Season 3 Episode 15: How to Fast-Track Your Finance Career

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

15 Juli 20min

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

18 Juni 43min

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.

28 Maj 47min

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.

21 Maj 41min

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.

14 Maj 31min

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.

7 Maj 29min

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.

30 Apr 43min