"Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast" - Leadership Lessons from Jens Drewes, CEO of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics. What if your biggest leadership challenge isn’t strategy, but culture? Jens Drewes shares how a culture-first approach drives execution, trust, and results — and the habits every leader needs to thrive. In this episode, Andrea Ross, accredited executive,team coach & leadership development consultant goes deep with Jens Drewes, CEO of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, to unpack a truth most leaders ignore: • Culture isn’t a “nice-to-have.” • It’s your strategy’s make-or-break. In his first year as CEO, he’s rolling out a new strategy built on the company’s culture – with people and customers at the heart of every decision. The result? Sharper execution. Stronger teams. Deeper customer trust. Inside this episode: → Why leadership behaviour is the real transformation strategy → How to turn values into lived daily actions (not posters on the wall) → The CEO balancing act: profit, people, and service → How to align strategy from the boardroom to the front line → Building trust in a digital-first world — without losing the human edge You’ll also hear: → The leadership principle most leaders fail to live → Why strategy fails without cultural buy-in → How to keep AI tools human-centred → The 3 habits Jens recommends for every emerging leader today If you’re leading through change — or want to — this episode is your blueprint. Because culture doesn’t support strategy. It drives it. Connect with Jens Drewes: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jens-drewes-813a7932/ Hellmann Worldwide Logistics → https://www.linkedin.com/company/hellmann-worldwide-logistics/ Want to know how healthy your team really is? Take the free Team Health Check — a quick, AI-powered snapshot of your team’s trust, clarity, and alignment. In just a few clicks, you’ll uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where to focus next. You’ll also get access to a complimentary consultation with Andrea Ross to help you turn insights into action. Start here → www.thecareerestablishment.com/team-health-check-assessment Looking for deeper diagnostics? Explore our suite of AI-enhanced tools: → Team Psychological Safety: Gauge how safe your team feels to speak up, take risks, and innovate → Leadership Edge: Discover your leadership strengths and blind spots → Trusted Leader: Measure the trust you’re building — and how to strengthen it These tools are built to give leaders fast, actionable insights to lead with more clarity, trust, and impact. 🎙️ Hosted by Andrea Ross Founder of The Career Establishment | Executive & Team Coach | Culture Transformation Expert | Training Facilitator I Leadership Development Consultant Let’s connect: → Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.thecareerestablishment.com/newsletter → Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrearosscoachtrainer/ → [email protected]. → Book a Consultation with me here: https://calendly.com/andrearossthecareerestablishment/introductory-call 🌐 www.thecareerestablishment.com

Your HQ just moved. Your team didn’t. That’s the reality for companies across the Middle East. RHQ mandates. Saudization. Emiratization. Legal shifts are redrawing the talent map — and companies who don’t adapt are getting left behind. Would your hiring strategy survive if you had to rebuild it tomorrow? In this episode of Talent Talk, Executive & Team Coach Andrea Ross sits down with Kinetic’s Rudy Bier (Managing Director) and Chris Atkinson (Business Consultant UK & EMEA) — seasoned recruitment experts in life sciences and industrial sectors across GCC — to break down the new hiring battleground in the Middle East. Here’s what’s inside: → Why Saudi’s RHQ laws are forcing leadership teams to relocate — or risk missing out → What Saudization and Emiratization are really doing to salaries and sourcing → Why nationalization is widening the talent gap — and how Kinetic’s closing it → How top candidates are standing out in the region’s most competitive job market → The 3-year rule that’s quietly wrecking careers across the Gulf Also covered: • Why LinkedIn isn’t enough (and what’s working instead) • The mistake expats are making in Saudi hiring • Why mentorship is becoming a survival skill If you're scaling in Saudi or UAE — you need this episode. 🎧 Listen now → because the hiring game just changed. 🎧 Listen now — because the Middle East hiring game has changed, and your strategy needs to follow. 