Alchemy Uncensored

Attracting talent is easy.

Retaining talent is the real challenge.

In today's market, businesses are competing for the same people, offering similar salaries, similar benefits, and similar opportunities. The difference is no longer who can hire talent. It is who can keep it.

In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Saad Maniar joins host Conor McHugh to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping businesses today.

As CEO of Baker Tilly UAE and a member of Baker Tilly's regional board, Saad shares his perspective on leadership, talent, AI, consulting, and the future of professional services.

From talent retention and the growing demand for audit professionals to the rise of risk advisory, business transformation, and AI adoption, this conversation explores what leaders should be paying attention to right now.

What you will hear in this episode:

📌 Why retaining talent is becoming harder than attracting it

📌 Why audit remains a strong long-term career path

📌 Opportunities across consulting, advisory, and transformation functions

📌 The growth of risk advisory and business transformation

📌 How AI is reshaping businesses and professional services

📌 Whether organisations are truly embracing AI

📌 How CEOs and senior leaders stay calm when challenges arise

A big thank you to Alaan for supporting this season and helping us bring these conversations to life.

Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or planning your next career move, this episode provides valuable insights into what CEOs see coming next.

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New episodes every Wednesday.

#AlchemyUncensored #TalentRetention #Leadership #CEO #AI #Audit #Consulting #BusinessTransformation #Careers

Relocating employees to the UAE sounds exciting on paper.

In reality, the experience can often feel fragmented, overwhelming, and far more complex than expected.

In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Weam Kamel is joined by Amro Osman and Leila Gaafar to unpack how relocation is evolving and why companies are starting to rethink the employee experience around it.

Neuk was built to simplify the relocation journey into the UAE, helping businesses and individuals navigate everything from settling in to building a smoother transition into life and work in the region.

This conversation explores what relocation actually looks like behind the scenes and where the traditional process often falls short.

Because the reality is, relocation is not just about visas and logistics.

It is about people, experience, and creating a smoother transition into a completely new environment.

From the thinking behind Neuk’s corporate program to the real stories that validated why it needed to exist, this episode looks at how relocation support is becoming a much bigger part of talent attraction and retention.

What you will hear in this episode:

📌 The story behind Neuk and why it was built

📌 What the Neuk corporate program actually offers

📌 The realities of relocating employees into the UAE

📌 Where the relocation experience often breaks down

📌 Real stories that reinforced the need for the platform

📌 What’s next for Neuk and the future of relocation support

A big thank you to Alaan for supporting this season and helping us bring these conversations to life. We will be back soon with more insights and more voices from across the region.

Whether you are relocating talent, moving to the UAE yourself, or building teams across borders, this episode offers a grounded perspective on what makes relocation work well.

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New episodes every Wednesday.

#AlchemyUncensored #Neuk #Relocation #UAEJobs #TalentMobility #UAECareers #BusinessGrowth #MiddleEastCareers

Fractional CFOs are becoming one of the most talked about roles in business right now.

But many founders still do not fully understand what the role is actually meant to do.

In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Carl Lewis, a finance leader with more than 25 years of experience across the UAE, spanning multinational businesses, government entities, and complex transformation projects. Carl is also Alchemy Search’s very own Fractional CFO.

Together, they unpack what sits behind the rise of fractional finance leadership and why more businesses are starting to move away from the traditional “full-time CFO only” mindset.

Because the reality is, many growing businesses do not just need better reporting.

They need someone who can identify operational gaps, solve systemic problems, improve decision-making, and build financial discipline as the business scales.

This conversation brings that into focus.

From stepping into businesses with major accounting and audit risks, to navigating founder mindsets and understanding what makes the role work effectively, this episode gives a practical look at what Fractional CFOs actually do behind the scenes.

What you will hear in this episode:

📌 What a Fractional CFO actually does

📌 Why the UAE still views fractional work differently

📌 Why the “assimilation” mindset can limit impact

📌 Solving systemic issues inside growing businesses

📌 Real examples of fixing finance and reporting problems

📌 Signs a business needs more than just an accountant

📌 What working across industries teaches finance leaders

A big thank you to Alaan for supporting this season and helping us bring these conversations to life. We will be back soon with more insights and more voices from across the region.

Whether you are a founder, finance professional, or scaling business, this episode offers a grounded perspective on when and why fractional finance leadership matters.

Listen to Alchemy Uncensored.

New episodes every Wednesday.

#AlchemyUncensored

#FractionalCFO

#FinanceLeadership

#CorporateFinance

#BusinessGrowth

#Entrepreneurship

#CFO

#FinanceTransformation

Not all growth creates value.

And in industries under structural pressure, that distinction matters more than ever.

In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Laura Herbin Milhiet, Group CFO at OSN, one of the Middle East’s leading premium entertainment platforms.

With over 20 years of international experience across Europe, the US, Asia, and the Middle East, Laura has been at the centre of navigating transformation in industries that are constantly evolving.

