Alchemy Uncensored

Ten years in the CFO seat. Multiple international markets. One industry.How does a decade as a CFO change the way you lead?This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Suhail Hoosain, Group CFO of Al Ansari Financial Services, a Dubai Financial Market-listed group with operations across the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and India.With nearly two decades in financial services and more than 10 years as a CFO, Suhail’s career has taken him across South Africa, the US, Guernsey and the UAE.In this conversation, Suhail reflects on the journey that took him to CFO, the value of international experience and why he chose to build his entire career within financial services.They also explore what being CFO of a listed company actually involves, how Suhail’s approach to leadership has evolved over the last decade and the lessons that only come with experience.This is not just a conversation about reaching the CFO seat.It is about how you continue to learn, adapt and lead once you get there.What you will hear in this episode:📌 Suhail’s career journey to Group CFO📌 The influences that helped shape his career📌 How working across South Africa, the US, Guernsey and the UAE shaped his perspective📌 Why he has spent his entire career within financial services📌 What being CFO of a listed company actually involves📌 How Suhail has changed after more than a decade as a CFO📌 The biggest lessons he has taken from his career📌 His advice for aspiring finance leadersThis episode is proudly supported by Alaan الآن, 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.Whether you’re working towards your first leadership role, aspiring to become a CFO or already sitting in the CFO seat, this episode offers a look at how experience continues to shape you long after you reach the top.🎧 Listen to Alchemy Uncensored. New episodes every Wednesday.#AlchemyUncensored #AlchemySearch #Alaan #CFO #FinanceLeadership #FinanceCareers #FinancialServices #CareerGrowth #Leadership #UAEFinance

Technical skills can build your career. But they won’t take you all the way.So what really takes you from management accountant to CFO?This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Rehan Laiq, a C-level finance and business executive with more than 37 years of leadership experience across international markets.Rehan’s career has taken him through senior global and group-level roles across water and wastewater, power and renewables, oil and gas, and large-scale infrastructure. His experience includes serving as Global CFO of the Seismic business at SLB, Group CFO of Fauji Foundation and CFO of Metito Utilities.In this conversation, Rehan looks beyond technical Finance and shares why soft skills become increasingly important the further you progress in your career.From communication and influence to motivation and understanding people, they explore the skills that can help finance professionals earn a seat at the table and become more effective leaders.Rehan also shares the lessons behind his own journey from management accountant to CFO and what more than three decades of leadership have taught him about career progression and success.This is not just a conversation about becoming technically better at Finance.It is about developing the skills that allow you to lead, influence and bring people with you.What you will hear in this episode:📌 Why soft skills matter in Finance📌 Why technical expertise alone can only take you so far📌 The skills that become more important as you move into leadership📌 The importance of communication and influence📌 The role of motivation in our careers and organisations📌 Rehan’s journey from management accountant to CFO📌 Lessons from more than 37 years of leadership📌 What it really takes to progress to CFO levelThis episode is proudly supported by Alaan الآن, 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.Whether you’re building your career in Finance, stepping into leadership or working towards a future CFO role, this episode is a reminder that some of the most important skills in your career won’t come from a textbook.🎧 Listen to Alchemy Uncensored. New episodes every Wednesday.#AlchemyUncensored #AlchemySearch #Alaan #SoftSkills #CFO #FinanceLeadership #FinanceCareers #CareerGrowth #Leadership #Finance

