Speakers @ HRM Summit 2024

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

With over 23 years of experience in education, training, and organizational development, I am a visionary leader and innovator who delivers growth and profit through innovations in technology, customer experience, leadership development, and networking. I am currently the Vice President of Learning, Organizational and Cast Development at Partners Federal Credit Union, a Walt Disney Company, where I champion complex projects in research and development that uncover the need for continuing education and training throughout the organization. I hold a Ph.D. in Management with a focus on Organizational Development and Leadership, and I am a certified strengths coach, a TalentSmart certified instructor, and a Breakthrough Leadership Program graduate. I am also an international keynote speaker, an executive coach, a board member, and an executive editorial board member. I leverage my expertise and credentials to build strong teams and foster the career development of top talent through coaching, training, and mentorship. I also incorporate innovative technology into diverse learning initiatives that promote business growth and creative thinking. My mission is to create policies and strategies that improve the engagement, performance, and well-being of remote workers who may experience workplace isolation, as well as to share my insights and best practices with the global learning and development community.

Paul Falcone is the principal of Paul Falcone Workplace Leadership Consulting, LLC. His practice is dedicated to keynote presentations, corporate leadership training, executive coaching, and facilitating corporate offsite retreats. Paul is the former CHRO of Nickelodeon and head of international human resources for Paramount Pictures, and he has extensive experience in entertainment, healthcare/biotech, and financial services, including in international, nonprofit, and union environments.
Some of Paul's bestselling books from HarperCollins Leadership, the American Management Association, and SHRM include "96 Great Interview Questions to Ask Before You Hire," "101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees," "101 Sample Write-Ups for Documenting Employee Performance Problems," and "2600 Phrases for Effective Performance Reviews." His most recent release from HarperCollins, titled "The Paul Falcone Workplace Leadership Series," consists of five books that chart the talent management lifecycle, from workplace ethics to hiring and onboarding, leadership offense and defense strategies, and a specialty book for new managers to help them catapult to leadership success.
Paul is a regular contributor to SHRM’s "HR Magazine," a member of the SHRM Speakers’ Bureau, a certified executive coach through the Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder-Centered Coaching program, and an adjunct faculty member in UCLA Extension’s School of Business and Management.

Peter Kelly joined National Bank of Kuwait, one of Kuwait’s leading Banking Group, in 2024, as Deputy Head (DGM/EVP) Group Human Resources. He has over 30 years’ experience across multiple geographies and industries, predominantly based in the Middle East, covering the wider region (Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan) as well as expansion and operations in the UK, the US, Europe, and several APAC countries.
He has worked, as a leader and as a consultant, in Oil & Gas, Engineering, Procurement & Construction, Retail, Telecoms, Family-Owned Conglomerates and Banking & Financial Services, including the Kuwait Oil Sector, as well as high-profile Kuwait businesses such as MH Alshaya, Kharafi National and Alghanim Industries.
Regionally and Internationally, his other significant roles were in Al Jaber Group and ADCB in the UAE, and globally with Chiyoda Corporation, Japan.
His consistent focus has been structuring organisations to deliver business results through their people and people systems. Peter is a Fellow of the UK’s Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, and has a Master’s in HR from the University of Westminster.

Aysha is an HR and Organizational Effectiveness specialist, with a decade of international experience that cuts across various HR and operational functions, with a focus on diversity, executive coaching, culture building, talent development, and people analytics.
Aysha earned her master’s in HRM from New York University and is an ICF certified coach and admitted nerd of all things people or culture related.
In her spare time, she acts as HR advisory for non-profit organizations, and executive coach to her client base with the aim to inspire through youth mentoring and public service. She is currently serving as the President of the Expert Jury, Employee Engagement Awards - Herculean Alliance - Dubai Chapter.

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

Giorgio is a top tier consultant and an internationally recognized expert in emerging technologies, with 11+ years international experience in leading complex digital transformation, cybersecurity programs and innovation projects. Giorgio is a globally recognized expert in AI, Blockchain, Meb3, Metaverse, FinTech and Smart Cities. During his international career, Giorgio has been advising GCC and European governments, Central Banks and Regulatory bodies on their national business and innovation strategies, while advising on comprehensive critical roadmaps in matter of AI, digital assets and cybersecurity. Giorgio is regularly invited in the main international events and conferences, as keynote speaker by Universities and Governments, to discuss about the cybersecurity, business, technical and regulatory aspects of AI, digital assets, decentralized finance and smart cities. Leveraging a tremendous mediatic influence in Europe and in the MENA region, Giorgio is regularly followed by nearly 100,000 professionals, leaders and Government officials, while his posts on LinkedIn reach more than 12 million people a month.

