What does a People and Culture specialist do? We asked the person who holds this role at Bitron: Maria Stella Pisapia.
 

What motivated you to pursue a career in People and Culture?

The transitioning to the role of People and Culture Specialist was the result of a diverse career path within HR. Over the years, I've had the chance to handle various aspects, including recruitment, training, organization, and managing different projects. This allowed me to develop a holistic view of HR, naturally redirecting my interest in organizational culture. If you add a little of perseverance and curiosity to the mix, it's a done deal.

How does your role as a People and Culture Specialist contribute to the overall success of the company?

The company is experiencing a period of significant growth, and the market is evolving rapidly. Additionally, if we look at the big picture, nowadays four different generations coexist within companies, and there's a need to address increasingly new and complex issues. To manage change, HR must develop a transformative mindset and adaptively integrate into the evolutionary flow.
It's not just about digitizing HR processes but developing a new mindset to manage and empower people within increasingly innovative and complex processes. This is where the role of People and Culture becomes crucial.

What challenges do you foresee in shaping a positive corporate culture, and how do you plan to address them?

As mentioned earlier, as HR professionals, we are called to operate in a rapidly changing world. The main challenge will undoubtedly be keeping up with continuous developments and the rapid growth of the business. I will approach these challenges with flexibility and rationality, guided by a people-first strategy.

Regarding your role as a Project Leader, what strategies do you plan to implement for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)?

Currently, as a company, we are deeply committed to a path of change and cultural transformation that is also built on diversity, equity, and inclusion. My strategy will be to adopt an organizational and systemic approach, integrating DEI into all aspects of the company's structure and culture, including decision-making processes, management policies, and daily dynamics.

How do you plan to collaborate with other departments and teams to create a cohesive and collaborative work environment?

The role of the People and Culture Specialist is necessarily cross-functional, so it is essential to adopt a positive and assertive approach. Supporting business functions and listening to their needs will be an integral part of my day-to-day.

What would you say to those who are facing a cultural change within their organizations?

I would say "Do not be afraid to make mistakes." Mistakes make us humble and human, and a positive error culture is essential in modern organizations. Waterfall design models are outdated in a today's dynamic environment. Dare to try, pay attention, listen, and, most importantly, allow yourself to change.