My journey and how it shaped me as a leader
In my career, my goal has always been clear: creating workplaces where people don't just work but truly flourish. It all began with a simple yet powerful idea: turn HR into a strategic force, not just a routine function.
I started my career in the corporate sector in Germany, spending a decade in global giants like Black & Decker and Cegelec. Then, in 2012, I took a leap, moving to the U.S. The beginning wasn't easy — I couldn't work due to visa restrictions. But I dove into nonprofit work, eventually becoming the Board President of the Association for Talent Development, steering the ship for two impactful years.
My nonprofit involvement gave my career a new direction: I realized I wanted to focus on mission-driven organizations. That new journey wasn’t easy though. I faced hundreds of job rejections. Finally, I got a foot in the door at UCLA, starting with social media for $10 an hour. From there, I worked my way up, building a career in a new language and culture through determination and grit.
In my journey through HR, I've been a firsthand witness to the spectrum of organizational leadership — from the best practices that inspire, to the worst that highlight the need for change. These experiences have deeply influenced my philosophy and approach when leading the people and culture function.
For me, people are at the core of everything. They should be active participants in organizations, and trust is the bedrock. My approach is simple: empower people, build them up, and understand their interests and passions. It's about comprehending individual motivations and connecting people with the mission, a particularly vital aspect in the realm of nonprofits.
This ethos stems from my own experiences. After facing the challenges of relocating to the U.S., I've learned that genuine engagement and empowerment create not just productive but truly thriving workplaces. It's about fostering an environment where individuals aren't just part of a system but contributors to a shared vision.
As I reflect on my journey, I've come to believe that understanding the heartbeat of an organization—its people—and aligning them with a purpose larger than themselves is the key to success. This belief has guided my career from its unconventional beginnings to becoming an advocate for strategic HR and a proponent of fostering workplaces where trust, empowerment, and a shared mission are at the forefront.
What I Do
Employee Engagement
Passionate about cultivating vibrant and thriving workplaces, I've dedicated a significant part of my career to elevating employee engagement. Through dynamic initiatives, such as creating employee committees, fostering meaningful connections, and implementing rewards and recognition programs, I successfully doubled employee engagement while reducing turnover and absenteeism. My commitment extends beyond metrics, aiming to create environments where everyone feels included and valued. As a speaker and HR executive, I'm driven to share insights that empower organizations to build cultures where employees not only contribute but truly thrive.
People & Culture Strategy
I am passionate about reshaping traditional HR functions into dynamic, strategic forces. With a vision for change, I led the transformation of HR teams from a transactional role to being a strategic partner. This involved envisioning the future of HR through extensive collaboration with stakeholders and implementing initiatives aligned with organizational goals. I ensure that HR operates proactively, contributing strategically to organizational success.
Talent Acquisition & Retention
Central to my HR philosophy is a holistic approach to the employee lifecycle. From attracting top talent through strategic talent acquisition to fostering continuous growth and development, I aim to create a compelling employee value proposition. This involves building a strong employer brand, focus on career development paths, and providing opportunities for professional development. By addressing key factors that influence employee satisfaction and retention, such as effective onboarding, positive employee relations, and opportunities for growth, I strive to enhance the overall employee experience for a thriving and engaged workforce.
Organizational Strategy
In my journey as an HR leader, strategic planning has been a cornerstone of my approach to ensure organizational alignment and success. I believe that creating a robust strategy is a collaborative and inclusive process, involving key stakeholders to capture diverse perspectives. I facilitate strategic planning processes with leadership teams, ensuring alignment on an organization’s mission, vision, and values. I help teams to break down high-level objectives into actionable one-year implementation plans with relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track and measure progress. This experience has enriched my ability to guide teams through the strategic planning journey, promoting clarity, and achieving organizational goals.
WHERE I LEARNED
Where I Help Pro-Bono
Boards I Contribute To
WHERE I WORKED