🔗 Mentioned in This Episode Ep. 74 – Part 2: The Saudi Shift: Future Leaders and Female Power This episode explores the rapid rise of female leadership in Saudi Arabia — uncovering the data, policies, and cultural shifts driving one of the most significant workforce transformations in the world: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3OskD1kcMaN8NNMzsCwZpk?si=23rxdECqTY6gH3SMwhYG8g Connect with Rudy Bier → linkedin.com/in/rudybier Connect with Chris Atkinson → https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-atkinson-01294314/ Learn more about Kinetic → www.kinetic.ae ▶️ Are you a leader wondering how healthy your team really is? Uncover the hidden dynamics holding your team back — in just a few clicks. High-performing teams aren’t built on skill alone. They thrive on trust, clarity, and alignment. ▶️ Take the free Team Health Check — it’s quick, insightful, and gives you a clear starting point to lead your team more effectively. ▶️ Plus, you’ll get access to a complimentary consultation with team coach and podcast host Andrea Ross to help you turn insights into action. ▶️ Start the free assessment now → https://www.thecareerestablishment.com/team-health-check-assessment Connect with Andrea Ross: → Subscribe to my newsletter: thecareerestablishment.com/newsletter → Connect with Andrea Ross →https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrearosscoachtrainer/ → Drop me a line: [email protected]

Would you start over — in a new country, a new industry, with nothing but conviction? That’s exactly what Gurj Sandhu did. From the UK to India, Singapore, and now Dubai, Gurj’s journey isn’t just about career change — it’s a masterclass in leadership that refuses to play safe. In this episode of The Career Establishment, Andrea Ross sits down with the Founder & CEO of Leru Partners to unpack how bold leadership is forged — not in comfort zones, but across borders and breakdowns. Here’s what you’ll hear: → From MD to CEO: Why reinvention isn’t a title change — it’s an identity shift → Breaking into the GCC: What trust looks like when you are the outsider → The “Leru” Philosophy: How values become your hiring edge → Beyond 360: Why executive search is due for a disruption → Talent Trends 2025: What Asia and the GCC are really hiring for Also inside: • Bootstrapping a business with two toddlers under five • What happens when you lead before you’re ready • Why not knowing the next step might be your best leverage • How Leru Remote is opening doors for overlooked talent • The art of building culture from the ground up This episode is for you if: ✅You’re done playing it safe. ✅You’re building something that matters. ✅You want to lead with more truth, not more titles. Listen now — because reinvention doesn’t wait, and neither should you. Connect with Gurj Sandhu → https://www.linkedin.com/in/gurjsandhu/ Learn more about Leru Partners → www.leru-partners.com Reach out to his team: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncurtisoliver https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-jean-pierre-le-roux Are you a leader wondering how healthy your team really is? Uncover the hidden dynamics holding your team back — in just a few clicks. High-performing teams aren’t built on skill alone. They thrive on trust, clarity, and alignment. Take the free Team Health Check — it’s fast, insightful, and gives you a clear starting point for better leadership. 🔍 Start the free assessment now https://www.thecareerestablishment.com/team-health-check-assessment → Subscribe to my newsletter: thecareerestablishment.com/newsletter → Connect on LinkedIn: Andrea Ross www.linkedin.com/in/andrearosscoachtrainer/ → Drop me a line: [email protected]

What if the key to future-proofing your organization… isn’t found in strategy decks, but in empathy and integrity? This episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to lead through chaos, culture clashes, and constant change. Andrea Ross, team/executive coach & corporate trainer at The Career Establishment sits down with Victor Morales — President & Group Executive for Latin America (LATM) at Orica — whose leadership journey spans six countries, two decades, and some of the world’s most complex markets. From navigating geopolitical minefields to restoring trust in fractured communities to learning leadership lessons from survivors of human trafficking in Tanzania… Victor shares the tools, frameworks, and mindset shifts every leader needs in today’s unpredictable world. 