Name: Belal Alnouh

Title: Senior Recruitment Consultant

Organisation: Presiding Solutions

accomplished Human Resource Management Professional with over 13 years of expertise in HR solutions. Specializing in recruitment, training, performance management, and department administration, skilled in crafting comprehensive policies and procedures. Having successfully recruited for senior and junior positions across various industries, focus lies in employee retention, legal compliance, and high-performance standards. Currently serving as a Senior Recruitment Consultant at Presiding Solutions, they are adept at project management, evident in their significant role in recruiting for a prominent construction and contracting company. extensive experience also includes managerial roles in renowned companies like KW International, Bassam Trading Company, Takhzeen Logistics Company, and BinRushd Medical Group.

Education-wise, graduated from the Faculty of Law at Al-Menoufia University, Cairo, Egypt in 2007. Additionally, hold a Diploma in Human Resource Management from the University of Oxford, a Mini Master in Recruitment, Selection, Training & Development, and a certified Trainer and Trainer of Trainers. commitment to professional growth is further highlighted by a Social Psychology Diploma from Wesleyan University.

Born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 1986, fluent in both English and Arabic. Married with two children, holistic approach to HR, coupled with strategic thinking and leadership skills, positions them as a valuable asset in the realm of Human Resource Management.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Belal's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Balancing team morale and productivity has been a notable challenge in my leadership journey. It involves navigating the intricacies of individual motivations and challenges while still meeting deadlines and achieving goals. Striking the right chord between maintaining a positive work environment and ensuring optimal performance requires constant adaptation of my leadership approach. It's a learning process to understand and address both personal and professional aspects within the team dynamics effectively.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey into leadership unfolded organically, starting from entry-level positions where I consistently demonstrated dedication and a proactive approach. As I honed my skills, I actively pursued opportunities for professional growth, participating in workshops, earning certifications, and seeking mentorship.

The shift into leadership roles occurred gradually, marked by promotions driven by a proven track record and effective project management. Embracing each new responsibility, I refined my leadership style through learning from experiences, both successful and challenging. Building strong relationships and fostering collaboration became central to how I lead.

In essence, my leadership journey is an ongoing process of learning, adapting, and genuinely caring about the success of the team and the organization. It's a path marked by resilience, continuous improvement, and a sincere commitment to inspiring and guiding others.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My day is quite structured and revolves around a balance of personal development, work, family, and leisure. I kickstart my mornings at 5 AM with Fajr prayer, followed by a cup of coffee, setting a positive tone for the day. The first hours are dedicated to a one-hour exercise routine and an hour of reading, emphasizing my commitment to both physical and mental well-being.

Moving into work at 9 AM, I manage my responsibilities efficiently until 6 PM. Post-work, my attention turns to family matters, where I engage with my children in their studies and homework, making sure to stay updated about their day. To unwind, I allocate a two-hour window for my preferred series, providing a well-deserved break and relaxation.

As the day winds down, I allocate an hour for reading before preparing for sleep. This routine reflects my intentional effort to maintain a harmonious blend of professional commitments, personal growth, family time, and leisure, contributing to a holistic and balanced lifestyle.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent leadership lesson that really struck me is the importance of being open and genuine with my team. It's tempting to always project an image of unwavering confidence, but I've learned that showing vulnerability and authenticity can actually strengthen the team dynamic.

Being willing to admit when I don't have all the answers and sharing both successes and challenges has created a more open and trusting environment. It's a reminder that leadership is not about being perfect but about being real. This authenticity fosters a stronger connection within the team, encouraging them to bring their authentic selves to work as well. It's a powerful lesson in building a resilient and collaborative work culture.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

One book that profoundly impacted my leadership journey is "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. This book explores the concept of selfless leadership and the importance of creating a work culture where the well-being of the team is prioritized.

The story behind its impact on my leadership is rooted in its emphasis on building trust, fostering a sense of belonging, and prioritizing the needs of the team. It prompted me to reassess my leadership approach, shifting from a focus solely on achieving goals to creating an environment where team members feel valued and supported.

Implementing the principles from the book, such as placing the well-being of the team first and cultivating a culture of collaboration, significantly improved team morale and engagement. It reinforced the idea that great leaders are those who prioritize the people they lead, creating a ripple effect of trust, loyalty, and high-performance within the team. "Leaders Eat Last" has been a guiding light in shaping my leadership style towards one that is people-centric and empathetic.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

I would advise a young leader to prioritize continuous learning and adaptability. In today's dynamic and ever-evolving work landscape, the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is invaluable. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, stay curious, and be open to new ideas and perspectives. Cultivating a mindset of continuous improvement not only enhances your leadership skills but also positions you to navigate change with resilience and innovation.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One particularly meaningful story that stands out from my time as a leader involves a challenging project where the team faced unexpected setbacks. Instead of pointing fingers or placing blame, we gathered as a team to brainstorm solutions.

The meaningful part of this experience was witnessing the team's resilience and collaborative spirit. Despite the difficulties, everyone brought their unique skills to the table, fostering a sense of unity. Through collective effort and innovative problem-solving, we not only overcame the challenges but also emerged stronger as a team.

This story serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and the strength that comes from facing adversity together. It reinforced the idea that true leadership is not just about guiding from the front but also about creating an environment where the collective brilliance of the team can shine through challenges.