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/
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 Roles
Listen 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/
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/
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/
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=1000736941219
Connect 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/
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_mQYuuWvKPARgzfA
Apple: 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/
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:
Apple:
Connect with Rooslán:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/totrov/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ossetiandoriangray/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/totroff
Follow Our Host:
Mark Timms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktimmsgrg/
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/
Across the Middle East, the way people work and why they work is changing fast. From the rise of AI to a new wave of Gen Z talent entering the workforce, the region is at a turning point where progress, purpose, and people all collide.
In this episode, we sit down with Sherif ElOgeiry, General Manager, HR and General Affairs at Daikin Middle East and Africa, to discuss how AI, cultural shifts, and evolving values are redefining the modern workplace in the region.
We explore:
↳ Why AI won’t replace humans, but those who use it will replace those who don’t.
↳ How Saudi Arabia’s transformation is reshaping jobs, diversity, and opportunity.
↳ What Gen Z truly values in an employer, and why Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence matter more than IQ.
↳ Why companies are hiring for skills over degrees, and the one trait Sherif believes every great hire must have.
If you want to understand the future of work in the Middle East and what it really takes to stay relevant, this episode dives into the human side of progress.
Listen on:
Spotify
Apple
Connect with Sherif:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherif-elogeiry/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherifssociologyspotlight/
Follow Our Host:
Mark Timms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktimmsgrg/
Dubai’s job market is thriving, opportunities are everywhere, competition is fierce, and companies are hiring faster than ever. But here’s the catch: people are no longer just chasing salaries, they’re searching for something that actually matters.
In this episode, we sit down with Melody Sheybani, Group HR Director at Americana Foods, who about how short-term hiring mindsets are shaping careers and company culture.
We explore:
↳ Why companies in the GCC keep hiring for speed, not long-term growth.
↳ The loyalty gap and how it’s reshaping the modern workforce.
↳ What Gen Z really wants from employers (and why most companies still don’t get it).
↳ The myth of plug and play hiring and its hidden cost to culture.If you’ve ever wondered why finding a good job in Dubai is hard, this episode will change how you see work, loyalty, and success in Dubai’s fast-moving market.
Connect with Melody:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-sheybani-1460a22/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodydubai/
Follow our Host Mark Timms:
What does it really mean to be emotionally fit?
In this episode, we sit down with Rahaf Kobeissi to break down the everyday practices that build emotional awareness, resilience, and regulation and why it matters for your career, workplace, and personal life.
We explore:
The hidden cost of not setting boundaries.
Why expanding your emotional vocabulary is the first step to real self-awareness and stronger relationships.
The difference between regulating emotions vs. suppressing them, with tools for staying grounded under pressure.
The surprising power of asking “what am I feeling?” before making big decisions.
Clarifying the difference between mental health and emotional fitness and why both are essential but often misunderstood.
If you’ve ever struggled with boundaries, decision-making under pressure, or feeling stuck in your own emotions, this episode will give you the clarity and tools you need to strengthen your emotional fitness in every part of life.
Connect with Rahaf
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahafkobeissi/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raysyourmentalhealth/
Follow the Hosts on Socials:
Robyn Abou Chedid
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynabouchedid/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlnamedrobyn/
Ali Nasir
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alinasirahmed/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alinahmeds
Success comes with pressure—long hours, business travel, client dinners, and constant performance demands. But after 40, your health, energy, and focus become your real competitive edge.In this episode, we sit down with one of the region’s top transformation coaches to talk about what it really takes to stay healthy, perform at your peak, and thrive in high-pressure environments.We cover:
If you’re a successful leader, entrepreneur, or executive who wants to protect your health, maximise energy, and sustain peak performance, this episode is for you.
Follow Kirk for more advice:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirkmiller_/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menshealthcoach/https://kirkmiller.co.uk/Follow the Host on Socials:Robyn Abou ChedidLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynabouchedid/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlnamedrobyn/Osama MohammadLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-osama-8395b88/
This isn’t your typical fitness founder story.
Wajdan Gul didn’t come from a fitness background. Neither did his wife and co-founder, Anam Khalid. They had no industry experience, no connections, and when they first shared their vision for SQUATWOLF, a premium gymwear brand born in the Middle East, even their own families didn’t believe it would work.
But they believed.
And that belief, backed by grit, relentless consistency, and Dubai’s unique spirit of possibility, turned a small bedroom startup into a global fitness brand.
In this episode, Wajdan shares:
How he and Anam went from zero industry experience to building a performance-led brand
Why the powerful story of coming from the East is so important
The emotional toll of chasing a dream when no one else can see it
The first sale that changed everything
What it really means to keep going when the world says stop
This is a story about more than gymwear.
It’s about proving people wrong, building something from nothing, and redefining what’s possible when you lead with purpose, even when no one’s watching.
Follow Wajdan's Journey:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wajdan.gul/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wajdan/
Connect with our Hosts:
Robyn Abou Chedid
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlnamedrobyn/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynabouchedid/
Ahmad Atalla
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ackieboom/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmad-atalla-b26552/
In this episode, we sit down with financial wellness coach Carol Glynn to talk about one of the most important and often overwhelming areas of adult life: MONEY.
From spending habits to savings goals, Carol shares how to shift your mindset, take control of your finances, and make money feel less stressful. Whether you're just starting your money journey or trying to level up your financial game, this episode gives you simple, empowering advice you can actually use.
