Meet the UAE sisters fixing HR for startups and scaling businesses

Khaleej Times

29-05-2025

For many founders and small business owners in the UAE, a human resource (HR) department is either a rushed checklist or an afterthought—until things go wrong. That's where Desma and Elrona D'Souza, co-founders of S&K HR Consulting, come in.
Born and raised in the UAE, with years of multinational HR experience, the sisters launched S&K to offer real-world, no-fluff HR guidance tailored for business leaders in the Emirates. Through their newly rebranded HR Sisters Podcast—the first of its kind in the region—they're tackling everything from fraud and poor documentation to scaling challenges and legal landmines.
In a conversation, the duo discusses why strategy without execution is just talk, why even six-person teams need HR systems, and how to build people practices that grow with the business. Edited excerpts from the interview:
You've said before that 'strategy without execution is just talk.' Why do many HR consultants stop at strategy—and why is implementation so crucial, especially in the UAE?
Elrona: Implementation is where the rubber meets the road. It's the only way to see if your strategy actually delivers results. When we support execution, we're holding ourselves accountable—not just for the idea, but for the outcome.
Desma: Strategy feels exciting—it's neat and tidy. But implementation is where the hard work begins. That's when real issues come up. It's like building a business: ideas are easy; execution is everything.
Your podcast champions HR for even the smallest teams. Can you share a time when early HR structure actually helped a client avoid a crisis?
Desma: We consulted on a case involving a six-person team. There was suspected fraud, which had gone undetected for over two years—potentially costing over USD 2 million. Because the business had already implemented our Disciplinary Policy, they were able to investigate the matter fairly and objectively. That kind of clarity only comes from documented processes—even for small teams.
Elrona: HR documentation isn't about scale—it's about standards. Whether you have one person or fifty, the law sees you as an employer. Clear documentation sets expectations, ensures fairness, and protects both the business and the people.
Have you ever had to say 'no' to a business leader who crossed a line legally? What happened?
Desma: Many times. A common example is when leaders try to skip formal steps when making people decisions. It's our job to hold the line—to slow things down if necessary and ensure fairness.
Elrona: HR isn't here to take sides—it's here to protect the business. Once leadership sees the legal and reputational risks, they usually align. We're lucky to work with clients who respect that clarity.
Your podcast focuses on the UAE but draws from global experience. How do you strike the right balance between international best practices and local realities?
Desma: We've worked with global companies, so we understand international standards. But we also grew up and built our careers here. We know the UAE's legal and cultural landscape inside out—and we know how to translate best practices into something that actually works here.
Elrona: We call it being 'glocal'—global thinking, local execution. That balance is central to everything we do, from our podcast to our consulting work.
You consult for both startups and large companies. How does your approach change depending on the size and maturity of a business?
Desma: The principles stay the same, but the approach shifts. A startup doesn't need the same depth as a 500-person company. And what motivates a non-profit is different from a for-profit business. We adapt everything based on size, stage, and goals.
Elrona: One of our strengths is cross-pollination. Startups can learn from corporate systems, and large firms can benefit from startup agility. Working across sizes gives us a wide lens—and we narrow it down to fit each client.
Startups often delay HR until they 'get bigger.' What would you say to a UAE-based founder who thinks HR can wait?
Desma: If you have employees, you need HR. HR isn't a luxury; it's essential for keeping and attracting the right people.
Elrona: And most founders are already doing HR—just informally and without structure. The risk of getting it wrong outweighs the cost of doing it right. It's not about being big enough. It's about being smart from the start.
What do you hope listeners take away from the HR Sisters Podcast?
Desma: Practical advice they can use immediately. Real stories they can relate to. And the sense that they're not alone in figuring this out.