The HR Sisters Podcast

The HR Sister's Podcast is UAE's 1st HR Podcast aimed to empower Global businesses expanding to the UAE & local SME business owners to:
- Ensure compliance with local labour laws
- Build High-Performing Teams 
- Create positive employment experiences 
- Increase profitability

We bridge the gap between compliance and culture, helping leaders navigate UAE HR landscape while building engaged, high-performing teams across generations and backgrounds.

Our mission is to deliver actionable insights and expert advice on HR practices that drive business success in the UAE.

Our podcast combines expert interviews, case studies, actionable tips & success stories from real business owners, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs.

We want to ensure every employee feels valued, heard, and motivated to contribute their best in a thriving, multicultural business environment.

Podcast Host | UAE's 1st HR Podcast

S&K HR Consulting

S&K HR Consulting is an award-winning boutique firm with over 45 years of experience across the GCC.

We support UAE-based businesses and international companies setting up in the region by building strong HR foundations that mitigate risk and drive sustainable growth.

Our senior HR team combines strategic insight with operational know-how, offering hands-on expertise across industries and business stages. Whether you’re starting up, scaling, or streamlining, we guide you through every step of the employee lifecycle.

From HR setup and compliance to recruitment, performance management, and HR outsourcing, our services are tailored to your business goals—keeping you compliant, agile, and future-ready.

With offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, we support clients across the UAE and GCC, including those established in both Mainland and Free Zone jurisdictions.

Keep Learning with S&K
📌 Weekly Videos
📌 Monthly Podcast
📌 Monthly Blogs
📌 Free HR Resources

Managing Partner

Brainz Magazine

https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/journey-from-corporate-leadership-to-pioneering-hr-solutions-interview-with-desma-rovina-d-souza

https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/traicy-revolutionizing-hr-with-ai-inspired-by-a-true-story

https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/disrupting-hr-s-k-consulting-s-ai-journey-and-its-impact-on-smes

https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/unlocking-5-secrets-to-keeping-your-top-talent

Executive Contributor

Eyes Open International

Eyes Open International (EOI) is a non-profit group focused on combating human trafficking through empowerment. Based in Cincinnati, USA, EOI consults at various levels of government and develops methods of cultivating resilience, hope, and freedom in vulnerable populations as well as organizes and participates in talks, seminars, group discussions, and special events that promote human trafficking awareness and survivor-led methods.

https://www.eyesopeninternational.org/eoi-announces-desma-dsouza-as-global-outreach-director/

Global Outreach Director (Volunteer Role)

Best Bites UAE

With almost 70K members, Best Bites is the leading food community in the UAE as well as the leading provider of restaurant listings, reviews and incentives across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with a view to  expanding to the full seven emirates. Through strong digital and social platforms, Best Bites brings people together over food and is an essential part of the food and beverage industry in the UAE.

Account Manager (Volunteer Role)

Explore, Learn & Create

As the saying goes, "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom". I took this time to re-prioritize both my personal and professional goals and aspirations.

On a professional level, I've embarked of the exciting journey of entrepreneurship and have a couple of exciting projects in the making!

Self Funded Sabbatical

King's College Hospital London

- Designed, developed and led the People Strategy to commission and activate 3 Medical Centres and a 100 bed multi specialty hospital across Abu Dhabi & Dubai
- Led all HR activities for a successful DHA inspection of 2 medical centres and the hospital
- Collaborated with senior leadership to develop strategic goals, policies, and programs that align with business initiatives
- Coached senior leaders and their direct reports on their leadership effectiveness and performance
- Developed business leadership to support of positive employee relations and ensure consistent and unbiased implementation of policies  and procedures
- Led talent review sessions to identify top talent, succession planning strategies and create development initiatives to grow talent
- Led change management initiatives to influence a recognizable shift in culture including creating and implementing change programs, as required
- Measured and analyzed effectiveness of HR to identify opportunities for continuous improvement
- Managed the operational demands of the HR Department to ensure that all activities are clearly defined and communicated to various departments
- Led a team of HR professionals, instilling a culture of collaboration, accountability and transparency, to ensure the highest levels of performance and productivity