Connect with Carol:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-glynn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciousfinancecoaching/
Website: https://www.consciousfinancecoaching.com/
Follow the Hosts on Socials:
Robyn Abou Chedid
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynabouchedid/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlnamedrobyn/
Ali Nasir
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alinasirahmed/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alinahmeds
In this episode, we sit down with Ainsley Duncombe, the force behind PropertyFinder's regional expansion before it achieved unicorn status, and now the founder of Off-Market Listing Dubai (OML), where multi-million dollar deals are conducted quietly.
We dive into:
- Dubai’s booming real estate market
- Where savvy investors are putting their money right now and why
- Understanding how to purchase a property
- How to spot a broker you can actually trust.
- What it really takes to succeed in this industry
If you’re thinking of investing in Dubai or just want to understand what’s driving the market, this one’s for you.
Connect with Ainsley:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ainsleyduncombe/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ainsleyduncombe
Follow the Hosts on Socials:
Robyn Abou Chedid
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynabouchedid/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlnamedrobyn/
Ahmad Atalla
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmad-atalla-b26552/
In this episode, we sit down with Ahmed AlDhraif.
A young Emirati professional in HR whose LinkedIn presence has quietly grown to over 160,000 followers. What makes Ahmed’s story remarkable? He never set out to build a personal brand... and yet, he’s built one of the most authentic voices in the region.
In this episode, we talk about:
→ How his personal brand and presence took shape organically
→ What most job seekers in the UAE are currently getting wrong
→ The truth about CVs — and why they’re not what gets you hired
→ What actually helps you stand out in the job market today
→ His personal experience navigating hiring from both sides: as a recruiter and a candidate
If you're trying to get hired, grow your visibility, or figure out where to start, then this conversation is packed with insights that cut through the noise.
Follow Ahmed for more expert insights:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmedaldhraif/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahmedaldhraif
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ahmedaldhraif
www.tawdheef.com
Follow the Host on Socials:
Robyn Abou Chedid
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynabouchedid/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlnamedrobyn/
Osama Mohammad
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-osama-8395b88/
Most professionals don’t realise this — how you sound is just as important as what you say.
In this chat, Maya Sarji — a leading voice performance and public speaking coach — breaks down the biggest reasons people struggle to sound confident, even when they’re highly capable. It’s not just about fixing one mistake. It’s about understanding how your voice works and using it with purpose.
Maya is also one of the most recognisable voice talents in the Middle East, having voiced global campaigns for brands like Nestlé, Lux, Kinder, Etisalat, and Emirates Airline. She knows exactly how to make a voice land — and how to help others do the same.
Whether you're leading meetings, pitching to clients, or speaking up in high-stakes rooms, this video will help you:
✔️ Identify common voice habits that weaken your message
✔️ Learn how to sound more confident, clear, and credible
✔️ Develop a voice that reflects your authority and presence in the workplace
This isn’t just voice training. It’s about owning the way you show up.
This episode is full of sharp, actionable insights.
A former 100m sprint champion turned high-performance coach who now works with executives, athletes, and leaders to unlock what actually fuels long-term success. He brings the discipline of elite sport into the boardroom and breaks down leadership in a way that’s both practical and deeply human.
We dive into:
- Why the environment you create, not just your skillset, is the biggest driver of team performance
- The role of masculine and feminine energy in leadership—how to identify it, balance it, and use it to build stronger teams
- What modern leadership really demands, and why it’s no longer about titles, but about presence, clarity, and self-awareness
…and plenty more real-world lessons from the frontlines of coaching high-performers.
If you lead people, or want to, this is the kind of conversation that will sharpen your edge.
Connect with Sam:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teamperformanceexperts/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuelpharvey
Braver Leaders:
Braver Leaders: https://www.instagram.com/braverleadersteams
https://www.braverleaders.com/
Follow the Host on Socials:
Robyn Abou Chedid
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynabouchedid/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlnamedrobyn/
Ahmad Atalla
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmad-atalla-b26552/
In this episode, Nick Vinckier, VP or Corporate Innnovation at Chalhoub Group shares how staying in corporate didn’t hold him back—it gave him the structure, skills, and stability to fuel his entrepreneurial success.
He’s living proof that you don’t have to walk away from a steady paycheck to build something meaningful.
Nick takes us inside his mindset shift—how he stopped seeing corporate as a cage and started using it as a launchpad. From navigating red tape to unlocking innovation within the system, he shows how you can be entrepreneurial without going solo.
We talk about:
If you’ve ever wondered how to build your own thing without quitting everything—this is the blueprint.
Connect with Nick:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickvinckier/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickvinckier
Follow the Host on Socials:
Robyn Abou Chedid
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynabouchedid/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlnamedrobyn/
Ahmad Atalla
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmad-atalla-b26552/
Are you feeling drained, undervalued, or stuck in a toxic work environment?
You’re not alone.
A toxic boss or a negative workplace culture can seriously impact your mental health, productivity, and career growth. But how do you identify the red flags—and more importantly, what can you do about it?
We’re joined by Montserrat Ventosa, a psychologist, educator, and workplace culture specialist dedicated to making work great.
Montserrat talks about the biggest warning signs of a toxic workplace, how to handle difficult narcissistic bosses, and smart strategies to set boundaries and protect your mental well-being—so be sure to watch until the end for expert insights and actionable advice.
Follow Montserrat for more expert insights:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/montseventosa/
Follow the Host on Socials:
Robyn Abouchedid
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynabouchedid/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlnamedrobyn/
Osama Mohammad
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-osama-8395b88/