Alchemy Uncensored, a podcast presented by Alchemy Search a team of professional financial and tax recruiters. Our podcast is dedicated to providing valuable insights into the financial and tax sector of the UAE by discussing the challenges and opportunities faced by employers and job seekers.
Alchemy Uncensored is the perfect podcast for those looking to gain a competitive edge in the finance, accounting, and tax industry of the UAE.
📻 Siste episoder av Alchemy Uncensored
Her er de nyeste episodene tilgjengelige via RSS-feeden:
S3E25: The Employee Movement: How Workvivo & EXE Are Rewriting Workplace Culture (00:36:36)
What does it really take to create a workplace where people feel connected, supported, and able to perform at their best? In a world where talent expectations are shifting fast, employee experience is no longer a “nice to have.” It has become a strategic priority that directly impacts performance, trust, and financial outcomes.This week on Alchemy Uncensored, we bring together two leaders reshaping how organisations think about culture and connection: Killian Fitzgerald from Workvivo by Zoom and Ruth Dance, founder of the Employee Experience Exchange, a growing UAE community for HR and people leaders.Together, they break down what employee experience truly means beyond perks and surveys. They explore why culture is a business driver, how leadership behaviour shapes trust, and why CFOs should care about the hidden costs of poor employee experience.Killian and Ruth also discuss the growing momentum in the UAE, the data leaders should pay attention to, and the simple actions any organization can take to build a people-first culture that performs.Whether you are a business leader, HR professional, CFO, or someone passionate about transforming the workplace, this episode will redefine how you see employee experience and why it matters now more than ever.
Season 3 Episode 24: How Great Leaders Turn Culture Into a Growth Engine (00:35:43)
What does it take to build a culture where people truly thrive? In today’s world of rapid change and high pressure, leadership isn’t just about driving results — it’s about leading with empathy, clarity, and purpose.This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Sabahatt Habib, Chief People & Culture Officer at The Giving Movement and a LinkedIn Top Voice, who is redefining how People & Culture can become a true growth engine for business.Together, they explore the real foundations of performance — how leadership behavior shapes mental health more than any wellness initiative, how to support the whole person beyond their job title, and what it means to build trust, fairness, and psychological safety in the workplace.Sabahatt also shares her take on the “sports-team mindset”: fostering accountability, clarity, and collaboration that elevate teams to perform at their best, while still keeping humanity at the heart of success.Whether you’re a people leader, an aspiring manager, or someone passionate about the future of work, this episode will reshape how you think about culture, leadership, and well-being at work.
Season 3 Episode 23: Mastering FInance Across Borders & Cultures (00:25:23)
What does it take to master finance across borders and cultures? Today’s finance leaders are more than number keepers; they are connectors, strategists, and enablers of global growth.This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Olga Drevina, a global finance leader whose career spans multiple countries, industries, and transformation stories.Together, they unpack what defines the modern CFO — how the role has evolved beyond traditional boundaries, what it takes to stay close to the core of finance while driving strategy, and how today’s leaders can balance being both visionary and grounded.Olga also shares her approach to unlocking potential and building high-performing teams: understanding individuals’ strengths and passions, structuring teams for impact, leading as an enabler rather than an expert, and mastering the art of delegation to empower others.Whether you’re an aspiring finance professional, an experienced leader, or someone navigating an international career path, this episode offers practical wisdom on growth, leadership, and the power of people in finance.#financeleadership #cfoinsights #AlchemyUncensored #globalbusiness #leadershipdevelopment #careergrowth #highperformingteams #financetransformation #professionaldevelopment #businesspodcast
Season 3 Episode 22: Rethinking Finance Leadership (00:33:35)
What does it take to turn finance into a true growth partner for the business? The role of today’s finance leader goes far beyond numbers — it’s about storytelling, collaboration, and enabling smarter decisions.This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Luca Rossi, a globally experienced finance leader with a passion for tech-enabled businesses and fast-scaling environments. From his early days in London, moving from film financing to senior roles at Time Magazine, The Sunday Times, and The Financial Times, to leading finance at Property Finder and now Aldar’s flexible workspace venture in Dubai, Luca’s journey spans industries, continents, and transformation stories.Together, they explore how finance can evolve into a strategic engine — from rethinking budgeting as a storytelling tool, reframing ROI as investment, and building diverse, empowered teams, to communicating effectively with non-finance leaders and turning finance operations into true intelligence.This episode is a must-watch for finance professionals, aspiring CFOs, and business leaders who want to understand what modern finance leadership really looks like.