HR Director

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

- Partnered with the Leadership team (circa 45 Directors/Senior Directors) to develop and deliver the people strategy for the business
- Led key HR programs i.e. Performance Management and Engagement initiatives to improve employee  engagement and organization effectiveness
- Led the Talent Management agenda to create robust succession plans 
- Developed first line management to maximize performance and drive effective people solutions and exceptional business results 
- Developed and supported implementation of policies, procedures and employee feedback tools to promote a positive employee relations climate
- Evaluated HR metrics and recommended improvement initiatives to increase organizational effectiveness 
- Led complex cross-functional HR Projects such as HR Communication Re-Branding to deliver the ‘voice’ of HR
- Developed HR team members(UAE Nationals) to become future HR Business Partners

Senior HR Business Partner - Medical, Operations, IT & Human Resources

Etihad Airways

- Single point of contact for 700+ employees across UAE, Manchester & Mumbai
- Developed and delivered People Strategy for the department aligned with the business plan  
- Advised Senior Leadership to promote best HR practice and ensured consistent application of HR policies and procedures 
- Led key organizational development initiatives i.e. succession planning, workforce engagement, change management and continuous improvement 
- Led HR working groups to develop new policies and procedures, process re-engineering to increase operational efficiency, cost saving studies and service improvement initiatives.

HR Business Partner - Direct Sales, Marketing and CRM & Loyalty

Key support to the HR Leadership Team to drive planning and tracking of HR operational activities and special assignments

HR Generalist, HR Leadership Team (HRLT)

• Implemented best practice HR and change management processes to continuously drive HR service improvements increasing levels of employee engagement and retention.
• Analysed business intelligence reports to identify issues and develop recommendations for improvement
• Participated in HR working groups to develop and/or improve HR policy and procedures, operational efficiency and service improvement initiatives
• Established strong and effective working relationships with fellow HR Generalists to ensure consistency, avoid duplication and share expertise

HR Generalist, HR Business Partnership (In-Flight Services)

• Provided specialist HR knowledge and expertise to line managers within the department in the areas of people management, succession planning, employee relations, local employment regulations, corporate HR policies & procedures and ad-hoc HR projects
• Delivered a customer focused, proactive and professional HR service to line managers, with the  goal of maximizing individual, team and organizational effectiveness.
• Ensured that performance management is thoroughly embedded within the business unit 
• Reinforced and role modeled the integration of the EY values into the department, supporting employee engagement initiatives as required

Acting HR Manager, HR Business Partnership (In-Flight Services)

• Built a strong HR  partnership with the department to EY business goals to the department’s functional objectives. 
• Provided a consultancy service to line managers and championed best practice in all areas of policy, organizational structure, performance / productivity, process and people management and development.

HR Officer, HR Business Partnership (In-Flight Services)

• Translated operational objectives and manpower recruitment needs of the assigned departments into recruitment plans to broadly outline candidate sourcing initiatives 
• Managed third party agency agreements and processes 
• Project managed recruitment campaigns both in and outside of the UAE
• Reviewed job descriptions to prepare appropriate competency based questions for interviews  
• Liaised with Line Managers to facilitate professional selection interviews/assessment centers 
• Performed reference checks where required and effectively negotiated contracts with preferred candidates
• Ensured that all necessary recruitment procedures, process documentation and file maintenance are updated and maintained in a timely fashion per departmental protocols.

Recruitment Officer, Cabin Crew Recruitment

UAE's Top 1% HR Creator | Helping international companies set up HR-compliant, people-centric operations in the UAE | Host of UAE's 1st HR Podcast | Follow for insights on HR Best Practices & UAE market entry.

Are you a global business looking to establish a foothold in the UAE? 

Or perhaps you're a local Small Business Owner striving to create a positive, compliant work environment? 

I’m here to help. ✔

✨For Global Businesses Moving to the UAE✨:
Relocating your business to a new market can be complex, especially when it comes to HR and compliance. 

