1. What is the most important thing you look for in new hires?
Leo Burnett vehemently believes that we are only as good as our people so we look for expertise, curiosity, enthusiasm and cultural fit. And the advertising/communications industry is one that requires a great deal of passion and a spring in ones step, so when you look around, you want to see everyone having fun, generating big ideas and contributing to the creative spirit and purpose of the agency. This is why we look for the before mentioned qualities.
2. What is the biggest challenge you face in hiring talent?
Our industry is becoming increasingly fragmented so the availability of talent that specialize in the different areas of communication has always been the most challenging aspect of my job. And naturally time is always of essence, but you cannot rush on finding quality because a wrong hire will eventually cause a rift in your operation and you are
back to square one.
3. What is your favorite part of your role?
The fact that you get to immerse yourself in every facet of your company and become a partner to every department and employee. Therefore you have a full overview of the company’s operation and as an HR professional you can add value in a lot of different areas.
4. What has been the highlight of your career in HR?
The highlight of my career in HR was also the most challenging time in my career, the time when Leo Burnett MENA experienced rapid and exponential growth. I felt I was part of something dynamic and was a time when I learned the most about HR and myself.
5. What do you read to keep abreast of industry developments?
It’s important for me stay on top of the trends that occur in the communications industry as well as the changes that occur in the field of HR. In this respect I am lucky because I am surrounded by people who share knowledge regularly. It’s the nature of the industry and a key part of our internal culture.
From a purely HR perspective, I read almost every day and am a member of SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management) which grants me access to their tools and resources. I also find that interacting with other HR colleagues extremely helpful, and in today’s online social networking world, there are plenty of opportunities to join groups, ask questions and participate in interesting discussions.
6. What is your advice to someone looking to enter the field of HR?
Identify what area of HR you are interested in. Are you interested in HR Management or HR Development? It’s important to know what direction you want to move your career into as this will help you focus on building the right skills and focus your own development.
Joumana Abu-Shaheen HR Director Leo Burnett Group of Companies, Dubai
