Leaders

Abu Dhabi continues to emerge as a global hub for digital innovation and economic diversification, with women playing an increasing leadership role across key industries. This growth is evident in sectors such as technology, finance, and human resources, where progressive policies and business infrastructure are fostering female leadership. One such leader driving transformation is Gay Carr, Group Chief People Officer at Gushcloud International, a global creator management and licensing company at the forefront of the digital economy.

A true trailblazer in the field of HR, Gay has dedicated her career to advancing talent management and organizational development. Gay pioneered the establishment of ANZ Bank’s first Philippine shared services center, helping scale the operation from 500 to 1,500 employees. This initiative not only attracted Australian investment but also played a significant role in creating new job opportunities in the Philippines. Her strategic insight has also driven her career forward, transitioning from operations to a dedicated HR role in 2016, and later completing a Graduate Certificate in HRM in 2020. Gay's proactive approach to global expansion saw her relocate to Abu Dhabi in 2024 to support Gushcloud’s MENA growth. Today, her leadership continues to inspire, demonstrating the power of continuous learning and the strength of women in leadership roles. Let’s hear more from her.

Could you share an overview of your extensive professional journey as an HR specialist? What are the key areas of expertise that you contribute to your role?

With over 24 years of experience, including a strong background in operations management, I have developed expertise in scaling, training, and talent development. I successfully established a banking operations BPO office for an Australian bank, hiring over 500 employees and growing the team to 1,500. For the past 9 years, I’ve specialized in HR, providing consultancy in HRIS, outsourced payroll, and recruitment. My qualifications, including a Graduate Certificate in HRM, HR Business Partner certification, and IHRP-CP certification, have strengthened my ability to tackle complex HR challenges. Additionally, my Agile project management certifications (PSM-I, PSPO-I, ICPACC) enable me to optimize HR processes, improve collaboration, and deliver innovative, efficient solutions for a more productive workplace.

As the Group Chief People Officer, what are the key roles and responsibilities that you oversee? What are the essential strategies you focus on to foster a motivated and engaged workforce at Gushcloud International?

Gushcloud International is a global creator management and licensing company that uses AI to connect audiences and brands through influencers and content creators. The company offers a range of services, including representation, brand strategy, marketing, media production, sales, and licensing. With over 300 employees, Gushcloud operates in 13 offices worldwide, including in regions such as the UAE, Singapore, the U.S., and Greater China. As the Group Chief People Officer for MENA, I focus on creating internship opportunities for local Emiratis, strengthening partnerships with UAE universities, and expanding the company’s presence in the region. At Gushcloud International, I focus on strengthening the MENA region’s creator economy by facilitating high-value brand partnerships, fostering collaborations between global creators and UAE-based companies, and aligning with Abu Dhabi’s goal of becoming a media and content hub for digital entrepreneurs.

In your view, what are some of the biggest challenges you face as a people leader in today’s business environment? What strategies do you implement to overcome these obstacles?

According to a 2023 McKinsey study, 75 percent of Gen Z employees value work-life balance over salary, emphasizing the need for companies to adapt flexible work policies. Gen Z prefers meaningful work, rapid career growth, and continuous learning opportunities, while being less inclined to follow rigid schedules and traditional corporate structures. At Gushcloud International, we support flexible work by allowing employees to work from home twice a week, using technology to ensure productivity while still valuing inperson meetings for engagement. We set clear weekly goals and response time expectations to maintain efficiency. To meet Gen Z's career growth desires, we emphasize skill mastery, emotional intelligence, and clear career paths, ensuring employees see steady progress and engagement in their roles.

Can you highlight the most significant professional milestones you've reached in your career? What has been your key success mantra throughout the years?

Throughout my career, I’ve reached several significant milestones, including successfully scaling operations, leading talent development initiatives, and transitioning into an HR-focused role where I’ve had the opportunity to work with diverse teams and industries. My success mantra is inspired by a Bible verse from Philippians 2:3- 5 (NLT), which says, ‘Don’t be selfish, don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had’.This verse has guided me, reflecting the core values of servant leadership, which I strive to embody in both my professional and personal life.

How do you envision the global HR landscape evolving in the near future? Are there any particular industry trends you’re placing your bets on?

As AI and automation reshape the global workforce, HR leaders must take a proactive role in reskilling employees for high-value roles that emphasize creativity, human judgment, and emotional intelligence. Organizations that integrate AI while prioritizing human capital development will be best positioned for longterm success. Additionally, the Creator Economy will continue to grow, with more individuals turning their expertise into income streams, further expanding the Key Opinion Leader (KOL) era and offering new avenues for monetization. 

Gay Carr, Group Chief People Officer, Gushcloud International

Gay Carr is the Group Chief People Officer at Gushcloud International, with over 24 years of experience in operations and HR. She specializes in talent development, HR strategy, and global expansion, having pioneered shared services and led HR initiatives across multiple regions.