Riyadh Agenda
Thursday 22nd January 2026
Alfaisal University, Riyadh
08:00 – 09:00
Registration, Networking, Meeting and Connections
09:00 – 09:10
Welcome and Setting the Scene
An overview of the day's proceedings from your Co-Chairs
Mark Rix
Group Managing Director, Sonas Group, (Wellbeing at Work)
Scott Armstrong
Founder & CEO, mentl
09:10 – 09:30
Keynote Introduction
Welcome from Afaisal University
Dr. Baraa Alghalyini
Vice Dean of the College of Medicine and Chair of the Family and Community Medicine Department
09:30 – 10:10
Leadership Panel – Wellbeing as the Power Behind Organisational Performance
What is the association between workplace wellbeing and company performance? Beyond ROI, what are the true measures of wellbeing on performance? Where does emotional insight fit when building positive workplace cultures for business impact? What is the value of designing wellbeing programs as integrated experiences that are embedded throughout the employee journey? How can employers truly help people thrive and grow?
Helene Gaubert
Director – Corporate Talent Acquisition, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib
Faisal Shujrah
Regional Health Promotion Lead – Asia (AsiaPac/MEA), GSK
Zainab Maghrabi
Leader of Strategy of Capability Development + Organizational Transformation, Saudi Geological Survey
Mohammed Husary
CEO, VIWELL
Your Expert Panel Chair:
Dr. Rania Ghamdi
Director of Talent Learning and Potential, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare
10:10 - 10:40
Morning Refreshments & Conversation
10:40 – 11:05
Artificial Intelligence, Data and Personalization as the Power for Employee Wellbeing
How can employers use AI, data and personalization to ensure wellbeing at work equates to high performance and improved productivity? What more can be done to increase positive outcomes that ensure reduced burnout numbers, high performing teams and increased inclusion through AI? How does AI identify where groups are being left out and create wellbeing programs where all can thrive?
Speaker to be announced shortly
11:05 – 11:35
The National Wellbeing Index
Prof. Ahmed Albadry
Director of Occupational Health, Tawuniya
11:35 – 12:35
Leadership Workshops
A selection of 'Hosted' workshops showcasing the latest solutions and innovation in employee wellbeing and mental health strategies
1 - Alfaisal University
4 - VIWELL
2 - Tawuniya
3 - Reset to Rise Under Pressure: Strategies for Burnout in Leadership Roles
In this session, Dr. Alana J. Arnold, a board-certified ER physician, translates medically-tested playbooks into practical tools executives can use to protect wellbeing and results in high-stakes corporate environments. In this workshop, leaders will learn how to: Name the real burnout drivers in fast-paced, high-pressure organizations that affect retention and performance. Apply a “Reset to Rise” framework that uses curiosity, psychological safety, and micro-habits to turn stressed teams into high-trust, cross-functional problem solvers. Build measurable wellbeing ROI, with manager behaviors, workflow guardrails, and simple metrics that support employees and emerging leaders while sustaining KPIs.
5 -
To be announced
12:35 – 13:15
Lunch & Conversation Time
13:15 – 13:30
Strategic Partner Address
Mickey Stewart
Deputy CEO, AEI Saudi
13:30 – 13:45
Psychological Safety and it’s impact on workplace wellbeing
Paul Firth
Founder Lyra Wellbeing
13:45 – 14:15
Building the Neuroinclusive Workplace
What is the impact of inclusive leadership on workplace avoidance behaviours for neurodivergent employees? How can organizations create inclusive and productive workplaces where neurodivergent employees can thrive? What can organizations do to optimize their workplaces to facilitate wellness and advancement for neurodivergent professionals? Why is it critical for leaders to accept and adopt neuroinclusive practices?
Qaisar Iqbal
Assistant Professor, Al Yamamah University
14:15 – 14:30
Refreshment Break & Conversation
14:30 – 15:15
Beyond Burnout
“The High-Impact Blueprint for a Thriving Workforce" Root Cause & Strategic Approach: Transitioning from reactive fixes to preventative strategies, building a resilient a thriving culture. ROI-Focused Insights: Data linking wellbeing programs to higher productivity, stronger retention, and improved employer branding, giving HR leaders clear justification for investment. Practical Roadmap: Real case studies with focus on the three core pillars—mental resilience, physical vitality, and emotional/social wellbeing quick wins and long-term strategies for impactful and measurable outcomes.
Mohammed Husary
CEO, VIWELL
15:15 - 16:00
Leadership Panel: Beyond the Backlash
Root Cause & Strategic Approach. Transitioning from reactive fixes to preventative strategies, building a resilient and thriving culture. ROI-Focused Insights. Data linking wellbeing programs to higher productivity, stronger retention, and improved employer branding, giving HR leaders clear justification for investment. A practical roadmap and Real case studies with focus on the three core pillars—mental resilience, physical vitality, and emotional/social wellbeing. Quick wins and long-term strategies for impactful and measurable outcomes.
Reem Algasim
Head of HR, Airbus
Bolanle Asumah
Director of People, Middle East, McKinsey & Company
Your Expert Panel Chair:
Katja Rieger
Founder, Women for Boards and Senior Board Advisor, Saudi Aramco
16:00 - 16:10
Closing Remarks
Mark Rix
Group Managing Director, Sonas Group, Wellbeing at Work
Scott Armstrong
Group Managing Director, Sonas Group, Wellbeing at Work
16:10 – 17:00
