Avtar The Power of Diversity

Thank you, speakers, for making the 1st edition of #BOBGulf2024 a resounding success. Dr Saundarya Rajesh ABLA HAFEZ Anju G Parvathy Artur Matusiak Aruna Narayanan Aysha Alawadhi, MSc, GPHR Dr. Eda Çalışkan Jihan ElSaghir Karthik Ekambaram Marketa Simkova Mohammed Al Qaisi Dr Reem Lebhar Shivani Gangal Shobha Swarup Subha Barry Umasanker Kandaswamy Vrinda Sood Your esteemed presence and valuable insights have powered the remarkable debut of Avtar in the Gulf! #BestOfTheBestConference #Leadership #Inspiration 

Thank you, sponsors, for making the 1st edition of #BOBGulf2024 a resounding success. Your support has powered the remarkable debut of Avtar in the Gulf! We look forward to more such collaborations in the future. #BestOfTheBestConference #Leadership #Inspiration 

Avtar is immensely proud to have been part of this groundbreaking journey! The inaugural edition of Best of the Best Conference in the Gulf has set the stage for true transformation, and it was an honour to witness the commitment of so many passionate leaders and organizations toward empowering women at work. Together, we are building a future where Diversity is power and #EmpoweringGenderEquity is at the forefront of progress. #BOBGulf2024 #BestOfTheBestConference #Leadership #Inspiration

Umasanker Kandaswamy, Co-founder, Senior Vice President, Sales & Relationship, Avtar Group, delivering the vote of thanks as we draw close to the inaugural edition of the Best of the Best Conference in the Gulf held in Dubai. #BOBGulf2024 #BestOfTheBestConference #Leadership #Inspiration #EmpoweringGenderEquity

"The Best Companies Study is proud to expand its global canvas. Together, we move the needle, raise the bars." Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder – President, Avtar Group, presented the key highlights of the 2024 BCWG study. #BOBGulf2024 #BestOfTheBestConference #Leadership #Inspiration #EmpoweringGenderEquity

Key takeaways from the Executive Panel Discussion, DEI & ESG – Discovering Synergies, at the first edition of the Avtar & Seramount Best of the Best Conference in the Gulf: 1. Data-based decision-making is crucial to driving DEI. 2. The tone should be set at the top for DEI and ESG accountability. 3. DEI commitment is the start, action should follow. 4. Everyday demonstration of inclusion comprises using inclusive language and encouraging diverse opinions. 5. Driving DEI goals through business is critical; walking the talk is non-negotiable. 6. Encouraging female representation of women in STEM is important to build the talent pool; working closely with academia can drive change. The panel comprised: Artur Matusiak, Managing Director, KONE, Qatar & Bahrain Marketa Simkova, Partner, Head of People and Organization & People Performance and Culture, KPMG Lower Gulf Mohammed Al Qaisi, Senior Director & MD, Gulf, ME Territories & CIS Countries, Otis Elevators Karthik Ekambaram, Co-founder, Head of Solutions, Avtar Group, moderated the discussion. #BOBGulf2024 #BestOfTheBestConference #Leadership #Inspiration #EmpoweringGenderEquity

Key takeaways from the HR panel discussion, Empowering Equity to Inspire Inclusion, at the first edition of the Avtar & Seramount Best of the Best Conference in the Gulf: 1) Strong ecosystems, including men in the conversations around gender equity, must be embedded in organizations. 2) Diversity is not by chance but by conscious efforts. People-important behavior is hearing different voices and ensuring employees feel safe about expressing themselves. 3) Companies must not feel compelled to create too many policies and programs. Instead, go on the ground and build practical programs that work best for organizations. 4) Prioritize well-being and ensure that DEI strategies lead to customer satisfaction. 5) People turnover is the story of how many leave and how many stay back. It is a great number to speak about. The panel comprised: ABLA HAFEZ, Human Resources Manager, Gulf Islamic Investments Aysha Alawadhi, MSc, GPHR, Consultant - Culture Transformation & Employee Wellbeing, Emirates NBD Dr. Eda Çalışkan Caliskan, Head-Talent Development, Corporate-Human Resources DMCC, IFFCO Shivani Gangal, HR Director EMEA, Godiva Chocolates Vrinda Sood- HR Director Middle East & Pakistan & HRBP Finance and Downstream, Ecolab Anju G Parvathy, Vice President, Research & Solutions, Avtar Group, moderated the session. #BOBGulf2024 #BestOfTheBestConference #Leadership #Inspiration #EmpoweringGenderEquity

“Diversity is a fact; equity and inclusion are an act. BIG is the focus - Bring them in, Include them, Grow them." Shobha Swarup, Vice President Human Resources, Emerging Markets, DIVERSEY, a Solenis Company, speaking at the BOB Exclusives – Case Study Presentations at the Avtar & Seramount Best of the Best Conference in the Gulf. #BOBGulf2024 #BestOfTheBestConference #Leadership #Inspiration #EmpoweringGenderEquity

"Best practices include flexible work arrangements, supportive parental leave and periodic gender pay gap analysis." Jihan ElSaghir, HR Business Partner KSA/ME, Bayer, speaking at the BOB Exclusives – Case Study Presentations at the Avtar & Seramount Best of the Best Conference in the Gulf. #BOBGulf2024 #BestOfTheBestConference #Leadership #Inspiration #EmpoweringGenderEquity

“The challenges women face while advancing in their careers are global. While women make up the majority of valedictorians, only 10-20% are CEOs. The fight for gender equality is not the same everywhere but the underlying cause is one and the same. Talent is not the problem, biases and opportunities are.” Subha Barry, President – Seramount, delivered the special address in the first edition of the Best of the Best Conference in the Gulf held in Dubai. #BOBGulf2024 #BestOfTheBestConference #Leadership #Inspiration #EmpoweringGenderEquity