Charbel Atala grew up in Lebanon, where he studied law at Lebanese University and later earned a Master’s in Law and International Relations from Notre Dame University. He kicked off his legal career in insurance litigation back home, but after the 2006 conflict, he decided to switch things up and moved to Dubai. There, he worked with big U.S. law firms like Dewey & LeBoeuf and Dechert LLP. In 2017, he took a big leap to California and jumped into the recruiting world. When COVID hit in 2020, he saw a chance to do something different and started Talent Gurus, a search firm focused on hiring people based on their skills and how they get things done. It’s a small startup for now, but Charbel’s got his sights set on growing it big. Curious how he keeps all the plates spinning and makes it work? Check out our exclusive interview with him.

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

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

Talent Gurus is all about helping companies find the right mid to senior-level people for big roles. We’re a small, boutique crew, so we don’t work with a ton of companies or churn out hundreds of hires - think quality over quantity. 

As for how many companies we work with, we keep it tight and focused - enough to stay busy and make an impact. We like building real partnerships, not just ticking boxes.

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

Corporate law gave me a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of how organizations tick. It’s like a cheat code for navigating the talent world. I can spot what companies need and how to make it happen. That’s the edge Talent Gurus brings to the table.

What was the most challenging role for you and why?

Staying ahead of the game, hands down. The market’s always shifting, so I’m constantly figuring out how to innovate and keep things running smoothly. It’s about pushing boundaries while still delivering top-notch service. Keeps me on my toes, but I love it.

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? 

LebNet’s personal for me. It’s a tie to my Lebanese roots. Sure, there’s some nostalgia, but it’s bigger than that. I want to share what I’ve picked up along the way to help others nail their careers. If I can give one person a leg up, that’s a win. Let’s keep the momentum going, one story at a time.