Alchemy Uncensored

Uncertainty is not new.But how you respond to it is what defines your next move.In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Weam Kamel and Conor McHugh unpack what is really happening across the UAE market right now.From the outside, it may look like hesitation.From the inside, it is something else entirely.This conversation is built on real interactions with candidates and clients across finance and tax functions, offering a clearer view of how hiring decisions are being made and how professionals are navigating this moment.Because the reality is, the market has not stopped.Opportunities have not disappeared.But the way they show up has changed.This episode brings that into focus. From shifting hiring patterns to evolving expectations, and from uncertainty to emerging opportunities, this is a grounded discussion on how to think and act in today’s environment.This is not about reacting.It is about understanding.What you will hear in this episode:📌 What is really happening across the UAE hiring market📌 Whether this is a pause, a shift, or something deeper📌 How today compares to previous market cycles📌 Where opportunities are still emerging📌 How companies are adapting and making decisions📌 What professionals and businesses should be doing nextThis episode is proudly supported by Alaan, the Middle East’s leading corporate card and expense management platform. Alaan helps companies eliminate petty cash, reimbursements, and manual reconciliations by automating expense tracking, approvals, and accounting, giving finance teams greater control and visibility without the manual work.A big thank you to Alaan for supporting this season and helping us bring these conversations to life. We will be back soon with more insights and more voices from across the region.Whether you are evaluating your next move or making hiring decisions, this episode is designed to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.Listen to Alchemy Uncensored.New episodes every Wednesday.

Empowerment is not a buzzword. It is built in the moments where voices are heard, confidence is strengthened, and opportunities are created.In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Rutika Hardikar is joined by three inspiring leaders Lata Loungani, Alia Saleh, and Bally Dabb for a powerful conversation on women empowerment in finance and tax.At the center of this discussion is She Counts, a community created to amplify women’s voices, strengthen representation, and build a support system that goes beyond traditional networking.Because the reality is, the talent has always been there.The ambition has always been there.But the space to be seen, heard, and supported has not always existed.This conversation brings that to the forefront. From navigating leadership expectations to overcoming self-doubt, and from breaking stereotypes to building each other up, these women share honest perspectives on what it really takes to grow and lead in today’s finance landscape.This is not just about challenges. It is about ownership, visibility, and creating pathways for the next generation of women in finance and tax.What you will hear in this episode:📌 The origin story of She Counts and why representation matters📌 Why empowerment goes beyond networking and into real support and growth📌 The barriers women still face in finance and tax, and how to overcome them📌 Mindset, stereotypes, and the importance of allyship📌 The future of women in finance and how this movement is shaping itThis episode is proudly supported by Alaan, the Middle East’s leading corporate card and expense management platform. Alaan helps companies eliminate petty cash, reimbursements, and manual reconciliations by automating expense tracking, approvals, and accounting, giving finance teams greater control and visibility without the manual work.A big thank you to Alaan for supporting this season and helping us bring these conversations to life. We will be back soon with more insights and more voices from across the region.Whether you are building your career, stepping into leadership, or supporting others along the way, this episode is a reminder that empowerment starts with conversation and grows through community.Listen to Alchemy Uncensored.New episodes every Wednesday.

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫: 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟖, 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧.Understanding the cycle is not about predicting the future. It is about recognising patterns and making better decisions because of them.In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Weam Kamel is joined by Renyl Rauf, a finance and strategy professional with over two decades of experience across capital-intensive industries, public markets, and transformation environments.Having worked through multiple economic cycles, from expansion to disruption and reset, Renyl shares how leaders can approach uncertainty with greater clarity and discipline.With everything happening across the UAE right now, this conversation is especially relevant for finance professionals and business leaders navigating shifting market conditions.This is not about timing the market perfectly. It is about understanding the signals, staying grounded in fundamentals, and making decisions that hold up across cycles.What you will hear in this episode:📌How economic cycles have played out historically📌Key signals that shape different phases of the cycle📌Where we might be in the cycle today📌Why understanding cycles is critical for finance professionals📌How leaders make decisions during uncertaintyThis episode is proudly supported by Alaan, the Middle East’s leading corporate card and expense management platform. Alaan helps companies eliminate petty cash, reimbursements, and manual reconciliations by automating expense tracking, approvals, and accounting, giving finance teams greater control and visibility without the manual work.A big thank you to Alaan for supporting this season and helping us bring these conversations to life. We will be back soon with more insights and more voices from across the region.Whether you are leading a business, managing risk, or planning your next move, this episode will help you think more clearly about the environment you are operating in.Listen to Alchemy Uncensored.New episodes every Wednesday.

