It’s been a while, but we’re back with another Symphony Persona Interview! This time we’ve talked to Volha Averyna, a Senior Recruiter at Symphony Solutions. Volha shared with us her insightful journey from managing a school of creative thinking to being a passionate recruiter who thrives in matching talents with companies and seeing them succeed. And that’s not all there is to Volha! Be it traveling, sports, or book recommendations – this fascinating interview has got a lot to offer. So, dive right in! 1. You have been a Symphonian for more than 2 years. What are the things you enjoy about working at Symphony Solutions? One of the things I cherish the most about working at Symphony Solutions is my amazing team. Each team member is a wonderful individual, characterized by a strong sense of empathy and curiosity. Their compassionate nature and inquisitive minds create a supportive and collaborative work environment, making every day enjoyable and fulfilling. At Symphony Solutions, I also appreciate the chance to explore new things and contribute innovative ideas. I highly value the company’s focus on employee well-being and continuous improvement of benefits based on our feedback. This approach fosters a healthy work-life balance. Being an active person, I find great enjoyment in the flexibility of working from any location and the opportunity to travel while working. “Don’t hesitate to seek clarification or guidance. Asking questions shows your commitment to understanding and improving, and it can lead to deeper insights and better solutions.” Volha Averyna 2. What values and cultural bases are important to you in Symphony Solutions? The inspiring aspect of working at Symphony Solutions is the passion and dedication we have for our work. As Symphonians, we love what we do, and this enthusiasm drives us to go above and beyond to deliver exceptional results that surpass our customers’ expectations and those of our colleagues. Also at Symphony Solutions, I deeply cherish the values of diversity and teamwork. The company’s commitment to fostering a diverse team is something I truly love. It creates an inclusive and collaborative culture, allowing us to leverage different perspectives and strengths to achieve our goals collectively. 3. What makes Symphony Solutions different from other companies? What sets us apart from other companies are our people, our fresh ideas, and our open-minded attitude. Our team is passionate and skilled, driving our success. We thrive on innovative thinking and encourage creativity. We’re open to change, which keeps us ahead in a dynamic business world. “The most enjoyable aspect of my job is the meaningful connections I build with people. Working with diverse individuals may present challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”Volha Averyna 4. What do you enjoy about your job as a recruiter the most? As a recruiter, the most enjoyable aspect of my job is the meaningful connections I build with people. Working with diverse individuals may present challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I take great pleasure in helping candidates find their dream jobs and enabling organizations to thrive by bringing in the right talent. Witnessing their growth and success keeps me motivated and inspired. Moreover, the fact that I stay in touch with many candidates even after placement brings me immense fulfillment. We can discuss life topics, and they know they can rely on my advice and help. It’s a gratifying feeling to know that I’m doing a good job and have earned their trust. Building these enduring relationships is a true highlight of my role as a recruiter. 5. How do you follow trends in your profession and industry? Staying current with industry trends is of utmost importance in our profession. To ensure I stay well-informed, I have developed a weekly habit of dedicating a minimum of 2 hours to learning and self-education about the latest trends and technologies in HR and IT. To keep abreast of developments, I follow various HR leaders on LinkedIn, actively engaging with their insights and updates. Additionally, I make it a point to read articles about emerging technologies, as they are relevant to our field. Furthermore, I believe in the value of networking and learning from peers. That’s why I actively participate in meetups and events happening in Krakow and other cities online and offline, which serves as an excellent platform for knowledge sharing and professional growth. This year I had a chance to participate in European Women in Technology event in Amsterdam and hear about the latest trends there. ”As Symphonians, we love what we do, and this enthusiasm drives us to go above and beyond to deliver exceptional results that surpass our customers’ expectations and our colleagues.”Volha Averyna 6. Can you tell us more details about your work background in project management and team building? What motivated you to shift your focus to recruiting? My work background includes managing a school of creative thinking with a team of 10+ individuals. I coordinated training sessions for specialists from various industries, focusing on creativity, strategy, and media while working on real client briefs. Additionally, I excelled in communication management, organizing events for renowned companies like Coca-Cola, Huawei, Samsung, and Wargaming. As for my shift towards recruiting, there were a few motivating factors. Firstly, I found immense satisfaction in building and managing teams in my previous roles. I enjoyed nurturing talent, fostering a positive work culture, and witnessing the collective growth of the team. Recruiting seemed like a natural progression, as it allowed me to focus on finding and bringing onboard individuals who could contribute their skills and expertise to the organization. Moreover, I recognized the critical role that hiring the right people plays in the success of any project or organization. By being involved in the recruiting process, I could ensure that we attract and select the best-fit candidates who align with the company’s values and goals. 7. Did your previous experience in human resources assist you in your current position as a recruiter? If yes, then how. My diverse background in human resources has enriched my abilities as a recruiter. Having worked with various companies and multinational teams, I can see risks and offer advice from a comprehensive perspective. This empowers me to make informed decisions and create successful matches that benefit both candidates and organizations. It’s all about bringing a well-rounded approach to fueling lasting success in the professional world. “Our team is passionate and skilled, driving our success. We thrive on innovative thinking and encourage creativity. We’re open to change, which keeps us ahead in a dynamic business world.”Volha Averyna 8. You pay a lot of attention to your mental health. Tell us more about how you keep your life balanced (e.g., meditation, yoga, sport). Absolutely, I’m all about taking care of my mental well-being, and I’ve got some awesome tricks to keep things balanced. Back in 2015, I got into yoga through a retreat and regular classes. These days, I’m trying different classes in Krakow and doing