The HR & CQ Show
HR & CQ Edge is an independent strategic intelligence series addressing the most pressing human capital challenges facing organisations in the UAE, GCC and beyond.
Anchored in the EDGE framework — Equity, Direction, Growth and Experience, each episode convenes senior practitioners, executives and subject matter leaders to examine the evidence, challenge conventional thinking and advance the people agenda at board level.
For CHROs, people executives and senior business leaders who understand that organisational performance begins and ends with people.
Hosted by Emma Jordaan Founder of Infinite Consulting and Sarah Brooks, FCIPD, Founder of Fikrah HR and regularly joined by distinguished guest contributors from across the UAE, GCC and global HR community.
The HR & CQ Show
Episode 19 – The Human Advantage with Andrew Stotter-Brooks (Live from HR & CQ Summit 2026)
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In this special episode of The HR & CQ Show, recorded live at our HR & CQ Summit 2026, we’re joined by Andrew Stotter-Brooks, Global Learning & Development Director at TGI Fridays.
Together, we explore what it really takes to lead, perform, and build high-impact teams in today’s increasingly complex world and why the real competitive edge isn’t technology… it’s people.
In this episode, we unpack:
•Why leadership today is defined by complexity, clarity, and trust
•What separates organisations that execute well from those that don’t
•Why systems matter, but performance comes from how people operate within them
•The role of trust and why once it’s broken, it’s never fully restored
•The leadership capability most lacking today: listening and asking the right questions
•Why psychological safety is critical to performance
•Leadership lessons from global markets and why “people are people”
•The human advantage in a world increasingly shaped by AI
•Why “soft skills” are actually power skills
•How leaders can better support teams during times of uncertainty
We also explore the reality of leading in the GCC, one of the most diverse talent markets in the world and why connection, respect, and understanding are essential to unlocking performance.
Because in the future of work…
Technology will reshape roles, but it won’t replace human connection.
This episode was brought to you by Sarah Brooks and Emma Jordaan
Sarah Brooks is a CIPD-qualified HR professional and the Founder and Managing Director of Fikrah HR, a UAE-based consultancy specialising in strategic talent management, organisational development, and positive workplace cultures. With nearly three decades of HR and business experience across the UK and GCC, she supports SMEs with innovative HR solutions that drive employee engagement and organisational effectiveness and compliance. Recognised among the top 101 global HR minds at the World HR Congress in 2019 and 2020, Sarah’s expertise spans the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, policy development, and performance management. She is also the co-host of The HR & CQ Show podcast, where she discusses HR trends and cultural intelligence in the UAE. Sarah has also been featured on Dubai Eye Business Breakfast radio show discussing hot topics regarding employer health & safety obligations and remote work challenges and is currently working towards the launch of Gigit, which will connect UAE based fractional & project workers with opportunities.
Emma Jordaan is the Founder and CEO of Infinite Consulting, a Dubai-based consultancy specialising in learning and development strategy and Cultural Intelligence (CQ). With over 20 years’ experience across ...