New country. New job. New home. New life.What do you really need to know before relocating to the UAE? 🇦🇪This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Paul Philips, CEO & Founder of Relocate2UAE, an independent platform helping professionals and families navigate their move to the UAE.Originally from Ireland, Paul relocated to the UAE with his family and experienced the challenges of the process firsthand. That experience ultimately led him to create Relocate2UAE and help others approach the move with greater clarity and confidence.In this conversation, Paul shares the reality behind relocating to the UAE, including some of the biggest mistakes people make, what often catches newcomers by surprise and what he wishes more people understood before making the move.They also discuss how recent conflict in the region has changed the conversations Paul is having with professionals and families considering relocation, and what he sees happening next for Relocate2UAE.This is not just a conversation about moving countries.It is about making one of life’s biggest decisions with the right information and expectations.What you will hear in this episode:📌 Paul’s own relocation journey and why he founded Relocate2UAE📌 The reality of moving to the UAE📌 The biggest mistakes people make when relocating📌 What people should know before making the move📌 Expectations versus the reality of living in the UAE📌 How regional events are influencing relocation conversations📌 What Paul has learned from helping professionals and families relocate📌 What’s next for Relocate2UAEThis episode is proudly supported by Alaan الآن, 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.Whether you’re actively planning a move, considering the UAE for your next chapter, or simply curious about what relocating here really involves, this episode offers a practical look at the realities behind making the move.🎧 Listen to Alchemy Uncensored. New episodes every Wednesday.#AlchemyUncensored #AlchemySearch #Alaan #UAE #Dubai #RelocateToUAE #MovingToUAE #UAEJobs #UAEExpat #Relocation #DubaiLife

The CFO role is changing. AI is accelerating. Finance could become more autonomous than ever.So what will it take to be a successful CFO in the years ahead?This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Nauman Asif Mian, CFO of Bayt.com, for a conversation about what leadership in Finance really looks like today and where the profession could be heading next.Nauman began his career at PwC before moving into industry and building a career that now spans finance leadership, governance, mentoring and advocacy for the future of the profession.Alongside his role as CFO, he serves on the ACCA Council and Council Board, is a Non-Executive Board Member at Baker Tilly UAE, and an Advisory Board Member of the Business School at the American University in Dubai.In this conversation, Nauman shares what experience has taught him about becoming a successful CFO, from making difficult decisions and adapting as a leader to understanding how the role of Finance continues to evolve.They also explore one of the biggest conversations happening in Finance today: AI.Could Finance ever become fully autonomous? And if technology takes on more of the traditional work, what will the role of finance professionals become?This is not just a conversation about reaching CFO level.It is about what the books don’t teach you about succeeding once you get there.What you will hear in this episode:📌 How the role of the CFO has changed over the years📌 What experience teaches you about making difficult decisions📌 What AI really means for the finance profession📌 Whether Finance could ever become fully autonomous📌 How the skills required of finance leaders are evolving📌 What Nauman has had to unlearn throughout his career📌 Advice for anyone starting a career in Finance today📌 What it takes to reach the top and continue succeeding once you get thereThis episode is proudly supported by Alaan الآن, 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.Whether you’re already leading a finance function, working towards a future CFO role, or just starting your career in Finance, this episode offers an inside look at what modern finance leadership really requires.🎧 Listen to Alchemy Uncensored. New episodes every Wednesday#AlchemyUncensored #AlchemySearch #Alaan #CFO #FinanceLeadership #FinanceCareers #FutureOfFinance #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #CareerGrowth #Leadership

30M+ users. 200+ countries. Two major exits.What does it take to lead Finance at that level?This week on Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Rishi Gupta, CFO of Airalo, the world’s first and largest eSIM marketplace.With nearly two decades of experience scaling high-growth consumer tech businesses across MENA and India, Rishi has built finance teams from the ground up and led two successful exits in the region, Souq to Amazon in 2017 and BitOasis to CoinDCX in 2024.In this conversation, Rishi shares the thinking and experiences that have shaped his journey to CFO, including his approach to first-principles thinking, building high-performing teams and making decisions in fast-moving, competitive environments.They also look ahead at one of the biggest questions facing the profession today: how will AI change the finance function over the next five years?This is not just a conversation about becoming a CFO.It is about what it takes to build, scale and lead Finance when the business around you is moving fast.What you will hear in this episode:📌 The career decisions that shaped Rishi’s journey to CFO📌 Lessons from two successful exits in MENA📌 What Finance needs to become as a business scales📌 How to decide where to invest and where to hold the line📌 Using first-principles thinking to solve difficult problems📌 How to build a genuinely high-performing finance team📌 Advice for ambitious finance professionals who want to become CFOs📌 How AI could reshape Finance over the next five years📌 What skills could become more valuable as automation increasesThis episode is proudly supported by Alaan الآن, 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.Whether you’re already leading a finance function, working in a high-growth business, or building towards a future CFO role, this episode offers a fascinating look at what modern finance leadership really requires.🎧 Listen to Alchemy Uncensored. New episodes every Wednesday.#AlchemyUncensored #AlchemySearch #Alaan #CFO #FinanceLeadership #FinanceCareers #Fintech #Tech #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #CareerGrowth #Leadership