Krystal Cooper is an accomplished People Operations executive and consultant with extensive experience in building and leading HR functions in high-growth environments. As the Managing Director of Cooper Human Capital, she has partnered with senior executives across industries to drive organizational growth, develop people-first strategies, and implement scalable HR frameworks. In addition to her consulting work, Krystal leads the HR Forum, a group of senior executives focused on solving complex people issues and enhancing employee engagement through best practices. Known as a thought leader and connector of people, Krystal is passionate about sharing her insights and fostering collaborative environments where innovative solutions can thrive.

“Eman Al Sharif is a seasoned HR professional currently leading the HR department at Tamkeen. With a deep-seated passion for human resources, Eman has dedicated her career to blending her expertise in HR management with a continuous pursuit of knowledge through research, hands-on experience, and academic endeavors. Her goal is to leverage this unique combination of skills to make a significant and positive impact within her organization and the wider community. Eman's approach to HR is rooted in a commitment to excellence and a genuine desire to support and develop the people she works with. She is known for her strategic mindset, which allows her to align HR initiatives with the overall business goals of Tamkeen. Her leadership style is collaborative and inclusive, fostering an environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their best work. Through her work, Eman strives to create a workplace culture that is not only productive but also positive and supportive. Her dedication to HR extends beyond the office, as she is actively involved in initiatives that aim to enhance the quality of life in her community, reflecting her belief in the transformative power of effective human resources management.”

Essa Almulla has extensive experience in national workforce development. As one of the first experts to implement internships in Dubai in collaboration with different international and local partners operating in the United Arab Emirates market, he has been instrumental in bringing the project to life. As a result of his current mandate to develop and hire Emirates in the private sector. Currently, he is developing several initiatives to develop the national workforce. Previously, Essa worked at Microsoft as an Account Manager for the Federal Government and the education sector, including universities, colleges, and schools. In the past, Essa worked as a Category Manager for Eppco and Enoc, where he developed the category management protocol for the convince stores in Dubai gas stations. Essa hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Information Systems at the University of Lincolnshire & Humberside, UK

Dan is a thought leader, technologist, change agent, and optimist in the area of people experience and the future of work. He inspires people to believe and focus on what inspires them. With a vision and commitment to change the way businesses think, act, and operate, Dan works with leaders and organizations around the world helping them to meet the moment and mobilize for the future. He has more than 25 years of experience in the HR and technology industry. Dan co-founded Modern Survey in 1999 until 2016 when the company was sold to Aon and served as its Chief Operating Officer. Dan recently co-founded RADICL. Dan is an entrepreneur, advisor, investor, keynote speaker, film producer, and a musician who has shared billings with artists of national and international acclaim.

As a seasoned business leader specialising in Human Resources, I bring a wealth of extensive experience and HR expertise to align HR strategies with the organisation's overarching goals and strategies. My passion lies in cultivating an organisational culture that is inclusive and performance oriented. One of my proudest achievements includes being recognised as a global HR Leader in Asia, being felicitated among the top 100 business HR leaders in GCC and securing top tier awards for designing and developing 100% nationalised Graduate Development Programs consecutively for 2 cohorts . I plan, lead, develop, coordinate, and implement policies, processes, and practices that ensure highest level of compliance while supporting the broader needs of the organisation. I am committed to staying up-to-date with industry trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging HR technologies to communicate changes in policy, practice, and resources to upper management and ensure HR function remains at the forefront of innovation. My core competencies encompass human capital strategy, operating model reviews, data analytics, budget administration, culture and digital transformation and performance management. Throughout my career, I have successfully led and delivered multiple corporate-level initiatives that have empowered organisations to build and deliver high performance, all while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and customer focus. I believe, i have in years developed a very strong voice as a HR leader to connect and convince boards/committees and executives around forward looking and progressive HR practices by staying up-to-date with industry trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging HR technologies.

Kasey Martin is the Director of Change and Transformations at DAMAC Properties. She has spent 14 years working on transformational programs around the globe, from digital implementations through to M&A. In her spare time, she guest lectures and speaks about the power of AI in driving adoption, aiding project implementation and moving to a more transformational workplace.

