How do you shape people-first cultures in an age of automation, agility, and constant change?
This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Sneha Jain, a dynamic People Leader with over a decade of experience across global giants like Kellogg’s, Kraft Heinz, VFS Global, and now Havaianas (Alpargatas Group).
Sneha shares honest, sharp insights into what it really takes to lead HR today — from navigating the rise of AI and skills-based hiring to driving leadership transformation and building cultures that truly connect across borders.
Whether it’s coaching managers, driving employee engagement, or making bold moves with digital tools, Sneha brings a forward-thinking but deeply human approach to leadership.
Her message? You can’t build a future-ready workforce without purpose, empathy, and the courage to challenge outdated systems.
This episode is a must-watch for HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone building inclusive, high-impact teams in a fast-changing world.
What does it take to lead finance in both global corporations and fast-moving startups?
This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Tina Kapadia, a seasoned finance executive whose career spans over 20 years at firms like KPMG, Visa, Mastercard, and now as SVP and Global Head of Finance at Moove.io.
With over two decades of experience, Tina shares hard-earned insights on building resilient finance functions, shaping business strategy, and leading teams across cultures and continents.
From navigating the pressures of high-growth environments to implementing change that lasts, she unpacks what it really takes to thrive at the intersection of finance and leadership. Her approach is rooted in mentorship, collaboration, and the belief that a strong culture is the foundation for sustainable success.
Whether you're in a startup or a corporate setting, Tina’s perspective will leave you motivated to lead with intention, inspire your team, and embrace change as a catalyst for growth.
This episode is a must-watch for finance professionals navigating high-growth environments, leading global teams, or seeking to build culture while driving results.
How do you stay ahead as a senior leader in a world that never stops evolving?
This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Mario Barili, a global finance and operations executive with a career built on adaptability and forward-thinking leadership.
From the leadership lessons rooted in sport to the rise of AI in finance and navigating the modern career landscape, this episode is packed with real talk and sharp insights for executives and future leaders alike.
This episode is a must-watch for finance professionals, senior executives, and future leaders looking to stay one step ahead.
What if surviving a business crisis could make you unstoppable as a leader?
In this episode, we dive into exactly that with returning guest Ralph Khoury — international CFO, mentor, and crisis leadership expert. From steering companies through global disruptions to building his own wellness and e-commerce brands, Ralph reveals what it really takes to lead with clarity, resilience, and vision.
Conor explores with Ralph how finance leaders can build a powerful personal brand, mentor the next generation, and turn obstacles into defining moments. Plus, hear exclusive insights on Saudi Arabia's growing finance scene and why being authentic is the ultimate leadership edge.
This one is packed with bold insights for CFOs and future leaders ready to rise.
Reaching the top in finance takes more than just numbers — it takes vision, leadership, and global perspective.
In this episode, we speak with Ignacio Anglada, an international finance executive and former Group CFO at Juiphar Pharmaceuticals, a publicly listed company on the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange.
Ignacio shares what truly defines a high-impact CFO, his journey across global markets, and the pivotal career moments that shaped his leadership. We explore the kind of culture a CFO should aim to build, and why the most meaningful parts of the job often go beyond the financials.
This episode is packed with insights for aspiring CFOs, finance professionals, and business leaders looking to elevate their impact.
You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit our website at www.alchemysearch.ae.
Strong collaboration between departments is essential for any high-performing organization. In this episode, Conor McHugh sits down with Maher Sabbagh, a senior HR executive with over 20 years of experience across APAC, Africa, and the Middle East, to explore how people-centric leadership drives real business impact.
Maher shares valuable insights on the importance of internal and external networking, how to promote a truly engaging and positive culture, and why alignment between HR, Finance, Sales, and leadership is key to long-term success.
Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, or part of a cross-functional team, this episode is full of practical strategies and thought-provoking ideas you can apply right away.
You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit our website at www.alchemysearch.ae
#leadershipdevelopment #hrstrategy #businessculture #leadershipinsights #collaborationmatters #hrpodcast #uaelife #uaejobs
Think HR is just about policies and paperwork? Think again.
