Most Visionary HR Leaders in Middle East Creating Global Impact, 2024

1. Issue :18 | 2024 Most Visionary Agile HR Leadership: Adapting to Change Innovative HR Strategies: Middle Eastern Leaders Creating Global Impact, Leaders in Middle East 2024 www.ciobusinessworld.com & Masam Malik Omar Hayat

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6. Editorial Note The Role of Visionary HR Leaders in the Middle East T he ever-changing landscape of HR stands out as a region of diversity, innovation, and growth. Today, this editorial does exactly that it sheds light on the HR leaders those who are making significant contributions to the companies, shaping the future of work in the Middle East. HR leaders in the Middle East are playing a key role in driving organizational success by implying forward-thinking strategies, fostering a culture of innovation and nurturing talent to thrive in an increasingly competitive business environment. Right from implementing cutting- edge technologies to revamp talent retention strategies, these leaders are at the forefront of driving positive change within organizations. Moreover, this editorial also seeks to highlight the issues and opportunities to drive meaningful change, shaping the future of work in the Middle East.

7. Additionally the achievements of these visionary HR leaders, aims to provide insights and inspiration for HR professionals across the region. Thus by sharing best practices, lessons learned, and success stories, this editorial seeks to bring a positive change within organizations. Overall, this editorial serves as a celebration of the remarkable achievements and contributions of HR leaders in the Middle East. By shining a spotlight on their innovative approaches, strategic thinking, and commitment to fostering a culture of growth and development, this editorial aims to inspire and empower HR professionals to lead with vision and purpose in the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of work. Moreover, the demographic landscape of the Middle East presents unique challenges for HR leaders. With a young and diverse population, HR departments must develop strategies to attract, retain, and develop talent from various backgrounds and cultural contexts. This includes addressing issues such as gender diversity, generational differences, and cultural sensitivities in the workplace. At the same time, HR leaders in the Middle East have a unique opportunity to drive positive change and innovation within their organizations. By leveraging technology, data analytics, and strategic workforce planning, HR leaders can unlock the full potential of their workforce and drive sustainable growth and competitiveness. Additionally, HR leaders play a critical role in shaping organizational culture and values. By fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and inclusivity, HR leaders can create an environment where employees feel empowered to contribute their best work and thrive professionally and personally. In light of these challenges and opportunities, visionary HR leaders in the Middle East must embrace a forward-thinking approach to HR management. This includes staying abreast of emerging trends and best practices, developing innovative strategies to address evolving workforce dynamics, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion as core organizational values. The role of HR leaders in the Middle East is more important than ever in driving organizational success and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. By embracing digital transformation, addressing demographic challenges, and championing diversity and inclusion, HR leaders can position their organizations for long-term success in the dynamic and competitive business landscape of the Middle East. Thus we have brought you Most Visionary HR Leaders in Middle East creating Global Impact 2024. Through this edition we are reshaping the way organizations operate and the expectations placed on HR departments.

8. 12 Masam Malik and Omar Hayat

9. Agile HR Leadership: Adapting to Change Innovative HR Strategies: Middle Eastern Leaders 32 22 Paul Michael Gledhill 18 Prasanth Edassari 26

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16. What made us successful previously is not the formula for future success. We continue to evolve as an organization with a keen eye on where the market is leading.” personal high point for me as a Leader and professional. The project was a culmination of 12 months of hard work by the team, and to be recognised as one of the best initiatives across the MENA region was a personal source of pride for me,” shares Masam speaking of his incredible achievement. Massam concludes, “Develop a network and leverage it as much as you can. No HR leader knows everything or has a solution to all the world's problems. Continue to learn and take every single opportunity available to develop yourself. Finally, live outside your comfort zone. All progress in life comes exclusively in the stretch zone.” Advice for Aspiring HR Professionals When building a successful business, one of the most important things to focus on is internal service. After all, external service can never exceed your internal service, and the true strength of any organization lies in its people. Omar shares, “As an HR professional, your role is crucial in shaping your organization's culture. How you treat your employees will directly impact how they treat your customers. Therefore, investing in your people, their growth, and your organization's culture is essential. Remember, culture eats strategy for breakfast. So, prioritize building a positive and supportive culture that empowers your employees to thrive and deliver their best work.” “Being shortlisted for the best OD Consultancy and Training Company in 2023 at the CIPD awards was a 16

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19. Business Prole Paul Michael Gledhill A Trailblazer in HR Innovation and Entrepreneurship 19

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22. Agile HR Leadership: Adapting to Change 22

23. Article I leaders in the Middle East to navigate change effectively. Agile HR leadership involves embracing flexibility, adaptability, and innovation to respond swiftly to emerging trends, market shifts, and organizational needs. This article explores the principles of agile HR leadership and how it enables HR professionals in the Middle East to thrive amidst uncertainty and transformation. n today's rapidly evolving business landscape, agility has become a crucial trait for HR opportunities, mentoring programs, and cross-functional experiences, HR leaders can empower employees to thrive in a dynamic environment. In addition to talent development, agile HR leadership emphasizes the importance of flexibility and experimentation in HR processes and practices. Traditional HR models characterized by rigid hierarchies and bureaucratic procedures are ill-suited to the fast-paced nature of today's business environment. Middle Eastern HR leaders must embrace agile methodologies such as scrum, lean, and design thinking to streamline HR operations, increase efficiency, and drive innovation. Moreover, agile HR leadership requires a shift from a command-and-control mindset to a more collaborative and participatory approach. Middle Eastern HR leaders should involve employees in decision-making processes, solicit feedback regularly, and co-create solutions to organizational challenges. By fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusivity, agile HR leaders can harness the collective intelligence and creativity of their workforce to drive organizational success. At the core of agile HR leadership is the ability to anticipate and proactively address changes in the external environment. Middle Eastern HR leaders must stay attuned to geopolitical developments, economic fluctuations, technological advancements, and societal shifts that impact the workforce and business operations. By leveraging data analytics, market insights, and predictive tools, agile HR leaders can forecast future trends and develop proactive strategies to address them. Furthermore, agile HR leadership involves embracing technology as an enabler of change and transformation. Middle Eastern HR leaders must leverage digital tools and platforms to automate routine tasks, enhance employee engagement, and facilitate remote collaboration. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics, agile HR leaders can make data-driven decisions, identify patterns and trends, and optimize HR processes for better outcomes. Furthermore, agile HR leadership entails fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the organization. In the Middle East, where talent management is a top priority, HR leaders must invest in upskilling and reskilling initiatives to ensure that employees remain competitive and adaptable in the face of evolving job roles and skill requirements. By providing access to personalized learning In conclusion, agile HR leadership is essential for navigating uncertainty, driving innovation, and building resilience in the Middle East's dynamic business landscape. By embracing flexibility, adaptability, and innovation, HR leaders can anticipate change, empower employees, streamline processes, and drive organizational success in an increasingly complex and competitive environment. As the pace of change accelerates, agile HR leadership will continue to be a key differentiator for organizations seeking to thrive in the Middle East and beyond. 23

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27. Business Prole Prasanth Edassari Navigating HR Leadership in the Shipping & Logistics Industry 27

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32. Innovative HR Strategies: Middle Eastern Leaders 32

33. Article Innovative HR Strategies: Middle Eastern Leaders 33