Hi, I’m Dora Harsfalvy-Livos, and I am a Human Resources Manager with 16 years of professional experience in HR and Talent Development.
Describe your profession to a 6-year-old child.
I help people to be happy and successful in their jobs and in their workplace.
What is the most common thing people say when they find out what you do?
“Aha, so we should be careful with you!”
What is the one thing they don’t ask but you would like them to?
I wish they asked “What makes a top-notch Human Resources Manager?”
What is the biggest misconception you/others have had about your profession?
Many people think the role is more about administrative matters than strategy.
What is the one thing you are most proud of about your job?
A combination of things: I help others to realize their potential and thrive in their work environment. I shape leadership decisions and company culture. I contribute to making the organization a better place for its people.
Name the three things that require most of your attention each week.
Leadership coaching, HR process management, employee cases.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be successful in your profession?
Make sure you want to do it for the right reasons, and if yes, find an organization whose core values align with yours. This alignment will allow you to work with people with similar mindsets and build and grow together.
What are the key leadership skills required to do your job well?
Be strategic, communicate clearly, create accountability, listen actively, welcome and lead change.
These play a critical role in shaping leaders who can make optimal decisions for their people.
If you think of successful leaders in your space, what are their leadership qualities you admire?
Fairness, honesty, integrity, kindness, trust.
How would you like your profession to look in 10 years?
More consistent in terms of a) quality of HR professionals; b) the values organizations honor; c) More influential across the leadership board; d) More automated with intelligent HR tools.
Describe how your job can contribute to making the world a better place.
The more valued, content, balanced and motivated people are in their career and at their workplace, the more present they can be with their loved ones and the more they can give to their families. This leads to raising happier and inspired kids who make the world a better place.
Bio
Currently, I hold an international HR Management position at Amazon’s EU HQ in Luxembourg, which I joined in 2015. During the first three years, I worked in EU Talent Acquisition, both as an individual contributor and a manager. My primary emphasis was on leadership and high potential talent recruitment. In 2018, I smoothly transitioned to Talent Management, overseeing the European segment of a global leadership development program.
Prior to joining Amazon, I accumulated nine years of experience at international firms in Executive Search, Learning and Talent development, as well as the consultancy sector. Furthermore, I worked in organizational development and education within European Institutions, and, eventually, I ventured into entrepreneurship by operating my own Talent and Career Coaching practice.
Academically, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Management with an HR specialization, a Master’s diploma in Sociology, and an international Coach certification. Originally from Budapest, Hungary, I have lived and worked in Brussels and London, ultimately relocating to Luxembourg.
See more on LinkedIn.
SL: As you may have realized by her surname, Dora is my lovely wife, who was kind enough to start off this blog series.