Season 3 Episode 21: How This Young CFO Raised $50M and Built a Startup Finance Playbook (00:37:21)
What does it take to build the financial engine behind a high-growth startup? The role of a startup CFO is not just about managing numbers. It’s about strategy, resilience, and creating the foundation for sustainable growth.This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by James Evans, CFO at prop-tech rocketship Holo. With extensive experience driving financial transformation in the tech sector, James shares a candid look into the world of startup finance and the realities of scaling in a competitive market.Together, they explore what it takes to raise capital in the MENA region, how to navigate investor pressure, and why mentorship and leadership are key to thriving as a young executive. James also opens up about the mindset and adaptability required to succeed in a fast-paced startup environment.This episode is a must-watch for ambitious finance professionals, aspiring CFOs, and anyone eager to understand what it truly takes to build and lead in the startup world.
Season 3 Episode 20: From CFO to CEO Leadership Lessons (00:44:10)
What does it take to step beyond finance and lead at the very top? The journey from CFO to CEO is more than a change in title — it’s about vision, influence, and the ability to inspire transformation across an organization.This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by John Nolan, who shares his leadership journey from CFO to CEO. With years of experience navigating complex financial landscapes and driving organizational growth, John offers powerful insights into what it truly means to lead from the front.Together, they unpack the challenges of transitioning into broader leadership roles, the mindset shifts required to succeed at the highest level, and the lessons that aspiring executives can learn from real-world experience. John also reveals how mentorship, resilience, and a people-first approach have shaped his career and leadership philosophy.This episode is a must-watch for finance professionals, future leaders, and anyone aspiring to make the leap into senior executive positions.#Leadership #CFOtoCEO #CareerGrowth #ExecutiveInsights #Podcast #AlchemyUncensored
Season 3 Episode 19: Leadership Unlocked: The Power of Mentors (00:29:45)
What does it take to lead, mentor, and inspire across diverse markets? Leadership today is about more than just managing numbers — it’s about unlocking potential, empowering teams, and driving meaningful growth.This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Gop Menon, CFO for India, Middle East & Africa at Informa, who brings a wealth of experience in leadership, mentoring, and the evolving role of finance.Together, they explore how coaching and mentorship can shape careers, why cultural diversity is a strength in today’s business world, and how finance leaders can adapt to an ever-changing environment. Gop also shares his approach to building resilience, fostering collaboration, and developing future leaders who can thrive across regions and industries.This episode is a must-watch for finance professionals, aspiring CFOs, and business leaders who want to understand how mentorship and leadership can accelerate success at every stage of a career.You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit our website at www.alchemysearch.ae#mentorship #leadership #cfoinsights #financecareers #podcast #alchemyuncensored
Season 3 Episode 18: The Role of Finance in Business Strategy (00:45:45)
What role does finance really play in shaping business strategy? It is not just about the numbers. It is about driving transformation, enabling growth, and building teams that thrive.This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Faisal Anwar, a seasoned finance executive with over 25 years of experience leading across IPOs, M&A, restructuring, and strategic finance in the Gulf and beyond. Faisal has worked with global corporations and top-tier family-owned groups, delivering sustainable performance and long-term value.Together, they unpack the evolving role of finance in strategy: navigating growth across multiple markets, overcoming resistance to change, implementing ERP systems and controls, and empowering high-performing teams across cultures and generations. Faisal also shares his perspective on how finance leaders can become true strategic partners to the business.This episode is a must-watch for finance professionals, CFOs, and business leaders looking to understand how finance can unlock growth and impact at scale.
