In an interview with Silke Landtwing, Manager Corporate Communications, she revealed what's behind the good-humoured power-woman from the human resources department, where she gets her energy from and what she enjoys most about her job at Leister AG.
Iris, you have been employed at Leister AG as Manager Human Resources since December 2013. How did you learn about Leister at the time?
That was a good coincidence. I was on a trip around the world and when I came back, I was looking for a new job. At that time, Leister had just advertised the position for a Human Resources Manager. Since I grew up in Obwalden and have roots here, I knew about Leister for a long time. Also, my brother has worked here for more than 25 years and thoroughly enjoyed his experience here, which led me to applying for the position. I remember exactly what I said to Michael Sigrist, Chief Human Resources Officer, when he called me and gave me the good news: "Mr. Sigrist, you have no idea what a pleasure it is to hear this exciting news!"
I really wanted to join Leister, because I was attracted by both the equipment and the industries, as well as the international environment. Something completely new for me, and that is exactly what I was looking for at the time.
What training is needed to do such a job?
I first completed a commercial apprenticeship in the insurance sector and then continued working in the insurance industry. While working, I completed my training as a Swiss Certified Insurance Specialist and then added the Swiss Certified Marketing Planner to this training. However, I soon realized that not all facets of marketing appeal to me equally. This concerns mainly market research (statistics) and the calculation of market shares within distribution channels. It was just too dry for me.
More by chance, I was then offered a position in the human resources department at AXA Winterthur. As the Human Resources Manager, I suddenly had responsibility for around 70 trainees within a management area and was also the contact person for the claims department staff. I was literally thrown in at the deep end at the time and then, while I was working, I completed my training as a Swiss Certified Personnel Specialist. I was fortunate that long-standing practical trainers gave me very good support when I started, as well as later on.
How long did you work at AXA?
16 years in total and in various positions. I began working in a sales-oriented position at a service agency. After my supervisor became ill, I became more active in the field and visited insurance customers so I could advise them. After staying in England to improve my English, I was given two temporary jobs; one as a clerk in the corporate and brokerage business, followed up by a transition to the property damage department. Afterwards, I moved to the training center to train prospective sales representatives. In January of 2005 I transitioned to the Human Resources department and stayed there until my trip around the world.
Education is one thing, personality and experience is another. If you had to describe yourself with three adjectives, which three would they be?
Now you're asking me questions I usually ask my candidates. (Laughs.) I think I'm a pretty positive person. I am solution oriented and mostly in a good mood.
Yeah, that's how I see you, too. You always seem to be in a good mood and full of energy. How do you do that?
One part is simply my personality. I find that I get through life better as a positive thinking person. If you look grouchily at the world, it will come back to you. Besides, I really enjoy my job. I draw peace and energy from nature. For example, I like to go jogging and walking. I enjoy the peace and quiet after work, as well as some time for myself. I read a lot and on weekends I cook something delicious.
How does a normal day in your job go?
I am in the office early in the morning because I have many tasks that require my full attention. From 7 to 8 o'clock I catch up on emails without distractions. I usually schedule interviews with applicants from 8:30 a.m. and beyond. After the interviews, the post-preparation for additional appointments takes place. I structure my day in blocks, because structured work and great preparation going into a conversation are very important for me.
More appointments will follow in the afternoon. My day basically consists of meetings with my superiors, employees and applicants, including their preparation and follow-up.
Are there also things that you would like to change or improve?
We have potential to make our company even better known. Especially among students. For this reason, we will expand our cooperation with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), z. B. through regular specialist lectures in the future. Also, we would like to work even more closely with other universities.
