Karolina Konecka

Group Growth & Culture Director | Talent Management | Learning & Development | Coaching | Employee Experience | Organizational culture | Making HR human (and effective)

Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland

About

I work in HR and People Development, helping organizations build strong cultures, great leaders and workplaces people actually want to be part of. I’ve been working in international structures across Europe and Africa, navigating different cultures, mindsets and realities — which taught me that good HR is always about people first, not just processes and slides. What I usually spend my time on: Leadership & Talent Development – growing leaders, not just managers Employer Branding & Employee Experience – because culture is felt, not written Talent & Career Development – helping people see a future in the organization Culture & Communication – turning values into everyday behaviors I’m also a coach in progress, constantly learning, practicing and deepening my coaching mindset — especially when it comes to leadership, growth and meaningful conversations. I mix strategic thinking with empathy, common sense and a sense of humor (yes, even in HR). I believe trust, clarity and honest conversations do more for engagement than any fancy framework. Happy to connect with people who care about leadership, growth and making work a better place — across borders and time zones.

Experience

  • Stock Spirits Group (Full-time · 3 yrs)
    • Group Growth & Culture Director
      Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

      I lead key areas of the people agenda, including Learning & Development, Talent Management, Internal Communication, Talent Acquisition, Employee Experience and Engagement. My focus is on creating meaningful growth opportunities, building strong leadership pipelines and fostering a culture where people feel heard, valued and connected. I'm proudly leading team of 5 experts/managers and 2-3 trainees.

    • Group Organizational Development Manager
      Jul 2023 - Dec 2024 · 1 yr 6 mos

      I lead and inspire change within the organization, acting as a catalyst for growth and development. Focusing on leadership development, building future talent managers, who will empower & develop their teams.

  • Coca-Cola HBC (Full-time · 6 yrs 9 mos)
    • Group Talent Development Programs Manager
      Aug 2021 - Jul 2023 · 2 yrs

      * Designing new solution for GenZ - International Leadership Trainee Program - leading the team of stream managers (recruitment, employer branding, talent development, learning & culture) * Creating and ensuring implementation of Talent Development programs for 29 countries; * Providing analysis and recommendations for the best developmental interventions to build succession for top positions; * Leading Talent Programs for employees, preparing for Board members positions; * Ensuring the best quality experiences for Top Talents on Hellenic Group level

    • BU Talent Development Manager
      Feb 2021 - Oct 2021 · 9 mos

      * Working closely with key stakeholders (Board Members, Senior Management & HR Team) to build succession pipeline for key positions in our Business Unit and Region * Managing talent programs for employees in Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and others preparing for managerial and senior managerial roles: - Building Individual Development Plans and matching mentors with mentees - Preparing and conducting training sessions, workshops, peer learnings, organizing events – virtual, as well as face2face - Preparing and leading ACC & feedback sessions * Providing recommendations and analysis for Board Members and The Group about Talent Management; taking active part in Business Planning and being fully responsible for TD budget * Cooperation with other countries in our Group and external vendors; taking active role in many project on Group level, having real impact on creating new HR solutions and implementing changes in BU * Building Leadership Capabilities among leaders – providing workshops and trainings * Taking responsibility for managing interns and onboarding newcomers from different countries

    • Business Unit Talent Development Expert (Poland & Baltics)
      Jun 2019 - Jan 2021 · 1 yr 8 mos

  • Recruitment Consultant at BIGRAM SA
    Jan 2015 - Oct 2016 · 1 yr 10 mos

    * Market analysis for ongoing recruitment projects * Creating a search strategy and target lists * Identification of potential candidates (direct search, career portals, internet) * Selection of applications * Conducting recruitment interviews * Writing and updating recruitment reports * Business development and upholding contact with clients; preparing offers and contracts * Assistance in Assessment/ Development Centres

  • Researcher at IIC Partners / BIGRAM
    Dec 2013 - Dec 2014 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Office Coordinator at Big Surprise - marketing agency
    Oct 2012 - Aug 2013 · 11 mos