Interviewer: Mahmoud Mansi

Edited by: Hagar ElKenany,Mona Timor Shehata

Publisher: Amira Haytham

“HRM is the same all over the world, however, the practice varies from one country to another, based on culture and many other facts. I believe that HR can improve and develop a healthy culture based on equality, teamwork, learning, sharing and engagement, this will contribute to changing people’s minds and culture…”

Mohamed Yassein

 

HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: What are the topics you are addressing this year at the Summit, and why did you specifically choose them?

Mohamed Yassein: The HRC2018 forum will discuss how HR professionals will make digital transformation into an organization, focusing on the workplace, people and technology, changing the way we work. Due to technological advances, some human resource functions will be automated, as well as new positions and functions will be created, which will have a significant impact on the role and position of human resources management (HRM) within organizations. New HR functions will focus more on Big Data, Cloud solutions, communications technology and social media.

HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: In general, how do you conduct your research before selecting topics that will be discussed at the conference each year?

Mohamed Yassein: We have a research and development process that begins by understanding the industry trends, the market we are targeting and the needs of our customers. The next step is the research calls to discuss topics with experts from different regions and industries. We also discuss topics with our delegates and clients.

HR Revolution Middle East Magazine:  As an Event Director, How do you manage the success of each conference? (You can give examples of your previous work)

Mohamed Yassein: Managing customer expectations is key to the success of any business. Expectations change from time to time based on economic, technological and industrial factors. Involving customers and engaging with them and always being on top of industry trends helps to understand and manage those expectations.

HR Revolution Middle East Magazine:  Taking into account the political changes and conflicts taking place in different countries: Do you think that through business, human resources, organizers and delegates such a conference can provide hope? Do you think that HR experts and businessmen from different countries can work together, and this will have an impact and create political stability?

Mohamed Yassein: Conferences provide an opportunity to connect with experts from different regions, industries and cultures, which is essential to building a professional network and sharing knowledge. HRM is the same all over the world, however, the practice varies from one country to another, based on culture and many other facts. I believe that HR can improve and develop a healthy culture based on equality, teamwork, learning, sharing and engagement, this will contribute to changing people’s minds and culture.

HR Revolution Middle East Magazine:  If you are to become a speaker in the conference, what would your speech be about?

Mohamed Yassein: There are many topics, but I am interested in listening to the HRC 2018 presentations, which will cover many trends, changing the way we work. The rapid pace of technological progress is changing many aspects in our lives and has a great impact on people management, and I am looking forward to learning from the successful stories of companies such as Nokia, Oracle, Microsoft and many more.

HR Revolution Middle East Magazine:  Technically, as an Event Director, when you get to choose event partners and media partners, you are doing a “job” post in a different way, so, how do you recruit them? What are the criteria? How do you evaluate them? Etc…

Mohamed Yassein: Knowledge, enthusiasm and professionalism.

HR Revolution Middle East Magazine:  HR conferences are increasing annually throughout the world. Most speakers are HR directors and managers. Do you think “public speaking” is a basic qualification that must be considered when appointing a human resources director/manager?

Mohamed Yassein: Public speaking is an important skill that increases motivation. It is an important skill for all professionals and not just HR managers. This topic has been discussed in 2017. It has been presented by Yasmine El-Baz, who does a great job in public speaking and leadership skills.

HR Revolution Middle East Magazine:  What is your constructive criticism regarding other HR conferences held globally?

Mohamed Yassein: I have enjoyed all the other conferences that I have attended or followed. Conferences provide knowledge sharing, learning and networking that are very healthy for any industry and society. I am happy the conference industry is growing in Egypt and people have many options to choose from.

HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: What is your advice to new graduates who wish to establish a career in event management?

Mohamed Yassein: Events are a healthy trend that reflects the evolution of the industry and therefore, people who work in the event industry have to invest a lot of time in reading, research and networking in order to develop a product that adds value.

HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: Thank You 🙂

Mohamed Yassein: Thanks HR Revolution team and good luck.