Opening Remarks

Conference Chair's Welcome Address

Group Photo

A group photo of all delegates, speakers and VIPs

Keynote: Becoming the Workforce Architect of the organization's future state. connecting Strategy to People

The rapidly evolving business landscape demands that the role of HR leaders extend far beyond traditional boundaries. This keynote delves into the critical responsibility HR professionals have in shaping the future workforce. This session will explore how to align your organization's strategic goals with the development and management of its most valuable asset—its people. Ron will discuss key strategies for building a resilient and adaptive workforce, emphasizing the importance of creating a strong connection between business objectives and employee engagement, development, and retention. By integrating innovative HR practices with a clear understanding of organizational strategy, you can help position your company for long-term success. This keynote will provide actionable insights and real-world examples to inspire you to take a proactive role in designing and implementing workforce strategies that drive organizational growth and sustainability.

Keynote: We can’t build Tomorrow’s world on Yesterday’s people

Our future talent pools are going to be comprised of people with skills that are not necessarily available in the current job market. With talent pipelines focused on yesterday's needs, what can we do to ‘find it forward’?

Networking Break

Panel: The Next Gen HR Leaders

It is the CHRO (perhaps, apart from the CEO) who has to primarily look at how the entire organization works together across functions, business units, and geographies; play a significant part in the Executive committee, advising on how to improve performance, how to hire and retain key talent, and how to transform the organization into an agile and purpose-led culture. Future HR leaders will be business leaders first and technical HR experts second. This session will make us think of a completely different way of doing business and managing oneself as an HR Leader

In this Panel session, we will dive into HR issues faced by leaders worldwide, offering insights into Strategic decision-making, the changing role of HR, the need for HR leaders to master business skills, and gainfully securing a seat at the table. Get ready for a deep exploration of how HR is shaping the future of organizations and how the CEOs and the Board are increasingly looking at the HR Leaders for an answer.

THE SUPER10 ROUNDTABLES

This year, we’re introducing a unique opportunity for deeper engagement through our 10 Exclusive Roundtables. Each table will be led by one of our esteemed Leadership and HR experts, who will facilitate a focused discussion on a specific topic. These roundtables are designed to foster intimate, in-depth conversations, allowing delegates to ask questions and explore key subjects with a subject-matter expert. These sessions will be more than just discussions—they will serve as impromptu, fireside chats where participants can dive deep into the topics that matter most to them. It's a rare chance to engage directly with industry thought leaders in a personalized setting, gaining insights that can directly impact your organization. Here are the Topics:

• • Aligning HR Strategy with Business Objectives: Driving Organizational Success through Strategic HR
• • Navigating Workplace Conflicts: Strategies for Effective Resolution and Collaboration
• • AI in HR: Transforming the Future of Work and Workforce Management
• • Mastering Interviewing Skills: Strategies for Effective Talent Acquisition
• • Negotiation Mastery: Techniques for Achieving Win-Win Outcomes
• • Elevating Leadership: Best Practices in Leadership Development for the Next Generation
• • Building a High-Performance Culture: Best Practices for Managing and Enhancing Employee Performance
• • Coaching for Emotional Intelligence: Enhancing Leadership Through Self-Awareness and Empathy
• • Navigating Career Growth in HR: Strategies for Professional Development and Advancement
• • Driving Nationalization: Strategies for Building Local Talent and Reducing Dependency

Panel: The Workforce of Tomorrow

Prepare for the future of HR management by exploring the skills and competencies required for the next generation of HR leaders. This session will discuss emerging trends in HR, the evolving role of HR managers, remote-work, the GenZ workforce, workplace safety and wellness demands, Tech and AI disruptions and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing business environment. Learn how to equip yourself and your team to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce and discuss some at some of the abilities and qualities that you’ll need to future proof yourself for the next revolution, that is imminent!

Prayer and Lunch Break

Keynote: Embracing AI: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in HR Transformation

Explore the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern HR practices. This session will delve into how AI is transforming recruitment, employee engagement, and performance management. Attendees will gain insights into practical applications of AI, overcoming implementation challenges, and preparing their workforce for an AI-driven future. Join us to understand why adopting AI isn't just a trend—it's a necessity for staying competitive.

Panel: The Productivity Paradox

Examine the paradox where increased investment in technology and productivity tools does not always lead to proportional gains in output. What else then, is contributing to the lack of improved performance. Is it enhancing wage-parity, inclusivity, diversity, employee engagement, or the good-old motivator: incentives?. This session will investigate the reasons behind this phenomenon and provide strategies to effectively leverage technology (among other things) to enhance productivity. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to align productivity efforts with organizational goals for maximum impact: such as inclusivity, talent development, compensation, workplace wellness, incentives and other motivational initiatives undertaken by todays corporate world.

