A place to grow

AiNA soa is not just a workplace, but a community in which each individual can grow, adapt and embrace new roles. The environment here fosters flexibility and encourages each of us to step beyond our comfort zones. In my last blog, I shared that I worked as an accountant and planning and budget manager for several years. Recently, I took on a new challenge: I am now part of the leadership team as HR manager. This transition was an unexpected but exciting change in my professional career. I am happy to tell you how I found my way into it.

The unexpected turn

I never expected to become an HR manager one day. For years, I felt most comfortable managing budgets, forecasts and balancing numbers. But life always brings surprises. So here I am, taking responsibility for the HR department.  It’s a task that I never expected, but one that excites and challenges me.

 One of the great advantages of working at AiNA soa is the flexibility. I was already taking on small tasks in HR before I was officially given the role. I was already familiarized with HR concepts during my studies, which was a helpful foundation. So the transition was not completely foreign. All of this helped me to be better prepared for the new tasks I took on, whether it was dealing with HR matters, attending interviews or ensuring compliance… I’ve always been fascinated by learning and exploring new things. My new role was therefore probably not as overwhelming as I had initially feared.

Various small experiences like these were helpful for me. But the biggest encouragement for me was the supportive environment at AiNA soa. We encourage growth and learning, which allows everyone to develop professionally – and as for me, I fully embrace that. My experience in the organization is that growth and learning are encouraged. This enables employees to develop professionally. I am very happy about that.

The challenges

Despite all the benefits, people management is not always easy – each individual has their own views and experiences. Managing numbers in a spreadsheet is one thing, but managing people is a completely different challenge. It’s sometimes a balancing act to lead a team where you have to listen, mediate and sometimes make difficult decisions.

Being in a leadership role brings with it great responsibility. Because decisions have to be made together, sometimes decisions that are unpleasant but necessary for the well-being of the organization. Whether it’s managing conflict, implementing new policies or making strategic decisions, my new role has allowed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect.

Finding solutions

To help me grow in my new responsibilities, I took part in HR training and networked with colleagues who also work in HR. So that I can exchange ideas with other people and learn from their experiences if necessary. These points helped me a lot in coping with the change to the new tasks. I feel more confident in my role every day, but I also know that there is still a lot to learn. It is a constant process of learning, adapting and improving. Every day presents each of us with new challenges, but we shouldn’t hang our heads, because

“There is nothing to fear in life, you just have to understand it. Now is the time to understand more so that we fear less.” (Marie Curie)

Conclusion

My new role as Head of HR has taught me a lot about leadership, flexibility and personal growth. The challenges are real, but so are the rewards. With every step I take, I learn more about myself, my skills and the people I work with. I still have a lot to learn and experience, but I look forward to what lies ahead. At AiNA soa, I will continue to grow, adapt and find new ways to contribute to both the organization and the well-being of its employees.

Jimmy, HR and Accountant