In this BaytCast episode, Nelly Attar, extreme athlete, entrepreneur, and the first Arab woman to summit K2, joins Rabea Ataya to share the lessons that shaped her journey from psychology graduate to Guinness World Record holder!From launching Saudi Arabia’s first dance studio to scaling some of the world’s toughest mountains, Nelly reveals how to act before you “know your why,” why risk is a skill you can train, and what it takes to push past fear, doubt, and criticism. This isn’t just a story of records; it’s a blueprint for anyone ready to build resilience, embrace uncertainty, and turn bold goals into lasting impact.🔔 Never miss an episode! We’ve got fresh, unfiltered conversations dropping every other week with the HR innovators and career champions you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe to BaytCast and ring the bell so you’re always in the room: / @baytcom 🎧 Listen on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sTLIVz8cTQBgCqSdxrZLb?Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4jJu4wmAnghami: https://open.anghami.com/x3F7yekycTb00:00 – Intro01:30 – From psychology to the world’s highest peaks05:20 – Chasing K2: the first Arab woman on the Savage Mountain10:10 – The role of fear, and how to move faster when it rises18:15 – Facing risk and the thin line between possible and impossible22:00 – Handling critics, even when they’re family26:00 – Building an entrepreneurial engine to fund impact30:20 – Representation and visibility: why her climbs matter beyond her34:00 – What’s next: coaching, community, and regional activation37:10 – How to apply Nelly’s lessons to your career#BaytCast #NellyAttar #K2 #Makalu #MiddleEast #WomenInSports #Grit #RiskManagement #CareerAdvice #Calisthenics #HighAltitude #Entrepreneurship #TalentDevelopment #Baytcom

In this BaytCast episode, Dean of Engineering and Architecture Alan Shihadeh joins Rabea Ataya to share how AUB “punches above its weight” and why it has produced more wealth and talent in the region than almost any other institution.From AUB’s bold push into entrepreneurship and real-world innovation to tackling Lebanon’s toughest job market challenges, Dean Shihadeh shares candid insights on grit, opportunity, and the future of work. Plus, how AI is already transforming education, and why resilience may be the most important skill of all. Whether you’re a student, parent, or employer curious about the future of education and employability in the Middle East, this conversation is unmissable.🔔 Never miss an episode! We’ve got fresh, unfiltered conversations dropping every other week with the HR innovators and career champions you won’t hear anywhere else.

Subscribe to BaytCast and ring the bell so you’re always in the room: / @baytcom 🎧 Listen on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sTLIVz8cTQBgCqSdxrZLb?Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4jJu4wmAnghami: https://open.anghami.com/x3F7yekycTb

#baytcast #AUB #Lebanon #MiddleEastEducation #FutureOfWork #Engineering #Entrepreneurship #CareerAdvice #AIinEducation #TalentDevelopment #LiberalArts #StudentSuccess #Baytcom

How do you challenge an industry that hasn’t changed in a century, and still come out stronger after every setback? In this episode of BaytCast, Rabea Ataya sits down in Beirut with Roger Zaccar, a third-generation insurance entrepreneur. From turning down early investors and building a team of dreamers, to expanding into Egypt and Europe, navigating Lebanon’s financial freefall, and now harnessing AI to reshape insurance, Roger shares the real highs, lows, and lessons of disruption.For anyone building a business, leading through uncertainty, or curious about the future of insurance, this conversation is packed with raw insights, tested strategies, and the mindset it takes to scale when the odds are against you.🔔 Never miss an episode! We’ve got fresh, unfiltered conversations dropping every other week with the HR innovators and career champions you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe to BaytCast and ring the bell so you’re always in the room: / @baytcom 🎧 Listen on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sTLIVz8cTQBgCqSdxrZLb?Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4jJu4wmAnghami: https://open.anghami.com/x3F7yekycTb00:00 – Intro01:11 – From family insurance roots to regional tech play06:19 – Insur tech 101: simpler buying, true price transparency09:23 – Flipping the sales model: selling to employees, not HR16:28 – How to hire dreamers (and spot them)30:58 – The three tests of a real disruptor (disrupt/scale/legal)36:55 – Advice to grads: fail early, learn elsewhere, bring it home38:57 – Stay or leave? Finding opportunity at home45:16 – Hiring for AI: iterate, measure, learn47:18 – Get mentors, then knock until they open#BaytCast #Entrepreneurship #Startups #FamilyBusiness #Insurtech #AI #Lebanon #Egypt #ScalingStartups #CareerGrowth

