builds-a-personal/id1781880969?i=1000736265830 Connect with Bana: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bana-idris-b936737a/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banaidris/B Bronzé: https://www.b-bronze.com/ Follow Our Host - Robyn Abou Chedid: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynabouchedid/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlnamedrobyn/

    24 min
  7. Has Hiring in Dubai Turned Into Tinder? | Rooslán Totrov - Global Executive TA Leader

    2 NOV

    Has Hiring in Dubai Turned Into Tinder? | Rooslán Totrov - Global Executive TA Leader

    The Middle East job market isn’t what it used to be. Power has shifted, AI is creeping into hiring decisions, and many are realising that the so-called “Promised Land” comes with its own fine print. In this episode, we sit down with Rooslán Totrov, Global Executive Talent Acquisition Leader, for a brutally honest take on what’s really happening behind closed doors. From companies posting fake jobs just to “see what’s out there” to treating candidates like swipe options, Rooslán calls out the harsh reality shaping today’s hiring scene. Some hard truths Rooslán shares: ↳ How the job market flipped from candidate-driven to company-led.↳ The ethical dilemma of employers taking advantage of desperate candidates.↳ Why AI keeps failing in leadership hiring. If you’ve ever wondered why landing a job in the Middle East feels more like dating than recruiting, this episode will make you rethink how hiring really works. (00:00:00) Opening: The Brutal Reality of Dubai's Job Market(00:01:02) The Promised Land Misconception(00:02:48) When Hiring Managers Hold All the Cards(00:03:27) The Dark Side of Recruitment: Taking Advantage of Desperation(00:06:46) Survival Strategies for Job Seekers(00:10:18) The 30-40% Pay Cut Reality(00:12:10) Leadership Hiring: Why Gut Feeling Still Rules(00:14:55) The Assessment Game: Tools or Filters?(00:18:22) Hiring Has Turned Into Tinder(00:21:07) AI in Executive Search: A Dangerous Marriage(00:25:58) Speaking Gen Z While Wearing a Tuxedo(00:30:01) Closing: Making Organizations Great Again Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3hFw3MEwgKJlTjcyRsJRg4?si=S_D5YnBySRC2ikaJWfRZSgApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/has-hiring-in-dubai-turned-into-tinder-roosl%C3%A1n-totrov/id1781880969?i=1000734818806Connect with Rooslán: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/totrov/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ossetiandoriangray/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/totroffFollow Our Host: Mark Timms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktimmsgrg/

    31 min
  8. Female Emirati Air Traffic Controller Turns Comedian, Finding Her Voice on Stage | Jouhayna AlMheiri

    27 OCT

    Female Emirati Air Traffic Controller Turns Comedian, Finding Her Voice on Stage | Jouhayna AlMheiri

    It's not easy working in male-dominated industries. And it's even harder when you're figuring out who you are in the middle of it all. But Emirati women today are showing what's possible: building creative careers, breaking norms and defining empowerment in their own way. In this episode of The Brand of You, we sit down with Jouhayna AlMheiri, the UAE’s youngest female Air Traffic Controller, who is also a TEDx speaker, stand-up comedian, vlogger, and podcaster, to discuss how she is rewriting the rules of success, authenticity, and self-belief. Jouhayna speaks about:↳ What it’s really like being a woman in aviation, and how confidence can change everything.↳ Her divorce and how comedy was her outlet.↳ Why balancing faith, therapy, and life coaching became the foundation of her growth.↳ The truth about financial independence and why self-worth matters more than job titles. If you’re looking for a story (and a laugh) about reinvention and what it means to stay true to yourself in a world full of labels, this episode is for you. (00:00:00) Opening: Breaking Taboos and Finding Identity(00:00:41) The Youngest Female Air Traffic Controller(00:01:32) Behind the Scenes of Air Traffic Control(00:04:14) The Rules of the Sky: Authority and Communication(00:05:48) Beyond the Job Title: Finding True Identity(00:08:07) From Divorce to Comedy: Finding Humor in Heartbreak(00:09:26) Conquering Stage Fright Through Comedy(00:11:29) Becoming 'The Sign' for Other Women(00:14:06) Mental Health, Therapy, and Breaking Aviation Taboos(00:14:54) Navigating Life Transitions and Trusting the Process(00:17:41) The 100-Day Transformation Journey(00:25:09) From TEDx Dreams to Reality(00:27:52) The Real Motivation: Financial Independence and Family(00:30:08) Closing: Inspiration to Do Anything Listen on: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/01syccZZbVvodnpjjG9SIu?si=IwDAtbl9RPa1Dljga0vbxw Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/female-emirati-air-traffic-controller-turns-comedian/id1781880969?i=1000733692272 Connect with Jouhayna: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jouhayna-almheiri-3206b71a1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jouhaynaalmheiri/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jouhaynaalmheiri https://www.youtube.com/@PressPauseWithJo Follow Our Host - Robyn Abou Chedid: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynabouchedid/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlnamedrobyn/

    30 min
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About

chatGRG brings out the human essence in a world of artificial intelligence. In a world of noise and automation, we go straight to the source: people who’ve built careers, led teams, and launched ventures across this region. Our guests aren’t here to tell stories. They’re here to share insights—shaped by years of navigating the Gulf’s unique market dynamics, cultural expectations, and leadership realities. From career moves and hiring trends to entrepreneurial grit and executive thinking, we unpack what it really takes to succeed here, backed by real-world experience, not theory. Whether you’re growing a career or building something of your own, this is the insight you wish someone had shared sooner.

Information

  • Creator
    chatGRG
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © chatGRG
  • Show Website
    chatGRG