My strength lies in listening and showing understanding towards different situations

New position Head of HR

Company Hitachi Solutions Bulgaria

Introduce yourself in a few sentences and highlight some key points from your career development so far?

My name is Lora and I have 25 years of work experience in various positions. It can be said that I know what it is like to be on both sides – an executor and a leader. In my first job, I was lucky to be part of a great team and learned a lot. The team was very well selected by the Human Resources department. That was when I first realized how important good employee selection is. After completing a Master's degree in Labor and Organizational Psychology at SU, I was fortunate to receive support from the company I was working for at the time. They gave me the opportunity to prove myself in the position of HR specialist. It is extremely important to find people who trust you and support you on your chosen path. Here I am now, where we have mutually earned each other's trust and we do not stop working towards improving life in the company, personal development, and digitalization.

What motivates you to accept this new role and what are your main goals in the position?

I am motivated by the culture in the company. We strive to maintain a friendly, developing, and supportive work environment where everyone feels free to create and develop themselves. I have been here for four and a half years and from the very beginning, I have been working towards process development and improving the culture in the company. One of the main goals of the new role is to support this culture of mutual assistance, open communication, and respect. I will focus on employer branding, sustainable development (ESG), the development of our retention and recognition program for employees, as well as the ongoing digitization of processes. Here I have had the opportunity to develop myself as a team leader, strategic thinking, restructuring, and at the same time to experience joy in what I do.

What professional or personal qualities do you think will help you succeed in your new position?

As before, the human approach has always helped me to cope in different situations. Through personal example, open communication, and listening skills, I have created a space where people feel safe and empowered to work in accordance with their own selves, as well as to develop themselves. I believe that I possess strategic thinking and can make decisions, as well as use prevention instead of “putting out fires.” My strength lies in listening and showing understanding towards the different situations people find themselves in, as I find a way for us to work together towards a common goal, taking responsibility.

What challenges do you expect to face and how do you approach change management?

I expect challenges related to process changes, digitization, and the need for motivation. I approach change management as something inevitable and even anticipated. I consider all possible points, talk to people, use a coaching approach, because when a person comes to the conclusion about the need for change, there is no need for someone else to be convinced.

What is your approach to teamwork and building a strong internal culture?

Every person needs support and I believe that a team is only good when its members trust each other. I firmly believe in the values of our organization and my actions are aligned with them. For me, it is important to work in harmony, honestly, and to maintain an innovative spirit.

What would you like people to say about you in the company after a few months?

I would be happy if people in the company think that I have contributed to maintaining the culture in the company, for people to feel like part of a community and to be proud to be part of it.