How long have you been with Sofitel? Your current role is as director of talent and culture – what does this entail?
I have been with Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, part of AccorHotels, for five consecutive years, evangelising an industry-wide shift encouraging youth to grow in the many different sectors of tourism. I hold a specialist degree in medicine and human resources management.
My role is a complex one because you have to pay attention to the company’s needs and goals while ensuring employees’ rights and needs are met. The department’s responsibilities vary from benefits and compensation to training and organisational effectiveness. I link my growth to the growth of my team across the resort. It’s important to understand the culture and subcultures that are unique, the direction the business leaders want to go in and the vision of the CEO, so that the talent-and-culture employee can assist in that journey. It’s a lot of listening at all levels.
Does this role allow you to pass on your own experiences to other women, and particularly Bahrainis who are seeking to make their mark in the hospitality workplace?
I proactively engage myself in community-based multicultural youth mentoring and development opportunities. By mentoring young women, we raise the quality of life for everyone. As a mentor I encourage their ambitions, empower their confidence, and keep track by helping them set goals and work towards achieving them.
I believe you have a particular interest in Bahrainisation, can you outline the work you are doing in this respect?
The Kingdom’s long-term Economic Vision 2030 development plan highlights the need for diversification by increasing the number of Bahrainis in the workforce – Bahrainisation. The plan also seeks to raise the standards of industrialisation, privatisation, training and education of the Bahraini workforce, establishing Bahrain as a regional centre for human capital. We are offering valuable educational and training support to Bahrainis to stay engaged and become the future leaders of Sofitel Bahrain Thalassa Sea & Spa. As part of Bahrain’s economic diversification strategy, improving and promoting the country’s tourism industry stands high on the Kingdom’s agenda.
Outside of Sofitel, you also have a fashion line. What inspires you?
I enjoy a great work-life balance. Inspiration is everywhere, but when we’re in search of new ideas we like to turn to the fashion world. Like cake decorating, fashion is about making art out of something functional. The latest texture trends and current colour forecasts for the fashion industry can be easily incorporated in almost every creative project. I started Lala Helena fashion line for abayat and jellabiyat which is dedicated to elegant Arabic designs and is still undergoing further conceptualisation.
How do you find time to have a full-time career as well as being a mum and running another business?
Learning to balance work and being a mom is a true test of my sanity and willingness to be a great mother and provider. The question that remains is, how do I balance both worlds? I’m a woman who is always up for proving to myself how strong I truly am. Longer work hours: bring it! Let’s do this. I am ready! The fear of missing so much, whoa! Stop! That’s what I have to accept as my reality.
I’ll be honest, I’ve envied stay-at home-moms. They have the ability to see their little person grow at every moment and not miss anything. I wanted that, but, in reality, I couldn’t. Work had to be just as much of a priority as being a mother. I had to find that balance.
What’s next for you? Do you ha ve any future plans you can share with us?
I see myself as strategic leader in the talent and culture domain, handling regional responsibilities. Talent and culture is often perceived as a support function whereas we are a key pillar in the organisation. I have vision and strategic leadership skills to be able to spot opportunities to seize.