🎧 Inside this episode: → The Compass & The Map: How future-fit leaders steer through turbulence → Listening as Power: The most underrated leadership skill in a noisy world → Culture-Driven Vision: Uniting global teams across time zones and values → 4 Leadership Archetypes: Hunters. Farmers. Builders. Dreamers. Which one are you? → Impact Beyond Profit: Orica’s approach to emissions cuts and community empowerment 💡 You’ll also hear: - How to win over sceptical clients - The secret to creating buy-in (even from the most resistant voices) - Why balancing growth and survival isn’t either/or 📚 Books mentioned: - Bridge of Success by Félix Torres - How to Listen by Oscar Trimboli If you’re a leader navigating transformation, uncertainty, or rapid growth— this episode will challenge you to lead with more clarity, courage, and connection. And if you’re DONE with outdated leadership models that don’t reflect your reality? This is your signal. 🎧 Listen now—because your future-ready leadership starts here. Connect with Victor Morales → https://www.linkedin.com/in/victormoralesbaeza/ Follow Orica → https://www.orica.com/ Are you a leader wondering how healthy your team really is? Uncover the hidden dynamics holding your team back — in just a few clicks. High-performing teams aren’t built on skill alone. They thrive on trust, clarity, and alignment. Take the free Team Health Check — it’s fast, insightful, and gives you a clear starting point for better leadership. 🔍 Start the free assessment now https://www.thecareerestablishment.com/team-health-check-assessment → Subscribe to my newsletter: thecareerestablishment.com/newsletter → Connect on LinkedIn: Andrea Ross https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrearosscoachtrainer/ → Drop me a line: [email protected]

Saudi Arabia isn’t following leadership trends. It’s setting them. In Part 2 of this bold and insightful conversation, David Jones (CEO of Mercer Talent Enterprise) returns to explore how Saudi and UAE organisations are reshaping the global leadership narrative — with female leaders rising, young talent accelerating, and cultural shifts driving innovation. This episode is packed with real data, powerful case studies, and grounded advice for HR leaders, executives, and future-focused organisations across the GCC. What we unpack: 1. The Rise of Female Leadership in Saudi → Why female workforce participation surged from 9% to 29% in under a decade → How nationalisation policies are leveling the playing field → The corporate shifts making the biggest impact — from flexible structures to visible sponsorship 2. The Cultural & Economic Ripple Effect → How inclusive leadership is shifting Saudi’s global image → Why brands are prioritizing gender-aligned teams to reflect customer power → What Saudi’s transformation means for regional benchmarks 3. Building Future-Ready Leaders → The paradoxes modern leaders must navigate → Why followership is just as important as leadership → The surprising innovation potential inside call centres and frontline teams Data + insights you’ll remember: ✅Saudi now outpaces India in female workforce growth ✅Innovation scores are often highest in frontline staff ✅Gen Z talent expects empowered leadership, not micromanagement ✅Many high-potential women are still invisible without structured assessments Tools & strategies covered: ✅ Thriving Index – uncover strengths + traits that drive workplace performance ✅ Element X – benchmark well-being at individual and org-wide levels ✅ Lighthouse platform – the "Netflix of assessments" for GCC talent teams ✅ Advice for HR: how to design inclusive pipelines, avoid tokenism, and unlock hidden leaders Books by David Jones: The Future of Assessments Game Changers (female leadership in MENA) Unlocking the Paradox of Plenty 🎧 Listen if you’re: Leading HR, talent or strategy in Saudi or the UAE Supporting the rise of female leaders in your org Rethinking leadership models to match the speed of change in the region An emerging/leader looking for guidance to rise Connect with our guest, David Jones - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-barrie-jones/ - Website: https://thetalententerprise.com/ Follow our Host, Leadership Coach and Learning and Development specialist Andrea Ross Are you a leader wondering how healthy your team really is? Uncover the hidden dynamics holding your team back — in just a few clicks. High-performing teams aren’t built on skill alone. They thrive on trust, clarity, and alignment. Take the free Team Health Check — it’s fast, insightful, and gives you a clear starting point for better leadership. 🔍 Start the free assessment now https://www.thecareerestablishment.com/team-health-check-assessment - LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/feed/ - Email: [email protected] - Follow The Career Establishment - Website: www.thecareerestablishment.com - LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-care…iewAsMember=true - Instagram: @TheCareerEstablishment Want more insights like this? Subscribe for future-focused leadership content: www.thecareerestablishment.com/newsletter

