Learner Stories: Khaled Shaker | CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management

Having completed his Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management, Khaled Shaker is already applying his learnings to his role at John Hopkins Aramco Healthcare in Saudi Arabia.

The Senior Talent Management Advisor has changed his company’s process for providing and receiving feedback so that it relies more on psychological safety, after learning the strategy on the course.

He’s now studying further with MOL after enrolling on our MSc in Strategic Human Resource Management.

We caught up with Khaled as he finished the course, and then again at our graduation ceremony, to talk about his experience on the Level 7 course, what it’s like to study from abroad and why he trusts MOL to help him develop further.
 

What do you do in your current role?

I like to think we build people and develop talent. First level leaders particularly, emerging leaders, and unleash the potential of every individual at Johns Hopkins. We identify the tools that will enable them to work effectively with others; manage their time – time management is quite important; be self-aware – self-awareness is also important; resolve conflict and conflict management; managing self; managing up; managing their team and help them to make a distinctive contribution in building a culture of success.
 

Why did you choose to study a CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma with MOL?

The main reason for taking the course is to gain the tools, techniques, knowledge and understanding of how to operate at the senior level. And add real value to my organisation and the development of my colleagues and that’s quite important to me.
 

What’s the most useful thing you’ve learned on the course and how have you applied it at work?

The most useful topic was leading, managing and developing people. I saw the topic and I really liked it. Also employee engagement, the best way forward to keep everyone engaged. We changed our process as a result, for providing and receiving feedback, and our strategy heavily relies on psychological safety because I believe it’s foundational.
 

How else have you benefitted from the course?

Comprehensive knowledge of the connection between work-life balance and developing people based on those key theories that MOL has shared with us in that particular field.
 

What has been the biggest challenge for you while studying?

I have a small family; two young boys, seven and four. That's challenging. Trying to put them to bed, and then find time to start the webinars. So, it was a bit of the family struggle, but again, everyone was supportive, and here I am graduating.
 

How did you find studying with MOL while living abroad?

There is a 3-hour time difference, and it makes all the difference because you have to stay up late. But to be honest, if you want something really bad, you'll have to sacrifice and make the effort, and you get the reward, like graduation.
 

What’s next for you?

I started my MSc in Strategic Human Resource Management with MOL again because we develop trust and I think that’s important in any relationship, professional or personal. Being online is different, but they are very supportive and quick to respond to my requests because being in a different country is not that easy. And the group I was with was fantastic, so credit to MOL.
 

What advice do you have for future learners?

If you want something, don't listen to anyone. Listen to yourself. You can do it. You will do it.
 

Would you recommend MOL and if so, why?

Case in point, I’m taking a second course with them. I think that’s sufficient enough! But yes, I definitely recommend MOL. If you ask me why, it’s because they are reliable, they have fantastic tutors and you learn from them. You really learn from them. They are someone you can trust with your development. 
 

Can you describe MOL in one word?

Trustworthy. Trust means commitment, means responsibility and accountability. That comes under the umbrella of trust and they are definitely trustworthy.