Meet the faces behind Chatfuel: episode #5 with our HR director
In our interview series, we introduce you to the people behind Chatfuel who make things happen.
Behind the digital products and services you rely on daily, there are people who gathered together to work toward the same goal. And there's someone special who turns this diverse bunch, often scattered across the globe, into a cohesive team.
In today's interview, we spotlight Tatyana, our HR director. Tatyana shares her perspective on her role at Chatfuel, what defines a "successful team," and how she maintains energy for life and relationships outside her demanding position.
- What do you see as your primary mission as HR Director, and how do you measure success in your position?
As an HR Director, my primary mission is to foster an environment where employees can thrive while feeling at ease. I aim to ensure each team member feels valued, motivated, and engaged in our company's processes. I gauge my success through employee satisfaction and our company's ability to achieve its goals through coordinated teamwork. Ultimately, I feel most successful when colleagues approach me with genuine gratitude for the support and effective collaboration we've shared.
- Working with people can be challenging. What drew you to this career? What aspects of it do you find most rewarding? What core values shaped your professional path?
Working with people can be challenging, but that's exactly what makes my job so fascinating and meaningful. I'm drawn to the opportunity to impact lives, foster growth, and help others achieve their goals. Each day brings new interactions, complex problem-solving, and the satisfaction of seeing how my efforts contribute to the growth of both my colleagues and the company. It's truly inspiring.
The core principles I've always prioritized are respect, empathy, and honesty. I believe that support and trust are essential elements in working with people.
- Do you think it's necessary to artificially foster team spirit and employee motivation, or do these develop naturally in a strong team? Can motivation, loyalty, and team spirit be created from scratch, or are they primarily a response to the company's atmosphere?
Maintaining team spirit and employee motivation is crucial. Even in a well-assembled team, tensions or problems can arise, and without timely support and attention, these issues may escalate into more serious difficulties. Motivation and team spirit stem not only from careful selection of team members but also from the atmosphere cultivated within the company. Therefore, it's essential to continuously work on strengthening these aspects.
While motivation or loyalty can't be artificially imposed, they can be nurtured. These qualities develop organically in response to the company's atmosphere, interactions with colleagues, and management style. The company's atmosphere and culture, however, can and should be consciously shaped. By creating the right conditions, we foster an environment where motivation and loyalty naturally emerge and thrive.
- What defines a successful team for you, and how does the HR department foster such a team at Chatfuel?
For me, a successful team is a group of individuals who collaborate effectively, cohesively, and enthusiastically. They not only achieve their goals but do so with enjoyment and mutual respect. At Chatfuel, our HR team fosters such an environment through transparency, consistent feedback, encouragement of initiatives, and active involvement in shaping our corporate culture.
- How do you maintain work-life balance?
For me, work-life balance is a conscious approach to time management. When working remotely, it's easy to blur the lines between professional and personal hours, but I strive to maintain clear boundaries between these areas. A key element in preserving this balance is sports. Regular workouts help me relieve stress and sustain my energy levels.
- What it takes for a candidate to be a perfect fit for Chatfuel? Any advice for newcomers?
The ideal candidates for Chatfuel are driven and energetic individuals. We appreciate those who tackle tasks with enthusiasm and aren't hesitant to suggest fresh ideas. It's crucial that they communicate effectively with the team and contribute to a friendly, productive atmosphere.
Advice for newcomers: Show initiative and energy from day one. Your drive and desire to move forward will not only help you stand out but also make you a valuable member of our team. Be ready to learn, grow, and confidently present your ideas—this is exactly what we value at Chatfuel.
That's a wrap on our chat with Tatyana, but we have more interviews lined up with other members of the Chatfuel team, each ready to share their unique insights and experiences. Stay tuned for the next episode of our interview series!