Hiring is not about choosing between permanent or flexible talent. It is about knowing when each model makes sense.In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Graham Halton to unpack how fractional hiring is being used alongside permanent recruitment, not instead of it.This episode is proudly powered by Alaan, the Middle East’s leading corporate card and expense management platform, helping finance teams gain more control and visibility while eliminating manual processes.As businesses grow, restructure, or enter new phases, there are moments where full-time headcount is not the right first step. Fractional professionals allow companies to access senior expertise quickly, test structures, and build confidence before making long-term hiring decisions.Graham shares how this model is supporting businesses across the UAE, how it fits into wider recruitment strategies, and where it is delivering the most value for clients today.This is not about replacing traditional hiring. It is about giving companies more options to build stronger, more agile teams.What you will hear in this episode:📌When fractional hiring makes sense and when permanent hiring is the right move📌How businesses use fractional roles to support growth and transformation📌What the fractional model looks like in real organisations📌How visas, payroll, and compliance are managed📌Real examples of how this approach has helped clientsHow Alchemy Search supports you✅We manage the full end-to-end process, including:✅Visas and work permits✅Payroll administrationWhether you are hiring permanent leaders or exploring flexible talent, this episode will help you understand how to build the right team for where your business is today.Listen to Alchemy Uncensored.New episodes every Wednesday.

Why does finding the right role in Dubai feel harder, even when the market looks busy?In Part 3 of our Season 4 market special, we turn the spotlight on Dubai and unpack what is really happening behind the surge in competition, shifting salaries, and changing hiring priorities.If you are navigating the UAE job market, feeling the pressure of longer hiring processes, or wondering why roles feel more selective than ever, this conversation will give you the clarity most professionals are missing.In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Anchal Kalra shares a real, on-the-ground view of how the Dubai market has evolved in 2025. From mid and senior level hiring trends, to the rise of contract and fractional roles, to the impact of AI and automation on traditional positions, this episode breaks down what is driving decisions today.We also explore why Dubai remains a key hub for finance and tax talent, how oversupply is affecting salary expectations, and what professionals can do to stand out in a more strategic market.You will learn:📍 What the Dubai hiring market really looks like in 2025📍 Why competition has increased and how employers are responding📍 Which skills are most in demand📍 How AI, automation, and SSCs are reshaping roles📍 Why contract and fractional hiring is growing📍 What candidates must do to stay competitiveThis is the final part of our three-part market review series, following our Abu Dhabi and Tax market deep dives. Together, these episodes give you a complete picture of where the UAE hiring market is heading and how to position yourself for success.Listen to Alchemy Uncensored. New episodes every Wednesday.

This episode gives you a clear and practical view of the UAE tax hiring market in 2025.This is Part 2 of our three-part series, and we focus on a question every tax professional is asking: what is really happening across Abu Dhabi and Dubai Tax Hiring market right now?If you…Are trying to decide between Abu Dhabi and Dubai,Want to understand which skills are actually in demand,Or feel uncertain about how the tax market has changed…This conversation gives you the clarity most professionals struggle to find.In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Rutika Hardikar breaks down the UAE Tax Market from the inside. From hiring trends and seniority shifts, to contract roles and salary expectations, this episode explains what shaped 2025 and what it means moving forward.We also explore the real pros and cons of Abu Dhabi versus Dubai for tax professionals, how Corporate Tax has driven demand, and why hiring processes are taking longer than before.You’ll learn:📍 The key differences between Abu Dhabi and Dubai for tax careers📍 How hiring demand shifted across 2025📍 Why Corporate Tax dominated recruitment📍 The rise in senior-level hiring and decline in junior roles📍 How salaries and benefits have stabilized📍 Why contract hiring increased so sharply📍 What candidates should focus on in 2026This is Part 2 of the series. The final episode will complete the picture with a broader UAE recruitment outlook and what to expect in the year ahead.-Listen to Alchemy Uncensored. New Episodes every Wednesday!Spotify: bit.ly/4sFt2q2Apple Podcast: bit.ly/4865jHN

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.