Skills gaps and recruitment challenges within the advertising and media talent landscape remain a leading concern, especially within the current agencies ecosystem.
To address these concerns, and more, Campaign Middle East spoke to Elie Haddad, the CEO of OUTLane Management Consultancy, a firm specialising in talent development and recruitment for the advertising, media and events management industries.
Question: Today, we’re joined by Elie Haddad, CEO of OUTLane Management Consultancy, a firm specialising in talent development and recruitment for the advertising, media and events management industries. Elie, welcome. Can you share your insights on what it takes to thrive in this fast-paced environment?
Elie Haddad: Thank you. Success in advertising and media requires more than raw talent. It demands a commitment to continuous growth and adaptation. These fields are constantly evolving, with the regional market. At OUTLane, we’ve designed our services to address this need, helping both professionals and businesses stay ahead.
Question: OUTLane is also known for its training excellence. Can you elaborate on your approach?
Elie Haddad: We focus on building practical skills that have a direct impact on performance. Our programmes cover a wide range, from soft skills and leadership development to specialised training for client services and creative roles. We’ve delivered lot of training initiatives, reaching thousands of professionals. Research consistently shows that investing in training leads to increased productivity and higher employee retention – benefits we aim to provide our clients.
Question: How do you ensure the training is effective and sustainable?
Elie Haddad: We offer ongoing support through mentorship, networking, and access to industry insights. This creates a continuous learning loop that helps professionals stay competitive as the market shifts.
Question: Recruitment in this field is notoriously challenging. What’s your approach?
Elie Haddad: We take a personalised approach to recruitment, understanding that each client has unique needs. Our deep industry knowledge and thorough screening process help us identify candidates who are not only qualified but also culturally aligned with the organisation. Many companies in this sector struggle to find the right talent, which is where our specialised services prove invaluable.
Question: How do you integrate your training and recruitment solutions?
Elie Haddad: That’s a key differentiator for us. Our training programmes are directly aligned with the competencies required for specific roles. This allows us to develop candidates who are job-ready from day one. It also informs our recruitment process, ensuring we find individuals who are committed to ongoing learning.
Question: What impact does this have on your clients?
Elie Haddad: Our clients gain access to top talent who are continuously supported with training and resources. This equips their teams with the technical skills and adaptability needed to succeed in a dynamic industry.
Question: What’s the ultimate vision for OUTLane in the advertising and media landscape?
Elie Haddad: Our mission is to empower professionals and businesses to reach their full potential. Whether it’s through upskilling current employees or finding the perfect new hires, we’re dedicated to being a strategic partner throughout their journey.
Besides recruitment and training, OUTLane also provides the following services:
HR Outsourcing
OUTLane manages essential HR functions such as payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance management, allowing its clients to focus on their core business activities.
Administrative Services
The firm provides comprehensive administrative support, including data entry, document management, and office operations management, optimising efficiency and reducing overhead costs.
Legal Process Outsourcing
OUTLane’s partner offers legal support services such as contract drafting and review, legal research, and regulatory compliance assistance, ensuring legal tasks are handled professionally and promptly.
Government Relations
The firm also facilitates effective communication and interaction with government entities, handling regulatory submissions, licensing, foreign investment on behalf of our clients.
Elie Haddad: These BPO services are designed to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and enable our clients to concentrate on their strategic objectives, while we manage critical business functions with precision and expertise.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights, Elie. It’s clear that OUTLane is playing a significant role in shaping the future of talent in advertising and media.
Elie Haddad: My pleasure. It’s been great discussing our work with you.
