We recently had the privilege of interviewing Hanan AlAli, an experienced HR and IT professional with a demonstrated history of working in different industries. With her present position as Manager of HR and Business Transformation at ASRY, she shares with us about her career journey, the trends shaping the HR industry currently, the major highlights of her journey, and the challenges addressed during the same.
Hanan’s transition from the IT field to HR allowed her to combine her technical expertise with her passion for people while opening up new avenues for growth and fulfillment and emerging as an inspiration for many in the industry. In this interview, Hanan AlAli shares her profound insight into the emerging trends in the industry and crucial lessons embraced in the entire process and offers invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Beginnings First
We started the interview by asking, “Tell us something about you, your early life, and your education.”
Hanan responds, “Certainly! My journey has been one of diverse experiences and constant growth. I began my professional career as an IT Business Solution Manager, where I developed a strong foundation in technology and problem-solving. However, driven by my passion for people and their well-being, I made a bold shift towards the field of HR. This transition allowed me to combine my technical expertise with a deep understanding of human dynamics, enabling me to make a meaningful impact on individuals and organizations.
Outside of my professional pursuits, I am also a proud mother of four wonderful children. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with a thriving career has taught me the importance of resilience, time management, and finding fulfillment in both personal and professional spheres. I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Bahrain, which gave me a solid foundation in technology, and later obtained a Certificate in Human Resource Management from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
I am also honored to have been recognized as the HR Manager of the Year 2023, which is a testament to the impact and value I bring to the field.”
Influential Trends Shaping The Industry
We were curious to learn about the top trends and shifts happening within the industry. So, we asked, “What are the top three trends shaping this industry today?”
She replied, “The HR industry is undergoing a fascinating transformation driven by three influential landscape trends. Firstly, there is a growing emphasis on leveraging technology to enhance HR practices. The advent of AI, automation, and data analytics has revolutionized the industry, allowing HR professionals to make more informed and strategic decisions.
Secondly, diversity, equity, and inclusion have rightfully taken center stage. Organizations are recognizing the immense value of fostering diverse workforces and inclusive cultures. By embracing different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, companies can unlock innovation, improve decision-making, and create a sense of belonging for all employees.”
Hanan added, “Lastly, employee well-being and work-life integration have become paramount. As the boundaries between work and personal life blur, organizations are prioritizing initiatives that support the holistic well-being of their employees. This includes mental health programs, flexible work arrangements, and fostering a culture of work-life balance.”
Successful Transitions In The Journey
To learn more about the crucial turning points and highlights of Hanan AlAli’s journey, we asked, “What are some of the key milestones of your career?”
Hanan passionately replied, “Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to achieve several significant milestones that have shaped my professional journey. One of the most pivotal moments was the successful transition from IT to HR. This bold decision allowed me to combine my technical expertise with my passion for people, opening up new avenues for growth and fulfillment.
Another milestone that stands out is leading a significant HR transformation project for a multinational corporation. This undertaking involved revamping HR processes, implementing innovative technologies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Witnessing the positive impact on employee engagement and organizational performance was truly rewarding and reinforced my commitment to driving positive change.”
“Furthermore, I take immense pride in the relationships I have built with stakeholders, colleagues, and teams throughout my career. These connections have not only helped me navigate challenges but have also allowed me to contribute as a trusted advisor in strategic decision-making. Building these relationships has been a crucial milestone in my journey.” She added.
Future Plans We Asked Hanan AlAli
We further asked, “Tell us about your plans.”
Hanan continued, “Looking towards the future, my plans are centered around continuous growth, making a lasting impact, and inspiring others. I am deeply committed to staying at the forefront of HR innovation, leveraging emerging technologies and data-driven insights to shape progressive HR strategies. By embracing change and constantly seeking new ways to improve, I aim to catalyze positive transformation within the industry.
Additionally, I am passionate about expanding my professional network, mentoring emerging HR professionals, and contributing to the industry through thought leadership. By sharing my knowledge and experiences, I hope to inspire others and foster a culture of continuous learning and development.