exercises at home. Meditation is my go-to move, guided by my friend who’s a Vipassana pro. Twice daily, I meditate for 20 minutes in each session. It’s a bit challenging, but it brings me a sense of calmness and new ideas. Biking is a big part of my life too right now. I explore Krakow on two wheels, just going wherever. It’s simple and makes me feel great. I’m also into squash – a fun way to stay active. You see, I’m an active person, but motivating myself can be tough sometimes. Still, knowing how much my body and mental health will thank me, I push myself to make the effort. This winter, I gave snowboarding a shot for the first time. Loved it! I’m all set to do more this winter, aiming to get even better. It’s super fun, and I’m excited to see where it takes me. These changes are making a real difference. Finding balance isn’t always easy, but the good vibes and peace of mind are totally worth it. 9. What sparked your interest in traveling? Could you share a memorable experience or adventure from one of your trips that significantly impacted you? We’d love to learn more about your passion for mountains and nature! My love for travel began with a simple idea: exploring beyond what I know. I’ve always believed that understanding people and cultures requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Seeing how different lives and habits are worldwide keeps me curious and excited about the world. Also, it’s helping me better understand people and be tolerant. One particularly memorable experience that encapsulates my passion for adventure took place when I organized a sunrise trip with a group of close friends. The idea was simple yet enthralling – to witness the sun’s first rays painting the mountain landscape in brilliant hues (Babia Góra in Poland). We set our alarms for the early hours, rising at 2 a.m. to embark on our ascent at 4 a.m., aiming to reach the peak just as the sun began to grace the horizon. My friends and even friends of friends rallied behind the concept, despite the chill of November. Their unwavering support bolstered my resolve, turning an idea into a shared ambition. When we reached the summit, a breathtaking panorama unfolded before us. Nature stirred to life. Even the brisk wind couldn’t deter our spirits. Completing our hike at 2 p.m., a sense of accomplishment mingled with the surreal feeling that evening had already descended. This adventure remains etched in my memory as proof to the bonds of friendship and the profound impact that a shared journey can have on one’s perspective. “Don’t shy away from mistakes; instead, welcome them as opportunities for growth and learning.”Volha Averyna 10. What destinations are at the top of your bucket list for future travels? What draws you to these particular places? I adore Disney, and my dreams include Disneyland’s enchantment, Paris’s romance, and Mexico’s vibrant culture. These desires drive my passions. 11. With your love for theater, books, and music, how would you say these different art forms complement each other in enriching your life? Tell us more about each of these hobbies. So, starting with theater – I’ve been part of an amateur theater group for over four years. When I moved to Poland with a friend, I took on the awesome task of setting up a children’s theater. It’s not just about helping kids embrace their creativity and talent, it’s also a two-way street where I grow alongside them. Their curiosity and the fun they have seeking help create an incredible experience. Plus, I’m all about theater beyond the stage – watching performances and having lively discussions with friends afterward is pure joy! Now, onto books – they hold a special place in my heart, especially with my philology background. I’ve explored books from different eras, which is pretty amazing. Even though finding time for reading can be a bit tricky these days, I’ve come up with a solution – a book club. This way, I get to read new books regularly and chat about them with fellow book enthusiasts. Sharing thoughts and opinions has become a wonderful way to make time for reading and connect with others who share my love for books. Last but not least, music. It’s quite a transformation story for me. Back in school, I wasn’t exactly thrilled about playing musical instruments. I finished musical school. And now music is a big part of my life. I’m all about concerts and music festivals – they fill my heart with happiness. Whenever I need an extra dose of confidence before an important meeting or a speech, I simply turn on my favorite tunes. It’s like an instant mood booster and confidence amplifier! So, you see, theater sparks creativity and growth, books provide a space for shared intellectual adventures, and music? Well, music is my emotional powerhouse. Together, they create a wonderful blend that adds so much vibrancy and happiness to my life every single day. “I deeply cherish the values of diversity and teamwork. The company’s commitment to fostering a diverse team is something I truly love. It creates an inclusive and collaborative culture, allowing us to leverage different perspectives and strengths to achieve our goals collectively.”Volha Averyna 12. Name top-5 books you would recommend to our readers. “Lighter” by Yung Pueblo “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin “Atomic Habits” by James Clear “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” by Richard Bach, Russell Munson “Leading at a Higher Level” by Ken Blanchard 13. What strategies or techniques do you employ to enhance your productivity? When it comes to getting things done, I’ve got a special trick: “Reflect and Revive.” I take a moment at the end of the day or the start of a new one to give myself a high-five for even the smallest wins. This little pause boosts my motivation and helps me figure out what really needs my attention. I check my to-do list, see what’s important for today, and adjust as needed. Sometimes, I realize that certain tasks don’t need as much effort as I thought. This approach keeps me on track, celebrates progress, and makes each day count. “Finding balance isn’t always easy, but the good vibes and peace of mind are totally worth it.” Volha Averyna 14. What is something you have never experienced but would like to try? I can’t wait to try paragliding – the idea of flying and taking in amazing views excites me. I’m also eager to experience surfing, feeling the ocean’s energy. 15. What 3 pieces of advice would you give yourself when you started your career? Reflecting on my career journey, there are three pieces of advice I’d offer to my younger self: Embrace Self-Belief: While it may seem like a straightforward concept, believing in yourself is the foundation of your path. Embrace Mistakes as Lessons: Don’t shy away from mistakes; instead, welcome them as opportunities for growth and learning.Do Not Be Afraid to Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to seek clarification or guidance. Asking questions shows your commitment to understanding and improving, and it can lead to deeper insights and better solutions We invite you to learn more about Symphonians! Check out some of our previous Symphony Personas interviews.
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