Who is Joinrs?  

Joinrs is the meeting point for students, junior profiles, and companies. Thanks to our AI model, we help job seekers discover the best job ads aligned with their ambitions. At the same time, over 150 client companies use our platform for employer branding and talent acquisition strategies, aiming to attract candidates who align with their company's values. If you are a company and would like to learn more, click here.

  HR conversations with Joinrs 

At Joinrs, we go beyond just matching candidates with opportunities. In addition to facilitating connections, we conduct insightful interviews with professionals from diverse backgrounds and industries. Through these conversations, we provide valuable insights and perspectives to our users, enriching their knowledge and experience on our platform. Join us in exploring the depth and breadth of expertise across various fields to enhance your career journey. Today Carla is sharing her journey and advice with us!

Carla Guaraldo

HR Director Southern Europe 

1) What motivated you to pursue a career in HR, having studied Law before?

I've been working in the human resources field since early 2000. Everything in my life seemed to be a matter of causality—nothing in my previous plans pointed to this direction. I started working in a law firm after university for a few months, but I realized it wasn't exactly my dream job, so I sent out my CV. Eventually, I found a position at a training institute at the Chamber of Commerce in Rome, where I was responsible for organizing training courses using funds from the European Commission. This experience sparked my interest in the training field, and I began to explore opportunities related to it. Back then, the concept of human resources was not as well-known as it is today. I accepted a permanent contract with my company, which was quite unusual at the time, but I decided to leave to pursue a Human Resources master’s program in Milan in 2001. That was the first edition of the program offered by 24Ore Business School. After this, I fully committed myself to understanding what human resources truly encompassed.

2) What lessons have you learned from your previous experiences in different companies and industries that have helped you effectively lead NBCUniversal's HR team?

I've worked in various industries, which I consider a significant asset in my career. I've been in the automotive sector, civil aviation, financial services, and fashion retail. Each industry requires different approaches as an HR professional. The first lesson I learned was the importance of flexibility. As I transitioned between sectors, I adapted my leadership style and working methods. Flexibility is one of my strengths.

From retail, I learned the value of being close to people and communicating with them. Unlike working in an office, retail involves going to stores and interacting directly with employees, and I strive to maintain this approach in my current role, even while managing a large number of employees across different countries. Additionally, I learned the importance of being well-versed in employment law, especially while dealing with employee cases.

During my time in civil aviation, I realized how crucial it is to work in an international setting and to navigate diverse cultures. Each sector has provided me with invaluable lessons that I apply in my current position.

3) What are the most effective strategies and practices you have adopted in managing a multicultural and multilingual workforce, and what advice would you give to young people who want to work in international settings like yours?

In my opinion working in an international environment can be both challenging and exciting. It requires the ability to listen to others and respect cultural nuances. Initially, I faced difficulties in understanding these nuances within my team.

Language plays a crucial role; it's not only about language skills but also about the words we choose. Using an Inclusive language, respectful of the different cultures is the first step you have to take to work in an international environment. Sometimes I had to step back and comprehend how various cultures interpret different remarks. Even how we express our emotions may vary from one culture to another. To those wanting to work internationally, I recommend developing language skills to be able to communicate effectively but overall, I would encourage them in understanding cultural nuances being conscious that we can always learn from differences.

4) How do you think young people can maintain motivation and passion for their work in the long term?

The job market and work environment have evolved significantly over the past decade. I believe that curiosity is the most important trait to cultivate.

We must remain open to learning and continuous self-improvement. It's essential never to think that your career has plateaued; at every stage of our career, we may embark on new professional journeys. Stay humble and curious. Continuous learning is critical as the workplace is changing rapidly.

Additionally, we must remain open to external influences and avoid adopting a victim mentality, as it hinders our growth.

Networking within and outside our industry, is also crucial. Even if you're a competent professional, remaining isolated within your company can prevent you from recognizing opportunities outside. Maintaining your network is essential for future career transitions.

5) What are your perspectives on the future of remote and hybrid work, and what implications do you think it might have on recruitment and people management in organizations?

We’re currently witnessing a trend of companies encouraging a return to the office, even in the tech sector. In my opinion in the coming years, organizations will need to reassess their business models in light of artificial intelligence and digital transformation. I'm not convinced that all companies are prepared for this, particularly concerning people management.

The conversation surrounding hybrid and remote work is not merely about those arrangements; it’s fundamentally about how digital transformation will impact processes and business models. 

This transformation will demand flexibility, including hybrid models.

However, I don't believe that 100% remote work is suitable for all industries. The human factor will become increasingly important as AI will reinforce our need to think and operate differently, making human interactions vital”. Skills such as empathy and understanding will be crucial in facilitating these interactions.

Interview curated by the Joinrs' team