Charbel Atala was born and raised in Lebanon, where he completed his legal education at the Lebanese University.  Later he pursued a Master's degree in Law and International Relations from Notre Dame University. His legal career began in Lebanon, specializing in insurance civil litigation. However, his journey took a significant turn after the 2006 conflict, leading him to relocate to Dubai and work with esteemed U.S. law firms such as Dewey & LeBoeuf and Dechert LLP. In 2017, he made a strategic move to California, immersing himself in the field of recruiting. Charbel secured franchise rights for Gecko Hospitality in crucial California markets, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, he spotted an opportunity for innovation and founded Talent Gurus, a retained search firm that is revolutionizing talent acquisition by prioritizing skill and performance-based hiring. Despite being a relatively small startup, Charbel Atala envisions significant growth for Talent Gurus. 

For a deeper dive into how he manages to  juggle roles while maintaining work efficiency and success, explore our exclusive interview with him.

You serve as the Managing Partner for two companies: how do you allocate your time between them?

Splitting my time between Gecko Hospitality and Talent Gurus is an art and a science. Right now, it's a 70/30 balance, with Talent Gurus getting that essential 30% nurturing time. Thanks to a strong team of recruiters in Gecko Hospitality, we're able to run a tight ship, allowing me the headspace to strategize and fuel Talent Gurus' growth.

Tell us more about Talent Gurus and Gecko Hospitality: Specifically the number of companies you collaborate with, the quantity of individuals placed through these companies, and the type of roles or talents that are particularly sought after.

With Gecko Hospitality, we're talking about a national brand with local spice. My California market collaborates with dozens of regional hotel management firms and national hotel brands. Last year, we placed 50+ exceptional talents (various managerial positions), especially in an understaffed industry and hungry for skills. As for Talent Gurus, the spotlight is on senior-level roles. We're a boutique firm, so the numbers may be smaller, but each placement is a gem—12 last year, including two COOs and a CFO. At Talent Gurus, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of talent solutions, offering innovative programs for professionals like SOLVE and PACE, designed to enhance leadership skills and career development. On the company front, we're expanding our services to include comprehensive talent attraction and acquisition strategies, employer branding, and advisory services. We craft customized employer value propositions, revamp career pages, and develop tailored social media content plans. Our offerings also extend to compensation and benefits advisory, ensuring our clients stay competitive and retain top talent. This holistic approach positions us as a strategic partner in our clients' success.

Are they sister companies? Why did you decide to manage both at the same time? 

Not in the traditional sense. My vision is to make Gecko Hospitality so seamless that it operates without needing my daily input, freeing me up to pour all my energy into growing Talent Gurus, my brainchild.

How is your background in corporate law supporting your current roles? 

Corporate law hasn't just given me a keen eye for detail; it's also fortified my understanding of organizational dynamics. It helps me navigate the intricate pathways of talent acquisition with an almost forensic accuracy. It's the secret sauce that adds depth to my role in both Gecko and Talent Gurus.

What was the most challenging role for you and why?

My greatest challenge lies in driving innovation within the industry and diversifying our service offerings in response to market demands, all while overseeing the operational aspects of the business. It’s about continuously evolving our practices and ensuring we meet the highest service delivery and operational excellence standards.

You are a paid LebNet member, thank you for your contributions. Why did you decide to support LebNet and how do you think you can help us create more impact in our communities and for our members? 

Supporting LebNet is more than just a financial contribution; it's a nod to my roots. Sure, there's a bit of "selfish" nostalgia to stay connected with the Lebanese community, but the real value lies in sharing my insights to help others navigate their careers. Let's create impact, one career at a time!