VIRTUAL PANEL: Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast, operations for lunch and all else for Dinner

In this high-impact panel discussion, our panel of global HR gurus will delve into the intersection of HR strategy, leadership, and coaching as powerful drivers of organizational culture. Many years ago, a famous author and guru said "Culture eats strategy for breakfast" and we have now expanded this to include lunch and dinner. The simple statement has ever since made many organisations sit up and take notice and understand their own organisational culture. While to many, identifying and understanding their organisational culture is often very difficult, in this Session, we will explore the importance of Organisational Culture and how it affeects the employees, customers and vendors and hence it business. Here are a few questions that we will find answers to:

• • What is Organisational culture? And why is it important?
• • My organisation has a great strategy, which is working. Why should I worry about culture?
• • What kind of a culture do I have in my company?
• • How do I conduct a culture audit?
• • Typically, who should be responsible to create and sustain the organisational culture in my company?

This topic leverages the panelists' expertise in HR strategy, leadership, and coaching while also addressing the importance of organizational culture. It provides a unique perspective on how these elements can work together to enhance an organization's success.

END OF DAY ONE

The HRM Summit Awards 2024

The HRM Summit Awards 2024 is Middle East’s foremost, credible HR awards. It seeks to honour the region’s exemplary employers and individuals who have played a major role in shaping the HR profession’s success story.
The last few years have been particularly painful for businesses and employees. The Pandemic has disrupted businesses and lives the world over. As the effect of this disruption has started fading, many businesses have started showing robust signs of recovery and are reporting revenues and growth at pre-pandemic levels.

While how many such businesses have recovered and how many are fallen by the wayside are still being debated, one thing is for certain: the HR profession has been at the center-stage of this massive change. Human Capital Development is also emerging as one of the key focus areas for a sustained post-pandemic economic acceleration. It is therefore important that this industry and the key players within it, are recognised for their contribution in enhancing the quality of Human Capital Development in the region. Roshcomm, presents the HRM Summit Awards 2024 – Middle East’s foremost, credible HR awards, an event to showcase and honour the exemplary HR professionals, providers, business leaders and organisations.

Judged by an impartial Jury panel, the elite awards would also identify and honour the professionals who have envisioned and created marvels in the HR field in various industry sectors. It is a gesture to celebrate the magnificent leadership, exemplary team-work, strategic alignment, recognition of best practice, and celebration of achievement within the HR sector. The region’s most outstanding achievers and promising organizations in any HR function or industry will be recognized and honored at the Annual HRM Summit Awards 2024. The HR profession across the region will recognize, salute and congratulate the Winners.

Join us on our inaugural journey where we showcase, recognise and celebrate the best in the HR function.

Masterclass 1: Strategic HR Leadership: Driving Business Success through People

The rapidly evolving business landscape demands that the role of HR leaders extend far beyond traditional boundaries. This keynote delves into the critical responsibility HR professionals have in shaping the future workforce. This session will explore how to align your organization's strategic goals with the development and management of its most valuable asset—its people. Ron will discuss key strategies for building a resilient and adaptive workforce, emphasizing the importance of creating a strong connection between business objectives and employee engagement, development, and retention. By integrating innovative HR practices with a clear understanding of organizational strategy, you can help position your company for long-term success. This keynote will provide actionable insights and real-world examples to inspire you to take a proactive role in designing and implementing workforce strategies that drive organizational growth and sustainability.

