We recently had the opportunity to interview Marwa Nosseir, Former Chief Human Resources Officer & Board Member with over two decades of experience in running complex multinationals across the MEA region. She has transformed companies through strategic management, change management, and leadership, which led to dramatic growth and profitability.
Having over 20 years of experience as an HR leader, Marwa has taken strategic initiatives towards transformative growth in addition to bringing major achievements in devising strategies for human resources, changing local corporations into multinationals, and developing performance appraisal mechanisms.
Spark Behind The Journey
We started the interview by asking, “Reflecting on your journey, what inspired you to start in your current industry, and what was a defining moment early in your career?”
Marwa Nosseir shared, “Reflecting on my journey in HR, my inspiration came from a desire to support people in their professional growth and create positive workplace cultures. I’ve always believed that a motivated and engaged workforce is key to an organization’s success. Employees are the main assets of any successful organization.
Throughout my career in HR, I have been deeply committed to supporting educational initiatives, particularly for undergraduate students pursuing scholarships provided by the government and Petronas to study in Malaysia. This program not only offers students a world-class education but also emphasizes the importance of returning to Egypt to contribute to the Oil & Gas sector.
A defining moment in my early career was when I facilitated a workshop for scholarship recipients, helping them navigate the transition from academia to professional life. Witnessing their eagerness to learn and their aspirations to contribute to Egypt’s & ME development in the Oil & Gas industry reinforced my belief in the value of mentorship and support. I take pride in playing a role in their journey, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their future careers. This commitment to nurturing talent is a cornerstone of my professional ethos in HR.”
Adaptability Amidst Challenges
Challenging phases are an inevitable part of every journey. We asked, “Throughout your career, what has been one of the most significant challenges you faced, and how did you overcome it?”
Marwa Nosseir shared, “One of the most significant challenges I faced in my HR career was managing a major organizational change during a merger. This period was marked by uncertainty and resistance among employees, which could have negatively impacted morale and productivity.
To address this challenge, I implemented a comprehensive communication strategy that included regular updates, town hall meetings, and feedback sessions. I prioritized transparency and encouraged open dialogue, allowing employees to voice their concerns and ask questions. Additionally, I organized workshops to support staff in adapting to the changes and to foster a sense of collaboration.
By actively engaging with employees and providing the necessary resources, I was able to ease their anxieties and help them embrace the transition. This experience taught me the importance of empathetic leadership and effective communication in navigating complex changes, ultimately strengthening my ability to lead during challenging times.”
Potential Trends Of The Future
We further asked, “Given the rapid evolution in your industry, what major trends do you see shaping the future, and how is your company preparing for them?”
Marwa Nosseir replied, “The changing landscape of HR has brought about core trends that are reshaping the future of work. Our company leads from the front in proactively addressing changes. We have invested in wellness programs placed on mental health and flexible work arrangements to support employee well-being and retention. In addition, we make the best use of AI and data analytics to bring efficiency to the HR processes and employee experience. A culture of adaptability and continuous learning is being developed towards the creation of a resilient workforce which can handle challenges for the future in a better way.”
Plans We Asked Marwa Nosseir
We were interested to learn more about the visions and goals Marwa has set for her career path and company. So, we asked, “Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your company, and what strategies are you considering to achieve them?”
Marwa Nosseir mentioned, “Looking ahead, my aspirations for the company center around becoming a leader in talent development and fostering an inclusive workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent. I envision us not only meeting the current demands but also being at the forefront of innovation and sustainability in the industry.
To achieve these goals, I am considering several key strategies. We are working on a multi-faceted approach to drive employee satisfaction and organizational success. We will enhance our training and mentorship programs to ensure employees have access to continuous learning opportunities, helping them grow their skills and adapt to industry changes. Also, we will strengthen the initiatives of diversification through recruitment strategies and awareness programs so that the workplace gets different perspectives and experiences.
Moreover, by integrating advanced HR technologies, such as AI for recruitment and data analytics for performance management, we can streamline processes and make more informed decisions that align with our strategic goals. And lastly, as remote and hybrid work models become standard, we will focus on creating a flexible work culture that supports work-life balance and accommodates diverse employee needs. By aligning these strategies with our company values, I believe we can cultivate a dynamic workplace that drives both employee satisfaction and organizational success.”
