The Workforce Shift: AI, Innovation and Opportunity

Mușata Matei, Author of The Mother Shift, Partnerships Lead at Women in AI UAE, AI Innovation and Ecosystem Leader at First Abu Dhabi Bank, joins Don't Do That, Do This! to discuss the future of work, AI, workplace flexibility and authentic leadership. Drawing on 15 years of experience across fintech, innovation and strategic partnerships, Mușata shares insights on workforce transformation, employee retention, mentorship, female entrepreneurship and the importance of building genuine relationships in business. Thank you to our podcast sponsors, Studio Red and Sherbert Lemon and our BCCD Media Partner The Loop, for supporting this episode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aidan O'Brien shares thought-provoking insights on how individuals and leaders can unlock their potential in an increasingly distracted world. From understanding the “people side” of performance to redefining how we approach time and growth, this episode explores the mindset shifts required to create solid progress in both business and life. Drawing on his experience spanning sales, entrepreneurship and strategic advisory, Aidan shares his insights on achieving consistency while embracing authenticity and navigating the balance between ambition and clarity. Key themes: - The role of people, culture and environment in driving performance - Clarity, focus and the “Truth Table” concept - Managing time effectively in a world of distraction - Consistency, growth and attracting opportunities - The importance of curiosity and self-awareness - Authenticity, communication and personal development - Leadership, influence and high-value conversations This engaging discussion is for founders, leaders and ambitious professionals looking to gain clarity and improve performance with purpose. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dan Clark, Founding Principal of Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City, shares his perspective on what it takes to prepare young people for success in a rapidly changing world. From creating a culture of challenge and belonging to navigating the opportunities and risks of AI in education, this episode explores how schools can develop confident, resilient and future-ready learners. Drawing on his experience as an educator and school leader, Dan discusses the importance of critical thinking, wellbeing, inclusion and the role of community in shaping meaningful educational outcomes. Key Themes: * Education beyond the classroom * Creating a culture of challenge and belonging * AI in education and the concept of cognitive debt * Critical thinking, negotiation and future-ready skills * Inclusion, neurodiversity and student wellbeing * The role of teachers, partnerships and community * Holistic education and personal development * The value of growing up and learning in Dubai This insightful conversation is for parents, educators and professionals interested in the future of education and developing the next generation of confident, capable leaders. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With financial pressures and market uncertainty impacting businesses across the region, we recently sat down with Paul Leggett, Partner, and Jennifer Frenis, Director, Turnaround and Restructuring at Deloitte Middle East, for a conversation on how businesses can navigate financial distress. From understanding the early pressure signs to managing stakeholders and complex legal frameworks, this episode outlines the proactive steps to protect their operations and avoid crisis situations. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience each, Paul and Jennifer from Deloitte’s Middle East Turnaround and Restructuring team share practical insights on the key drivers of business distress, the importance of early intervention, and why insolvency should be viewed as a strategic tool rather than a last resort. Key themes: • Understanding insolvency and early warning signs • The main drivers behind business distress • Scaling challenges and financial risk • Stakeholder management in times of uncertainty • Legal frameworks and restructuring considerations • Practical advice for directors and decision-makers A practical and insightful discussion for business leaders, directors, and organisations looking to strengthen resilience, plan effectively, and navigate financial uncertainty with confidence. (This episode was recorded in February 2026) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With cyber threats on the rise in the region over the past year, we sat down with William Wright, CEO of Closed Door Security, a leading cyber security consultancy operating across Scotland, UAE and the US. From the realities of today’s threat landscape to the consequences of underinvestment, the discussion sets out what businesses need to understand to protect operations and navigate cyber risk across the UAE and wider GCC. Drawing on more than 15 years of international experience, William offers practical guidance on emerging threats, straightforward steps to strengthen defences and why cyber security is best treated as a strategic priority rather than a discretionary cost. Key themes: • The growing scale and sophistication of cyber threats in the UAE and GCC • The risks associated with cutting budgets • Practical measures SMEs can take to improve resilience • The implications of AI for cyber risk and defence • Considerations for businesses expanding into the region A direct, practical discussion for SMEs, business leaders, IT professionals and organisations looking to better understand and navigate cyber risks in today’s digital