Maintaining and sustaining global standards and competitiveness by international businesses post-COVID-19 necessitate effective transmission of best practices across national boundaries. This phenomenological research aimed to explore the key challenges that international businesses must promptly address to ensure effective and efficient operations on a global scale in the context of the crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The main question asked is: How did international business leaders navigate the challenges in global talent management and what are the success factors in transitioning from uncertain risk to predictable risk levels? The lived experiences of 13 UAE-based international business leaders were captured through interviews. The qualitative data were analysed using MAXQDA software. The thematic analysis of data revealed five prominent challenges: (a) unprecedented safety and mental health; (b) competent communications and engagement skills critical for business resilience; (c) talent management strategy; (d) home and hybrid working; and (e) talent retention and onboarding. The study proposes five global talent management approaches to address these challenges: uncertainty management, competence training, inclusive strategy, the life-work continuum, and diverse leadership development.