Season 3 Episode 17: How Emotional Intelligence Transforms Your Career (00:34:58)
What separates a good leader from a truly great one? It’s not just strategy, numbers, or execution. It’s emotional intelligence, presence, and the ability to inspire.This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Kamran Malik, a seasoned Regional CFO with over 18 years of experience across APAC, the Middle East, and CIS. Known for his strategic insight and expertise in financial reporting, digital transformation, and M&A, Kamran also champions the human side of leadership.Together, they explore what makes an effective leader: the balance between leadership and management, the importance of emotional intelligence, building executive presence, and leading through change. Kamran shares real strategies for creating impact, inspiring teams, and driving growth in today’s dynamic business landscape.This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals, senior executives, and aspiring leaders looking to elevate their leadership game.
SPECIAL EPISODE: UAE Market Insights Part 1: Dubai Market (00:16:50)
Dubai’s job market has always been a hotspot for professionals across finance and tax but what’s really happening in 2025? In this final instalment of the Alchemy Uncensored Podcast’s UAE Market Review, we take a closer look at Dubai’s recruitment landscape in H1.From shifting hiring trends to the industries seeing the fastest growth, this episode breaks down what’s changed since last year and what to expect heading into H2. We also explore how candidate expectations, employer demands, and market confidence are shaping the current hiring scene.Whether you're navigating your next move or planning to scale your team, this episode offers a clear, up-to-date view of one of the region’s most talked-about markets.#DubaiJobs #FinanceCareers #TaxRecruitment #UAEHiring #AlchemyUncensored #MarketReview #DubaiRecruitment #UAE2025
SPECIAL EPISODE: UAE Market Insights Part 2: Tax Market Review (00:14:37)
The tax recruitment landscape is shifting, and in this episode of the Alchemy Uncensored Podcast, we break down exactly what’s changed between H1 2024 and H1 2025. Joined by our in-house tax specialist Rutika, we explore how the number of roles has evolved, which industries are driving growth, and what’s happening with niche tax demand.We also look at how the balance between immediately available and relocated candidates has shifted, how the focus on digital tax transformation is progressing, and which sectors are emerging as key players. Whether you're a tax professional planning your next move or a company rethinking your hiring strategy, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the rest of the year.
SPECIAL EPISODE: UAE Market Insights Part 1: Abu Dhabi Market (00:20:56)
Abu Dhabi’s recruitment landscape continues to evolve, and in this episode of the Alchemy Uncensored Podcast, we unpack what’s really happening on the ground. This H1 market review gives a focused look into the capital’s finance and tax hiring trends.We cover which roles are most in demand, which industries are actively hiring, and how the market has shifted since the start of the year. With stabilising salaries and ongoing talent shortages, the Abu Dhabi market presents both opportunities and challenges for job seekers and employers alike.Whether you're planning your next career move or trying to build out your team, this episode delivers the clarity and insight you need to stay ahead in one of the UAE’s most dynamic recruitment markets.#AbuDhabiJobs #FinanceRecruitment #TaxCareers #UAEHiring #AlchemyUncensored #MarketReview
Season 3 Episode 16: What Every CFO Needs to Know About Transformation (00:43:04)
Transformation isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the difference between keeping up and truly leading.This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Lewis Elsey sits down with Tarek Sayed, a transformational CFO whose 20+ year career has spanned four continents and some of the world’s most dynamic organisations, from General Electric to Mastercard and Majid Al Futtaim Ventures.From overhauling finance systems to reshaping global teams, Tarek shares the real work behind transformation, what it takes to drive change across borders, redefine leadership in the region, and why today’s CFOs must evolve beyond the numbers.This episode is a must-watch for finance professionals, senior leaders, and anyone navigating transformation in a fast-changing world.You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit our website at www.alchemysearch
Season 3 Episode 15: How to Fast-Track Your Finance Career (00:40:58)
How do you fast-track your career from audit to CFO and thrive in a high-growth, PE-backed business abroad?This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Lewis Elsey is joined by Josh Burton, CFO at Skybound Wealth Management and a chartered accountant who's spent nearly a decade building his career in Dubai.From navigating the leap from audit to industry, to driving transformation within a private equity environment, Josh shares sharp insights on career acceleration, leadership growth, and balancing ambition with well-being, even taking an 18-month sabbatical mid-journey.This episode is a must-watch for finance professionals, aspiring CFOs, and anyone curious about life and leadership in the UAE
Season 3 Episode 14: When Did Success Start Feeling So Empty? (00:47:54)
You did everything right. The job. The title. The wins.But behind the success? Burnout. Pressure. Disconnection.This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Lucie Lachaux - a former CFO turned mindset and performance coach, and the founder of Changing Minds. Lucie has coached over 500 leaders across 15+ countries and is ranked the #1 LinkedIn creator in the UAE for Personal Growth & Productivity.Together, they dive into the hidden cost of high achievement: burnout, identity loss, and the pressure to constantly perform. Lucie shares how leaders can sustain ambition while staying grounded, lead powerfully without overworking, and find real success — the kind that feels as good as it looks.This episode is essential viewing for finance professionals, senior leaders, and high performers ready to redefine how they lead, think, and live.
