Stress To Joy | Ep. 1 | Mastering Leadership: A Conversation with Irfan Tansel

We are thrilled to kick-start the year with our podcast series! Tune in as our senior management executives share life and leadership lessons they have acquired throughout their journeys. Each episode delves into their personal and professional experiences, offering insights to inspire your own life goals.

Our first episode features Irfan Tansel, CEO of Al Masaood Automobiles. Join us as Irfan takes us on a trip down memory lane, recounting his journey from apprentice to leader of the pack. It’s a leadership masterclass where he emphasizes the significance of delegation, striking a work-life balance, and the impact of empowering teams.

Stress To Joy | Ep. 2 | Bridging Generations: Hani el Tannir’s Wisdom on Mentorship and Leadership

What do you say to people who are so stuck in their mindset and don’t believe they need to grow?”…
“How do you lead the younger generations who are so set in their ways?”…

This week, we’re thrilled to present a truly special episode featuring our dynamic trailblazer, Hani El Tannir, CEO of Al Masaood Group Industrial.

Hani takes us on a ride through his early career years, and how he progressively grew his character, evolving from a strict leader to a mentor and listener.

He also highlights the conflict that leaders face today when appealing to youngsters and the need for leaders to transcend generational gaps.

Hani discloses to us his love for music, and how it carries the key that sways his soul. With its different genres, it is clear how this field is intertwined with leaders, bridging cultures and creating connections.

Stress To Joy | Ep. 3 | Balancing Act: Leadership and Life Lessons with Richard Foulds

In his podcast episode, Richard Foulds, CEO of Al Masaood Group Property, takes us through his early education days and how seeming challenges opened a whole world of opportunities for him.

He shares with us how his “itchy feet” led him to Abu Dhabi, and how the capital has won his heart and is now the safe haven he calls home. Foulds also highlights the importance of finding your “niche”, work-life balance, embracing aging, his biggest regrets in life, and more.

Stress To Joy | Ep. 4 | Ahmed Salmeen’s Journey from Junior Role to Leadership Heights

Join us for an insightful journey with Ahmed Salmeen, Chief Executive of Government Affairs, as he takes us down memory lane, revealing how his upbringing molded his resilience and love for learning.

From childhood curiosity to pioneering work in the oil & gas sector, Ahmed shares valuable career lessons and his passion for empowering young Emiratis in the private sector.

Stress To Joy | Ep. 5 | Leadership, Fatherhood and Financial Literacy: Lessons from Rafid Azzawi

Join us as Rafid Azzawi, our Group Chief Financial Officer weaves a narrative of his journey in his podcast episode.

Rafid's story spans across countries, cultures, and industries, offering valuable insights along the way. Starting in Iraq and navigating through the UK, Nigeria, and the UAE, Rafid shares the experiences that have molded his life. Pivoting from Engineering to Accounting & Finance, Consulting, and beyond, Rafid's journey is a rich tapestry of lessons learned.

Stress To Joy | Ep. 6 | Leading through Pivots: Meiraj Hussain on Leadership and Parenting

Tune in to Meiraj Hussain’s podcast episode, our Group Head of Corporate Support, as he stresses on the importance of loving what you do:
“You’ve got to have a sense of purpose with work. You’ve got to have a passion for it.”

Meiraj takes us through his inspiring journey, from a small-town young boy and moving up into leadership in a vibrant and bustling city.

A loving father and strategic leader, get insights on Meiraj’s blueprint for building a thriving workplace, the strategic initiatives driving Emiratisation at Al Masaood, as well as his personal take on conscious parenting.

Stress To Joy | Ep. 7 | Destressing through Innovation, Sustainability & Art of Listening with Rasso Bartenschlager

Rasso gives his insights on Emiratization at Al Masaood, integrating local talent into the workforce for lasting impact. Finally, Arsalan and Rasso dive into the importance of two-way communication, staying active, and cultivating a fulfilling life beyond career pursuits. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on turning stress into joy through leadership and forward-thinking initiatives!

Stress To Joy | Ep. 8 | HR Evolution, Employee Wellbeing, and Meaningful Work with Bothaina Al Ali

The evolving landscape of HR. Bothaina shares her journey from junior HR roles to managerial positions, highlighting the importance of passion and adaptation in personal and professional growth.

Discover how HR is evolving beyond basic tasks, focusing on personal connections and employee well-being. Learn about the shift towards People and Culture and the challenges of fostering diversity in the workplace.

Stress To Joy | Ep.9 | Mountaineering, Transforming Habits & Conscious Parenting with Bachir Gemayel

Listen in to our latest podcast with Bachir Gemayel, Sales and Marketing Director of Al Masaood Automobiles, as he reflects on his drive, discipline, and determination honed through athletics. He dives further into how he channeled his physical endurance towards elevating his career and achieving professional goals.

Stress To Joy | Ep. 10 | The Art of Connection and Creativity with Marwa Kaabour

Marwa shares her journey of self-reflection while writing her book, "Marketing & Communications on the Job," and how she cracked the code to creativity! She also provides insights from her book on mastering marketing and communications and practical tips for local and small-scale marketers. Arsalan asks Marwa about her secret to balancing motherhood and professional life, and her experience as a female leader in a male-dominated industry.

Stress To Joy | Ep. 11 | Balancing Parenting and Career with Ghadeer Ghadban

Learn about Ghadeer's career journey, including a serendipitous meeting with the Minister of Immigration in Canada, and her advice for young adults on pursuing their dreams. Tune in for our guest’s invaluable insights and Arsalan’s practical tips on achieving work-life balance! 

Stress To Joy | Ep. 12 | Intuitive Leadership, Motherhood and Personal Growth with Sofiya Poland

Welcome back to Stress to Joy! In this episode, Arsalan is joined by Sofiya Poland, Group Head of Procurement at Al Masaood Group, to delve into the critical role of gratitude and joy in successful leadership. Sofiya highlights that for effective leadership, it’s important to listen to your intuition and inner voice, recognize achievements, and empower your team.

 Arsalan and Sofiya discuss the challenges of balancing a high-level career with motherhood, sharing personal stories of growth and sacrifice.

Additionally, they explore managing stress through meditation, gratitude practice, physical activity, and independent coping strategies. Join us for an inspiring discussion filled with practical advice and heartfelt insights on being a leader who fosters joy, gratitude, and high performance in their team. Tune in now!

Stress To Joy | Ep. 13 | Authentic Leadership in a Male-Dominated Industry with Zaheera Omar

Tune in to the latest episode of the "Stress to Joy" podcast! Join your host Arsalan as he chats with Zaheera Omar, Head of Finance & Insurance and Digital Sales at Al Masaood Automobiles. In this episode, Zaheera talks about her transition from banking to the automotive industry, how she overcame personal loss, and her rise as a leader in a male-dominated field. She and Arsalan discuss the importance of being a role model, being approachable and authentic in leadership, and the challenge of balancing empathy with setting boundaries. Zaheera also shares how she faced and overcame criticism and resistance, particularly as a woman in her industry.

 Additionally, Zaheera and Arsalan offer valuable career advice for young graduates, emphasizing the importance of embracing challenges and stepping out of your comfort zone.