I found my passion in People & Culture and have gained several years of experience in talent acquisition & management, development & performance management, accompanying change, and business partnering along the employee life cycle. I am feeling comfortable especially in fast-paced and dynamic environments. I am passionate about creating the best experience for candidates and employees. I can help you finding the right approach in recruiting and along the employee life cycle. Since I value a balanced life, mindfulness is a successful key for me. I am happy to share insight to guide you to your way of happiness.
My Mentoring Topics
- People & Culture advisory for the Tech & Product departments
- Recruiting Strategy & candidate experience
- Employee life cycle & experience
- Giving and receiving meaningful feedback
- Time management
- Personal growth
- Career development
- Mental health
- Mindfulness
Deep Work - Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
Cal Newport
Key Facts and Insights from "Deep Work - Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World" Deep work is the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task. It's a skill that allows you to quickly master complicated information and produce better results in less time. Newport posits that deep work is becoming increasingly rare in our economy at the same time it is becoming increasingly valuable. Those who cultivate this skill will thrive. The book distinguishes between deep work (activities performed in a state of distraction-free concentration that push cognitive capabilities to their limit) and shallow work (non-cognitively demanding logistical-style tasks often performed while distracted). Newport proposes four philosophies of deep work scheduling: monastic, bimodal, rhythmic, and journalistic. Embracing boredom and scheduled internet use are key to cultivating a deep work habit. The book discusses the concept of 'attention residue', where switching attention from one task to another reduces cognitive performance. Newport provides practical recommendations for changing work habits to incorporate deep work, such as scheduling every minute of the day and quantifying the depth of every activity. The book also emphasizes the importance of downtime. Idleness can be constructive in providing the brain the necessary rest to enhance deep work. Having a clear shutdown ritual at the end of the workday can aid in achieving work-life balance and ensure readiness for deep work the next day. Deep work is a skill that can be trained. The more one practices, the more one can perform. In-depth Summary and Analysis In "Deep Work - Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World", Cal Newport delves into the concept of deep work, distinguishing it from shallow work. Deep work is defined as activities performed in a state of distraction-free concentration that push cognitive capabilities to their limit. These efforts create new value, improve skills, and are difficult to replicate. On the other hand, shallow work is non-cognitively demanding logistical-style tasks often performed while distracted. Newport's argument stems from the premise that deep work is becoming increasingly rare and increasingly valuable in today's economy. As a society, we're leaning more towards tasks that require less focus and are easily replicable, thus reducing our ability to perform deep work. However, the irony lies in the fact that amidst this trend, deep work is becoming more critical for success in most professional fields. The book categorizes approaches to deep work scheduling into four philosophies. The monastic philosophy involves a total removal from shallow obligations, focusing entirely on deep work. The bimodal philosophy allows for deep work in some clearly defined stretches, while the rest of the time is open for everything else. The rhythmic philosophy advocates for establishing a routine where one enters a state of deep work at set times. Lastly, the journalistic philosophy fits in deep work whenever time allows. A crucial concept discussed in the book is 'attention residue'. According to Newport, when we switch our attention from one task to another, the attention does not immediately follow. A residue of the attention remains stuck on the original task. This situation hampers our cognitive performance. Therefore, the continuous switching between tasks, common in our digitally distracted world, reduces our capacity for deep work. Newport also highlights the importance of embracing boredom. In the quest to remain productive, we often seek distractions during any potential downtime, usually resorting to our phones or the internet. However, this constant stimulation trains our mind to never tolerate boredom, thereby reducing our ability to focus when necessary. Therefore, Newport suggests scheduled internet use to control the addiction to distraction. Moreover, Newport emphasizes the importance of downtime. Contrary to the common belief that constant work leads to higher productivity, this book advocates for planned rest. Rest not only helps recharge the brain but also aids in subconscious thinking, which often leads to creative insights. Finally, Newport encourages readers to ritualize the end of the workday with a clear shutdown process. This practice helps to signal the brain that work has ended, allowing it to relax and recharge for the next day. It also helps create a clear boundary between work and personal life, promoting a healthier work-life balance. In conclusion, "Deep Work - Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World" is a compelling argument for the value of deep, focused work. It not only diagnoses the problem of our increasingly distracted world but also provides practical and actionable solutions to reclaim our ability to focus. By embracing the principles of deep work, we can enhance our productivity, creativity, and overall quality of work.
