What qualities do you consider essential in a leader today?
The ability to truly listen, coherence between what is said and what is done, and the courage to make decisions in uncertain contexts. I would add a deeply human perspective: understanding that sustainable results come when people feel seen, heard, and connected to a sense of purpose.
What advice would you have liked to receive at the beginning of your career?
That not everything can be solved quickly or alone. Learning to ask for help, to make mistakes early, and not to confuse high standards with being too hard on myself would have made the journey more conscious- and probably more sustainable.
What kind of talent do you consistently look for when building teams?
People with a growth mindset- curious, able to learn and unlearn - who combine professional excellence with human generosity. As I recently read, talent that helps others grow doesn’t add up; it multiplies.
What talent priorities do you see as critical for your organization over the next three years?
The development of adaptive leadership, strengthening digital capabilities and applied AI, and continuing to cultivate a culture of accountability and entrepreneurship without losing closeness. All of this must be connected to purpose and business, not treated as isolated initiatives.
Which internal initiatives are you particularly proud of?
Turning culture into something tangible, not just a slogan: programs such as Growth Week, STADA+, In the Shoes of, a strong focus on wellbeing and mental health, and measuring culture through clear indicators. All of this has strengthened pride of belonging and alignment between values and day-to-day decisions.
How do you think leadership will evolve in the coming years?
It will become less hierarchical and more orchestral. The leader of the future - arguably already of the present - will not have all the answers, but will create environments where answers can emerge. We will move from leading through control to leading through trust.
What skills will future leaders need to master?
Emotional intelligence, continuous learning, the ability to manage complexity, and digital and AI literacy. Above all, the ability to create meaning, connect strategy with purpose, and translate it into concrete actions.
What inspires you about the new generation of professionals?
Their authenticity, their demand for coherence, and their natural willingness to question the status quo. They challenge us- in the best possible way - to become better leaders and more honest organizations.
Which book, movie, or reference has recently made an impact on you?
I recently read Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport, a strong case for reclaiming attention in an increasingly noisy and distracted world. It has led me to change quite a few habits.
If you had to sum up your professional philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?
“Caring for people is not incompatible with demanding results; it is the only sustainable way to achieve them.”
What advice would you give to a future HR leader?
Never lose touch with people’s day-to-day reality, dare to challenge when necessary, and remember that HR does not exist to manage processes, but to activate talent, culture, and the future.
