Meet Mihaela, Cultivating a Diverse and Dynamic Work Environment at Svoge Chocolate Plant

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Mihaela – an irrepressible believer in the kindness of people, HR, based in Svoge Chocolate Plant, Bulgaria. I was born, raised, married, and raised my two children near Svoge.

As the People Lead of the Svoge Plant for the past year, I've always been drawn to new experiences and destinations. This is evident in my academic pursuits, where I earned dual master’s degrees in Tourism and Information Technologies. This unique blend of interests allows me to bring a fresh perspective to my professional endeavors.

My career journey started in 1999 when I was 16, working part-time for the Bulgarian National Tax Agency. Driven by my passion for travel, I participated in the USA work-and study-based exchange program for 2 years. After being impressed by the development in the tourism sector in North America, I continued working there to build on my educational studies. 5 years later, I decided to return to Bulgaria and invest my knowledge and experience, further developing my career in my home country. I joined a local NGO organization dealing with community developmental projects. I could not resist my personal desire to dive deep and participate in the research on the needs and the involvement of the public in projects related to supporting small local businesses, building strategies for positioning local tourism products, and sharing different international experiences. My interest in the NGO sphere was still awake, but at that time, I was expecting my first child and needed to settle down, travel less, and focus on family. Right after my first maternity, I joined MDLZ. This journey has been a testament to my personal and professional growth, and I'm proud of the person I've become and the contributions I've made.

When did you join MDLZ?

My journey with MDLZ began 7 and a half years ago when I was appointed as an administrative assistant at the Svoge Plant. Stepping into the corporate world was a new experience for me, but the unwavering support from my team and the willingness of every individual in the Plant to assist made the transition incredibly smooth. This experience helped me realize that my innate people-oriented nature is a key strength in fulfilling professional commitments. Two years later, I naturally transitioned into the HR function, initially as a coordinator for the Plant and later briefly in the Bulgaria Business Unit. This evolution in my career has been a rewarding journey, and I'm excited to continue contributing to the success and growth of MDLZ.

What is your current role, and what makes it exciting?

As the People Lead at Svoge Chocolate Plant, my motivation stems from the dynamic collaboration with young talents and experienced employees. Engaging with individuals who generously share their insights on projects, process changes, and developmental opportunities cultivates a rich and diverse professional environment. Over the last 12 months, I've had the privilege of overseeing performance from various perspectives. This role has allowed me to coach, design strategies, and collaborate with a wide array of stakeholders, contributing to the vibrant and multifaceted daily dynamics of our team.

What personal qualities or skills make you successful in your position, and what do you suggest for a candidate?

I believe three pivotal personal qualities not only contribute to professional success but also establish one as a trusted individual, drawing from my own experiences – ownership, a can-do attitude, and open, detailed thinking. Taking specific tasks as personal responsibilities, approaching challenges from all perspectives to make informed decisions, and persevering in the face of obstacles are the fundamental steps toward success.

What advice would you give to women looking to enter this field, and any tips you have learned?

One advice I could give to all willing to join our diverse HR function women is to trust their own journey and not be afraid to challenge themselves. The most significant victories arise from a sincere intention to enhance personal growth and your team's.

What is the most exciting project you worked on in MDLZ?

I've had the privilege of engaging in diverse projects during my tenure at MDLZ, but right now, I would like to mention – Svoge's 100-year anniversary! In July, the chocolate factory in Svoge opened its doors for a special event, which brought together guests from the country and abroad and leading Bulgarian media. Among the attendees were the Mayor of Svoge, Emil Ivanov, and the US Ambassador to Bulgaria – His Excellency Kenneth Merten.

This is an exceptional moment for all of us. Our pride in what we have achieved over the years and our commitment to the future inspire the team to strive for continuous development. As plant People lead, I am very proud of the team - unique professionals, young, capable, and ambitious people.

How do you describe the culture?

Our corporate culture journey changes constantly as the people processes and, specifically, manufacturing autonomous implementation steps follow the global MDLZ trends. The sustainable rejuvenation of our plant teams and the digitalization renewal of our daily routine are leading to the creation of a culture of belonging, which is proven to be our Plant's best value of people – feeling and acting as a family. It is a great community with high engagement and standout capabilities.

Why MDLZ?

Continuous innovation and growth at MDLZ, coupled with each of us’ empowerment to shape our own future, embodies why I'm dedicated to this organization. As one cohesive team, we collectively strive to meet the needs of our consumers and customers globally while fostering positive impacts on local communities and the planet through responsible sourcing. This shared commitment is what fuels my passion and purpose at MDLZ. This is my WHY!

What is your favourite MDLZ brand?

With such a diverse array of products, it's hard to pinpoint a favorite, but if I were to choose, one that holds a special place in my heart is the local Svoge brand. Particularly the dark 65% tablet, portioned perfectly for a unique brownie recipe I received in the Plant on my first day as part of the MDLZ team.