Ramona, what fueled your progression from working student in HR to Head of Executive Management at Xella?

What really fueled my progression was a mix of curiosity, ambition, and the opportunities Xella provided. Starting as a working student, I was given the chance to gain hands-on experience in the field of HR.
When I joined full-time in 2019, I embraced Xella’s generalist approach in Group HR, which opened the door to a variety of exciting challenges. I wasn’t just focused on recruiting—I also got to work on transformative projects like digitizing our onboarding process. These experiences pushed me to grow my skills, take on new perspectives, and continuously challenge myself.

Stepping into a management role is a significant leap. What motivated you to bring yourself to the table and take on this responsibility?

For me, taking the leap into management was about believing in my own potential and recognizing the value I could bring to the role. I’ve always been driven by the idea that just because you may not be the obvious or traditional choice doesn’t mean you can’t excel. In fact, it can be your unique perspective that’s most needed.

I made a conscious decision to put myself forward, to show that I wasn’t just here to maintain the status quo but to challenge it and create meaningful change. That mindset came from a belief that progress doesn’t happen by waiting for opportunities to come your way - you have to step up and claim them. It wasn’t always easy, but I’m proud that I took the initiative. Now, as Head of Executive Management, I have the chance to work on an international stage, connect with colleagues across cultures, and contribute to shaping a stronger, more inclusive Xella.

How can companies like Xella further embrace and act on diversity?

We need to challenge traditional thinking and decision-making processes. At Xella, we’re already taking steps, like ensuring executive roles are only filled after considering both male and female perspective regarding the candidate. So there is at least one women on senior level that has to give her opinion. But we can go further—by fostering open dialogue, promoting diverse role models, and creating more opportunities for everybody. Diversity is not just a checkbox; it’s about building teams that thrive on different perspectives and ideas.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to grow within a company like Xella?

Be bold and proactive. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—create them. It’s important to challenge yourself, step out of your comfort zone, and embrace change. Also, surround yourself with supportive colleagues who inspire and motivate you.

How do you challenge yourself in your personal life?

In my personal life, I thrive on setting ambitious goals and stepping out of my comfort zone. Recently, I signed up for a half marathon, which is a completely new challenge for me. Another way I challenge myself is through agility training with my dog, Marty. It’s called Ninja Dogs, and it’s similar to the concept of Ninja Warrior, a TV show, but designed for dogs. This activity is not just physically engaging but also mentally stimulating—it requires focus, quick decision-making, and a deep connection with Marty.