Programme
6th HR and People Development SummitJW Marriott Hotel Marina
5-6 February 2025
2025 Topics & Themes
-Talent Acquisition and Retention
-The Future of the Workplace
-Innovative Approaches to Employee Training and Development
-Equality, Diversion & Inclusion
-Employee Wellbeing and Mental Health
-Agile HR Strategies
-HR Technology – AI and Data Analytics
-Remote Working Strategies
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If you are interested in a speaking opportunity, please contact Kairen.Lewis@summit-events.com
Speakers & Abstracts
2025 speakers below
Biography
John Sanei is a renowned futures strategist and international keynote speaker, advising Fortune 100 companies worldwide. He is the author and co-author of 11 books, 5 of which have become best-sellers. John is the co-host of the award-winning podcast, The Expansive, and serves as a global expert at Singularity University. He is also a faculty member at Duke Corporate Education, an associate partner at the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies, and a contributor to NASA's Vision 2040 project, which aims to establish a self-sustained city on the moon by 2040.
Presentation Outline
Coming Soon
Biography
Mimi Nicklin is an internationally bestselling author and the multi-award winning Founder of the world’s widest-reaching organisational training & engagement platform, Empathy Everywhere. A top 5-rated podcast host of her show, ‘MiMi YouYou’, she is omnipresent in the media, and on event stages, globally. Mimi specialises in Listening-Led Leadership, psychological safety and D&I. She is an experienced organisational coach, and a well-known thought leader advocating for the global movement to balance humanism and capitalism in our workplaces. She has 60,000 followers with an organic reach of over 50,000 weekly on social media, and has trained 12,500+ professionals
in Fortune 500 organisations globally, focusing on the future of multi-generational leadership. An truly global leader, she has recently been awarded Malaysian Female Leader 2024 and Top 45 Sri Lankan Leader award’s. She is as charismatic and she is passionate and she is set on reconnecting the corporate world, one organisation at a time!Presentation Outline
Coming Soon
Debbie Simister
Global Vice President, Talent Management Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery & Emblems at AccorAccor
SPEAKER
Culture Architects: Shaping the Future through a bespoke Leadership Capability Framework
Biography
Debbie Simister is a visionary leader and seasoned expert in the field of Human Resources, with more than two decades of multi-disciplinary global Human Resource expertise within service-orientated luxury hospitality and high-end consumer goods. Her career has unfolded across diverse locations including New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
In her current role Debbie is a global people leader for some of the world’s most stunning luxury hotels, including the iconic Sofitel Legend, Sofitel and boutique brands MGallery and Emblems Collection.
Based in Dubai, Debbie drives organisational success through her passion to create a distinctive employee-centric culture and an environment that empowers and enables leadership. She is responsible for partnering with business to shape the company’s future, providing strategic vision and forward-thinking best practices, developing and implementing planned interventions designed to increase organization effectiveness and redefine a new reference for luxury.
A recognised talent management leader, Debbie was recently featured in the Women World Magazine as the ‘Most Influential Women in Talent Management 2024’. She also ranked #4 on Hotelier Middle East’s coveted ‘Women in Hospitality Top 50 Power List’ in 2019. She is an accredited coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL), holds a Masters in Social and Organisational Leadership with Charles Sturt University, Diploma’s in both Hospitality and Human Resources, holds a Graduate Certificate in Organisational Coaching and Leadership and is a certified Gallup Strengths Coach.Presentation Outline
In today’s rapidly changing environment, organisational culture can no longer be left to chance. This session delves into the role of a culture architect—one who intentionally shapes the future of an organisation through a deliberate, purpose-driven approach to culture.
We will explore how organisations can break free from the limitations of accidental culture, where values and behaviors evolve organically, often leading to misalignment and unintentional outcomes. Drawing on real-world insights from Accor’s recent cultural transformation journey, this session delves into the design of a leadership capability framework as the basis for reigniting a shift in culture. The session provides actionable strategies for HR leaders seeking to take an active role in defining success criteria and creating a distinctive company culture.
By taking ownership of culture, leaders can drive meaningful change, foster employee engagement, and ensure their organisation remains competitive and relevant in the future.
Key topics covered include:
· Leader Buy-In: Discover why leadership is essential in steering cultural shifts, and how securing commitment from leaders at every level amplifies the impact of cultural initiatives.
· Reframing Perspectives for HR Leaders: Learn how HR leaders can shift their thinking to become the driving force behind cultural change, moving from reactive to proactive culture-shaping strategies.
