Remi Stefanelli, personnel department colleague at InnoRenew CoE; main area of activities: human resources

• Where were you living in childhood and where do you live now?

I spent my childhood on flowering meadows, in green forests and along the crystal-clear rivers of the former Yugoslavia. Now I spend most of my time by the sea, which for me is the most beautiful place on earth. Occasionally, however, I visit other beautiful places around the world.

• What have you studied and what were the motives for your decision?            

I decided to study for a master’s degree in human resource management because I have always been interested in the culture of the organization and the dynamics of relationships in it. Since we spend most of our time at work, I think that the conditions of the work environment and how we feel in it is more than relevant.

• How would you describe your work to someone outside your field?

My work is a set of activities related to managing personnel data before, during and after employment. This also includes the daily creation of simple, relevant, creative, effective and quick solutions to all situations or questions from co-workers. In doing so, I take into account the personnel policy of the organization, labour legislation and the needs or wishes of employees. In the end, I put everything together in tables.

• What does your typical working day look like?

For me, it’s hard to determine a typical working day, except at the end or beginning of the month when I collect data for the payment of salaries. All other days, I organize my work according to priorities. I like “daily sparks” when I can chat with co-workers.

• What makes you excited about your work?

I am fascinated by the stimulating work environment, the diversity of work tasks and high work values, which also include respect for personality. I am attracted to work tasks where things are set up anew and there is a creative search for solutions; wider social inclusion and autonomy at work is also desirable. I am enthusiastic about almost all activities related to the organization of work, solving challenges and cooperation. I love the feeling of being immersed in work as well as experiencing the sincere expression of satisfaction when we reach an objective pursued or an appropriate solution with our colleagues.

• And what is the biggest challenge at your work?

The biggest challenge for me is to sit all day at a desk and look at the computer monitor ?.

• Which scientist or scientific achievement are you fascinated by and why?

Among the many scientists and their achievements that I appreciate are Nikola Tesla, Thomas Alva Edison and other scientists who discovered and researched energy in nature, which they named electricity. I don’t like that we’ve become addicted to electronic devices, but the discovery is great nonetheless ?.

• Tell us about the work of art (books, music, movies, theatre, dance, visual arts) that has a special place in your life.

“Mamma Mia!” is my favourite movie because it contains all the elements in one: breathtaking landscape scenes, music, dance and an interesting story. Of the theatrical plays, I would highlight “Swan Lake” performed by Russian ballet dancers. I can’t pick out something from music because I like different genres. I definitely have to mention my favourite painters like Klimt, Renoir, Monet, Kandinsky. I have also had the extraordinary opportunity to observe the creation of wooden sculptures, which made me very happy. After all, the newly created InnoRenew CoE wooden building can also be classified as an architectural art.

• What have you read, listened to, or watched lately?

In addition to the professional literature, I read with great interest the book by Japanese scientist Masaru Emoto, which talks about crystals and the message of water. I recently listened again to the traditional Vienne and Venice New Year’s concerts. I like to listen to concerts or other performances from Verona Arena and, of course, the always entertaining André Rieu. I usually watch movies on recommendation, one of which was the excellent animated film “Ballerina”.

• Which place on the Slovene coast do you like the most?

There are several. If I had to choose, I would choose circular routes where you can see the most beautiful parts of Portorož, Piran, Seča and Strunjan.

• What makes you enthusiastic?

There are many small things that make me enthusiastic such as laughter, dancing, music, poetry, traveling over the world, boating, cooking, hiking, photography, socializing, discovering the unknown, lying in a hammock strung between the trees, learning about the human psyche and much more. I am also grateful for the feelings of joy, freedom, love and playfulness I experience when I am enthusiastic.

• Characterize your life’s guidance or an important realization (or epiphany) you have experienced.

Life guidance: Where there is a will, there is a way!

The realization that is important to me: It depends on us what we care for in ourselves and express through life.

• What does the charm of wood mean to you?

Wood protects us, cleans the air and makes our life more beautiful and easier throughout its entire life cycle. Almost anything we need for life can be made out of wood. I like the structure, warmth and smell of wood. I can’t imagine music without wooden instruments, a kitchen without a wooden spoon or a terrace without wooden deckchairs.

I can say first hand that wood has a beneficial effect on well-being. I can already experience the feeling of comfort by imagining being in a wooden swing under a blossoming cherry tree drinking a linden tea with enticing aroma ♥.