Most psychometric tools used today were built before the internet. Yet we still expect them to find our future leaders? In this episode, I sat down with David Jones, CEO and Partner at Mercer Talent Enterprise, to challenge everything we think we know about assessments. We dig into the systems that drive hiring, development, and succession—and ask the big question: Are our tools keeping up with our talent? Here’s what we unpack: ✅ Why most assessments are stuck in the 20th century ✅ How the Thriving Index surfaces potential others miss ✅ The untapped power of combining strengths + personality ✅ What AI is (and isn’t) doing in psychometrics ✅ Why democratising access could uncover hidden gems ✅ How region-specific data can massively shift effectiveness Quick stats that’ll make you rethink everything: → Most tools still benchmark Western, older norms → Over 60% of the Middle East population is under 30 → Engagement spikes immediately after an assessment—yet we act days later This isn’t a nice-to-know. It’s a leadership necessity. Because the way we assess shapes the way we lead. If you’re DONE using outdated tools to make critical people decisions—this episode is your wake-up call. Books mentioned in this episode: 1. The future of assessment by David Jones: The Future of Assessments - The Talent Enterprise 2. Game changers by David Jones, Radhika Punshi and Sophie Le Ray: Game Changers | Book | Insights | The Talent Enterprise 3. Unlocking the paradox of plenty by David Jones and Radhika Punshi : Unlocking The Paradox Of Plenty | Book | Mercer Talent Enterprise Connect with our guest, David Jones - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-barrie-jones/ - Website: https://thetalententerprise.com/ ➡️Learn more about Mercer Talent Enterprise: Streamline Talent & Leadership Development for Success ➡️Discover The Thriving Index®: Behavioral Assessment Tool: Precision with The Thriving Index® https://thetalententerprise.com/behavior-and-personality ➡️Explore well-being with Element X: Element X® l Enhance Employee Wellbeing & Engagement Element X® l Enhance Employee Wellbeing & Engagement Are you a leader wondering how healthy your team really is? Uncover the hidden dynamics holding your team back — in just a few clicks. High-performing teams aren’t built on skill alone. They thrive on trust, clarity, and alignment. Take the free Team Health Check — it’s fast, insightful, and gives you a clear starting point for better leadership. 🔍 Start the free assessment now https://www.thecareerestablishment.com/team-health-check-assessment Follow our Host, Leadership Coach & Learning & Development Expert, Andrea Ross - LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/feed/ - Email: [email protected] - Follow The Career Establishment - Website: www.thecareerestablishment.com - LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-care…iewAsMember=true - Instagram: @TheCareerEstablishment Want more insights like this? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive leadership content and updates: www.thecareerestablishment.com/newsletter

What if the most overlooked talent in your organisation… was also the most loyal, emotionally intelligent, and resilient? The over-50 workforce isn’t slowing down. But many companies still treat them like they’re winding down. In this episode, leadership coach and corporate trainer Andrea Ross sits down with Natalie Hall, Chief Commercial Officer at 55/Redefined, to unpack what most employers are missing—and why tapping into this dynamic demographic isn’t just the “right” thing to do… …it’s a business necessity. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅The real business case for hiring over-50s (hint: it’s not charity—it’s strategy) ✅Why older workers are 5x more likely to stick around (and how to keep them) ✅Where companies are failing in recruiting and retaining late-career talent ✅How to design roles, benefits, and cultures that speak to a multigenerational workforce ✅What not to do if you want to be seen as age-inclusive Stats that might surprise you: - By 2031, 1 in 4 workers will be over 55 - Holding negative beliefs about ageing can cut your life expectancy by 7.6 years - Most over-50s value flexibility and purpose more than salary Questions we answer: - Why do so many companies overlook this group? - Where do you actually