1. Welcome and Introduction

2. The Evolving Role of HR in Business Strategy

3. Strategic Workforce Planning

4. The Future of Work and HR's Role in Transformation

5. Leading Change: HR's Role in Change Management

6. HR Metrics and Analytics: Evidence-Based Decisions

7. Employee Engagement as a Strategic Tool

8. Q&A and Interactive Discussion

9. Closing Remarks and Key Takeaways

Ron Thomas

Ron Thomas: A Global Leader in Strategy and Human Resources Ron Thomas is a distinguished leader, strategist, and educator with a profound impact on strategy and human resources globally. As the Managing Director of Strategy Focused Group, headquartered in Dubai with offices in New York City and Singapore, Ron has cemented his position as a trusted advisor to organizations worldwide. In the academic realm, Ron holds esteemed roles, including Visiting Executive Senior Faculty at the Human Capital Institute and the Global Human Resources Leadership Institute at Howard University School of Business. He also serves as an Adjunct Facilitator at the EMBA programs of Howard University and the American University in Dubai, dedicating himself to nurturing future business leaders.
Ron's illustrious career includes pivotal leadership positions such as CEO of Great Place to Work-Gulf, CHRO of Al Raha Group in Riyadh, and VP of HR at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. His strategic vision and leadership have earned him numerous accolades, including being named among the top 5 HR/Leadership thinkers in the Middle East by CIPD, the Outstanding Leadership Award for Global HR Excellence, and inclusion in Asia's 50 Most Talented Global HR Leaders and the Power 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership.
As a prolific thought leader, Ron's insights are featured in prestigious publications such as the Wall St. Journal, Inc. Magazine, and Workforce Management. He contributes to international HR magazines and platforms, including HR People of Africa, SHRM, CEO.com, TheHRObserver, and HRZone.com. His writings cover leadership and organizational dynamics, influencing thought leadership across continents.
Ron's expertise extends globally, having worked with prominent organizations like the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dubai Tourism, and the Singapore Government Civil Service. He serves on prestigious boards, including the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, McKinsey Quarterly Executive Online Panel, and HCI's Expert Advisory Council on Talent Management Strategy.
Renowned as a captivating speaker, Ron inspires audiences worldwide with his transformative presentations, making him a sought-after speaker for conferences and events. His contributions as an author include notable books such as "It's Time for High-Performance Government" and "Learning to Lead."
Ron Thomas embodies leadership excellence, driving organizational success through strategic guidance, impactful writings, and influential speaking engagements, empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential.

Networking Break

Masterclass 2: The Power of Storytelling: Transforming HR Practices through Narrative

How can the stories we tell shape the future of our workplace? Discover the transformative potential of narrative and how it can redefine your approach to HR.

In today’s evolving HR landscape, storytelling has emerged as a critical tool for connecting strategy with people. The Power of Storytelling: Transforming HR Practices through Narrative, is designed to help you unlock the potential of storytelling in driving employee engagement, shaping culture, building trust, and fostering leadership. We will explore how HR professionals can craft compelling narratives that resonate with employees, align with organizational goals, and drive real impact. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, you’ll discover how to use storytelling to reinforce change, promote inclusivity, and cultivate a sense of belonging across your teams. Masterclass Agenda:
1. Once Upon a Time...: Storytelling as a Strategic HR Tool
2. Crafting Narratives that Shape Organizational Culture
3. The Role of Stories in Employee Engagement and Retention
4. Reinforcing Learning and Leading Through Change
5. Interactive Q&A and Discussion

Helen Lobo

Helen Lobo is a seasoned ICF Accredited Certified Mindset and Transformation Coach, Director of Roshcomm (Bahrain), and Director of Impact Global (India). She has over three decades of experience having worked for multi national companies in India and Bahrain in human resource management, risk management, international business partnerships, business development and marketing. Beyond Coaching, HL is a dedicated counselor and influencer, championing women entrepreneurs worldwide through Womennovators—a Not-for-Profit virtual incubator aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-5.
Certified as a UNCTAD Empretec, she advances entrepreneurship and supports sustainable development and inclusive growth. HL's coaching journey encompasses C-Suite executives, managers, supervisors, startups, and women entrepreneurs from diverse industries in Bahrain and globally. Her specialty lies in guiding individuals to find clarity and confidence amidst life's complexities, enabling them to transcend personal and professional barriers to achieve exceptional results. Driven by a passion for personal transformation, she has empowered clients to embrace uncertainty with self-awareness and purpose, asking, "Who am I?" Helen’s forthcoming book, slated for publication soon, highlights the internal struggles of women, showcasing their triumphant journey from victimhood to victory. Additionally, her inspirational poems are poised for publication, further enriching the lives of those she reaches.

Prayer and Lunch Break

Masterclass 3: Design Thinking for HR Practitioners

In today's HR Profession, HR Practitioners must continually innovate to address complex challenges and improve employee experiences. This masterclass offers HR leaders a transformative approach to problem-solving, grounded in empathy, creativity, and a deep understanding of human needs. This session will guide participants through the principles of Design Thinking—a methodology that fosters innovative solutions by placing people at the heart of the process. Attendees will learn how to identify and define core HR challenges, ideate and prototype creative solutions, and test these solutions in real-world scenarios. Through interactive exercises, participants will gain hands-on experience in applying Design Thinking to various HR domains, such as talent acquisition, employee engagement, and performance management. By the end of the masterclass, HR practitioners will be equipped with a toolkit to rethink traditional HR processes and drive impactful change within their organizations. This approach not only enhances the HR function but also aligns it more closely with the overall business strategy, ensuring that HR initiatives are both innovative and effective in meeting the needs of a diverse workforce.

• • Design thinking sprint
• • What is design Thinking?
• • Steps of Design Thinking
• • Applications of Design thinking

Dr. Sunil Gupta

Dr Sunil (ابو سهيل) Gupta Innovator, Innovation Instigator, Lifetime Master Trainer, Dr Edward de Bono Tools. Led Award winning projects with world's best Governments & Fortune 500 globally using Strategic Thinking, Design Thinking & Creativity