Layal Abou Ghanem Interview
In this insightful interview, Layal Abou Ghanem—Organizational Development Manager at C.A.T. Group and Co-Founder of Solutions for Training and Consultancy (STC) shares her strategic approach to human capital development. With over 15 years of experience in HR, she emphasizes the critical importance of aligning people, purpose, and processes to drive sustainable organizational excellence. Layal discusses the challenges of leading HR in greenfield healthcare projects, the power of data analytics in shaping strategy, and how STC reflects her mission to deliver tailored, transformative solutions. Through purposeful leadership, collaboration, and innovation, she continues to build high-performing, people-centric workplaces.
The Power of Alignment
We started the interview by asking, “As an HR leader with over 15 years of experience, what do you consider the most critical element in building a successful organizational development strategy?”
Layal Abou Ghanem replied, “The most critical element in building a successful organizational development strategy is alignment—alignment between people, purpose, and processes. In my experience, it’s not just about designing systems or frameworks; it’s about fostering a culture where individuals clearly understand how their roles contribute to the bigger picture and larger organizational goals. I’ve consistently focused on designing competency frameworks and performance management systems that are tailored, scalable, and directly linked to business goals. By listening to the people on the ground and involving them in the change process, we create a sense of ownership and ensure long-term impact. Strategy shouldn’t exist in a vacuum; it must evolve with the organization’s needs and be rooted in data. That’s why I integrate people analytics into every phase of development, ensuring our decisions are informed and future-focused. Ultimately, successful OD is about empowering talent and cultivating an environment where excellence becomes the norm.
Currently, during my work with C.A.T. Group, I’ve been fortunate enough to be surrounded by a supportive management and brilliant team who believe in the importance of building, implementing, and maintaining a successful organizational development strategy that is both sustainable and aligned with long-term goals. We continually strive to improve existing systems while introducing innovative approaches to enhance both efficiency and effectiveness.”
Building from the Ground up
The Arab Today: You’ve played a key role in Greenfield healthcare projects. What are the HR challenges in such initiatives, and how do you overcome them?
Layal Abou Ghanem replied, “Greenfield healthcare projects are uniquely challenging because you’re literally building everything from the ground up—people, systems, culture, and compliance. The biggest HR challenges usually involve developing robust frameworks quickly, including job descriptions, recruitment pipelines, and onboarding strategies while maintaining regulatory compliance. In these high-pressure environments, agility and foresight are essential. I start by conducting a deep organizational needs assessment and develop a competency framework that reflects both the clinical and operational sides of the healthcare setting. KPIs and performance evaluation systems must be clear from day one, and employee training becomes the bridge between vision and reality. One of the keys to overcoming challenges is stakeholder alignment—ensuring leadership, clinical teams, and HR all speak the same language. By setting a solid HR foundation from the start, we enable sustainable growth, patient safety, and staff satisfaction. It’s intense, but incredibly rewarding to witness such transformation firsthand.”
Turning Insights into Impact
The Arab Today: What roles do data analytics and HR metrics play in the modern workplace, and how do you utilize them effectively?
Layal Abou Ghanem replied, “In today’s fast-paced business environment, HR can no longer rely on intuition alone. Data analytics and HR metrics have become essential tools for making informed, strategic decisions. They help us understand workforce trends, measure performance, and predict future needs. I use data to identify gaps in talent development, track engagement levels, and optimize recruitment strategies. For example, developing dashboards that link KPIs to learning outcomes, helps us refine training programs in real-time. Metrics also support transparency—they allow leadership and employees to see the impact of HR initiatives. But the key lies in translating data into action. Numbers don’t mean much unless they lead to improvement. That’s why combining analytical insights with human-centered approaches ensures we not only understand what’s happening but also how to address it meaningfully. Data is powerful when it’s used to drive real progress.”
Turning Passion into Purpose
The Arab Today: How does Solutions for Training and Consultancy reflect your personal mission in human capital development?
Layal Abou Ghanem replied, “Solutions for Training and Consultancy or STC for short, is more than a consultancy and training firm—it’s a platform where passion meets purpose. STC reflects my core belief that every organization, regardless of its size or industry, deserves customized, high-quality solutions that foster real growth. We’re not just ticking boxes; we’re transforming people and systems. Through STC, my years of HR experience are channeled into creating tailored solutions that help clients unlock their potential. Whether it’s developing a career path program, introducing data-driven performance management, optimizing operations, or preparing healthcare organizations for national and international accreditation, we always aim for practical impact. I believe learning should be transformative, not transactional. At STC, we emphasize innovation, compliance, and sustainability, which aligns perfectly with my mission of nurturing workplaces that are both high-performing and people-centric. STC’s team, whether in HR, Healthcare consultancy, or Accreditation and Commissioning, see themselves as partners and the success of our clients is our main objective. It’s fulfilling to see that our solutions do not just solve problems but also inspire lasting change.”
A Vision-Driven Approach to Leadership
Lastly, we asked, “How do you balance your different responsibilities while maintaining a consistent vision for organizational excellence?”
“Balancing multiple responsibilities requires a clear sense of purpose, effective time management, and a commitment to continuous learning. My focus is always on driving excellence—building structures, competencies, and performance systems that align with global standards while ensuring they meet the unique needs of the organization. What keeps me grounded is my unwavering belief in the value of people. Whether I’m leading organizational changes or navigating HR challenges, my approach remains consistent: listen, diagnose, co-create solutions, and ensure their implementation is sustainable. I also stay updated on best practices and standards through professional networks and communities. Delegation, collaboration, and building strong teams are key because no success happens in isolation. Throughout my responsibilities, I see myself as a catalyst for growth, ensuring that every solution is purpose-driven and aligned with real business value.” Layal Abou Ghanem concluded
Connect with Layal Abou Ghanem on LinkedIn
Visit STC Middle East to learn more about it
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