· The Interconnection of Behaviors, Values, Standards, and People Rituals: Understand how these core elements work together to create a cohesive and thriving culture, with practical examples of how Accor’s Leadership capability framework was designed and implemented, and how they can be aligned to organisational goals.
· Defining Success Criteria for Performance: Explore the importance of clearly defining what success looks like in action, and how performance metrics can be adjusted to reflect and reinforce desired cultural outcomes.
· Eliminating Barriers to Success: Gain insights into practical ‘hacks’ that can remove obstacles to cultural transformation, ensuring smoother transitions and sustained cultural growth.
Biography
With a distinguished 15-year career in Human Resources, Deena Seoudi has been instrumental in shaping strategic initiatives for multinational corporations. Serving in key roles at AXA Egypt, including HR Business Partner and Talent Acquisition and Organization Development Manager, she orchestrated comprehensive HR frameworks, aligning with overarching group strategies.
Deena has been a catalyst for organizational change, driving people development and optimizing compensation processes. Her strategic skills cover various areas of Human Resources such as personnel management, organizational development, performance management, talent acquisition, career management, talent management, and succession planning.
Beyond specific roles, Deena stands out as an adaptable change leader, navigating challenges with finesse. Her transformative impact extends to fostering high-performance cultures, implementing talent attraction strategies, and providing ongoing coaching. Committed to community impact, she integrates innovative HR practices with an unwavering dedication to excellence.
Deena holds an MBA in Human Resources and a postgraduate diploma in Human Resource Management, underscoring her commitment to strategic leadership in the HR domain.Presentation Outline
In a world where the workplace is constantly evolving, leaders need to ensure that employee wellbeing isn't just ticking a box but a driving force behind long-term success, this is a call to action for leaders who want to create a thriving, compassionate workplace where wellbeing is at the core of every decision.
Explore how aligning wellbeing with business goals, embedding it into company values, and fostering a supportive culture can transform the organisation by diving into actionable strategies that intertwine diversity, equity, and inclusion with wellbeing, creating a human-centric workplace where every employee feels valued and inspired.
Learn how to craft comprehensive wellbeing programs that prioritize mental health, foster resilience, and equip managers to support their teams through challenges.
Discover the power of effective communication in building trust and engagement and find out how leadership’s commitment to wellbeing can drive cultural transformation and team performance.
Get ready to be inspired and equipped with the tools to lead your organization into a future where wellbeing drives success.
Ritika Bhandari
Chief Human Resource Officer - GCCTeleperformance
SPEAKER
Agile HR Strategies in 2025
Biography
As a seasoned HR with progressive & strategic leadership experience, I bring 2 decades of strategic experience in transforming HR landscapes across the GCC and Asia. All while leveraging AI and RPA to streamline HR operations & driving talent strategies that align with organisational goals and drive them to success.
My mission is to drive forward-thinking & innovative HR strategies that align with organisational objectives and foster a culture of excellence. I excel in:
Devising HR strategies that are in harmony with business objectives,
Driving people & cultural change,
Managing stakeholder relationships,
Enhancing employer reputation,
Nurturing leadership and
Optimising talent acquisition and retention.
With extensive experience in people management, I have effectively led teams across a range of sectors, including BFSI, Real Estate, IT, Telecom, and Healthcare.
Some of my proud accolades have been CHRO of the Year (2023) and Business World HR Leader 40 Under 40 (2020), recognizing my outstanding HR lead
I share insights and inspire new perspectives on HR practice as a distinguished Keynote Speaker at significant HR events, including People Matters HR Summit, HRSE Tech, SHRM Tech HR, ET HR Tech Leader, ET Next Tech HR Summit, and USB HR Tech Summit.
As an Organization's ‘Employer of Choice’, I continuously explore and share innovative HR practices that shape the future of work.Presentation Outline
Introduction to Agile HR in the UAE: Definition of Agile methodology and its relevance to the unique business environment in the UAE.
Adapting Agile HR to UAE Work Culture: How Agile principles align with the cultural and organizational norms in UAE workplaces.
Benefits of Agile HR in the UAE:
• Enhanced Flexibility: Adapting to rapid changes in the UAE's dynamic market.
• Improved Responsiveness: Meeting the needs of a diverse workforce and client base.
• Increased Employee Engagement: Aligning with the UAE’s focus on employee satisfaction and well-being.
Agile Frameworks and Practices in UAE HR:
• Implementing frameworks to improve HR processes and team collaboration.
• Lean Thinking: Streamlining HR operations for efficiency and effectiveness.
Key Agile HR Practices for UAE Organizations:
• Iterative Feedback Loops: Utilizing continuous feedback to enhance employee performance and development.
