cultureA

Hosted by Sarah Said
cultureA

HR Unpacked: Middle East Experts Break Their Silence on Their Successes and Pitfalls www.cultureapodcast.com

  1. Talent Management and Development with Feras Zeidan

    04/29/2024

    Talent Management and Development with Feras Zeidan

    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

    41 min
  2. 04/01/2024

    Wellness vs Productivity with Diego Carrete

    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

    41 min
  3. 03/18/2024

    Learning and Development Tips with Ashirvad Lobo

    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 business https://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

    29 min
  4. 03/04/2024

    Mental Health at Work with Ryan Parker

    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

    44 min
  5. 02/12/2024

    How L'Oréal Recruits in the Middle East with Sanaa Ahmed

    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

    41 min

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HR Unpacked: Middle East Experts Break Their Silence on Their Successes and Pitfalls www.cultureapodcast.com

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