What does it take to set someone up for lifelong success? In this episode of BaytCast, Rabea Ataya sits down with Navin Valrani—entrepreneur, educator, and lifelong learner— to answer that very question. Together, they journey through every stage of learning, from nursery playrooms to corporate boardrooms, unpacking how to make smarter school choices, the value of happiness in education, building entrepreneurial mindsets in children, navigating the complex world of university admissions, and how AI is reshaping learning. Whether you’re a parent, student, or professional, this episode is packed with lessons on preparing for success in school, work, and life.🔔 Never miss an episode! We’ve got fresh, unfiltered conversations dropping every other week with the HR innovators and career champions you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe to BaytCast and ring the bell so you’re always in the room: / @baytcom 🎧 Listen on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sTLIVz8cTQBgCqSdxrZLb?Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4jJu4wmAnghami: https://open.anghami.com/x3F7yekycTb00:00 – Intro02:07 – Why early years education matters most08:16 – Teaching entrepreneurship to children12:12 – Happiness vs. achievement in school19:06 – From business to education: Navin’s journey26:26 – Mentorship and the rise of college counseling35:28 – The impact of privilege and inequality37:14 – AI in education: opportunities and risks48:27 – Taking risks vs. taking the safe path52:09 – What great hiring really looks like#BaytCast #Education #CareerAdvice #Entrepreneurship #UniversityAdmissions #AIinEducation #HappinessInSchool #Dubai #CareerGrowth

This special episode of BaytCast features a thought-provoking conversation with Lawrence Abu Hamdan, a pioneering artist, researcher, and activist often described as a “private ear” for his groundbreaking work in acoustic investigation.Join Rabea Ataya as he explores how Lawrence’s interdisciplinary practice, merging audio forensics and the subtle nuances of earwitness testimony, has helped surface evidence in some of the most high-profile cases in recent years. From investigating the tragic case of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, to analyzing the destruction of Al-Ahli Hospital, giving voice to the heartbreaking final moments of Hind Rajab, and even reconstructing the harrowing realities within Syria's notorious Saydnaya prison through the echoes of its enforced silence, Lawrence’s work reshapes how we “listen” to justice. Beyond human rights reports and courtrooms, Lawrence drives his organization, Earshot, which equips journalists and human rights advocates with tools for audio investigation, while also transforming his findings into immersive art installations showcased at the Guggenheim, Tate Modern, and other major institutions.🔔 Never miss an episode! We’ve got fresh, unfiltered conversations dropping every other week with the HR innovators and career champions you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe to BaytCast and ring the bell so you’re always in the room: / @baytcom 🎧 Listen on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sTLIVz...Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4jJu4wmAnghami: https://open.anghami.com/x3F7yekycTb00:00 – Intro02:23 – From music to activism: A career evolution10:20 – Rubber bullets vs live rounds: audio evidence that cracked a case16:03 – Earwitness vs eyewitness: building a language for acoustic memory19:04 – Reconstructing Saydnaya through echoes and memory24:29 – The role of sound in documenting Hind Rajab’s heartbreaking story29:31– The mental toll of dealing with traumatic subject matter34:40 – Earshot: Empowering journalists and activists with audio tools48:04 – Navigating suppression and censorship in the art world56:21– The unique skills and talent sought by the Earshot team#BaytCast #LawrenceAbuHamdan #SoundOfJustice #EarWitness #WarCrimes #HumanRights #Saydnaya #HindRajab #ShireenAbuAkleh #AlAhliHospital #AudioForJustice #PrivateEar #ArtActivism #MiddleEast #ForensicArchitecture #AcousticMemory #Earshot #Innovation