find 50+ talent? - What’s the #1 mistake businesses make when trying to be age-inclusive? - If you lead people and want to future-proof your workforce—this is the episode you can’t skip. Listen now and rethink what “experienced” really means. Mentioned Tools & Resources: - Life Redefined: Free lifestyle platform for the over-50s https://life-redefined.co/ - Jobs Redefined: Age-inclusive job board for 50+ talent https://jobs-redefined.co/ - Me Redefined: Digital coaching & midlife career platform for organisations https://work-redefined.co/ Connect with our guest, Natalie Hall - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliehall55/ - Website: 55/Redefined: https://55redefined.co/ Are you a leader wondering how healthy your team really is? Uncover the hidden dynamics holding your team back — in just a few clicks. High-performing teams aren’t built on skill alone. They thrive on trust, clarity, and alignment. Take the free Team Health Check — it’s fast, insightful, and gives you a clear starting point for better leadership. 🔍 Start the free assessment now https://www.thecareerestablishment.com/team-health-check-assessment Follow our Host Andrea Ross - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/ - Email: [email protected] - Follow The Career Establishment - Website: www.thecareerestablishment.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-career-establishment/?viewAsMember=true - Instagram: @TheCareerEstablishment Want more insights like this? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive leadership content and updates: www.thecareerestablishment.com/newsletter

AI isn’t just coming. It’s already reshaping the workplace. The question isn’t “if,” but how fast you’re adapting — and whether your leadership is evolving with it. In this episode of Talent Talk, leadership coach and corporate trainer Andrea Ross sits down with Armanda Mealha — Executive Director and Specialist Team Unit Lead at Microsoft Portugal — to unpack what AI-ready leadership really looks like, and what separates the future-proofed from the left-behind. With nearly a decade at Microsoft — and earlier experience at Oracle — Armanda shares hard-won insights on what AI means for people, performance, and progress. What You’ll Learn: → How AI is rewiring leadership — and why mindsets matter more than tools → The first 3 steps every organisation should take to integrate AI ethically and effectively → What most leaders miss when they try to “implement AI” (and how to avoid the trap) → The human side of AI: Empathy, curiosity, and how to lead with both Questions We Answer: ✅How do you balance long-term AI investment with short-term ROI demands? ✅What does responsible AI adoption actually look like on the ground? ✅How can leaders create a culture that accelerates AI learning and experimentation? Bonus Resource: Get the latest insights from Microsoft’s 2024 survey on AI in leadership — and why top-performing teams are using AI to boost innovation and culture: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NFWReport2024_1.27.2025.pdf 🎧 Highlights: →Armanda’s career journey from Oracle to Microsoft — and the leadership lessons along the way →Real-world strategies for building AI fluency within your teams →What’s coming next in AI + leadership, and how to stay ahead of the curve Connect with Armanda: → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armandamealha/ → Microsoft Portugal: https://msaitour.microsoft.com/en-us/lisbon Are you a leader wondering how healthy your team really is? Uncover the hidden dynamics holding your team back — in just a few clicks. High-performing teams aren’t built on skill alone. They thrive on trust, clarity, and alignment. Take the free Team Health Check — it’s fast, insightful, and gives you a clear starting point for better leadership. 🔍 Start the free assessment now https://www.thecareerestablishment.com/team-health-check-assessment Follow Andrea Ross: → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrearosscoachtrainer/ → The Career Establishment: https://www.thecareerestablishment.com/ Want More Like This? Join our newsletter for fresh leadership insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes content: thecareerestablishment.com/newsletter

