chatGRG brings out the human essence in a world of artificial intelligence.
In a world of noise and automation, we go straight to the source: people who’ve built careers, led teams, and launched ventures across this region.
Our guests aren’t here to tell stories. They’re here to share insights—shaped by years of navigating the Gulf’s unique market dynamics, cultural expectations, and leadership realities.
From career moves and hiring trends to entrepreneurial grit and executive thinking, we unpack what it really takes to succeed here, backed by real-world experience, not theory.
Whether you’re growing a career or building something of your own, this is the insight you wish someone had shared sooner.
chatGRG brings out the human essence in a world of artificial intelligence.
In a world of noise and automation, we go straight to the source: people who’ve built careers, led teams, and launched ventures across this region.
Our guests aren’t here to tell stories. They’re here to share insights—shaped by years of navigating the Gulf’s unique market dynamics, cultural expectations, and leadership realities.
From career moves and hiring trends to entrepreneurial grit and executive thinking, we unpack what it really takes to succeed here, backed by real-world experience, not theory.
Whether you’re growing a career or building something of your own, this is the insight you wish someone had shared sooner.
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/
Dubai Dating Secrets: The Untold Formula to Finding Love in the City of Glamour!
Dubai is a city of endless possibilities—but is it the place to find real love? Between high-flying lifestyles, Instagram-worthy dates, and a fast-paced social scene, navigating romance here can feel like an impossible puzzle. Where do you meet genuine people? How do you avoid the ‘situationship’ trap? And is it even possible to find lasting love in a city built on ambition?
For some, the answer comes with a hefty price tag. Christiana Maxion, Dubai’s elite matchmaking expert, is helping ultra-successful men find love—for up to $100,000.
We’re diving into the ultimate playbook for finding love in this dazzling metropolis. Whether you're an expat, a local, or newly arrived, these insider tips might just change your love life forever.
Listen to discover the truth about dating in Dubai, the rise of luxury matchmaking, and whether money really can buy love.
See more of Christiana Maxion
https://christianamaxion.com/
Download her dating app: https://www.themaxion.com/
Follow the Host on Socials:
Robyn Abouchedid
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynabouchedid/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlnamedrobyn/
Thinking of leaving corporate? Watch this!
Amr Hazem, founder of the most loved pet boarding and daycare facility in Dubai, talks all about how he started, the fundamental steps you need to take, and the key strategies for business success - truly turning passion into business.
Follow Amr on socials:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amr-hazem-youssef-540aa330/
Discover more about these ventures:
PetsVille Dubai
https://petsville.ae/
Petshop
https://www.thepetshop.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/
Does Leaving Corporate Pay Off? What It Really Takes to Succeed
Leaving corporate can feel like a gamble—so what does it take to make it work?
Mazen Kanaan bets on his courage and vision; today, he’s a regional success.
In this conversation, he shares what it really took to turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Co-founder of House of Pops with his wife, Mazen Kanaan reveals why he won Shark Tank but turned down the deal—and what it’s really like building a business with his partner, from the pressures to the wins.
Connect with Mazen:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mazenkn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mazenkn/
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/