This conversation focuses on what value creation actually looks like when business models are shifting, and what it takes to build disciplined, high-performing organisations in that environment.

Because the reality is, transformation is not just about strategy.

It is about execution, governance, and alignment at the top.

From the CEO–CFO partnership to the role of Boards and operating rhythm, this episode brings together the elements that sit behind real performance.

What you will hear in this episode:

📌 What shareholder value looks like in industries under pressure

📌 The importance of governance and relevant Boards

📌 What makes an organisation efficient and data-driven

📌 Why the CEO–CFO partnership is critical in transformation

📌 How to build disciplined, high-performance organisations

A big thank you to Alaan for supporting this season and helping us bring these conversations to life. We will be back soon with more insights and more voices from across the region.

Whether you are leading transformation or navigating it, this episode offers a grounded perspective on what it takes to create lasting value.

Listen to Alchemy Uncensored.

New episodes every Wednesday.

#AlchemyUncensored #FinanceLeadership #CFO #CorporateFinance #Leadership #Transformation #ValueCreation

Finance leadership is changing.

And the expectations are changing with it.

In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Prasidha Pratap, a CFO with nearly two decades of experience across FMCG, pharmaceuticals, and the cosmetics industry.

Together, they explore what leadership looks like in today’s finance environment.

Because the reality is, it is no longer just about numbers, control, or reporting.

It is about how you lead people, adapt to change, and create impact beyond the function.

This conversation brings that into focus. From moving away from traditional “bad cop” leadership styles to building empowered teams, navigating AI, and managing evolving expectations around flexibility and performance.

This is not just about finance.

It is about leadership in a changing environment.

What you will hear in this episode:

📌 Moving away from the “bad cop” mindset to empowering teams

📌 Balancing demanding roles with changing expectations around flexibility

📌 AI and what it means for the future of finance 🤖

📌 The attributes that define strong leaders today

📌 Leading through constant deadlines and pressure

This episode is proudly supported by Alaan, the Middle East’s leading corporate card and expense management platform. Alaan helps companies eliminate petty cash, reimbursements, and manual reconciliations by automating expense tracking, approvals, and accounting, giving finance teams greater control and visibility without the manual work.

A big thank you to Alaan for supporting this season and helping us bring these conversations to life. We will be back soon with more insights and more voices from across the region.

Whether you are leading a team or building towards it, this episode offers a practical perspective on what it takes today.

Listen to Alchemy Uncensored.

New episodes every Wednesday.

#AlchemyUncensored

#FinanceLeadership

#CFO

#Leadership

#CorporateFinance

#CareerGrowth

#MiddleEastCareers

Moving from CFO to CEO is often seen as a natural progression.

In reality, it is a completely different role.

In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Igor Marti, a global executive with over 20 years of leadership experience across LATAM, APAC, and EMEA, leading multi-billion dollar organisations as both CFO and CEO.

Together, they unpack what really sits behind the transition.

Because the reality is, stepping into a CEO role is not about doing more of what you already know.

It is about thinking differently, leading differently, and operating at a completely different level.

This conversation brings that into focus. From the rise of the CFO as a business partner, to what actually prepares someone for the CEO role, and what changes the moment you step into it.

This is not just about career progression.

It is about understanding what leadership at the top really requires.

What you will hear in this episode:

📌 The rise of the CFO as a business partner

📌 What sets the foundation for a CFO to become CEO

📌 What the transition actually feels like

📌 Why the CEO role is not for everyone

A big thank you to Alaan for supporting this season and helping us bring these conversations to life. We will be back soon with more insights and more voices from across the region.

Whether you are building towards a leadership role or already operating at that level, this episode offers a practical perspective on what it takes.

Listen to Alchemy Uncensored.

New episodes every Wednesday.

Treasury is often overlooked.

But that is starting to change.

In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Mohamed Kortam, a Middle East & Africa Regional Treasurer with over a decade of experience leading corporate finance, liquidity, and risk strategies across the region.

Together, they unpack what the role of Treasury actually looks like today and why it is becoming increasingly important across businesses.

Because the reality is, Treasury is no longer just a support function.

It is becoming a key part of how companies manage risk, make decisions, and plan for the future.

This conversation brings that into focus. From understanding the core responsibilities of a Treasurer to exploring how the role differs from other finance positions, this episode gives a clearer view of where Treasury is heading.

This is not just about the role.

It is about the direction of finance as a whole.

What you will hear in this episode:

📌 What a Treasurer actually does

📌 How Treasury differs from other finance roles

📌 Why demand for Treasury professionals is growing

📌 Key challenges across the MEA region

📌 Hiring trends in the Treasury space

📌 What CEOs and CFOs should look for when hiring

This episode is proudly supported by Alaan, the Middle East’s leading corporate card and expense management platform. Alaan helps companies eliminate petty cash, reimbursements, and manual reconciliations by automating expense tracking, approvals, and accounting, giving finance teams greater control and visibility without the manual work.