Most Leaders Fail on LinkedIn. Are You One of Them? What if LinkedIn could be your most powerful tool for growth— but you're using it all wrong? I sat down with Dean Seddon, CEO of MAVERRIK®—a leader in social selling—to break down why most leaders and sales professionals struggle to stand out. The biggest LinkedIn mistakes? ❌ Blending in instead of leading. ❌ Posting without a strategy. ❌ Failing to turn attention into action. In this episode, we uncover: ✅ The exact LinkedIn strategies that drive authority, engagement, and sales. ✅ The #1 profile tweak that attracts top clients and talent. ✅ How AI is reshaping social selling—and the tools you should be using now. Key Questions Answered: -What are the 3 must-know content strategies for leaders? -Which AI tool is transforming social selling? -How do you establish yourself as a thought leader on LinkedIn? Plus: The #1 LinkedIn mistake that could be costing you business! Bonus Resource: As mentioned by Dean; create funky images for LinkedIn: https://ideogram.ai/ Leaders & Sales Professionals: If you're serious about using LinkedIn to win clients and influence, this episode is your shortcut to success. Follow Our Guest, Dean Seddon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealdealdean/ Email: [email protected] Podcast: "Mindset, Marketing & Money with Dean Seddon": https://open.spotify.com/episode/0eKzGyRfroa1yQYoKYGpiD?si=ANctuW1qQF-JRgSPL1Y0JA Are you a leader wondering how healthy your team really is? Uncover the hidden dynamics holding your team back — in just a few clicks. High-performing teams aren’t built on skill alone. They thrive on trust, clarity, and alignment. Take the free Team Health Check — it’s fast, insightful, and gives you a clear starting point for better leadership. 🔍 Start the free assessment now https://www.thecareerestablishment.com/team-health-check-assessment → Subscribe to my newsletter: thecareerestablishment.com/newsletter → Connect on LinkedIn: Andrea Ross https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrearosscoachtrainer/ → Drop me a line: [email protected] Until next time, keep evolving and learning.

HR is evolving—are you keeping up? As we step into 2025, those who fail to adapt risk being left behind. On this episode of Talent Talk, Andrea Ross sits down with Stuart Elliott, CEO of Elliott Scott HR Search and Recruitment, to decode the biggest HR shifts shaping the future. What You’ll Discover: ✅ DEI evolution: The roles are expanding beyond traditional DEI into wellbeing, business partnering, and centers of excellence. Those who don’t adapt risk getting left behind. ✅ Remote Work Reality Check: Companies are regaining control. With hiring slowing, the power balance has shifted, and many employers are tightening hybrid policies—pushing for more in-office time. But is it a trust issue or a productivity play? ✅ Career Growth: The best HR professionals aren’t waiting for change—they’re shaping it. What skills will future-proof your career? Bonus Resources: 🆓 Beyond Hiring: Dr. Stefanie K. Johnson’s "DEF’S" Framework for Workplace Inclusion – A 6-minute video breaking down actionable steps for creating an engaged, empowered, and innovative workforce. Watch here:https://youtu.be/eJcUz8Yn5kY?si=f6qY87BCBIwDc2wC Engaging Top Talent: Gallup’s 12 Elements of Engagement – A practical guide to maximizing employee engagement and retention. Access here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TgVn7X-F4WhmjpUaaOw2fu7m77_15CWU/view?usp=sharing Key Questions Answered: ✅ How are DEI strategies evolving, and what does this mean on a global and local scales? ✅ What are the most critical HR trends shaping the workplace in 2025? ✅ What skills do HR professionals need to thrive in the future job market? Follow Our Guest, Stuart Elliott: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-elliott-69401b4/ Email: [email protected] Podcast: HR Insights Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xXsm9CpbLGYLPMOJe96YB Are you a leader wondering how healthy your team really is? Uncover the hidden dynamics holding your team back — in just a few clicks. High-performing teams aren’t built on skill alone. They thrive on trust, clarity, and alignment. Take the free Team Health Check — it’s fast, insightful, and gives you a clear starting point for better leadership. 🔍 Start the free assessment now https://www.thecareerestablishment.com/team-health-check-assessment Connect with our Host, Corporate Trainer & Leadership Coach, Andrea Ross on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andrearosscoachtrainer/ Email: [email protected] Follow The Career Establishment: Website: www.thecareerestablishment.com Instagram: @TheCareerEstablishment Brought to you by the coaching and training company, The Career Establishment, dedicated to advancing leadership skills worldwide. Our bi-weekly newsletter provides exclusive insights and strategies. Subscribe today: www.thecareerestablishment.com/newsletter Until next time, keep evolving and learning.