I specialise in helping international companies like yours navigate the UAE's regulatory landscape. 

From setting up a robust HR framework to understanding local labor laws and cultural nuances, I'll ensure your transition is smooth and your business is set up for success from day one.

✨For Local Small Businesses Focused on HR Compliance & Streamlining HR Operations✨:
Running a small business in the UAE comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to HR compliance and creating a positive work environment. 

I work closely with local business owners to develop tailored HR strategies that not only meet legal requirements but also promote a thriving workplace. 

Whether it's creating a legally compliant Employment Contract, Creating HR Policies & Procedures, crafting your Employee Handbook, implementing best practices, or ensuring full compliance with labour laws, I've got you covered.

My approach is hands-on and detail-oriented, with a deep understanding of the UAE's unique HR landscape. 

Let’s work together to build a compliant, people-focused foundation that drives your business forward.

Also, check out ⬇

👉🏽 UAE's 1st HR Podcast | Unlock HR with the D'Souza Sisters 
      https://bit.ly/4gs2we0

7 signs your job is slowly draining you.
Stress, drama, no recognition, zero growth

Thanks, Daniel Caputo, for this reminder.

1️⃣ Life Outside Work Suffers
↳ Relationships, health, and hobbies take a hit.
↳ You feel exhausted and stuck.

2️⃣ Walking on Eggshells
↳ You never know when someone will snap.
↳ Fear stops you from doing your best work.

3️⃣ Sunday Night Dread
↳ Thinking about Monday makes your stomach twist.
↳ Your body is warning you something’s off.

4️⃣ Ideas Ignored
↳ Your suggestions vanish without discussion.
↳ You feel unseen and unheard.

5️⃣ No Growth
↳ Same tasks, no challenges.
↳ Requests to learn or improve are denied.

6️⃣ Credit Goes Elsewhere
↳ Your work is claimed by others.
↳ Recognition never reaches you.

7️⃣ Drama & Gossip
↳ People talk more than they work.
↳ Rumors spread faster than facts.

Which of these signs have you noticed at work?

How did you deal with it?

____________
♻️ Repost to help others spot the red flags of a toxic workplace.
🐾 Follow Desma Rovina D'Souza 🎙for actionable HR Insights and Best Practices for Growing Businesses in the UAE.

Desma Rovina D'Souza 🎙

7 Signs Your Job Is Being Toxic

If you won’t fight for your team… 
Who will? Here’s what real leadership looks like.

Thanks to Jitender Girdhar for inspiring this perspective.

Here are 7 workplace traps that strong leaders actively prevent:

1️⃣ Unrealistic Targets 
❌ Piling on work that’s impossible to finish leads to stress and burnout 
✔️ They set goals that challenge the team but are achievable, keeping the workload balanced

2️⃣ Over-Control (Micromanagement) 
❌ Hovering over every task crushes creativity and trust 
✔️ They give autonomy, let people own projects, and step in only when needed

3️⃣ Blame Game 
❌ Fear of making mistakes stops innovation in its tracks 
✔️ They focus on solutions, not fault-finding, and turn setbacks into learning moments

4️⃣ Distractions & Interruptions 
❌ Constant emails, calls, and unnecessary meetings kill focus 
✔️ They protect deep work time and simplify communication for the team

5️⃣ Confusing Instructions 
❌ Vague guidance leads to mistakes and frustration 
✔️ They provide clarity, align expectations, and make sure everyone knows the next steps

6️⃣ Office Politics & Drama 
❌ Cliques, favoritism, and gossip create tension and stress 
✔️ They encourage transparency, fairness, and mutual respect across the team

7️⃣ Ignoring Wins 
❌ Feeling invisible or unappreciated drives disengagement 
✔️ They celebrate small and big achievements, giving credit where it’s due

How do you protect your team at work?
Share your strategies below, it might help someone.

_____________
♻️ Repost to remind others that true leadership is about people, not power.
🐾 Follow Desma Rovina D'Souza 🎙for actionable HR Insights and Best Practices for Growing Businesses in the UAE.

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