Salary myths, CV overcrowding, and an AI takeover! In this episode, Rabea Ataya sits down with Filip Rideau for an unfiltered deep dive into the Middle East job market’s hottest and most misunderstood trends. Discover why the “tax-free miracle” packages aren’t what they used to be, learn proven strategies for mid-career professionals eyeing a move to the GCC, and pick up insider hacks for cutting through the CV clutter and getting on a recruiter’s radar. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at how AI is quietly transforming hiring, from automating the first-pass screen to reshaping the entire talent ecosystem.🔔 Never miss an episode! We’ve got fresh, unfiltered conversations dropping every other week with the HR innovators and career champions you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe to BaytCast and ring the bell so you’re always in the room: / @baytcom 🎧 Listen on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sTLIVz...Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4jJu4wmAnghami: https://open.anghami.com/x3F7yekycTb00:00 – Intro01:51 – Is now a good time to job-hunt?04:24 – Local talent vs. expat recruitment06:05 – Mid-career moves: applying from abroad the smart way08:29 – Filip's15-year Middle East journey18:00 – Offshoring, localization, and the rise of RPO/MSP26:02 – Women in the workplace: UAE vs. Saudi progress28:29 – How to make your application stand out in 1,000+ CVs45:00 – Will AI cut headcount or create new roles?53:01 – Top rapid-fire industry trends#BaytCast #Recruitment #JobSearch #DubaiJobs #CareerTips #AIinHR #MiddleEastJobs #ManpowerGroup #CareerGrowth #GCCJobs

Join Ahmed Rajab on a captivating journey through his career evolution, from a budding engineer to a visionary HR leader in some of Kuwait’s top brands. In this episode, he shares his valuable insights on making bold career pivots, the realities of working in Kuwait’s private and public sectors, and how AI is transforming the HR landscape. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating career transitions or seeking to thrive in today’s evolving workforce.🔔 Never miss an episode! We’ve got fresh, unfiltered conversations dropping every other week with the HR innovators and career champions you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe to BaytCast and ring the bell so you’re always in the room: https://www.youtube.com/@Baytcom?sub_confirmation=1🎧 Listen on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sTLIVz8cTQBgCqSdxrZLb?si=Zs3QqELvTK2N3NYmXNvXDgApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4jJu4wmAnghami: https://open.anghami.com/x3F7yekycTb00:00 – Intro01:02 – From engineering to HR: the unexpected transition04:45 – Why “human skills” matter more than technical ones08:11 – Following passion despite societal pressure17:00 – The magic interview question26:01 – When is the right time to change jobs?29:29 – Advice on career focus: pay, recognition, learning32:16 – Public vs. private sector: a Kuwaiti perspective42:10 – Career advice for fresh graduates48:10 – The impact of AI on jobs and HR in Kuwait#BaytCast #CareerAdvice #HRLeadership #KuwaitJobs #JobSearchTips #CareerGrowth #PrivateSector #AIinHR #JobSearch

From launching ventures in Lebanon to leading talent and education initiatives across the GCC, Paul Bassil’s journey is one of bold pivots and lasting impact. In this episode, he shares hard-won lessons on career growth, resilience, and the power of continuous learning. Hear his take on what today’s job market demands, how nationalization is reshaping opportunities in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and what young professionals must do now to build future-ready careers.🔔 Never miss an episode! We’ve got fresh, unfiltered conversations dropping every other week with the HR innovators and career champions you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe to BaytCast and ring the bell so you’re always in the room: https://www.youtube.com/@Baytcom?sub_confirmation=1🎧 Listen on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sTLIVz8cTQBgCqSdxrZLb?si=Zs3QqELvTK2N3NYmXNvXDgApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4jJu4wmAnghami: https://open.anghami.com/x3F7yekycTb00:00 – Intro05:25 – Transitioning from events to HR and education07:33 – Building people-first organizations16:01 – Challenges young professionals face today18:45 – What’s missing in today’s graduates25:31 – Nationalization in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait: opportunities vs. realities32:44 – The gap between education and employment35:12 – How universities can better prepare students37:40 – Advice for young professionals entering the workforce40:10 – Reflections on adaptability and growth#BaytCast #CareerAdvice #Entrepreneurship #LearningAndDevelopment #HRLeadership #KuwaitJobs #SaudiJobs #Nationalization #JobMarketTrends #YouthDevelopment #CareerGrowth #TalentAcquisition

