Scaling, The Gulf, and Fresh Perspectives

Welcome to my newsletter!

This week's focus:

The real risk of scaling – don’t lose the grit that made you successful 

Business in The Gulf – what years here have taught me 

Fresh perspectives – the next generation of talent 

The real risk of scaling 

As your agency starts to grow, it's easy to think that your biggest challenges will be managing cash flow or staying ahead of competitors.  

But, in my experience, the real risk lies in the people you hire. 

I remember when MCG Talent hit 7 figures, we made the mistake of bringing in "senior" hires with big CVs.  

These hires came from traditional backgrounds, and suddenly our fast-moving, scrappy agency was bogged down by endless meetings and strategies that took weeks to execute.  

The energy and speed that drove our initial success were getting lost in red tape and overthinking. 

We lost focus on what mattered most: driving sales and staying agile.  

We started chasing ideas that looked good on paper but didn’t serve our immediate needs.  

It’s a trap many scaling businesses fall into, thinking that bringing in more experience will lead to better results.  

You don’t need people to build more processes – you need people who keep things scrappy, hands-on, and focused. 

Here’s what I’ve learned: hire doers.  

The kind of people who roll up their sleeves and solve problems without waiting for a meeting.  

Versatile, results-driven people who keep things moving without getting caught up in red tape. 

Keep your team lean, and prioritise quality over headcount.  

And most importantly, stay close to your customers and the work that drives your business. 

This mindset will help you avoid getting bogged down as you scale.

Business in The Gulf 

One of the best perks of doing business in the Gulf is the places you get to see.  

I’ve been in Dubai for 16 years and running MCG Talent here for 14, so I’ve had the chance to see this region up close.  

It’s a place where the fast-paced city life meets quiet deserts, and every time I travel, I’m reminded of how much more the Gulf has to offer beyond the glitzy surface of Dubai. 

Today, we operate in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, and over the years, I’ve explored cities most people overlook.  

Don’t be that person who claims to “do business in the Gulf” but never leaves Dubai.  

The Palm is great, but trust me, it’s just the start.  

If you want to make a mark in the region, you have to get out and experience the real Gulf. 

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of working across the region: 

Build Genuine Relationships.  

Trust is everything here.  

It’s not about meetings but investing time and energy into relationships. 

Respect the Culture.  

This region has a history that runs deep, and understanding it goes beyond surface-level courtesies. 

Embrace Flexibility.  

Things don’t always happen on your timeline. The key is to adapt and make it work. 

Explore Beyond Dubai.  

Riyadh, Doha, Muscat, Bahrain – these places are bursting with potential.  

Don’t miss out on what the rest of the region has to offer. 

Quality Over Quick Wins.  

In the Gulf, reputation is gold.  

Deliver what you promise and never cut corners. 

Play the Long Game.  

Success here takes time and perseverance, but if you stick around, the rewards are huge. 

The Gulf is so much more than Dubai’s skyscrapers and fancy hotels.  

Get out there, see the region, and you’ll understand what this place is really about. 

Fresh perspectives 

One of the most important things for any business leader to focus on is building and supporting the next wave of talent.  

It’s not enough to only hire for the here and now – you have to think long-term about who will carry your business forward. 

I’ve seen too many businesses get stuck in their old ways, reluctant to bring in fresh perspectives.  

The world is changing fast, and the next generation is more adaptable, tech-savvy, and creative than ever before.  

If you’re not investing in them, you’re setting yourself up to fall behind. 

A few things I’ve learned… 

Mentorship Matters:  

Investing time in developing younger talent pays off.  

They may not have the experience yet, but they often bring new ideas and energy that can move the needle. 

Create Opportunities for Growth:  

Give your junior team members real responsibilities and the chance to prove themselves. 

Diversity of Thought:  

The next generation brings different experiences and perspectives to the table, and this diversity leads to innovation. 

Ultimately, nurturing young talent is a long game, but it’s one that will keep your business ahead of the curve. 

1-1 Coaching

As many of you will know, aside from my role at MCG Talent - I also help early stage recruitment founders start, build and grow a business at 7-Figure Recruitment Scaling Systems.

If you want to build or scale your recruitment agency using a proven system, book a call today!