Mr. Migliore is a Human Resources leader with 25 years of broad experience encompassing talent management, talent acquisition, compensation, global HR, benefits, payroll, and human resources information systems. Todd has held management positions with 2 Fortune 500 companies and has led the Human Resources function for a global drilling contractor, and for a major business line of a global oil company. He has managed international HR functions since 1997 that spanned workers from over 70 countries and deployed them to over 20 countries. Todd has deep compensation and performance management knowledge and experience, and has designed several a pay-for-performance models which tied company objectives to the annual bonus and merit programs. He also designed and implemented a tax equalization program, the first of its kind at his company. Todd has been an expatriate three times in his career and has lived in 5 countries. Todd holds a BA in Industrial Psychology and a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management.

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

Jo Kearney is a global head of learning and leadership development in Dubai and is working to inspire others to lift as they rise, developing their teams, delighting their customers, enabling communities and improving the planet. With more than 18 years of multi-industry and cross functional Human Capital experience across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, Jo has extensive private and public-sector exposure. During her career, she has led teams to drive learning and leadership agendas for globally recognised organisations such as Accenture, Facebook, the Boots Walgreen Alliance, Al Tayer, EDF Energy, Microsoft, Saudi Aramco, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, and public sector bodies in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, the UK and Australia. Jo is a positive psychology coach, LUMA design thinker, board director, certified nutritional therapist and passionate advocate for the conscious consumption of clothing. Jo has extensive board experience and has worked across academia, consulting and industry for 18 years in: learning strategy, leadership development, communications, talent management, human resources, facilitation, operating models, organization design, team development, culture, change strategy and coaching across mature and emerging markets.

Rasha Ghoul's career is defined by her passion for fostering employee well-being, driving leadership development, and promoting innovation within the hospitality industry. Her unwavering commitment to excellence has earned her respect and admiration from colleagues and industry professionals alike. In appreciation of her outstanding leadership skills and contributions to the industry, Rasha has received several recognitions over the years. This accolade reflects her dedication, commitment, and exceptional performance in her role. Rasha contributions have led to the successful implementation of innovative solutions that have elevated the overall guest experience, where she actively collaborates with other leaders to address industry challenges and promote best practices in Human Resources. Furthermore, Rasha Participated in many Women Leadership talk and was featured as a guest speaker for the Women Empowerment Forum at the property and part of the panelist's speaker for the International Women Day at the Royal University For Women.

ALIU, Olalekan Adeseye (‘Lekan) (Chartered FCIPD, GTML, GPHR, SPHRi, SHRM-SCP, CPHR, MBA) PROFILE SUMMARY A credible HR leader with experience spanning multiple countries, businesses, HR specialisms, business contexts and sectors. Has a well-developed ability to sort through the noise in complex situations to assess what needs doing and to align stakeholders around a robust people agenda; able to learn and adapt quickly; culturally sensitive and politically adept; performance and delivery-focused and able to balance near- and long-term priorities. Natural integrator and avid team player; translates deep knowledge of the business and HR to business impact. An effective communicator and systems thinker who combines candour with tact.

Dr. Rania AlGhamdi is the Talent Learning & Development Director at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare overseeing the talent management programs, strategizing, developing, and implementing employee engagement and leadership development programs and other key functions such as Performance Management, Career Management, Succession Planning, and wellbeing initiatives. She has led multiple organizational initiatives in support of D&I, learning, and person-centered care. Rania has also served as the HR Services Director where she was responsible for managing the daily HR operations, building talent acquisition strategies, and enabling key initiatives that focus on enhancing employee experience. Rania has participated as a speaker locally and internationally in many HR and T&D events. She is a committee member in several associations. She has completed certification programs and is a Certified Knowledge Specialist, Certified Employee Performance Management Professional, Certified Leadership Coach Practitioner, and Certified Career Services Provider. She was recently acknowledged as one of the top 50 HR leaders Rania holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Development from Texas A&M University, USA and has completed her Doctorate Degree from the University of Leicester focusing on knowledge transfer Practices in Healthcare.

Rainier brings over two decades of HR leadership experience in the Middle East, Africa, and Indian regions having successfully partnered with Regional CEOs, VPs, and Country GMs of matrix organizations to develop and execute plans to support profitable business growth and inspire transformative changes in the workforce. He has spearheaded projects such as frontline leadership and sales academies, mentoring culture, and future leaders’ programs. His journey has instilled in him the understanding that an employee's success or failure often hinges on the environment created by their manager, emphasizing the necessity of investing in leadership development focused on building trust. He is currently the Regional HR Director for the Middle East and North Africa of Schindler Group, a Swiss multinational company and a leading provider of sustainable and smart urban mobility, transporting more than 2 billion people safely every day. Prior to joining Schindler, Rainier held HR leadership roles with Johnson Controls, another building industry and technology leader, where he worked very closely with field operation teams. He earned his educational degrees in Philosophy and Human Resources Development from San Beda University, Manila, Philippines, and started his career in the academe before moving to the Gulf. Rainier believes that listening to employees is an underrated task and is a responsibility not only by HR but mainly by line managers. His personal mission is to build a culture in an organization where people’s voices at all levels, given the available platforms, are empowered, and their safety and well-being in the workplace have always been regarded with the utmost premium.