Redefining Businesses With AI
AI and emerging technologies are transforming businesses. We asked, “How do you see these changes affecting your industry, and how is your company adapting?”
“AI and emerging technologies are indeed transforming the HR landscape, influencing everything from recruitment to employee engagement. In our industry, these changes can lead to more efficient processes, enhanced data-driven decision-making, and improved employee experiences.
One significant impact is the automation of routine tasks, allowing HR professionals to focus more on strategic initiatives and employee development. AI-driven tools can streamline recruitment by identifying the best candidates based on data analysis, reducing bias, and improving the quality of hires. Moreover, emerging technologies like employee engagement platforms and analytics tools provide insights into workforce trends & Organizational behavior, enabling us to proactively address employee needs and enhance retention strategies.
To adapt to these changes, our company is investing in training programs to equip our HR team with the skills necessary to leverage these technologies effectively. We are also piloting AI-driven tools for recruitment and performance management to refine our processes. By embracing these advancements, we aim to create a more agile and responsive HR function that supports our organizational goals and enhances the overall employee experience.” She responded.
Principles Guiding The Business
Eager to learn about the values that guide Marwa’s business, we inquired, “What guiding principles or core values have you consistently relied on to drive your company’s success?”
Marwa Nosseir shared, “The guiding principles and core values that drive our company’s success are rooted in collaboration, integrity, innovation, and employee well-being. We believe in fostering teamwork and open communication across all levels of the organization. This collaborative spirit not only enhances problem-solving but also cultivates a sense of belonging among employees. Also, upholding ethical standards in all our dealings is paramount. We prioritize transparency and honesty, which builds trust with our employees, partners, and stakeholders.”
“Furthermore, embracing change and encouraging creative thinking is essential in the dynamic Oil & Gas sector. We strive to be at the forefront of industry advancements, continuously seeking new ways to improve processes and services. And, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and prioritizing their health, professional growth, and work-life balance is critical for fostering a motivated and engaged workforce.
By consistently aligning our actions with these principles, we create a strong organizational culture that drives long-term success and resilience in an ever-evolving industry.” She added.
Setting Apart From The Competition
We asked, “Could you share an innovative strategy or approach that has recently helped your company stand out in a competitive market?”
Marwa Nosseir replied, “I was lucky enough to move between industries and I joined several ones like the Oil & Gas, Retail, Media & Communication, FMCG & BPO companies in the Middle east & Levant. One of the main initiatives in all industries is innovative strategy is the implementation of a personalized employee development platform. This platform leverages AI to tailor training and development programs to individual employee needs and career aspirations.
Data analytics helps us discover the skill gaps, and we continue to learn paths that empower our workforce with what lies ahead. The mentorship system is integrally encouraged by pairing less-experienced employees with seasoned pros for learning and continuous development. This will also help us achieve above-average employee satisfaction and retention levels, superior team performances, and more importantly, differentiation from competitors as an employer of choice.”
Evolving Leadership Approach
We ended the session by asking, “How has your leadership philosophy evolved over the years, particularly in light of the technological advancements and disruptions in your industry?”
Marwa Nosseir responded, “My leadership philosophy has evolved significantly over the years, especially in response to technological advancements and disruptions in HR. Initially, my focus was primarily on traditional management practices, emphasizing structure, culture, and governance. However, as technology has reshaped the landscape, I’ve shifted towards a more adaptive and inclusive leadership style.
I now embrace change as a growth opportunity rather than a challenge. I have cultured the organization to lead continuous improvement and innovation among my team members. Moreover, I empowered the employees through digital tools to take charge and ownership of their work, which enables them to be more independent and creative in their productivity and capability to make decisions.”
“Data analytics now forms the foundation of many strategies; understanding employee needs and the measurement of success points to helping decision-making. Also, given this new mode of remote and hybrid work, my key imperative is employee well-being because a healthy work-life balance and working environment foster engagement and productivity. I have been taking that holistic approach with my team, and I have been able to see transformation in the dynamics of the team, increase its productivity, and reap overall success.
Overall, my leadership philosophy has transformed into one that values agility, collaboration, and a people-centric approach, ensuring that we can navigate the complexities of our industry effectively while fostering a positive workplace culture.” Marwa concluded.
Follow Marwa Nosseir on LinkedIn.
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