Sirafima Lomonossova the Communications Director for the ICF UAE Charter Chapter

Sirafima’s Career:

My name is Sirafima (Sima), hailing from the picturesque land of Kazakhstan. Four years ago, I embarked on a new chapter by relocating to the UAE with my cherished family. Blessed with three incredible children aged 18, 10, and 7, they inspire me to constantly strive for personal and professional growth.

Prior to my UAE adventure, I immersed myself in the world of Human Resources at NCOC (North Caspian Operating Company N.V.). With over 16 years of experience in HR, I spearheaded diverse projects and initiatives, always fascinated by leadership development, succession planning, and the realm of coaching.

It was during my transition to the UAE that I realized my passion for executive coaching. I made a conscious decision to leverage my knowledge and experiences, dedicating myself to empowering leaders across the Gulf and CIS countries.

As I progress on this fulfilling coaching journey, I find immense joy in witnessing personal and professional transformations. Connecting with coaching communities worldwide, I strive to foster collaboration, respect, and excellence in my work. My purpose lies in unlocking individuals’ potential through the powerful methodologies of coaching and mentoring, paving the way to remarkable success.

Today, I proudly hold the distinction of an ICF PCC Coach and serve as the Communications Director for the ICF UAE Charter Chapter. Being an active member of the International Coaching Federation community fills me with great pride and reinforces my commitment to making a positive impact.

What are some truths about succession plans and their importance in the UAE? What are your insights as an expert in this Succession Coaching?

As an expert in succession planning, I have witnessed the importance of robust succession planning firsthand. Succession plans play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of organizations. One truth about succession plans is that they provide a structured framework for identifying, developing, and preparing high-potential individuals to assume key leadership positions. These plans enable organizations to proactively address leadership gaps, ensuring a smooth transition during periods of change or when key leaders depart.

In the UAE, where the business landscape is dynamic and rapidly evolving, succession planning becomes even more critical. It helps organizations maintain continuity, adapt to market challenges, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. By identifying and nurturing talent internally, companies can build a pipeline of competent leaders who understand the local market dynamics and cultural nuances.

Drawing insights from my past experience with Oil and Gas giants, I would like to share that there was a commitment to succession planning as a strategic priority.

Identifying future leaders early on, providing them with diverse development opportunities and mentoring programs support newly appointed managers to move forward.Structured talent reviews and performance assessments, continuously evaluate and refine their succession plans, aligning leaders with evolving business needs.

In the UAE, succession plans also serve as an essential tool for Emiratization, promoting the development and advancement of local talent within organizations. By investing in the growth and progression of Emirati professionals, organizations contribute to the sustainable development and economic prosperity of the country.

In conclusion, succession plans are not just about filling leadership vacancies; they are strategic initiatives that foster organizational resilience, growth, and sustainability. Embracing proven practices from global industry leaders and tailoring them to the UAE context, organizations can build a robust talent pipeline that drives success in the ever-evolving corporate landscape.

What are some of the best practices a business leader needs to foster?

Thank you for your question. As an executive coach working with corporate business leaders, I have observed various organizational models and cultures. Based on my experiences, I would like to share some distilled best practices for fostering effective leadership.

Robust Communication: Establish a culture of open and clear communication. Keep team members informed throughout projects, transformations, and initiatives. Encourage an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing, asking questions, and being heard. Avoid assumptions by being accessible and approachable.

Accountability and Consistency: Lead by example and hold yourself accountable. Establish clear goals and provide employees with the necessary resources to succeed. Consistency builds trust and stability in the workplace. Define expectations, set personal rules, and address any inconsistencies promptly to avoid frustration and promote a cohesive work environment.

Employee Motivation and Engagement: Invest time in your staff and support their professional growth. Identify and nurture their leadership abilities, helping them achieve personal success. Understand the key drivers and values of your team members to better engage, motivate, and celebrate their achievements. Foster employee engagement by creating opportunities for building positive relationships both inside and outside the office.