Samar Alsalem is the Vice President of Human Capital & Support Services at Salam, a leading telecommunications company in Saudi Arabia. With over 20 years of experience in human capital and executive leadership, she has played a pivotal role in guiding Salam's strategic direction. Her educational background, combining a double major in Human Capital Management and Art, empowers her to blend analytical thinking with creative problem-solving. This unique combination has driven forward-thinking human capital strategies that support Salam’s growth and operational objectives. Samar is deeply committed to fostering a human-centric, inclusive workplace, positioning Salam as a top employer in the competitive telecom sector. Among her notable achievements is the establishment of Salam’s Digital Research and Innovation Center at Riyadh College of Technology for Girls, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of Saudi talent. She also led the Saudi Pioneers Program, significantly increasing Saudization by 40%, and expanded Salam’s regional footprint by opening new ladies' branches to promote gender diversity in the tech industry. Samar’s leadership continues to elevate Salam’s organizational performance while making a lasting impact on the development of Saudi Arabia’s workforce, making her a key figure in shaping the future of human capital within the telecommunications industry.

Faisal Ibrahim AlSuwaidi is a distinguished expert in talent management and learning and development, with over 15 years of diverse experience across prominent organizations in the UAE. He currently serves as the Senior Manager, Talent Management at Mubadala Energy, where he leads initiatives to develop and retain top talent in alignment with the company’s strategic objectives. Faisal’s career is marked by significant contributions to various organizations, including the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund and ADNOC Distribution. His expertise spans across succession planning, performance management, and the development of technical and behavioral competencies frameworks. He has successfully led multiple strategic and operational projects, driving improvements in workforce capabilities and organizational performance. Academically, Faisal is pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Portsmouth, further enhancing his strategic leadership skills. He holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Leadership with distinction from Abu Dhabi University and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources from the Higher Colleges of Technology, both with high academic honors. In addition to his academic achievements, Faisal has published a book in the field of Leadership and contributed an article to Harvard Business Review Arabia. He has also presented a paper at a Human Resources conference, sharing his insights and expertise with industry peers. His certifications include being an Associate Certified Coach (ACC), a Certified Master Trainer, and a Tony Buzan Licensed Instructor in Mind Mapping, among others.

As a seasoned HR Professional with over 22 years of experience, I have honed my skills in providing strategic HR direction, developing and executing HR strategies aligned with company missions, and implementing HR programs to achieve business goals. Over the years, I have advised senior leadership on various HR matters, including talent management, performance management, and succession planning. My partnership with top management and executive board members has driven internal growth, enhanced operational excellence, and built a culture of continuous improvement. I am a visionary leader with exceptional team management abilities and experience leading large project teams. My dedication and hard work have earned me recognition for providing superior quality service throughout my career. As someone who follows world news closely, I am adept at assessing current situations, gathering extensive information on market competitors, and devising effective human capital strategies that drive business growth. Recently, I obtained a certification as a Governance Risk and Compliance Advisor. I am ready to steer crucial functions for profitability and growth in a challenging role with diverse responsibilities. If you have a job opportunity or project that suits my skills, please feel free to connect with me. I am confident that my experience and expertise will make a valuable contribution to your organization

Fatema Haider Ali is a passionate leader dedicated to promoting sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity in the corporate world. As the Manager of Sustainability and Inclusivity at Zain Bahrain, she spearheads strategic initiatives that drive impactful change within her organization and the community. With expertise in human resources, organizational development, and corporate sustainability, Fatema excels in fostering a culture of inclusion and innovation. She holds certifications as a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®) and in International Sustainable Business (ISB®), and has received recognition for her contributions to advancing women and inclusive leadership. Fatema Haider Ali holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies with a focus on Systems Practice. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Digital Transformation at IE University

Experienced human resources and Information Technology professional with over 20 years of experience, demonstrated history of working in different industries includes aviation and banking. Skilled in Business Process Improvement, Artificial Intelligence transformation, processes & policies,HR strategy and transformational, Employee engagement, Talent management, and future technologies. Strong consulting professional with expertise in organization transformation and Artificial Intelligence.