Season 3 Episode 13: HR Isn’t What It Used to Be - Here’s Why! (00:41:48)
How do you shape people-first cultures in an age of automation, agility, and constant change?This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Sneha Jain, a dynamic People Leader with over a decade of experience across global giants like Kellogg’s, Kraft Heinz, VFS Global, and now Havaianas (Alpargatas Group).Sneha shares honest, sharp insights into what it really takes to lead HR today — from navigating the rise of AI and skills-based hiring to driving leadership transformation and building cultures that truly connect across borders.Whether it’s coaching managers, driving employee engagement, or making bold moves with digital tools, Sneha brings a forward-thinking but deeply human approach to leadership.Her message? You can’t build a future-ready workforce without purpose, empathy, and the courage to challenge outdated systems.This episode is a must-watch for HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone building inclusive, high-impact teams in a fast-changing world.
Season 3 Episode 12: Finance in Motion - Leading the Intersection of Growth and Change (00:31:26)
What does it take to lead finance in both global corporations and fast-moving startups?This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Tina Kapadia, a seasoned finance executive whose career spans over 20 years at firms like KPMG, Visa, Mastercard, and now as SVP and Global Head of Finance at Moove.io.With over two decades of experience, Tina shares hard-earned insights on building resilient finance functions, shaping business strategy, and leading teams across cultures and continents.From navigating the pressures of high-growth environments to implementing change that lasts, she unpacks what it really takes to thrive at the intersection of finance and leadership. Her approach is rooted in mentorship, collaboration, and the belief that a strong culture is the foundation for sustainable success.Whether you're in a startup or a corporate setting, Tina’s perspective will leave you motivated to lead with intention, inspire your team, and embrace change as a catalyst for growth.This episode is a must-watch for finance professionals navigating high-growth environments, leading global teams, or seeking to build culture while driving results.
Season 3 Episode 11: Building Bridges – Personal Connections and the Power of AI in Leadership (00:29:35)
How do you stay ahead as a senior leader in a world that never stops evolving?This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Mario Barili, a global finance and operations executive with a career built on adaptability and forward-thinking leadership.From the leadership lessons rooted in sport to the rise of AI in finance and navigating the modern career landscape, this episode is packed with real talk and sharp insights for executives and future leaders alike.This episode is a must-watch for finance professionals, senior executives, and future leaders looking to stay one step ahead.
Season 3 Episode 10: Think Like a CFO, Lead Like a Visionary (00:43:40)
What if surviving a business crisis could make you unstoppable as a leader?In this episode, we dive into exactly that with returning guest Ralph Khoury — international CFO, mentor, and crisis leadership expert. From steering companies through global disruptions to building his own wellness and e-commerce brands, Ralph reveals what it really takes to lead with clarity, resilience, and vision.Conor explores with Ralph how finance leaders can build a powerful personal brand, mentor the next generation, and turn obstacles into defining moments. Plus, hear exclusive insights on Saudi Arabia's growing finance scene and why being authentic is the ultimate leadership edge.This one is packed with bold insights for CFOs and future leaders ready to rise.
Season 3 Episode 9: What It Really Takes to be a CFO (00:32:10)
Reaching the top in finance takes more than just numbers — it takes vision, leadership, and global perspective.In this episode, we speak with Ignacio Anglada, an international finance executive and former Group CFO at Juiphar Pharmaceuticals, a publicly listed company on the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange.Ignacio shares what truly defines a high-impact CFO, his journey across global markets, and the pivotal career moments that shaped his leadership. We explore the kind of culture a CFO should aim to build, and why the most meaningful parts of the job often go beyond the financials.This episode is packed with insights for aspiring CFOs, finance professionals, and business leaders looking to elevate their impact.You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit our website at www.alchemysearch.ae.