• Cross-Functional Teams: Leveraging multi-disciplinary teams to foster innovation and solve complex challenges.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Applying analytics to drive HR decisions and optimize workforce management.
Future Trends in Agile HR for UAE: Predictions on how Agile HR practices will evolve and impact the UAE’s work landscape.
Hisham Elsaied
Regional HR Head - MENAHelmerich and Payne
SPEAKER
Creating an Inclusive Environment – Mastering Cultural Intelligence
Biography
For over 18 years, I've partnered with leaders around the world, helping them navigate the ever-changing business landscape. My passion lies in equipping managers and executives with the skills and strategies to build high-performing, diverse teams that achieve exceptional results.
Credentials:
• Certified Executive Coach: I hold a certification from the Center for Executive Coaching, ensuring my coaching programs are grounded in proven methodologies.
• Chartered MCIPD: As a Chartered Member of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development), I'm dedicated to developing exceptional leaders.
• Certified CQ Facilitator & Trainer: I'm certified by the Cultural Intelligence Center, empowering leaders to bridge cultural divides and foster successful cross-cultural collaboration.
• Global Coaching Association Member: My membership in the Global Coaching Association reflects my commitment to ethical coaching practices and continuous learning.
• UAE Country Partner, G100 Club: I have the honor of serving as the UAE Country Partner for the prestigious G100 Club, a network of top leaders.
• MBTI Certified Assessor & Master Psychometric Assessor: By utilizing powerful tools like MBTI and psychometric assessments, I gain a deep understanding of individual strengths and leadership styles, allowing for personalized development plans.
Global Experience:
With a global reach, I've partnered with Fortune 500 companies headquartered across the world. My dedication is reflected in over 200 hours of delivered training, workshops and coaching, impacting countless leaders.
• Leadership Development Specialist: I am dedicated to developing inspiring leaders who build trust and drive results.
• Achieve your full Potential: As a Master psychometric assessor, I utilize powerful tools to understand individual strengths and leadership styles. This allows me to create personalized development plans that unearth the hidden potential within each leader.Presentation Outline
This dynamic 1-hour workshop dives deep into the power of inclusion within multicultural teams. While diversity brings a wealth of perspectives, fostering a truly inclusive environment unlocks the full potential of your team.
Key Takeaways:
• Understanding Cultural Differences: We'll explore how cultural backgrounds influence communication styles, work preferences, and decision-making processes.
• Leading for Inclusion: Discover practical strategies for creating a safe space where everyone feels valued, empowered to contribute, and motivated to succeed.
• Cultural Values & Behavior: Gain insights into how different cultural values can impact team dynamics and individual behavior. Learn how to bridge these differences to foster collaboration and respect.
Biography
Dr. Semih Kumluk is a futurist and an eminent figure in the realm of AI-driven leadership, innovation, and digital transformation, boasting over 14+ years of multinational experience in Unilever, Turkcell (telecommunications) and PwC. His expertise spans a unique blend of business acumen and data analytics, achieving significant results in AI, business transformation, strategy execution, innovation, project management, and some various other business functions. Semih’s contributions have not only been recognized with international and top management awards but also have positioned him as a thought leader in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
As a visionary leader, Semih has spearheaded groundbreaking projects, such as launching the first AI program in the Middle East and founding the Singularity University Dubai Chapter. His accolades include being named a Top50 Thought Leader and Influencer in Artificial Intelligence by Thinkers360, receiving the Global AI Ambassador title from SwissCognitive, and earning the Instructor of The Year award twice. His achievements highlight his dedication to advancing AI and digital transformation globally. Currently leading AI and digital business transformation programs for clients in the Middle East at PwC, Semih is also a prolific speaker and advisor. His efforts focus on preparing businesses for the future, bridging skills gaps, and fostering innovation. Through his leadership, Dr. Semih continues to inspire change and drive the adoption of AI across industries, making him a highly sought-after keynote speaker for conferences and corporate events worldwide.Presentation Outline
AI is the buzzword of our time, but how much are we utilizing that technology? Leaders are trying to understand and navigate through the hype and realities of AI. In this session, we will explore the impact of AI to the businesses, organizations and future of work and skills of employees. We will identify what do we need to know and do to become AI-driven organizations.