Discover how Helene Gaubert transformed a London apprenticeship into a powerhouse HR career—now leading talent acquisition for one of Saudi Arabia’s top hospital networks. In this episode, she shares why emotional intelligence and agility outshine academic credentials, how her healthcare focus became her career superpower, and the secrets to thriving when you take your ambitions global.🔔 Never miss an episode! We’ve got fresh, unfiltered conversations dropping every other week with the HR innovators and career champions you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe to BaytCast and ring the bell so you’re always in the room: https://www.youtube.com/@Baytcom?sub_confirmation=1🎧 Listen on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sTLIVz8cTQBgCqSdxrZLb?si=Zs3QqELvTK2N3NYmXNvXDgApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4jJu4wmAnghami: https://open.anghami.com/x3F7yekycTb00:00 – Intro00:59 – Apprentice beginnings: choosing apprenticeship over university02:03 – Landing her first role sourcing doctors and nurses05:00 – Soft skills and cultural fit over degrees07:08 – Keyword hacks to make your CV pop09:22 – The journey from London to Dubai14:46 – Carving your niche: the power of specialization19:06 – Commissioning a 100-bed hospital team in Dubai24:01 – Hiring best practices: short and focused processes31:27 – Tips for women relocating to Saudi Arabia55:03 – Closing thoughts and Helina’s open inbox#BaytCast #TalentAcquisition #Apprenticeships #SoftSkills #CareerTransition #HealthcareHR #HRStrategy #CareerGrowth #MiddleEastJobs #WorkplaceCulture #WomenInLeadership #JobSearch

Dive into a values-driven journey with one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential HR leaders, Magdolin Boukhary. From her early sparks of self-awareness to coaching CEOs through career pivots, learn how to lead a career—and a life—rooted in clarity, growth, and authenticity.🔔 Never miss an episode! We’ve got fresh, unfiltered conversations dropping every other week with the HR innovators and career champions you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe to BaytCast and ring the bell so you’re always in the room: https://www.youtube.com/@Baytcom?sub_confirmation=1🎧 Listen on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sTLIVz8cTQBgCqSdxrZLb?si=Zs3QqELvTK2N3NYmXNvXDgApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4jJu4wmAnghami: https://open.anghami.com/x3F7yekycTb00:00 – Intro 00:18 – Magdolin's early passion for HR 02:03 – Lessons from her father’s interviews 05:37 – The coaching journey and tools 10:10 – Defining behavioural vs. ethical values 18:15 – First Saudi woman in HR challenges 32:02 – Today’s workplace hurdles for women 39:47 – Second-career and retirement pivots 48:12 – CV and interview blunders to avoid 52:02 – Advice for new graduates 55:03 – Closing thoughts#BaytCast #CareerCoaching #HR #WomenInHR #Jobs #JobSearchTips #Careers #Recruitment

Meet Hani Alahdal, who turned a PhD-track dream of academia into a powerhouse HR career—starting as an industrial engineer at SABIC, automating a 20,000-applicant scholarship program, and even negotiating service contracts with hospital CEOs. In this episode, he shows why saying “yes” to unexpected challenges, doubling down on continuous learning, and hiring for potential are the real drivers of long-term success.

🔔 Never miss an episode! We’ve got fresh, unfiltered conversations dropping every other week with the HR innovators and career champions you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe to BaytCast and ring the bell so you’re always in the room: https://www.youtube.com/@Baytcom?sub_confirmation=1

🎧 Listen on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sTLIVz8cTQBgCqSdxrZLb?si=Zs3QqELvTK2N3NYmXNvXDgApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4jJu4wmAnghami: https://open.anghami.com/x3F7yekycTb

00:00 - From academia to industry04:15 - The SABIC career crossroads09:45 - First big break: Scholarship program automation14:32 - Passion is created, not found18:25 - Rising fast: Reporting to the GM at 2723:58 - From HR to medical services leadership30:02 - Interviewing employers, not just jobs36:19 - Redefining job interviews: Focus on the human42:10 - Learning over salary: The shortcut is the long way48:00 - Embracing AI with engineering curiosity#BaytCast #CareerCoaching #HR #Jobs #JobSearchTips #HRInnovation #ContinuousLearning #ProblemSolving #HRTips #CareerGrowth #EngineeringMindset #Automation #TalentManagement #Leadership #AIinHR

Meet Tiago Costa—the Lisbon psychologist who swapped the therapy couch for boardroom breakthroughs in Dubai’s talent arena. From landing his first role at Hays and weathering the collapse of his own startup, to spearheading Parisima Talent within the Deko Group, he reveals the grit, savvy strategies, and genuine human connections that have driven his remarkable rise.