A big thank you to Alaan for supporting this season and helping us bring these conversations to life. We will be back soon with more insights and more voices from across the region.

Whether you are exploring your next move or hiring within Treasury, this episode offers a practical perspective on where the function is going.

Listen to Alchemy Uncensored.

New episodes every Wednesday.

Uncertainty is not new.

But how you respond to it is what defines your next move.

In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Weam Kamel and Conor McHugh unpack what is really happening across the UAE market right now.

From the outside, it may look like hesitation.

From the inside, it is something else entirely.

This conversation is built on real interactions with candidates and clients across finance and tax functions, offering a clearer view of how hiring decisions are being made and how professionals are navigating this moment.

Because the reality is, the market has not stopped.

Opportunities have not disappeared.

But the way they show up has changed.

This episode brings that into focus. From shifting hiring patterns to evolving expectations, and from uncertainty to emerging opportunities, this is a grounded discussion on how to think and act in today’s environment.

This is not about reacting.

It is about understanding.

What you will hear in this episode:

📌 What is really happening across the UAE hiring market

📌 Whether this is a pause, a shift, or something deeper

📌 How today compares to previous market cycles

📌 Where opportunities are still emerging

📌 How companies are adapting and making decisions

📌 What professionals and businesses should be doing next

This episode is proudly supported by Alaan, the Middle East’s leading corporate card and expense management platform. Alaan helps companies eliminate petty cash, reimbursements, and manual reconciliations by automating expense tracking, approvals, and accounting, giving finance teams greater control and visibility without the manual work.

A big thank you to Alaan for supporting this season and helping us bring these conversations to life. We will be back soon with more insights and more voices from across the region.

Whether you are evaluating your next move or making hiring decisions, this episode is designed to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Listen to Alchemy Uncensored.

New episodes every Wednesday.

Empowerment is not a buzzword. It is built in the moments where voices are heard, confidence is strengthened, and opportunities are created.

In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Rutika Hardikar is joined by three inspiring leaders Lata Loungani, Alia Saleh, and Bally Dabb for a powerful conversation on women empowerment in finance and tax.

At the center of this discussion is She Counts, a community created to amplify women’s voices, strengthen representation, and build a support system that goes beyond traditional networking.

Because the reality is, the talent has always been there.

The ambition has always been there.

But the space to be seen, heard, and supported has not always existed.

This conversation brings that to the forefront. From navigating leadership expectations to overcoming self-doubt, and from breaking stereotypes to building each other up, these women share honest perspectives on what it really takes to grow and lead in today’s finance landscape.

This is not just about challenges. It is about ownership, visibility, and creating pathways for the next generation of women in finance and tax.

What you will hear in this episode:

📌 The origin story of She Counts and why representation matters

📌 Why empowerment goes beyond networking and into real support and growth

📌 The barriers women still face in finance and tax, and how to overcome them

📌 Mindset, stereotypes, and the importance of allyship

📌 The future of women in finance and how this movement is shaping it

This episode is proudly supported by Alaan, the Middle East’s leading corporate card and expense management platform. Alaan helps companies eliminate petty cash, reimbursements, and manual reconciliations by automating expense tracking, approvals, and accounting, giving finance teams greater control and visibility without the manual work.

A big thank you to Alaan for supporting this season and helping us bring these conversations to life. We will be back soon with more insights and more voices from across the region.

Whether you are building your career, stepping into leadership, or supporting others along the way, this episode is a reminder that empowerment starts with conversation and grows through community.

Listen to Alchemy Uncensored.

New episodes every Wednesday.

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫: 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟖, 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧.

Understanding the cycle is not about predicting the future. It is about recognising patterns and making better decisions because of them.

In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Weam Kamel is joined by Renyl Rauf, a finance and strategy professional with over two decades of experience across capital-intensive industries, public markets, and transformation environments.

Having worked through multiple economic cycles, from expansion to disruption and reset, Renyl shares how leaders can approach uncertainty with greater clarity and discipline.

With everything happening across the UAE right now, this conversation is especially relevant for finance professionals and business leaders navigating shifting market conditions.

This is not about timing the market perfectly. It is about understanding the signals, staying grounded in fundamentals, and making decisions that hold up across cycles.

What you will hear in this episode:

📌How economic cycles have played out historically

📌Key signals that shape different phases of the cycle

📌Where we might be in the cycle today

📌Why understanding cycles is critical for finance professionals

📌How leaders make decisions during uncertainty

This episode is proudly supported by Alaan, the Middle East’s leading corporate card and expense management platform. Alaan helps companies eliminate petty cash, reimbursements, and manual reconciliations by automating expense tracking, approvals, and accounting, giving finance teams greater control and visibility without the manual work.

A big thank you to Alaan for supporting this season and helping us bring these conversations to life. We will be back soon with more insights and more voices from across the region.

Whether you are leading a business, managing risk, or planning your next move, this episode will help you think more clearly about the environment you are operating in.

Listen to Alchemy Uncensored.

New episodes every Wednesday.