Courage is needed for progress to happen.
This motto formed the central theme of our first HR Role Model Brunch, which took place on 20 November at the beautiful Hab’s Gut in Maria Enzersdorf. It is an exclusive format that I created to raise the profile of HR role models and facilitate a space for genuine exchange.
Why this format?
HR encompasses more than just processes and guidelines – it is a strategic, human and courageous function. With the HR Role Model Brunch, I aim to provide a platform that transcends traditional networking meetings: offering an intimate setting with a maximum of 15 participants and inspiring conversations. It’s not about quantity, but about depth and quality.
The location – Hab’s Gut
– is a perfect choice: offering a stylish ambience, great hospitality and a breakfast that left nothing to be desired.
Hab’s Gut is a stylish daytime bar and seminar venue located in the countryside, just a few minutes outside Vienna. Getting there is easy, and once you arrive, you feel as though you have taken a short break from everyday life. The combination of professional equipment and a living room atmosphere makes it the perfect place for formats that encourage creativity and exchange.
Special Guest
The focus of the event was an the interview with Svetlana Pančenko, Head of People & Culture at UniCredit Bank Austria AG. I was deeply impressed by her thoughts. Here are my key takeaways:
- Be a role model – to yourself, your family and your company. That’s what makes a true role model.
- Have a mentor who will support you in difficult times and encourages you to reach your full potential.
- Have courage to strive for an international career even if you don’t have a plan – just take the leap and trust that the path will reveal itself.
- As an HR executive, remember you are also human – this is often overlooked. Present yourself professionally, but always remember your personal story; it is part of your strength.
Issues that concern us as an HR community
We have discussed at length the topics that we need to promote together:
- Diversity, equity and inclusion: Women are still underrepresented. How can we empower each other and bring about real change? That is the big question.
- Technology in HR: If Svetlana could change one thing right now, it would be AI to analyse data faster and more efficiently. The future is about spending less time on Excel and more time on people.
My conclusion
Svetlana described this brunch as „like a breath of fresh air“ – an opportunity to escape everyday business life behind and find new inspiration.
For me, it was a promising start to a format with a lot of potential. There is, of course, always room for improvement, but the energy, openness and joy of that morning showed that we are on the right track.
Outlook
This was just the beginning. More HR Role Model Brunches are already in the pipeline so stay tuned!
You will find a photo wall below so you can get an idea of what our morning was like.
I look forward to working with you to shape the future of HR in a bold and human way.
