Nic Beesley is the Managing Partner of LHH Gulf , a career transition and leadership coaching practice that partners with employers to support individuals at different stages of their careers. With a background in human resources, Nic held leadership positions in various companies before moving to the Middle East in 2004.
His passion for helping individuals prepare for their next career move led him to his current role at LHH Gulf, where he leads a team of experienced career coaches in empowering employees to take charge of their career development. Nic’s expertise in coaching and people development has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the industry. Learn more about Nic Beesley and his company through our interview below.
What’s the idea behind LHH Gulf?
We’re a Career Transition and Leadership Coaching practice, and our offering is simple: we partner with employers to support individuals at different stages of their careers. Whether it’s helping those impacted by organizational change – Career Transition/Outplacement support, giving them the best possible chance of landing their next opportunity, or by providing Leadership and Executive Coaching to high-potential employees, equipping them with the confidence and growth mindsets they need to reach their potential.
How did you begin your career journey? Do you have some advice for beginners?
Mine began in Human Resources, specifically in Learning and Development. Over time, I broadened my knowledge into all aspects of HR, reaching HR leadership positions in several companies. Then, I moved to the Middle East in 2004. In any career, if you want to be successful, it’s not just about studying and working hard; you need to stretch yourself, take a ‘leap of faith,’ do something others may shy away from, and not play it safe. A move with my family to the Middle East, our first expatriate move, was precisely that.
What led you to this company?
I’d always been in large corporate environments, leading their HR functions, but I was becoming increasingly isolated from the employees themselves. A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to go back to why I entered HR in the first place. Leading this coaching practice lets me do exactly that – helping individuals prepare for what’s next and do it with a passionate and experienced team of career coaches.
What’s the goal of your company?
Coaching is at the heart of everything we do. We partner with forward-thinking employers who can see the return on investment from people development.
How’s the market for you here in the UAE?
Though based in the UAE, the whole of the Gulf is our market. We’re seeing a growing awareness among organizations, especially in Career Transition and Outplacement. In addition, businesses of all sizes in the region recognize this as a point of difference in their employer brand when presenting themselves to potential new recruits.
What keeps your company moving forward even during challenges?
Rather than look externally for an endless supply of new professionals, the UAE increasingly seeks to retain the talent already based here. This is where we come in. The most rewarding projects are those where we get to work with employees impacted by organizational change, i.e., those who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
We commend employers who care enough about their employees to offer this service. It’s this that keeps us moving forward. Although many employees will continue to find themselves unexpectedly on the job market, we’re seeing a growing realization among large local employers that in providing such help, they’re building their reputation.
Would you like to say anything else to our viewers?
To employees, I’d say: You own your career, no one else. Your line manager and employer have a part to play, but you own it! Take the initiative and prove yourself.
To employers, I’d say: Coaching works. It pays-off!
Connect with Nic Beesley on LinkedIn.