Theme: The Future of Jobs – Adapting to a Transformative World

In an era of rapid technological advancement and shifting global dynamics, the future of work is evolving at an unprecedented pace. TEDxLAU Byblos 2025 is set to explore "The Future of Jobs: Adapting to a Transformative World," bringing together visionary leaders, industry experts, and thought-provoking speakers to shed light on the essential skills, mindsets, and innovations that will define the workforce of tomorrow.

Taking place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Lebanese American University Byblos Campus, this event will feature six compelling talks, each offering a unique perspective on the ever-changing job market.

Speaker Lineup:
🔹 AI’s Role in Redefining Work and Opportunity – Omar Kandil, CEO of OBCIDO Inc. & Talentdu
🔹 The DNA of Transformational Leaders – Deputy Elias Hankash
🔹 Future-Proof Skills for Tomorrow’s Jobs – Master Coach Maya Al Tal, LAU ACE Partner
🔹 The Rise of the Digital Economy: Career Paths of the Future – Fares Antoun, New York Institute of Finance Fintech Trainer
🔹 Why Emotional Intelligence Will Rule the Workplace – Dr. Joelle Majdalani, LAU Assistant Professor of Practice
🔹 Strategic Planning for a Future-Ready Business – Major Hassan Safa, LAU ACE Partner & Leadership Coach

From the transformative role of AI to the significance of emotional intelligence and strategic leadership, TEDxLAU Byblos will ignite conversations that empower professionals, students, and businesses to navigate the future with confidence.

Join us as we uncover the opportunities, challenges, and essential skills needed to thrive in the workplaces of tomorrow.

Chaghoury Health Sciences Center Auditorium
Lebanese American University, Byblos Campus
Floor 1
Byblos, Liban-Nord, 0000
Lebanon

Cendrella Mjaes

Senior HR Practitioner and Corporate Consultant

Cendrella Mjaes is a Senior HR Practitioner and Corporate Consultant with 15+ years of experience driving organizational success through strategic HR leadership, soft skills training, and academic excellence. As Co-Founder of Mindset Mena S.A.R.L, she specializes in talent development, conflict resolution, and corporate training, delivering impactful leadership and team-building programs. A certified soft skills trainer with credentials from Wilson Learning and ATD, she empowers professionals through negotiation, communication, and emotional intelligence training. As an MBA-educated lecturer at NDU, she bridges theory and practice, shaping future business leaders. Her analytical, human-centric approach fosters inclusive, high-performing workplaces. Cendrella has shared her insights on HR and leadership in multiple interviews on MTV Alive, discussing AI’s impact on jobs, leadership partnerships, and youth employment trends.

Elias Hankash

Member of Parliament

Elias Hankach is the CEO of Noknok and has held key roles in multiple companies, including Mazar Farms, Bongos, and Red Bull, where he served as a manager. He spent four years in Japan and Egypt before returning to Lebanon as a consultant, providing advisory services to various corporations. In 2014, he was appointed an advisor to the Minister of Economy, focusing on restructuring key sectors. He was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2018, actively serving on Youth & Sports, Economy & Trade, and Planning committees. He resigned in 2020 following the Beirut Port explosion but was re-elected in 2022. In his second term, he became Rapporteur of the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee. Beyond politics, he co-founded "Make Your Mark" in 2018, a youth-driven initiative supporting local development and cultural projects, securing grants for institutions, and assisting small and medium-sized enterprises.

Fares Antoun

Fintech Expert

Fares Antoun is a fintech expert with over two decades of experience in digital transformation, payments, and strategic digital partnerships. A sought-after speaker at major conferences, he shares insights on emerging technologies and their impact on finance, business, society, and digital innovation's future. As a fintech lecturer, he is dedicated to advancing industry knowledge and empowering individuals and organizations to embrace technology for growth and transformation. Passionate about financial development and human capital enhancement.

Hasan Safa

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Hasan is a PhD candidate in International and Diplomatic Affairs, holding two bachelor's degrees in Political and Administrative Sciences and Military Sciences, along with two master’s degrees in International and Diplomatic Affairs and Business Administration (EMBA). He has published a book on geopolitics and an article analyzing Lebanon’s gas sector from a geopolitical perspective. An experienced instructor, he teaches Communication Skills, Leadership, Advocacy, and Strategic Management. With 17 years of experience, Hasan has developed expertise in communication, management, and leadership. His work with global organizations—including the U.S. Army and Air Force, British Royal Air Force, German Navy, Italian Military, UNIFIL, and UN agencies—has strengthened his cultural awareness. Passionate about human rights and international law, he has led specialized training programs. Hasan is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and leveraging his skills to educate and empower others.

Joelle Majdalani

Assistant professor of practice in Marketing, Lebanese American University

Joelle Majdalani is an assistant professor in marketing with a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) in Emotional Intelligence from Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM), France. She also holds an MBA and a BS with Distinction from LAU. Passionate about fashion, she teaches fashion-related courses and serves as General Manager of Boutique Marcelle, a family-owned business specializing in upscale, ready-to-wear garments for women. She has led numerous workshops and trainings on Emotional Intelligence and Fashion. As an international consultant and Middle East expert for the International Trade Company (a joint U.N.-WTO agency), she conducts trainings, webinars, and workshops. Committed to continuous learning, she regularly attends industry conferences and has developed specialized courses in Emotional Intelligence and Fashion Marketing, combining academic expertise with real-world experience.

Maya El Tal

Executive Coach & Leadership Strategist

Maya El Tal is a distinguished executive coach, leadership strategist, and educator known for developing top leaders across high-level institutions and global organizations. With a proven track record in designing transformative leadership programs, she advises executives and trains professionals at renowned companies worldwide. As an associate faculty member at the Lebanese American University and founder of its Professional Coaching Associate Diploma, Maya shapes the next generation of coaches and leaders. She has taught at prestigious institutions such as Cranfield University in the UK, integrating neuroscience, behavioral science, and strategic thinking to help navigate complexity and drive change. Currently a DBA candidate, Maya holds a Master’s in Neuroscience (University of Bordeaux) and an MBA (LAU), and is certified by CPTD, AMC, and MBTI®, with credentials from Harvard and Oxford.

Omar Kandil

Co-Founder & CEO at OBCIDO Inc. & Talentdu | Author of Top-Ranked Business Book "Winning the Slow Race" | Digital Marketing Expert, Advisor, Coach

Omar Kandil, BBA in Marketing and MBA candidate (LAU), is a bestselling author in marketing and the co-founder of the leading global marketing agency OBCIDO Inc., where he became CEO in 2022. With extensive experience in hospitality, sales, and digital marketing, Omar founded Talentdu to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, empowering the next generation of digital marketing professionals.