Our People in Africa

Debbie Goodman-Bayat, Partner, South Africa, BA LLB; Entrepreneurial Growth Forum (London Business School); ACC (Associate Coaching Course)

Debbie is the founder and CEO of Jack Hammer, Africa’s largest executive search firm; Virtual Coaching Partners (an online coaching platform) and hiresmiths, a talent advisory firm.

Her first book (on team culture), “IntheFlow – Taking Mindfulness to Work”, was listed in the ‘Top 10 Best’ South African business books. Her next one, ‘Inside the Interview – The Secret to Great Hiring Decisions’, will be published in 2020.

As a global expert in the world of leadership, diversity and executive hiring (as well as being a serial entrepreneur), Debbie delivers keynotes and workshops internationally.

Two of her newest initiatives are a diversity study with contributors from Harvard Business School, and an international peer learning program for social entrepreneurs with Summit.

Currently based out of the USA, she plays a global leadership role in EO, as Global Champion of MyEO Families of EO.

Debbie’s style and vision may come from her somewhat unconventional background: In her ‘first’ career, she was an award-winning contemporary dancer and choreographer…whilst completing her law degree!

Ije Jidenma, PhD (Psychology and Psychometrics)

Ije is an accomplished Management Consultant and Professional. Her rich post-graduation experience garnered over a period of more than thirty years, traverses academia, ‘hands on’ practice and consulting experience in functional areas such as Learning and Development, Human Resources Management, Organizational Development and Strategic Planning. She worked for local and international organisations such as Industrial Training Fund, Merchant Bank of Africa and Price Waterhouse (now PwC).

Her vast leadership and international executive development have seen her occupy top management and non executive board roles in Corporate Nigeria and in highly reputable non-for-profit organizations. She is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management and Institute of Directors where she currently serves on its Governing Council.

She is an Alumnus of Harvard Business School, Leading Professional Service Firms as well as the Lagos Business School, Chief Executive Programme among others.

Ayman Emam, Partner, North Africa

Ayman brings a wealth of experience in HR almost 40 years of HR practice in different regions, primarily Middle East and Africa with his last 10 years working on consultancy projects with Aspire HRC. Ayman consulted for mega projects and international organizations in different industries. Developed methods in Job Evaluation, Competence Profiling and Performance Framework.

Ayman has successfully contributed at both sides of the business, operations as well as consultancy with hands on facilitation, coaching and leadership engagement. With a passion to commercial HR, held lead and regional roles with prominent corporations including Methanex, Halliburton, Unilever Mashreq, Egyptian LNG, Coca-Cola Bottling, EDC and others. Ayman also had a rich HR experience in several industries including FMCG, O&G, Services, Retail, Manufacturing, Telecom, Energy, Steel, and lately hospitality and development. He worked primarily out of Egypt, meanwhile provided services to different geographical areas including Middle East, Gulf, North and West Africa.