
Q2 2024 - Quarter Review by Conor McHugh
Dive into our Q2 2024 review at Alchemy Search, where we reveal the major highlights and significant developments over the past quarter. We’ve observed a surge in first-round interviews from Q1 to Q2, marking a significant rise compared to Q2 2023. Our placement data shows a strong start to 2024 with notable changes in the second quarter. We also analyze job trends across experience levels, shedding light on shifts in junior, mid-level, and senior roles. Industry trends are highlighted, focusing on top fields, key roles, and their significance in Q2 2024. The finance sector remains dominant, with insights into availability and relocation trends. Stay tuned for our upcoming video on the latest trends in the tax market.
17 Jul 20245min

Season 2 Episode 13: The Interplay between Tax and ESG
In Season 2, Episode 13 of Alchemy Uncensored, we explore the crucial interplay between tax and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). With the recent introduction of Corporate Income Tax in the UAE, understanding the synergy between tax policies and sustainable practices is more relevant than ever. Our guests, Mary from EY MENA and Seema from Network International, bring their expertise in tax policy and ESG to discuss how tax incentives, transparency, and stakeholder scrutiny shape corporate sustainability. Tune in to learn how integrating tax and ESG considerations can drive sustainable value creation and mitigate risks in today's business landscape.
3 Jul 202436min

Season 2 Episode 12: Finance Forward: Navigating the Future with CFO Insights
In this insightful discussion, we are thrilled to have Bikash Prasad, President and CFO of Olam Agri, join us. With over 25 years of experience in the global environment, Bikash brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Together, we explore key topics currently shaping the finance industry, including the evolving role of traditional finance and the future of finance itself. We cover the rise of sustainability and ESG, the role of CFOs in these areas, and the use of digital tools and AI in finance. Bikash also shares strategies for leading a diverse global finance team and offers top guidance for new CFOs and Finance Directors. Join us for a straightforward and practical conversation packed with insights to help finance professionals stay ahead in a fast-changing field.
26 Jun 202459min

Season 2 Episode 11: Career Growth - From Experience to Expertise Insights
We're joined by expert guest Ralph Khoury, often dubbed as the "Crisis Financial Officer" for sharing invaluable strategies for navigating and thriving during economic challenges. This episode is packed with essential insights to fuel your professional journey. Discover effective methods for evaluating cultural fit in candidates and uncover untapped talent sources for recruitment. Get personalized career advice for young professionals and gain inspiration from real mentoring success stories and more.
12 Jun 202455min

Season 2 Episode 10: Empowered Women in the Finance World
We are honored to be with the three incredible finance leaders: Alia Saleh, Polina Gancheva, and Saveta Celar. Alia is the Finance Director of Southeast Asia and the Middle East at ISG, with over 15 years of experience in corporate finance, risk management, financial modeling, and data analysis. Polina is the Finance Director of Crayon, Middle East and Africa, with 15+ years of experience in the technology industry, specializing in FP&A, strategy, controllership, financial reporting, and risk management. Saveta is the Group CFO & Strategic Advisor of Inc. Solutions, with over 15 years of experience in financial management for both emerging and developed markets. In today’s episode, we explore the experiences of women in the finance sector, the professional challenges they have overcome, the importance of selecting the right company and the role businesses play in fostering diversity. Additionally, we explore the complexities and opportunities of networking in the UAE and the significance of finding supportive professional communities.
5 Jun 202449min

Season 2 Episode 9: Balancing Work, Wellness & Performance
We're joined today by Ciarán McBreen, who is a certified executive and performance coach with 2b Limitless, he is a school wellbeing adviser, an author and a mental health podcast host. Ciarán has created a platform for thousands of people to flourish, develop self-belief, feel empowered and reach their true potential. Ciarán has sparked the ‘life’ into the lives of many. In today’s episode we’ll be discussing the how staff wellbeing impacts performance, common challenges faced in balancing work and personal life, signs of mental health struggles in staff, workplace culture strategies to support wellness and performance and more.
29 Mai 202451min

Season 2 Episode 8: KSA Tax from Past to Future
Another Tax Episode with our very own Rutika Hardikar, a specialist in tax recruitment at Alchemy Search, which is a niche Finance and Tax recruitment firm based in Dubai. Our special guest, Hadeel Biyari, is the first Saudi Indirect Tax Partner in the KSA market, she is leading the KSA Indirect Tax Controversy and Litigation practice and is also the KSA Talent Leader. She brings in 17 years of experience in Indirect Tax, Finance and Accounting and she initiated her career at Saudi Aramco. Today’s podcast is focused on the rapidly changing tax landscape in Saudi Arabia, and we will be taking you through the practical aspects on how it is impacting businesses, trending tax topics and how it is like to live and work in Saudi Arabia. You may also listen to Spotify, Apple Podcast and our website at www.alchemysearch.ae
22 Mai 202432min

Season 2 Episode 7: Shaping your Career in Consulting
In this episode, we have Bhavya Kumar who is a Managing Director & Partner at Boston Consulting Group Middle East with extensive leadership experience in strategy and management consulting. Discover the varied paths into consulting and the essential steps to prepare for success. We'll explore how self-awareness and skill development play key roles in shaping a fulfilling career in this dynamic field. Join us for practical insights and guidance to kickstart your consulting journey.
15 Mai 202445min