Tariq didn’t start his career in a corporate office or HR department. He began as a teacher at an industrial training center in Saudi Aramco, where he was the only local instructor at the time. It was a high-pressure environment, with experienced engineers and technicians looking to him for guidance.
“I remember walking into that classroom for the first time and thinking, ‘I need to get this right. Every interaction counts. Every word matters.’ It wasn’t about me; it was about them.”
That early experience shaped his belief that leadership is less about titles and more about understanding and connecting with people.
From the Classroom to Career Lessons
One of the first trainees Tariq remembers was a talented engineer who struggled with confidence. His technical knowledge was strong, but he hesitated during practical exercises. Instead of pushing the curriculum, Tariq invited him for a short conversation after class.
“I asked him, ‘What feels hard for you?’ and listened. I didn’t give instructions. I just listened.”
That trainee ended up excelling and later shared that the brief moment of attention had changed his perspective. For Tariq, it was a revelation. Leadership was not just about guiding someone through a task. It was about recognizing their potential, nurturing it, and creating space for growth.
Transforming HR Through Human Connection
Years later, Tariq transitioned into HR, moving from teaching to managing talent in a corporate environment. One of his first challenges was in the recruitment process. Recruiters were swamped with administrative work, leaving little time to engage with candidates meaningfully.
“I asked the team, ‘If you could spend more time with candidates, what would that look like?’”
Their answer was simple: more human interaction. Tariq introduced AI solutions to automate scheduling, tracking, and routine tasks. This freed recruiters to focus on meaningful conversations, coaching, and assessing candidates holistically.
“We had a candidate with multiple offers. In the end, they chose our company because of the engagement with our team. Technology handled logistics, but human interaction made the difference.”
This project became a blueprint for how technology can enhance, rather than replace, human connection.
Listening Across Cultures
In another instance, Tariq led a global training initiative. Standardized programs faced pushback in several regions, as teams felt the content did not fit local work culture. Tariq knew enforcing a top-down approach would backfire.
“I said, ‘Help me understand what works for you. I want to learn from you.’”
He conducted listening sessions in every region, gathering stories, experiences, and concerns. By tailoring the program to local contexts while maintaining global standards, engagement improved dramatically.
“The moment I started listening, resistance turned into collaboration. People felt heard, and that trust changed everything.”
This experience reinforced that leadership is built on empathy and attention to others, not just authority or rules.
Making Mentorship Part of the Job
Tariq has always prioritized mentoring his teams. He regularly schedules one-on-one conversations, not just to review performance, but to understand aspirations, challenges, and personal goals.
“I tell my team, ‘Your success is my success. I want to see you grow, not just follow instructions.’”
This approach has created a culture where people feel valued, supported, and motivated. Employees know their voices matter, and leaders are approachable.
Stories That Stick
One story Tariq often shares is about a candidate who was hesitant to join the company because of past experiences with large organizations. Tariq personally spent time with them over two weeks, answering questions, sharing experiences, and connecting them with team members.
“On the day they accepted the offer, they said, ‘I’ve never felt this seen by a company before.’ Moments like that remind me why human connection is at the core of leadership.”
Another memorable moment was during a global HR transformation project. Tariq noticed that some local HR teams felt disconnected from central leadership. Instead of sending top-down instructions, he organized workshops where local teams shared their challenges, successes, and ideas.
“By listening first, we built solutions that worked everywhere. And more importantly, we built trust. That trust is what makes HR successful.”
Lessons from a People-First Leader
Tariq’s career offers lessons that transcend HR:
Empathy is non-negotiable. Start by understanding people before solving problems.
Technology should support, not replace humans. Free people to focus on what matters most.
Small interactions have big impact. A short conversation or check-in can transform engagement.
Listen before acting. Diverse teams require curiosity, humility, and flexibility.
Culture is everything. Trust, mentorship, and visibility matter as much as strategy.
A Journey Still in Motion
Even after decades of experience, Tariq views leadership as a daily practice. Every project, conversation, and challenge is an opportunity to learn and help others grow.
“Leadership is not about titles or positions. It is about showing up for people, helping them grow, and using innovation to support human potential.”
From teaching in a training center to shaping HR strategy for a global organization, Tariq’s story is proof that leadership is cultivated over time. Through empathy, listening, and intentional use of technology, he has created a model of people-centric leadership that is practical, inspiring, and deeply human.
Disclaimer: To protect anonymity, some contributors’ names may be changed, but the stories and lessons are always real.
