Embracing change, connecting worlds

For Leher, relocating from Dubai to Singapore was more than just a change of scenery—it was a chance to enhance her skills and immerse herself in a diverse cultural environment. This pivotal career move has opened doors to new opportunities and personal growth.

Explore Leher’s journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

From shawarma and luqaimat to chicken rice and kaya toast — a journey from one culinary haven to another.

I’m not sure there are many people out there who would confidently say they always dreamt of being a talent consultant. But I’m certain many of us would say we can’t imagine doing anything else that feels more right and rewarding.

The world of consulting always intrigued me, and my ability to strike up a conversation in a room full of strangers wasn’t exactly the norm among finance graduates.

What drew me to recruitment consulting is simple: people are at the heart of everything we do. It felt like the right move to continue building my career in talent consulting when I joined Robert Walters almost five years ago. I felt genuinely inspired by the leaders I met.

Funnily enough, whenever someone asked me, “If you ever moved to another country, where would you go?” I always said Singapore. Who would’ve thought that four years later, I’d be making that move through our global mobility program. As someone born and raised in Dubai, most might call this ‘brave’ — we’re admittedly quite spoilt! But isn’t that also true in Singapore? I’ve always seen it as a global hub: rich in culture, close to nature, and offering a lifestyle I’ve been excited to explore more deeply.

Four promotions in four years at the RW Middle East offices — I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved, but even more grateful to have been recognised and valued throughout the business’s growth. One of my proudest contributions was helping build and scale our B2C Sales & Marketing function, positioning us as a leading partner of choice within the luxury retail space, all while leading the broader Sales & Marketing team.

Top Achievers' Weekend - Cancun

Now in Singapore, I'm focusing on building a strong market reputation before stepping back into leadership. This move certainly brought me closer to our global footprint. I’m grateful for my time in an emerging market like the Middle East, where I truly honed the art of relationship building while navigating rapid economic growth. In contrast, Singapore is a mature and highly competitive market, one that’s pushing me to become more data-driven and specialised in my approach. Partnering with clients from our regional hub and cross-selling across our three core pillars: Recruitment, Outsourcing, and Advisory, allows me to deliver as a true talent solutions consultant.

Wherever you are in the world, the values and culture at Robert Walters remain the same: people before profit, in every sense. Success in a new market also depends heavily on the support and guidance you receive. It’s been amazing to witness the spirit of ‘winning as one’ across our offices and to see the global mobility program executed so seamlessly. Navigating market challenges and cultural nuances with my new team has been the most fulfilling part of these early months — something I felt ready for and was supported through with full transparency from the very beginning.

Having had exposure to both the wider EMEA region and now APAC, I feel it gives me a stronger perspective on the global talent landscape and broadens my cultural awareness, which are both sought out skills in any seasoned leader.

Looking back, I truly miss the energy of the Dubai office, where the work ethic is strong and the celebrations even stronger. The high fives when you place someone in their dream job, especially when they “weren’t really looking.” The diverse perspectives that come out during brainstorming sessions on client challenges. It was collaboration at its absolute best. And personally, rather most importantly, leaving behind my family, friends, and all the memories of my childhood. 

Office party in Dubai

I have to admit it was also nerve wracking and as a true consultant, it meant leaving behind your legacy, your team, your top client relations and all that you have built both personally and professionally without knowing if it was all going to be worth it. Meeting the country manager of Singapore, Kirsty, in person in Dubai really helped seal the deal for me! She greeted me with warmth but more importantly shared the highs and lows of the market I was going to navigate.

If you’ve been considering an international move, take the leap but do it with a company that aligns with your values, and into a market you’ve taken the time to understand and prepare for.

Staying motivated and inspired in a new country and work environment starts with your mindset. I remind myself why I made the move in the first place — to grow, to challenge myself, and to experience something new both personally and professionally. That sense of purpose keeps me grounded.

I also find a lot of energy in building something from scratch; whether it's a market presence, a client relationship, or a team culture. It’s exciting to be in a space where you're not just continuing something but shaping it. I am indeed fortunate enough to have found my passion. Anyone who knows me will tell you, ‘Leher is Robert Walters’, and those who’ve worked with me say you can hear my passion in my voice... or so I’ve been told!

Outside of work, immersing myself in the local culture helps. Trying new food, experiences, and making genuine connections with people all contribute to feeling more rooted. It’s a blend of curiosity, gratitude, and the desire to make an impact that keeps me going. To matchas, kopis and success in Singapore!  

Robert Walters provides unparalleled learning and career progression opportunities. If like Ilse, you want to thrive in a career in recruitment, then we'd love to hear from you. The opportunities are endless.