If knowledge is power, then shared knowledge is multiplied power. That, in a capsule, is Elham Hennessey’s dictum; the raison d’être for the operational excellence of DevelopMe Consultancy, a consultancy firm dedicated to providing psychometrics, assessment and development solutions to both private and public sector companies.
According to her, knowledge sharing culture in a business setup can act as perfect leverage to enhance the performances of individual employees in a company. As the Founder and Director of DevelopMe Consultancy, which offers executive, career, leadership and team coaching services, she is driven by a desire to explore the different dimensions of knowledge sharing as well as mentoring and coaching.
“I am very passionate about sharing knowledge; therefore, I chose a career in HR to enable me to enhance individual performances through various initiatives and channels,” explains Elham. As an executive coach and an experienced learning and development specialist with a strong background in mentoring leadership skills, she has worked with senior leadership teams, middle managers and professionals in private sector organisations throughout the Middle East – covering areas such as telecom, logistics, information technology, training, finance and retail.
Pointing out that understanding organisational behaviour, culture and relationship management are the three key elements to a successful coaching relationship, she states, “I enjoy finding creative solutions to business challenges and that is what drives and motivates me.”
Elham has extensive experience in designing and running assessment and development centres for selection, leadership development and talent management; designing and delivering development workshops and specialised courses such as public speaking, presentation and interviewing skills. Her passion lies in facilitating learning and development opportunities. Explaining about it, she says, “I think being aware of the constant change in the work environment and the need to be proactive and dynamic has paved the way for coaching in my career. I work with executives to develop their leadership qualities and raise their awareness of self and others, help them reach their goals and aspirations… Leadership can be a lonely place and having a coach that one can trust and work with when they get stuck, can help them grow.”
As a regular columnist in a local daily, Elham’s immediate plans are to create better awareness regarding the importance of coaching and mentoring in a business setup. “My plans are to continue to write business articles that aim at raising awareness about a particular aspect and create opportunities for learning and development,” she says.
A busy working mother, Elham has managed to strike the right balance between mothering her three sons and her challenging coaching career, even making time for the outdoors and adventure sports. As she states, “We are a very active family. I have three young boys who are passionate about sports and the outdoors, so we always have an activity or two lined up to keep us occupied. We enjoy travelling, hiking and skiing as a family.”
A long-time resident of Oman, she is still awed by the Omani hospitality, its traditions and cultural diversity. “There is a sense of calmness and peace, especially when you drive out of the hustle and bustle of the city. I love exploring the desert, mountains, coves such as Bandar Khairan, and wadis. There is something for everyone. If you are an outdoors person, you can go camping, rock climbing, riding, hiking, swimming, surfing or scuba diving; just a few meters underwater gives you a sense of this beauty. I recently went on a whale shark expedition, just off the coast! There aren’t many places that can offer that. Oman is a paradise for photographers. I love capturing memories and freezing moments in time,” states Elham, who indulges in her first love photography, whenever she finds time.
The home I grew up in…
Was a cosy bungalow in Bahrain.
When I was a child I wanted to…
Be a doctor.
The moment that changed me forever…
When I had my first child.
My greatest inspiration…
The Dalai Lama.
I dream of…
Seeing the Northern lights.
It’s not fashionable but I like…
Calling, instead of texting,
My greatest regret…
Not learning how to ski from a young age.
You may not know it but I’m no good at…
Reading maps.
If I have time to myself…
I’d travel the world and learn more languages.
My house is…
A relaxing place, where I enjoy entertaining family and friends.
My favourite holiday destination…
Italy.
My favourite weekend spot in Oman…
Jabal Akhdhar.
I will not leave my house without…
My camera.
Things I like about Oman…
The landscape and mountain ranges, the Omani people and their hospitality… I really enjoy the peace and the harmony.
A book that changed me…
‘The Brain That Changes Itself’, by Norman Doidge.
On top of my wish/bucket list is…
To learn how to sky dive.
My success mantra is…
Be the change you want to see.
In 10 years’ time, I hope to be…
An inspirational business speaker.