ViewEssentialism - The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
Greg McKeown
The concept of Essentialism revolves around focusing on what truly matters, and eliminating all distractions and unnecessary commitments. Essentialism is not about getting more done in less time, but about getting the right things done. The Essentialist mindset dictates that 'less is more'. It's about making the wisest possible investment of your time and energy. Essentialism is not a time management strategy or a productivity technique. It is a systematic discipline for discerning what is absolutely essential and eliminating everything else. The Essentialist uses a more selective criteria for what is essential. The way of the Essentialist is the path to being in control of our own choices. Essentialism is about making the tough trade-off between lots of good things and a few great things. It's about exploring multiple possibilities to make sure you're on the right track. Essentialism requires us to replace 'I have to' with 'I choose to'. Essentialism is a mindset; a way of life. It is about living by design, not by default. In the world of Essentialism, there are no quick fixes or easy answers. The journey to becoming an Essentialist involves hard work, discipline, and tough choices. Essentialism is about creating a life that really matters by investing in the right activities. The Concept of Essentialism In his book, Greg McKeown presents the concept of Essentialism - the disciplined pursuit of less but better. He argues that in today’s fast-paced and complex world, being busy is not necessarily being productive. Instead, productivity and fulfilment are gained by focusing on fewer tasks that are truly essential and eliminating the rest. The key to Essentialism, according to McKeown, is not in managing our time better, but in simplifying our lives, operating from a clear sense of purpose, and rejecting everything that doesn’t align with it. McKeown's philosophy echoes the teachings of prominent thinkers like Thoreau who advocated for leading a life of simplicity and focus. Less is More The underlying principle of Essentialism is that less is more. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information and demands, the Essentialist seeks to cut out the noise and focus only on what really matters. This is not about being efficient or squeezing more into our day. Instead, it's about making a deliberate choice to focus on what's truly important, and letting go of everything else. The Essentialist Mindset The Essentialist mindset is not a one-time decision, but a continuous process of deliberate and conscious choices. An Essentialist is not driven by external pressures or a desire to please others, but by a deep conviction of what is truly important. The Essentialist doesn't react to every distraction, but creates space for critical thinking and reflection. Trade-offs and Choices Essentialism involves making tough trade-offs between many good opportunities and a few truly great ones. It's about not just reacting to life's demands, but proactively shaping our lives. The Essentialist doesn’t just recognize the reality of trade-offs; he or she embraces them as necessary and even desirable. Living by Design, Not by Default Being an Essentialist is about living by design, not by default. It's about making the conscious decision to invest your time and energy in the things that truly matter. It's about rejecting the myth of 'having it all' and recognizing that we can't do everything. Instead, we need to focus on where we can make the biggest difference. The Journey to Essentialism The journey to becoming an Essentialist is not an easy one. It requires hard work, discipline, and tough choices. It's about learning to say 'no' to the non-essentials so we can say 'yes' to what truly matters. It's about recognizing that we have a choice in where we invest our precious time and energy. Overall, Essentialism offers a refreshing perspective on life and productivity. By focusing on less, we can achieve more – not by cramming more tasks into our day, but by investing in the right activities. It's about living a life that is meaningful and fulfilling, not one that is simply busy and stressful.