Your career doesn’t have to follow a straight line to be successful.In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Elaine Vasquez, Finance Director, MENA at Checkout.com, to discuss what can happen when you stay open to opportunities, embrace change and step outside your comfort zone.Elaine is an ACCA Fellow with almost 20 years of experience in finance. After graduating from Warwick University with a degree in Accounting & Finance, she began her career at Deloitte before going on to build an international career spanning Financial Services, Hospitality, Insurance and Fintech across London, Gibraltar and the UAE.But Elaine’s career hasn’t always followed the traditional finance route.From moving between industries to taking on commercial and operational responsibilities, including a role as Head of Claims in Insurance, Elaine has consistently embraced opportunities that have taken her beyond the boundaries of a typical finance career.And each experience has shaped the finance leader she is today.This conversation explores what it takes to build a career without being restricted by one industry, one location or one idea of what your next role should look like.What you will hear in this episode:📌 How taking opportunities beyond finance can shape your leadership journey📌 Why changing industries doesn’t have to mean starting again📌 The personal and professional impact of working internationally📌 How to create opportunities for yourself rather than waiting for them📌 The role resilience has played throughout Elaine’s career📌 Why stepping outside your comfort zone can accelerate your development📌 Advice for professionals who feel stuck or hesitant about their next move📌 Elaine’s perspective on success, leadership and the advice she hopes people rememberThis 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.Whether you’re considering a new industry, an international move, a role outside your usual remit, or simply wondering what the next stage of your career could look like, this episode is a reminder that some of the best opportunities can come from being willing to take a different path.🎧 Listen to Alchemy Uncensored. New episodes every Wednesday.#AlchemyUncensored #AlchemySearch #Alaan #FinanceCareers #FinanceLeadership #CareerGrowth #Leadership #Fintech #FinanceProfessionals #CareerDevelopment

The UAE hiring market changed almost overnight.In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by two of our interns, Cillian Farrell and Rushil Magdani, for an honest conversation about what has happened across the UAE recruitment market in the weeks following the regional conflict.Instead of interviewing one of our usual guests, Conor answers the questions many employers, job seekers, and young professionals are asking right now.Together, they explore how the market has responded, why hiring dynamics have shifted, and what both businesses and candidates should expect as confidence gradually returns.Because the reality is, periods of uncertainty don't just affect businesses.They influence hiring decisions, candidate confidence, salary expectations, and the way employers compete for talent.This conversation brings those changes into focus, offering practical advice for both employers and job seekers as the market continues to evolve through the rest of 2026.This is not just a market update.It is an honest discussion about how one of the region's biggest events has reshaped hiring across the UAE.What you will hear in this episode:📌 How the regional conflict impacted the UAE hiring market📌 Why candidate and employer behaviour has changed📌 The biggest hiring mistakes businesses should avoid📌 What job seekers should expect in today's market📌 Advice for employers and candidates for the rest of 2026📌 Conor's outlook on where the market is heading nextThis 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're hiring, looking for your next opportunity, or simply interested in understanding how the UAE recruitment market is evolving, this episode offers practical insights into what has changed and what comes next.Listen to Alchemy Uncensored.New episodes every Wednesday.#AlchemyUncensored #UAEHiring #Recruitment #UAEJobs #TalentAcquisition #EmployerBrand #HiringStrategy #AlchemySearch #Alaan #middleeastcareer #middleeastcrisis #middleast #uaenews #marketupdate

