5 questions for Simona Kysela, HR Manager at FrymaKoruma AG, part of the ProXES Group

In the complex world of mechanical engineering, where innovation and dynamism are the order of the day, the HR department plays a key role in success. One such person who fulfills this role with exceptional passion and dedication is Simona Kysela, HR Manager at FrymaKoruma AG, based in Rheinfelden, Switzerland, and ProXES Technology GmbH in Neuchâtel, Germany.

Founded in 1950, the company has grown continuously from two small businesses and, following a merger, has developed into a modern, globally active special machine construction company. Today, it is a leading supplier of mixing and grinding technologies as well as vacuum process systems and supplies the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and chemical industries with its machines, process lines and solutions. Under the umbrella of ProXES Group bundles the expertise of three established brands in process technology: FrymaKorumaStephan and Terlet.

As HR Manager, Simona Kysela has been the human heart of the company for over a decade. Her beginnings may have been in the world of banking, but it is in the world of HR that she has found her true calling. Her affinity for people and their development is the foundation of her daily, very varied work:

"Sometimes I recruit a person for accounting, sometimes software engineers or a plant engineer... Each of these roles brings individual characters and needs, which makes my work not only challenging but also incredibly exciting."

Simona Kysela, HR Manager FrymaKoruma AG | ProXES

ProXES is characterized by its dynamism and investor-driven approach. As part of a group managed by private equity companies, the focus is always on efficiency and strategic orientation. However, despite the focus on figures and new strategies, it is the humanity and team spirit that Simona Kysela believes characterize the company. A mechanical engineering company with a location in Switzerland has become a rarity and ProXES offers an incomparable working environment, as Simona Kysela finds: "The workforce, a colorful mix of young and old, different nationalities, united by an open and familiar atmosphere, contributes significantly to the special atmosphere. Everyone can contribute ideas and make suggestions here."

What Simona Kysela has to offer ProXES is the opportunity to accompany and shape change. It is important to her to always recognize a company's most valuable asset: its employees. Her commitment goes far beyond recruitment: Simona Kysela coaches and supports young managers, identifies potential and helps them to develop it. Authenticity, honesty and respect for the individual are the guiding principles of her work, with the aim of creating a working environment in which everyone enjoys coming to work and is happy to give their best.

In an environment that is often characterized by technical specifications and numbers, Simona Kysela impressively demonstrates that a human touch and a family-like corporate culture are not only feasible, but the key to true top performance. Find out more about her in our interview of the month.

Ms. Kysela, if you had taken a different path when you were younger, what would you have become?

"I always wanted to do something with people. I was very interested in psychology. But then I decided to do a traditional apprenticeship because it was a solid foundation and opened all the doors for me for the future. I really like people and numbers. That's why I decided to do an apprenticeship at the bank. It was a good apprenticeship, but I'm very glad that I got into HR very early on by chance and was able to combine exactly what I enjoy. I was really lucky. While many people don't know where their passion lies for a long time, I quickly found mine. I really enjoy coaching people, being there for them and helping them to progress. It allows me to develop myself and also my fellow human beings."

What is your favorite way to start your day?
"Relaxed and in a good mood. I take some me-time with a good cup of tea so that I can start my working day fresh afterwards. I live in a very rural village of 400 souls. I enjoy the peace and quiet and the nature around me to recharge my batteries and sort out my thoughts for the day ahead. This also allows me to think through challenges and work out solutions. My everyday working life often turns out differently than planned and this helps me to stay focused and goal-oriented and also to find time for the unforeseen, because behind every job I do there is a person with their individual needs and also the interests of the company, which have to be reconciled.

At the weekend, of course, it's even nicer to start the day with a brunch."

What does success mean to you personally?
"I am a team player. I can only be as good as my colleagues in the management team who share my interests. Decency and respect are very important values to me. Especially in today's hectic times. Creating a certain harmony with what you are offered and bringing everything into harmony - that is what personal success means to me.

For me, HR work is the key to meaningfulness and success."

What would you work for free for a week?
"Pet therapy in a retirement center. Many older people become lonely. I myself was lucky enough to grow up with dogs and an animal can give you a lot. It's also nice to see seniors blossom, even if it's just a smile. It's a source of comfort and happiness on four paws. I would love to do this one day."

What was the best professional advice you ever received?
"The most valuable piece of professional advice I ever received came from a former boss: "Always be yourself."

I have found that the path is not always the quickest or easiest if you want to stay true to yourself. Sometimes progress is slower because you don't want to compromise on your values and beliefs. But the most important thing I've learned from this is that at the end of the day, I can look in the mirror and say: I've stayed true to myself."

We would like to thank Ms. Kysela for her contribution to this article.

This interview was conducted by telephone.