ViewHigh-Impact Interview Questions - 701 Behavior-Based Questions to Find the Right Person for Every Job
Victoria Hoevemeyer
Key Facts and Insights Behavior-based interviewing is a methodology used to predict future performance based on past behavior. Hoevemeyer's book provides 701 specific, behavior-based questions that can be used in an interview setting. The book is organized into core competencies, each of which has a subset of relevant questions. The author emphasizes that the most successful employees are not necessarily those who have the most experience or technical skills, but those who exhibit the right behaviors. The questions are designed to reveal core values, attitudes, and behavioral patterns that are critical for job success. The book provides guidance on how to interpret responses and make hiring decisions based on those responses. The author underscores the importance of hiring for culture fit, and provides questions designed to assess this fit. The book also includes a guide on how to structure an interview for maximum effectiveness. The book is not only useful for interviewers, but also for job seekers who want to understand what potential employers are looking for. Hoevemeyer provides a reliable framework for systematic, objective hiring. Detailed Analysis and Summary "High-Impact Interview Questions - 701 Behavior-Based Questions to Find the Right Person for Every Job" by Victoria Hoevemeyer is a comprehensive guide for employers seeking to improve their interview process and hire the best fit for each job role. The book is centered around the concept of behavior-based interviewing, a technique that seeks to predict a candidate's future performance based on their past behavior. This approach is rooted in the understanding that the most successful employees are not necessarily those with the most experience or technical skills, but those who exhibit the right behaviors. Hoevemeyer provides a hefty list of 701 specific, behavior-based questions that cover a wide range of core competencies. These competencies include areas such as initiative, leadership, decision-making, teamwork, and flexibility, among others. Each question is designed to reveal core values, attitudes, and behavioral patterns that are critical for job success. For example, to assess a candidate's decision-making skills, an interviewer might ask, "Can you describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision without all the necessary information?" This question not only probes the candidate's ability to make decisions under pressure, but also their capacity for risk-taking and their comfort with ambiguity - all important aspects of decision-making competency. In addition to providing these questions, Hoevemeyer also provides guidance on how to interpret responses. She emphasizes the importance of not just listening to what candidates say, but how they say it. Non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice, can provide valuable insight into a candidate's personality and attitudes. Another crucial aspect of the book is its focus on hiring for culture fit. Hoevemeyer underscores the importance of a candidate's alignment with the company's values and culture, and provides questions designed to assess this fit. She also provides a guide on how to structure an interview, from beginning to end, for maximum effectiveness. Interestingly, while the book is targeted at interviewers, it is also invaluable for job seekers who want to understand what potential employers are looking for. By familiarizing themselves with these high-impact questions, job seekers can better prepare for interviews and present themselves in the best light. Overall, "High-Impact Interview Questions" is a valuable resource that provides a reliable framework for systematic, objective hiring. It equips readers with the tools to delve beneath the surface of a candidate's resume and uncover their true potential for job success.
ViewStart With Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action
Simon Sinek
Key Facts and Insights from "Start With Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action" The Golden Circle: At the core of Sinek's theory is the three-layered model known as the Golden Circle. It encompasses 'Why', 'How', and 'What' as the fundamental aspects of any organization or individual's purpose. Importance of 'Why': Sinek emphasizes that most successful organizations and leaders start by defining 'Why' they do what they do, not just 'What' they do or 'How' they do it. Leadership and Inspiration: The book underscores that successful leaders inspire action in their followers by articulating a clear 'Why' and aligning it with the beliefs of their followers. Manipulation vs Inspiration: Sinek distinguishes between manipulation (using external factors to drive behavior, like price, fear, etc.) and inspiration (motivating through a deep-rooted sense of belief or purpose). Clarity of Purpose: Clarity of 'Why' is crucial for any organization or leader to succeed and inspire others. This clarity is often missing in companies that struggle. 'Why' and Trust: When organizations and leaders communicate their 'Why', it helps build trust and loyalty among their employees or followers. The Role of Innovation: Sinek posits that innovation is born from a strong 'Why'. It's not just about doing things better, but doing them for a better reason. 'Why' and Culture: A clear 'Why' helps create a strong culture where employees feel they are contributing to something bigger than themselves. Companies as a Reflection of Leaders: Companies often reflect the persona of their leaders, especially their 'Why'. This is why it's crucial for leaders to have a clear sense of their own 'Why'. Consistency of 'Why': The 'Why' should remain consistent even as the 'What' and 'How' might evolve over time. Detailed Analysis and Summary of "Start With Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action" Simon Sinek's "Start With Why" presents a transformative perspective on leadership and organizational success. At the heart of his argument is the Golden Circle, a model composed of three fundamental elements: Why, How, and What. These elements, Sinek asserts, form the basis of any individual's or organization's purpose. However, he emphasizes on the importance of starting with 'Why'. Why is the purpose, cause or belief that drives every one of us. Many organizations can clearly articulate 'What' they do and 'How' they do it, but the 'Why' often remains elusive. Sinek argues that this is where many organizations falter. Drawing parallels with biological concepts, he positions 'Why' as the limbic brain (responsible for feelings, such as trust and loyalty) and 'What' and 'How' as the neocortex (responsible for rational thought and language). When it comes to leadership, the book posits that great leaders are those who inspire action by articulating a clear 'Why'. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and companies like Apple are successful not because of what they do, but because of why they do it. They start with 'Why' and then move outwards to 'How' and 'What'. This approach resonates with people's beliefs, thereby inspiring them to act. Sinek distinguishes between manipulation and inspiration. While manipulation involves driving behavior through external factors such as price, promotions, fear, or peer pressure, inspiration comes from a deep-rooted sense of belief or purpose. He asserts that manipulation can lead to transactions, but only inspiration can foster loyalty. The book also stresses the importance of a clear 'Why' in building trust and loyalty. When organizations and leaders communicate their 'Why', it resonates with their employees or followers on an emotional level, leading to increased trust and loyalty. Innovation, according to Sinek, is a byproduct of a strong 'Why'. It is not merely about doing things better, but about doing them for a better reason. This perspective aligns with the theory of innovation diffusion by Everett Rogers, who highlighted that people adopt new ideas or products not because of their advantages, but because they align with their beliefs. Sinek also discusses the role of 'Why' in creating a strong culture. A clear 'Why' provides employees with a sense of purpose, making them feel they are part of something bigger than themselves. This is reflected in the principle of 'Cultural Fit', which suggests that employees perform better when their personal values align with the organization's values. The book further suggests that companies often mirror the 'Why' of their leaders. This is why it is crucial for leaders to have a clear sense of their own 'Why'. Finally, Sinek emphasizes that while 'What' and 'How' may change over time, the 'Why' should remain consistent. This consistency of 'Why' is essential for maintaining the trust and loyalty of employees and customers. In conclusion, "Start With Why" offers profound insights into how great leaders inspire action. It makes a compelling case for starting with 'Why', thereby transforming the way we understand leadership and organizational success. Sinek's philosophies, when applied, can indeed lead to more inspired employees, loyal customers, and successful organizations.
ViewNonviolent Communication: A Language of Life - Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships
Marshall B. Rosenberg, Deepak Chopra
Key Facts and Insights from the Book Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a process that facilitates understanding and empathy between individuals. NVC focuses on human needs and feelings rather than judgments and accusations. It involves four key steps: observation, feelings, needs, and requests. NVC encourages empathetic listening and honest expression. NVC can be applied in various contexts and relationships, including personal, professional, and social. Conflict resolution is a significant application of NVC. It helps in transforming conflicts into mutually satisfying outcomes. NVC is an effective tool to promote peaceful interactions and healthy relationships. NVC promotes self-empathy and compassionate giving. NVC helps in overcoming cultural conditioning and promotes genuine human connections. It encourages personal growth and emotional healing. NVC is a powerful tool in educational settings for fostering effective communication and understanding. In-Depth Analysis and Summary "Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life - Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships" by Marshall B. Rosenberg is a highly insightful book that presents a transformative approach to communication. It introduces the concept of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a process rooted in principles of nonviolence and compassion. Rosenberg's work is underpinned by the belief that all human beings have the capacity for compassion and empathy, and that conflicts arise when strategies for meeting needs clash. NVC is not just a method of communication; it's an approach to living that cultivates respect, attentiveness, and empathy. It is a four-step process involving observation, feelings, needs, and requests. The first step, observation, involves stating what we are observing that is affecting our sense of wellbeing. The next step, feelings, involves sharing our feelings in relation to what we observe. The third step, needs, is about communicating what needs, values, or desires are causing our feelings. Finally, the request step involves making a clear, concrete request for action to meet our expressed needs. The book emphasizes that NVC is about empathetic listening and honest expression. It encourages us to listen empathetically to others and express ourselves honestly, without blame or criticism. This approach allows for a deeper understanding and connection between individuals, fostering healthier relationships. One of the significant applications of NVC, as Rosenberg points out, is conflict resolution. By focusing on the underlying needs and feelings instead of accusations and judgments, NVC can transform conflicts into mutually satisfying outcomes. Whether it's a personal disagreement, a workplace conflict, or even a social or political dispute, NVC provides a framework for peaceful resolution. NVC also promotes self-empathy and compassionate giving. It helps individuals to connect with their own feelings and needs, fostering self-understanding and personal growth. At the same time, it encourages compassionate giving, where we respond to the needs of others not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to contribute to their well-being. Rosenberg's work is particularly relevant in today's world, where communication often gets mired in misunderstandings and conflict. NVC offers a way to overcome our cultural conditioning that promotes competitive and judgmental interactions, and instead, cultivate genuine human connections. Conclusion "Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life - Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships" by Marshall B. Rosenberg is a powerful guide to promoting understanding, empathy, and compassion in our interactions. By shifting our focus from judgments and accusations to feelings and needs, NVC enables us to build healthier, more satisfying relationships. It is an invaluable tool for personal growth, emotional healing, and peaceful interactions in various contexts, including personal, professional, educational, and social. Whether you're seeking to improve your personal relationships, resolve conflicts, or simply communicate more effectively, this book offers profound insights and practical tools to guide you.