Season 3 Episode 8: What happens when HR leads with Impact? (00:29:21)
Strong collaboration between departments is essential for any high-performing organization. In this episode, Conor McHugh sits down with Maher Sabbagh, a senior HR executive with over 20 years of experience across APAC, Africa, and the Middle East, to explore how people-centric leadership drives real business impact.Maher shares valuable insights on the importance of internal and external networking, how to promote a truly engaging and positive culture, and why alignment between HR, Finance, Sales, and leadership is key to long-term success.Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, or part of a cross-functional team, this episode is full of practical strategies and thought-provoking ideas you can apply right away.You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit our website at www.alchemysearch.ae#leadershipdevelopment #hrstrategy #businessculture #leadershipinsights #collaborationmatters #hrpodcast #uaelife #uaejobs
Season 3 Episode 7: Redefining HR: People, Mindset & the Future of Work (00:31:04)
Think HR is just about policies and paperwork? Think again.In this episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Gillespie, an experienced HR leader with over 20 years across the UK, Singapore, and Dubai. Jennifer’s career spans industries like banking, oil and gas, property, water technology, and supply chain—bringing a wealth of insight into what truly shapes a high-performing workforce.We explore the power of a strong CFO–CPO relationship, the impact of growth vs. fixed mindsets in organisations, and what the future of the workplace looks like—from AI and blended teams to evolving roles. Jennifer also shares her leap into entrepreneurship and what drove her to launch her own HR consulting business.From transforming workplace culture to preparing for future roles — this episode delivers key takeaways for leaders ready to grow.You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit our website at www.alchemysearch.ae
Season 3 Episode 6: Leading with Impact - Strategies for Women in Finance & Business (00:27:09)
Reaching the top in the corporate world comes with its own set of challenges, especially for women in finance and business.In this episode, we sit down with Elena Overchuk, COO at Kyndryl, a global leader in IT infrastructure services. With 20 years of international experience, Elena specializes in business transformation and women’s leadership, particularly in the MEA and CEE markets.Elena shares key career strategies for women aiming for C-Level roles, the differences between working in MEA/Dubai vs. European markets, and her approach to developing women leaders in organizations. We also discuss the best career advice she’s received and the books that have shaped her leadership journey.This episode is filled with valuable insights for aspiring female leaders and finance professionals looking to make an impact.
Season 3 Episode 5: The Tax Expert’s Guide – Stay Ahead in 2025! (00:42:12)
Taxation is evolving fast, and staying ahead is critical for businesses and finance leaders. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Peter, a global tax expert with 44+ years of experience and the UAE Ministry of Economy's (via the ACCA) subject matter expert on UAE corporation tax.Dr. Peter shares his insights on the ever-changing tax landscape, the challenges tax professionals face in the UAE, and what CFOs need to know when hiring tax talent. We also explore the essential skills for tax professionals, the impact of AI on taxation and business operations, and best practices for working with the FTA.This episode is packed with expert advice and practical insights for CFOs, finance leaders, and tax professionals looking to navigate the complexities of today’s tax environment.
Season 3 Episode 4: The CFO Playbook - Transforming for Success in 2025 (00:37:14)
If you're an aspiring CFO, this episode is a must-listen! We’re joined by Zuned Bharuchi, a seasoned CFO and Chartered Accountant with over 25 years of experience across industries like logistics, energy, biopharma, and more.Zuned shares his expert perspective on what it takes to be a modern CFO, how the role has evolved, and why finance transformation is critical for success in 2025. From navigating new markets to leading high-performing teams, his insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring CFOs and senior finance leaders alike.Tune in as we break down finance transformation, strategic decision-making, and the skills that define today’s top CFOs. Packed with actionable advice and expert analysis, this episode will challenge the way you think about the future of finance.You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit our website at www.alchemysearch.ae#CFOPlaybook #FutureCFO #FinanceTransformation #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #FinancePodcast #CFOInsights #UAEFinance
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