Conflict Management: Address conflicts head-on instead of avoiding them. Approach individuals involved in the conflict in a face-to-face meeting. Consider involving a neutral party to facilitate the conversation and maintain objectivity. Listen attentively to each person’s perspective, allowing them to express themselves without interruption. Focus on resolving the problem and finding a constructive way forward, emphasizing future actions rather than dwelling on the past. Strive to keep emotions in check to develop an effective action plan and promote positive change.

By embracing these best practices, leaders can cultivate a thriving work environment, inspire their teams, and drive organizational success.

How has been your own experience as a businesswoman?

Well, setting up something from scratch and building upwards is no easy feat. As a businesswoman, I have personally experienced the trials and triumphs of this endeavor.

It all begins with an idea. However, ideas alone are not enough. They must be carefully examined and evaluated to determine if I have the necessary time, resources, and support to bring them to fruition.

Consistency and discipline are vital when starting a new project or business. Success and accomplishment come with taking small steps consistently, rather than trying to achieve everything at once, which can lead to burnout. When planning a new initiative, I meticulously jot down all the relevant details on a piece of paper. This visual aid helps me stay focused and ensures that I don’t overlook anything crucial.

I am fortunate to have an incredible network of people, including trusted colleagues and friends, who provide valuable advice and feedback. Collaboration and validation from these individuals play an integral role in shaping my plans and ensuring their success.

In this journey, there are good days when progress flows effortlessly, and I find myself racing to keep up. However, there are also challenging days when nothing seems to go as planned. During these moments, I reflect on the reasons behind the setbacks and use them as stepping stones for growth. Key to this journey is a combination of hard work, discipline, and a touch of flexibility.

I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support of the people who have been by my side throughout my career and life. Their guidance, valuable advice, and feedback have been invaluable on this path of continuous growth.

Remember that building something from scratch is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. Embrace the process, stay determined, and surround yourself with a strong support system. With dedication and resilience, you can achieve greatness and make your mark in the business world.

What are modern HR practices corporate needs to watch for?

The HR landscape has undergone a profound transformation, evolving from a support function to a strategic business partner. This shift has been further accelerated by the pandemic, prompting organizations to adopt modern HR practices. The role of HR has proven its significance and immense contribution to organizational success.

In response to the changing landscape, HR practices have witnessed significant changes. While human capital, employee development, and authentic leadership have always been paramount, the pandemic highlighted the importance of employee well-being, mental health, and effective communication. Consequently, organizations are now investing in programs that support employee well-being and mental health, addressing anxiety and burnout.

A crucial lesson from this period of accelerated transformation is the value of flexibility and agility in making effective decisions within a rapidly changing environment. The automation of routine tasks and the introduction of employee self-service platforms have relieved HR administrators of administrative burdens, enabling them to focus on strategic initiatives.

Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on reinforcing the role of HR business partners. These professionals are now assigned dual responsibilities: supporting specific areas of the business while cultivating functional specializations spanning HR and the organization, such as compensation and benefits or organizational development. This integration fosters collaborative workflow practices, bridging the gap between business partners and corporate HR.

By staying attuned to these modern HR practices, organizations can adapt, thrive, and unleash their full potential in the ever-evolving corporate landscape.

What do you advise skilled professionals for building effective communication?

Nowadays so much advice, training, and information about building effective communication, though it still remains an open question. I hope my tips be helpful too:

1. Listen actively to understand others.
2. Express ideas clearly and concisely.
3. Cultivate empathy and connect with your audience.
4. Adapt your communication style to different situations.
5. Seek feedback and continuously improve. Remember, strong communication skills elevate your professional presence, foster collaboration, and open doors to new opportunities. Start building your communication prowess today and watch your career soar!

Your message to our readers

Well, thank you very much for having me here today, and I’m wishing all the best to your magazine and the opportunities you give to coaches, and women leaders to thrive in the Gulf!

To all the readers I would want to wish all the best in their new initiatives, and also say never give up and believe in yourself, believe in your superpowers. If you feel stuck, seek support from others. Find people that motivate and support you, find your people. If there are challenging times, remember they will pass, be consistent and all your dreams will come true -? Embrace your inner strength and let your light shine. May self-confidence and success accompany you always.