In this episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Gillespie, an experienced HR leader with over 20 years across the UK, Singapore, and Dubai. Jennifer’s career spans industries like banking, oil and gas, property, water technology, and supply chain—bringing a wealth of insight into what truly shapes a high-performing workforce.
We explore the power of a strong CFO–CPO relationship, the impact of growth vs. fixed mindsets in organisations, and what the future of the workplace looks like—from AI and blended teams to evolving roles. Jennifer also shares her leap into entrepreneurship and what drove her to launch her own HR consulting business.
From transforming workplace culture to preparing for future roles — this episode delivers key takeaways for leaders ready to grow.
You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit our website at www.alchemysearch.ae
Reaching the top in the corporate world comes with its own set of challenges, especially for women in finance and business.
In this episode, we sit down with Elena Overchuk, COO at Kyndryl, a global leader in IT infrastructure services. With 20 years of international experience, Elena specializes in business transformation and women’s leadership, particularly in the MEA and CEE markets.
Elena shares key career strategies for women aiming for C-Level roles, the differences between working in MEA/Dubai vs. European markets, and her approach to developing women leaders in organizations. We also discuss the best career advice she’s received and the books that have shaped her leadership journey.
This episode is filled with valuable insights for aspiring female leaders and finance professionals looking to make an impact.
Taxation is evolving fast, and staying ahead is critical for businesses and finance leaders. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Peter, a global tax expert with 44+ years of experience and the UAE Ministry of Economy's (via the ACCA) subject matter expert on UAE corporation tax.
Dr. Peter shares his insights on the ever-changing tax landscape, the challenges tax professionals face in the UAE, and what CFOs need to know when hiring tax talent. We also explore the essential skills for tax professionals, the impact of AI on taxation and business operations, and best practices for working with the FTA.
This episode is packed with expert advice and practical insights for CFOs, finance leaders, and tax professionals looking to navigate the complexities of today’s tax environment.
If you're an aspiring CFO, this episode is a must-listen! We’re joined by Zuned Bharuchi, a seasoned CFO and Chartered Accountant with over 25 years of experience across industries like logistics, energy, biopharma, and more.
Zuned shares his expert perspective on what it takes to be a modern CFO, how the role has evolved, and why finance transformation is critical for success in 2025. From navigating new markets to leading high-performing teams, his insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring CFOs and senior finance leaders alike.
Tune in as we break down finance transformation, strategic decision-making, and the skills that define today’s top CFOs. Packed with actionable advice and expert analysis, this episode will challenge the way you think about the future of finance.You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit our website at www.alchemysearch.ae
#CFOPlaybook #FutureCFO #FinanceTransformation #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #FinancePodcast #CFOInsights #UAEFinance
If you’re in the finance world, this episode is a must-listen! We’re joined by Youssef Salem, CFO of ADNOC Drilling and the youngest CFO to make waves on Nasdaq and ADX. With a career leading billion-dollar deals and shaping MENA’s top unicorns, Youssef shares his expert insights on Islamic Finance what it really means and how it’s evolving.
We explore the fundamentals of Islamic Finance, why interest is such a debated topic, and how it fits into today’s business world. Packed with fresh perspectives and expert analysis, this episode will challenge what you think you know.
If you’re a recruiter, HR professional, or jobseeker, this episode is for you! Hisham ElSaied, a chartered MCIPD member and certified coach with 18+ years of experience in Fortune 500 companies across MEA, shares his expert insights on the future of hiring.
We dive into the interview process, with tips to help candidates and recruiters excel, discuss the growing role of AI in recruitment, and examine digital discrimination vs. fair selection practices.
Packed with practical advice and real-world stories, this episode offers everything you need to prepare for the future of recruitment and HR.
If you’re a jobseeker in the UAE, this episode is a must-listen! Weam Kamel, Director and Head of Abu Dhabi Operations, and Lewis Elsey, Principal Consultant at Alchemy Search share their expert advice on how to stand out in the competitive UAE job market.
They discuss the key differences between Dubai and Abu Dhabi job markets, offer tips on nailing your interviews, and reveal what recruiters really look for in candidates.
