Joining us from the traditional energy sector, Clara was keen to engage with what makes renewables different. It’s not just the technology and service standards which set our sector apart; the entire culture and sense of purpose is a radical departure from what she was used to. It’s a welcome change, and she had her new colleagues to lean on for support.

“People here are driven to see their projects become reality. When I came here, I needed to absorb so much information; I worried people would think I was bothering them if I asked too many questions. That wasn’t the case at all, everyone was so happy to explain how things worked, to share their knowledge and the pride they take in their work. This sounds strange, but it’s great to hear people talking about their jobs all day!”

It wasn’t only the nuances of clean energy she relished learning about. She’s also discovering how diverse and unique every country across the region is. “Working across countries South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand has shown me a world of subtle differences. We work with 22 to different nationalities – 14 in Thailand alone!”

Some things which are obvious to one culture might take some translating into another. That’s a big part of HR’s job, and it’s helping Clara broaden her perspective in ways she’d never thought possible.

When she was younger, Clara aspired to work in fields like law or translation. You could say she’s doing a little of both here at BayWa r.e. A grounding in psychology gives her a deep understanding of how someone’s physical environment impacts their mental health. With this knowledge, she strives to craft a workplace where our teams can realize their full potential.

Right now, it’s learning and development that’s keeping her busy. With her colleagues, she’s working on learning and development programs for new and more established employees alike, as well as establishing a framework and guidelines in line with evolving best practice.

“By making sure our people have the tools they need to advance their careers, we can help create and grow a stable and supportive professional environment.”

“My focus was always to help people, that’s what brought me to HR. Your workplace where you spend so many hours each day has a big impact on you. People have to feel comfortable where they work. If we make these workplaces even better, it helps our teams make the world better.”

That’s the crux of what Clara is trying to achieve at BayWa r.e. Alongside her team, she’s creating open, transparent, and respectful environments where people can speak their mind, no matter where they sit in the hierarchy.

Clara is enjoying this opportunity to expand both her professional and personal horizons in this new and vibrant environment.