Ultimately, I aim to leave a lasting legacy by empowering organizations to create exceptional employee experiences, cultivate diverse and inclusive cultures, and achieve unprecedented success.”
Adaptability Amidst Challenges
Challenges are an inevitable part of one’s journey, and the ways these are tackled matter the most. We asked, “What are the challenges you have faced in your field? How do you tackle them?”
She asserts, “The challenges in my field have been quite intriguing! As an IT Business Solution Manager, whenever we encountered an issue, we would dive into analysis and debugging, and at worst, we had the trusty options of restarting or formatting the complete solution and starting all over to build a new solution. But when I shifted to HR, I entered a realm where facing challenges meant working with people with diverse cultures and unique mindsets. Suddenly, there was no reset or format button to solve their issues!
In the exciting world of HR, challenges take on a whole new dimension. Each individual brings their own experiences, emotions, and expectations, which require a delicate and personalized approach.”
She continued, “One significant challenge I have encountered is navigating diverse cultures and mindsets without the luxury of a reset button. To address this, I prioritize empathy, active listening, and effective communication. Another challenge is keeping up with the rapid advancements in technology. To tackle this, I have invested in continuous learning and staying updated on the latest trends and tools and embraced technology as an enabler.
Additionally, adapting to the evolving expectations and needs of the workforce can be challenging. To overcome this, I foster a culture of flexibility and open dialogue. By actively soliciting feedback, conducting surveys, and communicating regularly with employees, I can identify their needs and tailor HR initiatives to meet them effectively. This approach allows me to stay agile and responsive in an ever-changing landscape.”
Staying Ahead Of The Curve
Everyone comes across specific crucial lessons at some point in their journey. So, we asked, “What are the most important lessons you’ve taken away during your career?”
She responds, “Throughout my career, I have learned valuable lessons that have shaped my professional growth. One of the most important lessons is the power of resilience and adaptability. The business landscape is ever-evolving, and those who can embrace change, learn from setbacks, and pivot when necessary are the ones who thrive and succeed.
Collaboration and teamwork are at the heart of success in any field, and HR is no exception. By fostering connections with diverse teams, stakeholders, and employees, I have witnessed the transformative power of collective efforts and shared goals, teaching me the significance of building strong relationships and effective communication.”
“Moreover, I have learned to embrace the mindset of continuous learning and growth. The HR industry is dynamic, and staying relevant requires a commitment to lifelong learning. With constant learning, I can stay ahead of the curve and provide innovative solutions to my clients.
Lastly, I have learned the importance of passion and purpose. When deeply passionate about your work and driven by a sense of purpose, it fuels your motivation, creativity, and resilience. It enables you to overcome challenges, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact.”
Suggestions For Aspiring Professionals
Our last question was, “Any tips for beginners in the same industry?”
Hanan AlAli shared, “Absolutely! To beginners entering the HR industry, I offer some essential tips for a fulfilling and impactful career. Learn to embrace your passion above all! When you are passionate about your work, it becomes a source of fulfillment and motivation, propelling you to go above and beyond.
The HR landscape is constantly evolving, so commit yourself to lifelong learning. Seek out opportunities for professional development and stay updated on industry trends. Also, cultivate strong relationships with colleagues, mentors, and professionals in the field. Networking is invaluable for gaining insights, learning from others’ experiences, and finding support.”
“Embrace change and be willing to adapt to new technologies, trends, and ways of working, and it will set you apart in a rapidly changing industry. Moreover, HR is a people-centric field, and the ability to understand and connect with others is crucial. Practice empathy, active listening, and effective communication to build trust and foster positive relationships. Also, curiosity fuels innovation and helps you uncover new solutions and approaches.
HR can be demanding and challenging, but resilience is critical. Learn from setbacks, stay positive, and persevere through obstacles. Embrace a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities for growth.” She concluded.
Connect with Hanan AlAli on LinkedIn.