environment. (This episode was recorded prior to the start of the conflict in the Middle East) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode focuses on the evolving role of the modern CFO, from fractional recruitment to why financial leadership is critical for business growth. BCCD CEO Katy Keenan speaks with Adnan Haroon, Founding Regional Director at The CFO Centre, a proven leader with over 24 years of experience driving financial performance across multiple geographies. Adnan breaks down what it takes to succeed as a CFO today and how the role continues to expand beyond the numbers. What you'll learn in this episode: • What fractional recruitment is and how it’s changing CFO roles • The experience required to become a fractional CFO and the value of regional and entrepreneurial expertise • How CFOs are evolving into strategic leaders and even CEOs • The impact of client experience, stakeholder engagement, and end-goal thinking on business success • How mentoring, training, and AI are reshaping the CFO’s responsibilities • Key pain points for SMEs, including why cash flow remains a top challenge If you are a business leader, startup founder, or finance professional, this episode is for you - tune in to learn more about how CFOs can drive growth, strategy and long-term success. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Don’t Do That, Do This!, Katy speaks with Nathan Farrugia, CEO of Vistage UAE, author, and world record-breaking adventurer, to explore what leadership really looks like when your job is coaching CEOs. From boardrooms to endurance sports, Nathan shares hard-won lessons on resilience, decision-making, inclusivity and leading under pressure, including how setting a world record for running 27 marathons in 27 days across 27 countries reshaped his approach to business and life. Tune in to hear insights on: • How to avoid “lonely at the top” and tackle CEO isolation • Why peer support and accountability matter more than ever • Applying endurance thinking to growth, failure and long-term success • Building mental and physical resilience that carries into business • Inclusive leadership and where AI still falls short 🎧 A must-listen for CEOs, founders and leaders who want to perform at their peak without burning out. Thank you to StudioRED and Sherbert Lemon for the production and design support. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode could transform the way you think about your health. It’s essential listening for anyone who wants to live longer, feel better and prevent illness. We interviewed one of Dubai’s leading health experts, Dr Hasan AlOgaily from King’s College Hospital London, to reveal the simple, practical changes that can make a huge difference to your wellbeing. With over 20 years of experience in family medicine across the UK and UAE, Dr Hasan is passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. His focus on longevity science and lifestyle medicine equips busy individuals and families in Dubai to live healthier, longer lives. Dr Hasan cuts through the noise to give you the real science-backed approach to preventative health. In this episode, you’ll discover: • What preventative health really means - and why it matters to you right now • The key pillars of a healthy lifestyle and how to implement them as a Dubai resident • The top vitamins and supplements that truly make a difference in this part of the world • Why nothing beats exercise when it comes to disease prevention • How the UAE Government is supporting the country’s longevity journey This conversation is full of practical advice and hope. As Dr Hasan says “Small, consistent changes can have a massive impact on your long-term health.” Whether you want to prevent disease, boost your energy or just feel better every day, this episode gives you the real plan to stay on top of your wellbeing. 🌐 Learn how King’s College Hospital London in Dubai can help you take charge of your health: https://kingscollegehospitaldubai.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we speak with Neil Orvay, Founder of Evolution U. A Harvard Law-trained negotiation expert, Neil brings over 30 years of international business experience across Dubai, Hong Kong, Sydney, and London. With a background in investment banking and as a certified Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) trainer, he has coached more than 5,000 executives across sectors, helping them build key skills in business psychology. A must-listen for leaders and managers looking to strengthen their skills in: - Negotiation - Sales psychology - Perception management - Persuasion - Influence Discover the BCCD and connect with 1100+ members in our community. Join us at an upcoming event: https://britishchamberdubai.com/events Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we have Madeleine Mendy, Partner at Bin Sevan Advocates, and the powerhouse behind one of Dubai’s top family law practices. With over two decades of legal experience in England and the UAE, Madeleine is a go-to expert for high-net-worth divorces, child custody battles, and complex cross-border cases. In this episode, she shares what it’s really like navigating divorce law in the Gulf, how Sharia-based personal status law impacts expats, and why international recognition of divorce matters. Whether you are a legal professional, expat or just curious about family law in Dubai, this episode will open your eyes to several important considerations. Discover the BCCD and connect with 1100+ members in our community. Join us at an upcoming event: https://britishchamberdubai.com/events Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.