chatGRG

chatGRG

chatGRG explores how careers are built, shaped, and evolved in an AI-driven world. In a region where opportunity moves fast, careers are rarely linear. Being skilled is not enough. How you position yourself, how you show up, and how your experience translates into opportunity matter. chatGRG brings together leaders, founders, hiring managers, and regional influencers to share honest perspectives on building careers in the Gulf. We speak openly about getting hired, navigating multiple career moves, and understanding how decisions are made behind closed doors. Across these conversations, we also explore how personal brand and career visibility influence hiring outcomes, progression, and long-term credibility, especially in a market where reputation travels quickly. Produced through GRG, the region’s largest independently owned recruitment firm, the discussions are shaped by real access to senior hiring environments and market insight. This is not theory or motivation. It is experience-led discussion on careers, visibility, hiring dynamics, and what it takes to build long-term momentum. If you are building yourself or navigating your next move, this is the insight most people only gain after years in the market.

  1. How Leadership Hiring Really Works in 2026 (It’s Not What Your CV Shows) | Fareeseh Chaudhry, Haleon

    4D AGO

    How Leadership Hiring Really Works in 2026 (It’s Not What Your CV Shows) | Fareeseh Chaudhry, Haleon

    Being confident isn’t what’s getting leaders hired anymore. In fact, it might be doing the opposite. In this episode of Out of Office, Fareeseh Chaudhry, HR Business Lead at Haleon, gets real about how leadership hiring really works in the Middle East, and why polished CVs, big titles, and scripted answers are no longer enough.  We talk about:↳ Why leadership hiring in the Middle East feels harder and more unforgiving than ever↳ The real reason internal talent keeps losing out to external hires in Dubai jobs↳ When “fresh perspective” becomes a lazy hiring shortcut↳ The red flags HR notices immediately when interviewing leaders↳ Why vulnerability and self-awareness are becoming hiring advantages↳ How overselling confidence can stall your career without you realising If you’re wondering why doing everything “right” still isn’t working, this episode will make you rethink what success in hiring actually looks like in 2026. (00:00:00) Opening: The High Stakes of Leadership Hiring - Why One Mistake Costs Years (00:00:59) The Middle East Job Market Paradox: Aspirational Yet Saturated (00:02:40) Internal Mobility vs External Talent: The Strategic Balance (00:05:56) The Leadership Skills Evolution: From Command to Flexibility (00:09:12) Beyond the CV: Reading Between the Lines in Interviews (00:11:21) The Middle East Vulnerability Problem: Cultural Barriers to Self-Awareness (00:12:45) Survival Mode: The Transient Nature of Middle East Careers (00:14:31) AI in Recruitment: Automation vs The Human Touch (00:18:03) The Four-Hour X-Ray: Leadership Assessment That Sees Everything (00:23:11) The Inverted Triangle: Why Dubai Lacks Junior Talent and What It Costs Listen on: Spotify: Apple:  Connect with Fareeseh:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fareeseh-chaudhry/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fareesehchaudhry/ Follow Our Host: Mark Timms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktimmsgrg/

    27 min
  2. Why Top CEOs Think Like Athletes | James Lafferty – 4x Forbes CEO, Powerlifting Olympian

    JAN 7

    Why Top CEOs Think Like Athletes | James Lafferty – 4x Forbes CEO, Powerlifting Olympian

    James Lafferty did not reach the top by blending in. As a 4x Forbes CEO and Powerlifting Olympian, he learned early that the gap between the top 1% and everyone else has very little to do with talent and everything to do with how you train, think, and show up under pressure. In the first episode of Above C-Level, James sits down with Mohammad Osama for a honest conversation on why the best CEOs think like athletes. From boardrooms to the weight room, this episode looks at the habits, discipline, and mental standards that separate high performers from those who never quite make it past potential. He talks about: ↳ How sport and powerlifting transformed his confidence, mindset, and leadership style.↳ Why desire, discipline, and persistence matter more than talent in business and life.↳ What getting fired as a CEO revealed about leadership and integrity.↳ Why hunger matters more than polish when hiring.↳ How the athlete mindset changes how you lead, perform, and stay in the game If you lead at the top, or are working towards it, this conversation will challenge how you think about ambition, leadership, and what it really takes to stay there. If you’re serious about reaching the top in your career and achieving the ultimate success, this conversation is a must listen. (00:00:00) Opening: From Bullied Kid to Four-Time Forbes CEO - The Transformation Story (00:01:02) The Defining Moments at Age 13: When Everything Changed (00:07:40) The Power of Persistence: Why Last Man Standing Wins (00:11:32) Success Isn't Perfect: Getting Fired from P&G After 25 Years (00:15:19) The Three Guiding Principles: Doing Right, Consumer Value, and People First (00:19:25) The Fitness Center Philosophy: Creating Environments People Love to Join and Hate to Leave (00:20:51) Strategy vs Execution: Why Chief Strategy Officers Miss the Point (00:25:05) The Single Mom Secret: Why 16% of His Organization Were Superhuman (00:24:39) The Only Thing You Can't Coach: Interviewing for Desire Over Credentials (00:43:23) Running From vs Running To: The Career Decision Framework (00:28:23) The Generational Debate is BS: Why Gen Z Isn't That Different (00:33:15) Why Senior Executives Get Fired: The Sisyphus Principle (00:40:08) The Gaza Entrepreneur Who Defines Best of Humanity (00:47:24) AI Revolution: Embracing Change Like the Dot-Com Era Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7uYfjx0NLpVTqH6WC2NuSm?si=eQazp3z9RKupSQUzDqcR6A Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-top-ceos-think-like-athletes-james-lafferty-4x/id1781880969?i=1000744143828 Connect with James:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-michael-lafferty-2737071/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesmichaellafferty/ Follow Our Host: Mohammad Osama: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-osama-8395b88/

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

    12/18/2025

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

    12/10/2025

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

    12/03/2025

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

    11/24/2025

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

    11/16/2025

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

    11/11/2025

    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

About

chatGRG explores how careers are built, shaped, and evolved in an AI-driven world. In a region where opportunity moves fast, careers are rarely linear. Being skilled is not enough. How you position yourself, how you show up, and how your experience translates into opportunity matter. chatGRG brings together leaders, founders, hiring managers, and regional influencers to share honest perspectives on building careers in the Gulf. We speak openly about getting hired, navigating multiple career moves, and understanding how decisions are made behind closed doors. Across these conversations, we also explore how personal brand and career visibility influence hiring outcomes, progression, and long-term credibility, especially in a market where reputation travels quickly. Produced through GRG, the region’s largest independently owned recruitment firm, the discussions are shaped by real access to senior hiring environments and market insight. This is not theory or motivation. It is experience-led discussion on careers, visibility, hiring dynamics, and what it takes to build long-term momentum. If you are building yourself or navigating your next move, this is the insight most people only gain after years in the market.