ViewHow to Own the Room - Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking
Viv Groskop
Key Facts and Insights from the Book: Presence: The author emphasizes the importance of owning your presence in any room, asserting that it is a learnable skill. Confidence: Confidence is not an inherent trait, but rather something that can be nurtured and developed over time. Storytelling: Effective storytelling is a powerful tool for communication and persuasion. Body Language: Non-verbal cues play a critical role in how we perceive and are perceived by others. Vulnerability: Showing vulnerability can make you more relatable and authentic. Humor: Utilizing humor can help to diffuse tension and foster connection. Preparation: It is vital to thoroughly prepare and rehearse before any presentation or speech. Listening: Effective communication is as much about listening as it is about speaking. Authenticity: Authenticity resonates with people and helps build trust. Voice: Your voice is a crucial tool in conveying your message and establishing authority. Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and failures is vital. Detailed Summary and Analysis: As an experienced professor who has been dealing with the topics contained in this book for many years, I can say that "How to Own the Room - Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking" by Viv Groskop provides a comprehensive roadmap for women on how to communicate effectively and command attention in any setting. Presence is one of the most crucial aspects of effective communication. Groskop emphasizes that commanding presence is not an inborn trait but a learnable and practicable skill. This echoes my own belief that presence is about cultivating an awareness of oneself and one's surroundings, and it's about being fully engaged in the moment. She brilliantly illustrates how women can develop this crucial skill through examples and practical exercises. Confidence is another significant theme in the book. Groskop maintains that confidence is not a fixed trait but a skill that can be nurtured and developed over time. She provides actionable tips for building confidence, such as stepping out of your comfort zone, visualizing success, and practicing positive self-talk. The book also underscores the importance of storytelling as a powerful tool for communication. Groskop advises readers to craft their stories carefully, focusing on the human elements that connect us all. This aligns with my own teachings on the power of storytelling in engaging audiences and conveying complex ideas. Body language is another key aspect of effective communication. Groskop emphasizes the role of non-verbal cues in how we perceive and are perceived by others. She provides practical advice on how to use body language to convey confidence and command attention, which aligns with my own research on the impact of non-verbal communication. Vulnerability and authenticity are also themes that Groskop explores. She argues that showing vulnerability can make you more relatable and authentic. This resonates with my own belief that vulnerability fosters connection and trust. The use of humor is another strategy that Groskop proposes to diffuse tension and foster connection. She provides helpful tips on how to incorporate humor into your communication without coming off as insincere or forced. Preparation is a theme that Groskop emphasizes repeatedly. She advises readers to prepare thoroughly for any speaking engagement, which resonates with my own teachings on the importance of preparation for effective communication. The book also highlights the importance of listening in effective communication. Groskop advises readers to listen attentively and respond thoughtfully, which aligns with my own belief that effective communication is as much about listening as it is about speaking. Authenticity is another important theme in the book. Groskop argues that authenticity resonates with people and helps build trust. She provides practical tips on how to be authentic in your communication, which I have also emphasized in my teachings. Another crucial aspect of effective communication that Groskop covers is the voice. She provides practical tips on how to use your voice effectively to convey your message and establish authority. Finally, Groskop addresses the importance of resilience. She emphasizes the importance of bouncing back from setbacks and failures, which aligns with my own teachings on the importance of resilience in personal and professional development. In conclusion, "How to Own the Room - Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking" is a comprehensive guide that provides practical advice and actionable tips for women on how to communicate effectively and command attention in any setting. As an experienced professor in this field, I can say that this book aligns with and complements my own teachings on the subject. It is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their communication skills.
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L.
11.March 2022Had a great session with Lilly! She nicely explained her day to day responsibilities of her role, gave me useful tips and suggestions about my future career possibilities moving closer to People and Culture area. Lilly, thank you so much for your time, knowledge sharing, easy flowing and friendly chat!