Sarah Morello and Pooja Taneja
Director, People & Performance MEA and Head of People & Performance, Operations & ProcurementKraft Heinz
SPEAKER
Aligning Talent with Purpose: The 9-Box Methodology for Growth
Biography
Sarah Morello
Sarah Teixeira Morello is the People & Performance Director at Kraft Heinz for the Middle East & Africa, managing HR strategy, employee engagement, and organizational culture across the UAE, KSA, and Egypt. With nearly a decade of experience at Kraft Heinz, she has focused on aligning people strategy with business objectives, fostering an inclusive workplace, and supporting employee performance and development. Her previous roles include international experiences in Europe & Latin America. Sarah is committed to championing diversity & sustainability and enhancing workplace engagement within the region with compassion, high sense of discipline and motivation.
Pooja Taneja
Pooja is a seasoned HR professional with over 14 years of experience in FMCG, Real Estate, Retail and Auto industries. Currently, Pooja is leading the People & Performance function for Operations & Procurement for Kraft Heinz Emerging Markets (Middle East, Russia, Turkey, Poland, Eastern Europe & Latin America). Previously, she has held various roles spanning across Talent, Rewards and HR Business Partnering for India and Southeast Asia geographies.
An engineer by qualification, she spent early years of her professional career with IBM and later, went on to do her MBA from Indian Institute of Management in Shillong, majoring in Marketing and HR. Over the years, Pooja has been passionately working towards two key drivers that define her career the most- coaching and driving continuous improvement using technology.Presentation Outline
Join us for an insightful session focused on our talent management philosophy, which emphasizes placing the right people in the right roles at the right time. Through our annual talent review process, we leverage the 9-box methodology to ensure a fair and effective approach to people development.
- Holistic Talent Review: Understand how our annual talent review serves as the foundation for all people development actions throughout the year.
- Multi-Level Calibration: Discover how our calibration process minimizes subjectivity, promoting fairness and transparency in talent evaluation.
- Focus on Development: Learn how we prioritize actionable development plans over simple labelling or rating, fostering individual growth.
- Calibration over Comparison: Explore the importance of calibration in identifying top talent and fitting them into critical roles without relying on traditional performance curves.
- Future-Focused Talent Strategy: Discuss strategies for recognizing top talents and mapping their evolution into key
Alison Munn
CEOInsight Worldwide
SPEAKER
Repositioning talent development from an HR led initiative to a critical business imperative.
Biography
Alison is a Chartered FCIPD and CEO of global leadership and talent consulting firm, Insight Worldwide. She has a passion for helping people develop and grow to achieve their full potential. She works with some of the worlds most influential leaders, from industry titans to global magazine editors to help them find and fulfill their purpose. Through her work as a Coach, Consultant, Speaker and Facilitator, she specializes in talent, leader and leadership team development.
After an early career as a Change Consultant with KPMG and Erst and Young, Alison spent several years working in senior roles in leading FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies, responsible for business transformation and change. Her career has been truly global including a stint as acquisitions and integrations at GEC, which took her across the UK, MENA, US, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Prior to setting up Insight Worldwide, Alison was Director of Leadership and Learning at British Telecommunications heading up a team of 200 HR and L&D consultants.
For the last 6 years Alison has led boutique performance consulting firm Insight Worldwide to become the global partner of choice in talent and leadership to many brand names. Recent clients include Capgemini, Vodafone, BBC Studios, KPMG, Experian and Conde Nast. They have recently opening their Dubai office in May 2024 to serve the growing and critically important MENA region.
Alison’s sweet spot is helping empower leaders to create healthy, high performing organisations and unlock the talent within. She brings warmth, passion, and commitment to clients, with an open and informal style to help organisations develop their potential and leaderships unlock the talent within.Presentation Outline
Join me to take part in an interactive discussion where I will share the latest insights about how to unlock the talent in your organisation and create the right talent development strategy for your organisation. I will share case studies and examples, alongside practical hints and tips on how to successfully create a healthy, high performing organisation. We will discuss how to engage leaders in the talent agenda so you can reposition leadership development from an HR initiative to a strategic business led imperative.
Key Points:
How good is modern leadership? – Find out from the latest Gallup research how people really feel about leaders and leadership.
The Talent Dilemmas –Engage in a discussion about the different approaches to talent management and identify the strategies that are right for your organisation.
Talent Maturity Curve – where are you on the journey and where do you aspire to be? Ill share practical steps of how to get there!
Changing culture through leadership– practical hints and tips with real examples of how other organisations have driven culture change through leadership and talent development.
Influence leaders to own it– Learn more about tangible actions you can take to create leadership accountability and engagement in talent development.
Register your interest in the HR & People Development Summit 2025, Dubai
Submit your name and email address and a member of the Summit team will send you further details including:
- the confirmed list of attendees
- instructions on how to apply for a delegate place
- sponsorship options