Uncertainty is inevitable.How leaders respond to it is what makes the difference.In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Alia Saleh, CFO of ISG Middle East, who is widely recognised for her work on leadership, the future of finance, and women's representation at senior levels.Together, they explore what finance leadership looks like in one of the world's most demanding industries and how CFOs can help organisations navigate uncertainty with confidence.Because the reality is, today's CFO is no longer focused solely on financial reporting.They are expected to guide strategy, manage risk, communicate with stakeholders, embrace new technologies, and help businesses make better decisions when the future is uncertain.This conversation brings that into focus. From leading finance in construction to using AI for scenario planning, Alia shares practical lessons on resilience, leadership, and the evolving role of the modern CFO.This is not just about construction.It is about how finance leaders can build stronger businesses during uncertain times.What you will hear in this episode:📌 What uncertainty looks like from a CFO's perspective📌 Managing cash flow during volatile markets📌 Supporting employees, customers, and supply chains through change📌 The role of banks and external stakeholders during uncertainty📌 How AI is improving scenario planning and decision-making📌 The future of finance in the construction industry📌 What finance leaders should be focusing on todayThis 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're a finance professional, business leader, or aspiring CFO, this episode offers practical insights into leading with confidence when certainty isn't an option.Listen to Alchemy Uncensored.New episodes every Wednesday.#AlchemyUncensored #Leadership #CFO #FinanceLeadership #Construction #FutureOfFinance #WomenInFinance #AI

What if every real estate decision was backed by AI?In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Weam Kamel is joined by Christian Kunz, Founder of Prop-AI, a platform focused on transforming real estate investing through artificial intelligence.Before founding Prop-AI, Christian held leadership roles across the UAE’s innovation and investment ecosystem, including serving as Chief Strategy, Innovation and Ventures Officer at DIFC. He also spent several years at McKinsey Digital, advising on digital transformation, innovation strategy, and venture building across the region.Today, he is focused on building the intelligence layer for real estate, helping investors and brokers make smarter, faster, and more informed decisions through AI.Because the reality is, real estate decisions have traditionally relied on fragmented data, market sentiment, and personal networks.Technology is beginning to change that.This conversation explores how AI is reshaping real estate investing, what is really happening across the UAE and Saudi property markets, and how investor behaviour has evolved in recent months.It is not just a conversation about technology.It is a conversation about where one of the region's most important industries is heading next.What you will hear in this episode:📌 The story behind Prop-AI and why it was built📌 How AI is transforming real estate investing📌 What is actually happening in the UAE real estate market today📌 How the market has changed in recent months📌 The key differences between Dubai and Abu Dhabi📌 What makes the Saudi real estate market unique📌 How investor behaviour differs between Saudi Arabia and the UAE📌 Christian's predictions for the remainder of 2026This 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.Whether you're an investor, business leader, real estate professional, or simply interested in the future of AI, this episode offers valuable insights into where the market may be heading next.Listen to Alchemy Uncensored.New episodes every Wednesday.#AlchemyUncensored#PropAI#ArtificialIntelligence#RealEstate#PropTech#DubaiRealEstate#AbuDhabi#SaudiArabia#UAEProperty#Innovation

Many professionals want to grow in a corporate environment.Few understand what it actually takes to succeed in one.In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Priyanka D'Souza, Vice President of Finance at Warner Bros. Discovery, where she leads FP&A, commercial finance, and strategic reporting across Central & Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.With more than 20 years of experience across finance and business transformation, Priyanka shares her perspective on navigating large organisations, building influence, developing leadership skills, and creating long-term career success.Because the reality is, technical skills will only take you so far.The professionals who continue to progress are often the ones who invest in continuous learning, build strong relationships, embrace change, and know how to bring people together.This conversation brings that into focus. From career growth and inclusion to leadership, soft skills, and financial independence, Priyanka shares practical lessons from her own journey through the corporate world.This is not just about climbing the ladder.It is about building a career with purpose, impact, and longevity.What you will hear in this episode:📌 How to successfully grow and navigate a corporate environment📌 Why continuous learning is essential in today's workplace📌 What true inclusion looks like in practice📌 How leaders create cultures where teams succeed together📌 The soft skills that can accelerate career growth📌 Why financial independence matters📌 What it means to leave a leadership legacy.A big thank you to Alaan for supporting this season and helping us bring these conversations to life.Whether you're just starting your career or leading teams today, this episode offers practical insights into succeeding in the corporate world.Listen to Alchemy Uncensored.New episodes every Wednesday.#AlchemyUncensored #AlchemySearch #Alaan #CareerGrowth #Leadership #CorporateLife #ProfessionalDevelopment #WomenInFinance #FinanceLeadership #CorporateCareers #FinancialIndependence #FutureOfWork #CareerAdvice