In this episode
In this episode of Leadership Blueprint, we’re joined by Sandrine Bardot, an expert in compensation and benefits with over three decades of experience shaping total rewards strategies across Europe, the Middle East, and globally. Sandrine’s unique journey began in the early days of HR when compensation and benefits were an emerging field. From her work with industry giants like Microsoft and Apple to establishing herself as a pioneering independent consultant in the GCC, Sandrine’s career reflects a deep commitment to strategic thinking, people-first approaches, and delivering innovative reward solutions.
During this engaging conversation, Sandrine shares insights into her transition from corporate roles to becoming a trailblazing consultant, the evolving role of compensation in organizations, and her efforts to combine data-driven methodologies with the human side of reward systems.
We also delve into cultural differences, the complexities of designing fair compensation frameworks, and the future of the workforce as the region adapts to new challenges and opportunities, including AI and the gig economy.
Sound bites
▶️ “Fairness in rewards is not about equality; it’s about rewarding contributions appropriately.“
▶️ “Governance is about setting core principles and allowing flexibility within structured rules.“
▶️ “Compensation is about more than money—it’s a psychological tool that shapes culture and drives performance.“
Advice for future leaders
▶️ Understand the Business: Sandrine emphasizes the importance of HR professionals understanding the intricacies of their organization’s business and industry. By aligning HR solutions with organizational goals, leaders can drive meaningful results and better anticipate future needs.
▶️ Be Resilient and Strategic: Leadership in compensation requires balancing technical expertise with foresight. Sandrine encourages HR leaders to design systems that solve today’s challenges while remaining adaptable for future growth.
▶️ Empower Fairness and Transparency: By implementing robust governance frameworks and emphasizing open communication, leaders can build trust and foster a culture of fairness in their reward systems.
About Sandrine
Sandrine Bardot is a multi-award-winning Total Rewards consultant, educator, and thought leader with over 30 years of experience across high-tech innovation, multinational corporations, family-owned conglomerates, and government entities. Fluent in multiple languages and having worked across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, Sandrine’s career reflects a rare blend of technical expertise, cross-cultural adaptability, and strategic foresight.
Starting her career in Europe, Sandrine held pivotal roles in Compensation and Benefits at tech giants such as Microsoft and Apple. Her journey then brought her to the Middle East, where she successfully led global rewards strategies for organizations including Majid Al Futtaim and Mubadala, delivering critical projects such as post-merger integrations and governance frameworks. These experiences equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of diverse business ecosystems and the ability to drive transformation on both local and global scales.
In 2012, Sandrine founded The Bardot Group, where she advises public, private, and semi-government organizations on reward strategies that attract top talent, foster engagement, and drive sustainable growth. A prolific writer and sought-after speaker, Sandrine continues to share her insights through platforms like Compensation Insider, contributing to global discussions on the future of rewards, employee engagement, and cultural transformation.
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