Magdalena Kopal

HR Director

Magdalena (Slovakian) joined the company in 2021 after working for more than ten years in the Human Resource field. Her solid interpersonal, communication and organisational skills contribute to the development of lucrative work relationships, and employee morale and productivity growth. Magdalena is also responsible for aligning employees’ and management’s business objectives, building a strong organisational culture.

We asked her a few questions:

1. What do you like most about working at Mr. Marine?

Mr. Marine gave me a high level of responsibility and trust! In my position, it is fundamental that my colleagues trust me, and they do. They take my advice into consideration and follow it often. And I also trust them. We have vital and efficient cooperation.

2. What is your greatest achievement at work?

That I love what I do. For me, my job is not a painful necessity. It is my hobby, my joy, and also my lifestyle. My partner often jokes that I am in a very satisfying romantic relationship with my profession. But make no mistake, I am not a workaholic. A work-life balance is very important for me. Besides, overworked and stressed out HR would not be a good company brand.

3. What motivates you?

Good challenge, constant learning, keeping up with new trends and applying them across the organisation. And, of course, positive feedback. There is nothing more motivating than hearing a simple ‘Thank you, you helped me’ or to see that I made a positive impact.

4. What do you love most about what you do?

That I have a ‘seat at the table’ when it comes to important decisions, the company’s goals, and changes. This is a very progressive approach. Still, in many businesses, HR is perceived as a rather bureaucratic and just administrative part of an organisation. And this is certainly not the case at Mr. Marine.

5. What is the best work advice you have ever received?

One of my past bosses told me: “Never be afraid of good competition! Surround yourself with smart and talented people that are better than you and learn from them.” And I believe that having followed this advice brought me where I am today.

6. What are your future career plans (goals)?

I have to admit, two years ago, I had doubts about my career direction. It was a time when I completed an MA programme in International Relations, and I wanted to go into Diplomatic service. However, now it is more than clear to me that I want to, and I will stay being HR. I realised that I am able to apply a lot of my acquired IR knowledge in the HR field. HRBP is a liaison between business objectives with management and employees. Moreover, I am dealing with opposing opinions, and I need to stay impartial. And so, to succeed, I must possess diplomatic skills.

The amazing thing about this profession is that there are many levels and directions within HR. One day, and I have no rush, I see myself as a Chief People Officer or having my HR consultancy firm.