Always wanted to work in HR and Business Support? Manning Global’s HR superstar Roberta Pavlicek reveals the secrets of her successful career so far, plus offers some essential advice for remote workers looking to maximise their productivity!
Hi Roberta! Firstly, how are you feeling?
I’m feeling really good! 😀
What’s it like to be working remotely? How has your daily routine changed?
Remote work is bittersweet for me; I love being around people, however I also enjoy sleeping a bit longer and working in pyjamas! Sometimes I miss that social aspect and other days (especially when it’s raining) I am so grateful I do not have to commute to work!
In what environment do you feel most productive/comfortable to work?
I really love working and being able to contribute. As long as I know I am doing my job well and helping the company grow, I feel like I am doing my part. Working remotely is giving me a chance to take a breath; be more comfortable and really focus on the work I am doing.
What can I say, I feel most comfortable working in my own home!
Any advice for people working remotely?
Find the most comfortable place to work and take care of your back! Oh, and don’t forget about people and relationships! Keep the communication going. If there’s something you’re not sure of, call your colleague – it’s better to hear their voice if you need to brainstorm through a problem or share ideas!
I have actually started to work out since we became remote and have lost 10kg in weight so far! 💪
Congratulations Roberta! Please could you tell us more about your career with Manning Global so far. How did you hear about us?
I actually came across an advert for a position in the Business Support department and I researched the company myself. I loved the job description and the company website.
I had two more job offers at the time but Manning Global was always number one on my list!
Therefore, I called and said I really wanted to work for Manning Global and asked if they wanted to offer me the position? Luckily, the Business Support manager agreed and five years later here I am, loving life at MG!
What does your role at Manning Global mostly entail?
I was part of the Business Support team – working with consultants – then I was part of the HR Germany team and now I am part of the HR department handling UK, Ireland and Poland.
My work consists mostly of answering employees’ queries, preparing all sorts of documents for them including contracts and processing data for their payroll and vacation. This includes so much more, but I wouldn’t want to bother you with details. HR is never simple!
Indeed, a colleague of mine, Aleksandra, once said: “We are the ones in between the employees and management/client and it is not always so easy, but we do it because we love it!”
What motivated you to pursue a career in HR?
Before I joined MG I wanted to work in HR. That was always the plan. I finished my master’s degree in HR management after I finished my theology studies and I was always motivated to help people grow into their best selves. I wanted a job where I could really serve people and make a difference. This is why my final paper was on ‘Servant leadership’.
My biggest motivation is helping employees in their career development. I love to be part of the solution and HR is – at its core – helping people to understand what their work is, what their benefits and obligations are and what to expect from the company.
Can you describe your career progression within our company over the past five years…
As aforementioned, I was a part of the Business Support team where I really learned how the company breathes.
Business Support is a department in touch with all departments within the company and I enjoyed that very much. It includes not only preparing contracts for consultants and making sure all documentation is correctly aligned, but also communication with other departments within the company.
It is such interesting and dynamic work. There are always exceptions and special cases especially with consultants working in different countries all over the world. It is amazing how much research it includes and knowledge you are able to collect.
I learned a lot over the past few years and I value this knowledge a lot. The mentoring in Business Support is really good. I can honestly say I learned what true leadership is and my colleague Sandra is a superb leader! I will always be grateful for her patience and guidance.
After working in the Business Support team I was also a part of the HR Germany team for approximately one year and Marija [HR Manager] is another good example of dedication to work. After I started working in HR UK and PL I realised just how much knowledge she was able to give me.
I had my baby girl and soon after joined another HR team. It is a different environment and in a way I was learning again, therefore there were tough times, however I can honestly say in this period I was able to grow!
What is the best thing about your job at Manning Global?
Oh, most definitely being part of a solution!
How do you manage your work-life balance?
I would love to say a good night’s sleep, but being a mum of a toddler who resents sleep is tough! 😉
In all honesty, sometimes I just go day by day. Keeping up with my exercises, putting my laptop away in another room when I finish work, focussing on my family and church activities.
To quote Aleksandra again: “Don’t focus on what is happening on the outside, focus on you and how you react to what’s going on around you”.
If there is a situation – good or bad – stay calm and focused and do what you can do; what you can’t control, don’t stress over it!
How has your experience as a parent influenced your approach to problem-solving and decision-making in your role as a Business & HR Specialist?
I am a lot more calm than I was before! Helena (my daughter) made me realise that I will never be perfect and has helped me learn to be more patient and kind to others.
What motivates you to succeed?
Oh, a lot of different things! I want to honour God by being a hard worker. I want to be a good role model for my daughter and I want to be successful in order to contribute to my family.
What is your advice to someone considering a career with Manning Global?
Be willing to accept change, work hard and organise your time well.
What strategies do you employ to stay organized and effectively manage your time, considering the various commitments and responsibilities you have?
I give myself small tasks that help me stay on track and I do a lot of prep work before.
My inbox is well organised – including labels – and I can find most subjects really quickly.
I have my shortcuts on my drive for files I use everyday. I have set reminders for important dates and I have a notebook by my side in case new things come along, so I can write it down.
What was your dream job as a child?
I always wanted to be a singer!
What was your first job?
I was a waitress for a couple of months to save some money for summer and organised karaoke nights… Which was good preparation for Manning Global’s legendary team building karaoke!
Who do you look up to the most? (Both professionally and personally)
I am a Christian so my role model is Jesus. I read a lot of the Bible in my spare time (especially before gospel concerts like we did in our city prison, nursing homes etc.).
I also admire a lot of successful women like Liz Bohannon who is a CEO of a socially conscious fashion brand creating jobs for women and helping them go to college.
And last but not least, an important shout-out to my kind and hardworking husband!
If you could listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Hmm, I don’t think I could listen to only one song for the rest of my life! I am always singing something!
‘A Kiss to Build a Dream on’ by Louis Armstrong is my wedding song and I always cry when I hear ‘O, mjesto malo Bethlem’ performed by my choir!
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Making homemade pasta! Pasta is my second greatest passion. I could eat it every day for the rest of my life!
Please tell us more about your life in the gospel choir and how this contributes to your personal growth…
I was always singing from an early age, and gospel is such joyful music that comes from your soul, inspired by the love of God.
So, on my 21st birthday, I decided to finally give it a chance and I went to church. There was a sermon on how God accepts us through Jesus. That day I experienced such joy – I knew I’d finally found my place of impact.
Gospel is so natural to me – this is something I will do forever! I could be troubled by a million things, but as soon as I start singing all the weight of the world just leaves and joy comes again.
Fun fact: My mum is also a part of the same choir!
What are you binge-watching right now?
I love relaxing to TV shows from the 80s and 90s after a hard day at work. ‘Everybody loves Raymond’ and ‘The Golden Girls’ are my favourites!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Honour your elders and surround yourself with people who are smarter than you!
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Eating without gaining weight for sure! Imagine all the pasta! 😉
Any professional and personal goals you’d like to achieve by the end of the year?
I would love to learn and advance more in HR. I would also really like to finally go on a trip with my family. Somewhere warm!
Finally, what’s next on your list? How do you want to improve yourself?
I want to attend singing school as I know I can improve in that area.
Also, I would love to take some seminars and classes in HR, since HR is always changing and there’s always something useful to learn.
Finally, I would love to improve my Spanish language skills!
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