We also explore what’s coming for 2025—what roles are in demand, emerging hiring trends, and how you can stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're an expat looking to relocate or someone wanting to make the next big career move in the UAE, this episode is packed with everything you need to know.
In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, we’re joined by Sheena Ganesh, a seasoned CFO and finance leader with over 25 years of experience across the Middle East and Africa. Hosted by Lewis Elsey, Sheena shares her expertise on the pivotal role corporate governance plays in shaping successful organizations. She provides valuable insights into how corporate governance has evolved across the Middle East and why the composition of the board of directors is integral to effective governance. With her extensive experience and deep understanding of the finance landscape, Sheena offers practical advice and thought-provoking reflections for finance professionals and business leaders looking to enhance governance within their organizations. This episode is packed with actionable insights that are not to be missed.
In this episode, we’re excited to feature Babita Ganeriwala, CFO of TRACTEBEL Middle East, as she shares her incredible journey and over 15 years of experience in finance and leadership. A Chartered Accountant and an accomplished professional, Babita offers valuable perspectives on navigating the challenges of today’s business world.
Babita discusses the evolving role of women in finance, the crucial balance between emotional intelligence and IQ for effective leadership, and how to approach career transitions with confidence. She also shares her thoughts on the impact of emerging technologies like AI in shaping the future of finance.
Her insights are both empowering and practical, making this episode a must-watch for professionals at any stage of their careers.
In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome John Ioannou, where he shares his extensive expertise on creating psychologically safe workplaces and empowering people to unlock their full potential. With over 35 years in leadership across multiple industries. Join us as John explores the transformative power of psychological safety. He discusses the effects of toxic environments, the importance of building a foundation of trust, and how leaders can create and sustain a workplace where team members feel valued and respected. John’s insights offer practical steps to foster growth, engagement, and resilience—key elements for anyone looking to lead with purpose and empower their teams to succeed. This is a must-watch episode for leaders and professionals committed to building impactful, high-performing teams.
In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, we’re joined by Sher, Group CFO of Phoenix, as he unpacks the essentials of cryptocurrency with host Weam Kamel. With a background at KPMG and experience across Europe, Sher offers deep insights into crypto's appeal, exploring topics such as Bitcoin, mining, stablecoins, and how these digital assets differ from traditional finance.
For newcomers, Sher shares practical advice on where to begin and how to identify credible crypto projects versus scams. Looking to the future, he weighs in on whether crypto is here to stay or just another passing trend, and he reflects on his own transition from traditional finance into the dynamic world of digital assets.
You can also tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit our website at www.alchemysearch.ae
#Cryptocurrency #Bitcoin #CryptoFuture #DigitalAssets #UAE
In this episode, we welcome Adnan, Group CFO at Select Group. With extensive experience in prominent firms across various sectors where he brings a wealth of knowledge about the financial landscape.
An episode that focuses on critical insights into investment timing and the potential for market corrections, offering a comprehensive view of what investors need to consider.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that reveals effective strategies for navigating the intricacies of real estate investment. We also highlight the significance of cultivating high-performing teams and how impactful leadership can steer success in this dynamic sector.
In this episode, Ashfaque Patel, Group Head of Tax at the Landmark Group, shares his extensive experience in the tax industry, offering invaluable insights into building high-performing teams and fostering a positive workplace culture. He discusses what it truly means to prioritize people in an organization and how effective leadership can drive success while ensuring team well-being. Join us for an engaging conversation as we explore key strategies for employee retention, the art of hiring, and the importance of mental health in the workplace. Ash also shares his thoughts on navigating the challenges that leaders face today and offers practical advice for the next generation of professionals.
In this episode, Chadi Farah, an expert in investment management and private banking, shares his vast experience working with family offices. He breaks down what exactly defines a "family office" and explains why they are crucial for managing wealth across generations. With a proven track record of establishing investment platforms and managing multi-asset portfolios, Chadi offers an insider’s look into this exclusive sector of finance.
Step into an engaging conversation led by Weam Kamel as they explore the key challenges family offices face today, from navigating complex investment structures to maintaining cost-efficiency and more.
