
In today's spotlight, we would like to introduce you to Plakilla Sandell, our HR Director.
Let's start with some work related questions.
What is your role at the company, and what are your key responsibilities?
I work in Human Resources and Wim's EA. My key responsibilities is caring and supporting Wim and our the staff. Designing sustainable and meaningful solutions so that the team’s goals align with the company’s business objectives.
How long have you been working in your current position, and what led you to this role?
I have been working for over 6 years here and my interest in people, behavioral sciences and organization psychology paved the way for me to be in this role.
Can you describe a typical day in your job?
A typical day in my job includes a range of activities – supporting Wim and helping him stay organized, interviewing job applicants, performance management, transactional hr, strategic hr, payroll, policies, and most importantly listening to each person I come across, understanding their unique challenges and developing a meaningful relationship with them. Mostly it requires being a listener who is both curious and interested in a solution.
What projects or accomplishments are you most proud of in your career?
Most recently having received my double designation – SHRM SCP and CPHR has been a huge win for me.
How do you collaborate with other team members to achieve your goals?
Listening to understand and build trust has been key. This not only strengthens relationships across the team but also helps gain team buy in which is so important for collaboration.
What are some recent developments or innovations in your field that you find exciting?
I think just the focus on Strategic HR. The evolution of Human Resources from Personnel Management to Strategic HR has been important both for the field and the company. More companies are now seeing value in the people-side of things than ever before and that has been very exciting for me.
What’s your number 1 tech tip (that you personally use) to our audience?
I love using Miro Boards for collaboration and team activities. There is so much you can do with it. I also love the wiki for documentation!
Now let's get to know Plakilla on a personal level.
What's your favorite way to unwind after a long day at work?
For me, being a person of faith, I love unwinding with a cup of coffee and my Bible. I also love cooking and it’s always been a de-stressor for me.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work that you're passionate about?
Yes, cooking is my #1 pastime. I also love having doctrinal and theological conversations. Besides those two I love watching debates – which I think is a lost skill and I wish we trained young minds to debate and reason effectively without taking offence.
Are there any books, movies, or TV shows you have been enjoying lately?
Downtown Abbey has been one of my favorite shows. I have watched it many times over.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would love to travel to London. It is on my wish list. I would love to visit the castles and the old English towns.
What is your favorite type of cuisine or restaurant, and what dish can you never resist ordering?
I love seafood in any preparation. If I eat out, I will always order seafood.
Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that most people at the company don't know?
That I love cleaning and doing laundry :)
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them!
I have 2 dogs, they are Shitsus – Po and Tara. I love watching them interact and their personalities are very fun.
What's your go-to music playlist or artist for getting pumped up before a busy day?
TobyMac is one of my favorites and Chris Tomlin
Are there any charitable causes or organizations that you're passionate about and support?
It's the orphanage I worked for in India – Karuna Sharan. They worked with street kids in Mumbai. It was a very sweet work and so many children from the streets, trains and red light areas were rescued through this work.
What's your favorite quote or piece of advice that you live by?
There is one thing I’ve learned in 52 years of public service is that there is no problem so complex, nor crisis so grave that it cannot be satisfactorily resolved within 20 minutes – Winston Churchill
Lastly, what do you enjoy most about being a part of the company's team?
I love the culture here and that the vision, mission and values are not just written on the websites or hung up on the walls. But they are actually being lived out.
Thank you for reading this interview! We hope that you enjoyed getting to know Plakilla. We are so thankful for everything that she does... And believe us, she sure does a lot!
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