How to Balance High Performance and Employee Well-Being
Christopher Rainey
Follow for posts about HR, AI & the future of work. Host HR Leaders Podcast (10M+ Downloads) Founder, HR Leaders/atlas Copilot
In today’s episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we welcome Victoria Klug , HR Director Eastern Europe at Beiersdorf .
Victoria discusses her experience transitioning from industrial technology to the FMCG industry and the exciting transformation Beiersdorf is undergoing.
She shares insights on balancing performance and care, developing a culture of empathy and courage, and leading impactful sustainability initiatives. Victoria also explains how Beiersdorf’s “Win with Care” strategy shapes their people and business roadmap, emphasizing the importance of sustainable, people-centered leadership.
Watch the full episode by clicking below ⬇️
In this episode, Victoria discusses:
🏆 Balancing Performance with Empathy
→ Discover how leaders can drive business outcomes while prioritizing team well-being.
🌱 “Win with Care” Strategy
→ How Beiersdorf combines business success with societal impact.
💪 Leading with Courage and Care
→ Victoria explains why impactful leaders are both bold and empathetic.
🌐 Sustainability in Action
→ Learn how Beiersdorf is creating Net Zero ambassadors and championing inclusion.
🔮 What advice Victoria had for future HR leaders:
"Always be self-aware and grounded. Know when to lead with care and when to be courageous. It’s about seeking impact over harmony and being bold when necessary while ensuring you remain empathetic and considerate."
"Never underestimate the power of genuine connections. Build trust with your teams by being present, listening actively, and showing that you truly care about their well-being and growth."
📚 Additional Insights: Strategies for Balanced Leadership and Sustainable Growth
In today's dynamic work environment, embracing authenticity and building resilience are crucial for effective leadership. Here are key strategies supported by recent research:
1. Prioritize Self-Worth and Resilience
Burnout often stems from feelings of inadequacy or the constant pursuit of external validation. Engaging in self-worth affirmation exercises can significantly reduce burnout symptoms. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that self-affirmation practices help individuals manage stress and improve overall well-being.
2. The Impact of Self-Affirmation on Confidence
Self-affirmation practices can enhance problem-solving abilities, especially under pressure. Research from Stanford University indicates that such exercises can improve cognitive performance by reducing stress responses. This approach helps rewire the brain to counteract negative self-perception.
3. Setting Boundaries for Better Well-Being
Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is linked to a reduction in stress-related illnesses. The report emphasizes that setting healthy boundaries protects mental health and enhances long-term well-being.
4. The Power of Authentic Leadership
Leaders who exhibit vulnerability and authenticity foster higher team engagement. The report shows that such leadership styles lead to increased trust and motivation among team members. Authentic leadership encourages open communication and a supportive work environment.
5. Harnessing the Courage to Speak Up
Encouraging open dialogue and providing a supportive environment for self-expression can transform workplace dynamics. The report highlights that employees are more proactive and innovative when they feel psychologically safe. This psychological safety empowers individuals to voice ideas and concerns without fear of negative consequences.
Implementing these strategies can lead to a more resilient, authentic, and productive workplace.
📚 You might be interested in:
This episode covered so many important topics, here's an additional resource for you to dive a bit deeper:
🙏 We couldn't do it without you!
Thank you to Victoria Klug for sharing her time, expertise, and vision with our listeners.
Also our episode and series sponsor, Deel and their brilliant team Alex Bouaziz , Shuo Wang and Dan Westgarth .
None of this would be possible without Shane Kemp , James Elwell , Rio André , Kenneth Browne and the team at HR Leaders and atlas copilot for bringing the podcast to life.
Thank you to our previous guests: Rachel Druckenmiller, Guy Kawasaki, Amy Bouque, Katya Laviolette, Vanessa Iloste, Pat Wadors, Parker Mitchell, Nicole Peace, Bill Agostini, Joelle Emerson, Paaras Parker, Luke Wynne, Jon Stross, Larry Emond, Tony Buffum, and many more.
⏭️ Join us at our next event:
P.S. If you like the HR Leaders podcast, help us grow the show by rating us on Apple or Spotify ⭐️, or share this with a friend or colleague ♻️.
Global HR Director passionate about organizational transformation and state-of-the-art people development
1moThank you so much for having me Christopher Rainey - I still can’t believe that time just flew by! Happy to continue the conversation anytime
HR Shared Services & Strategy Leader | GPHR®, SHRM-SCP®, GRCP, GRCA, IAAP, ICEP, IRMP Certified | Expert in People Operations, EX, & HR Transformation | Scaling Start-Ups for Success | ICF UAE Charter Chapter Ambassador
1moIt's inspiring to hear about Beiersdorf's Win with Care" strategy and how they are balancing performance with empathy while leading impactful sustainability initiatives. I appreciate the emphasis on developing a culture of empathy and courage, which is crucial for effective leadership in today's dynamic work environment. The strategies for building resilience and authenticity highlighted in the post are also valuable takeaways.
Crucial insights from start to finish, thanks for sharing Victoria!
Great episode! Thank you for your amazing insights Victoria Klug!