Connected career growth
My career journey has been defined by my personal philosophy of relentless pursuit until I reach my goal; accepting new challenges, being open to feedback, acting on that feedback and always continuing my learning journey.
I have been fortunate to work for an organization that considers employee development and internal career progression an integral part of its employer value proposition. DHL and my manager nurtured my personal career ambitions and supported me with original development programs, stretch projects and the freedom to innovate – all have been instrumental in my career.
Once I had built a comprehensive base of HR knowledge, I set a new aim for myself – HR leadership. In 2011 I undertook an MBA, which I completed in 2012. It wasn’t easy to balance a full time job and MBA, but the learning experience and application to real-life was so enriching, it kept me motivated. The MBA gave me that extra edge in my ability to lead people and projects, and a business mindset which helped me step up to my current role.
The key to successfully advancing your career is to have a solid understanding of your own strengths and areas that you need to develop. Set clear goals; develop a strategy and action plan for achieving them. Surround yourself with a strong team and select people who are different from you. Be bold, don’t be afraid to innovate and think outside the box.
Leading edge HR
The role of HR has evolved over the last decade, so HR professionals who aspire to take on leadership positions need to employ leading-edge HR practices that not only fit the organization but also have commercial viability. HR should demonstrate how they can deliver people solutions aligned to the company's strategic objectives and deliver tangible results. It’s crucial to understand your employees and make sure you deliver an employer value proposition that is attractive to a diverse group and makes your organization stand out as an employer of choice.
People want to work with and for leaders who are approachable, fair, transparent, communicate effectively and deliver on their commitments. People also want to work on a winning team, so innovating, working hard and smart is important. It inspires and builds credibility.
Establishing leadership brand
Always treat people the way you want to be treated – respect breeds respect. Be true to yourself, your values and your team and you can’t go wrong.
It’s important to be passionate about what you do. Finally, focus on the journey itself. Each interaction, each plan, each day and each decision has the opportunity to create impact and provide an enriching learning experience.
Career profile
- March 2013 – HR Manager UAE, DHL Express UAE
- Apr 2008 – Aug 2012, HR Operations Manager, DHL Express UAE
- July 2006 – Mar 2008, Resourcing Manager – Middle East, DHL Express UAE
- Apr 2005 – Jun 2006, Recruitment Officer, DHL Express UAE
- Mar 2001 – Mar 2004, Recruitment Consultant, Nadia Recruitment Consultants