Reflecting on 3 years at Mindnow: From my first day to now
When I started at Mindnow 3 years ago, I was stepping into undiscovered territory. Despite years of experience in HR and a deep love for my job, I felt a wave of insecurity and nervousness. My background wasn’t in IT, and after a significant period focused only on motherhood, the shift to a new work environment was both exciting and challenging.
My previous "work environment" was the most demanding yet rewarding role I could imagine: being a mother. It was a full-time commitment, requiring my full attention. After enjoying one and a half years with my baby, I was ready for a new challenge. Starting at Mindnow, a Swiss product development company, marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
On my first day, like many newcomers, I had high hopes for a smooth transition. I hoped to feel welcomed, get familiar with the office space, and integrate into the team seamlessly. When I walked into the Mindnow office in Belgrade, I was greeted with warm handshakes and genuine support. After a long time, I was on the other side of the onboarding experience, feeling the very nerves and excitement I had so often seen in new hires. 3 years later, those very colleagues who extended their support to me are still with us, continuing to be the core of our team.
Although my background wasn’t in IT, I found immediate reassurance from my new colleagues. They were patient and encouraging, making me feel at ease with my questions, no matter how basic they might have seemed. It was clear from day one that Mindnow values a supportive and collaborative environment. This initial support was crucial in helping me overcome my initial concerns.
Building on trust and flexibility
One of the standout features of Mindnow’s culture is its emphasis on trust and flexibility. From the beginning, I was introduced to the concept of flexible working hours and the popularity of remote work. If you are still unsure how to nail remote work, you can implement some advice from our CTO. At Mindnow, trust is a cornerstone of our success. Management believes in the capabilities of each team member, even if they’ve never met them in person. There’s no micromanagement; instead, we’re encouraged to work independently and take ownership of our roles. I quickly learned that mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than failures.
Despite the remote nature of much of our work, we made it a point to have a face-to-face gathering with the Belgrade team within my first week. This allowed me to meet ambitious and proactive colleagues who are all committed to continuous improvement and learning. Respect and open communication are integral to our team dynamics, and everyone is given the chance to voice their ideas and contribute meaningfully.
The nice atmosphere in our Belgrade office makes you feel welcome.
Embracing growth and human connection
Looking back, my journey with Mindnow has been nothing less than transformative. As Mindnow’s VP of Culture and HR, overseeing our offices in Switzerland, Serbia, and Italy (Sicily, our office on the island) my role has evolved to focus on improving our onboarding process and maintaining the warm, supportive atmosphere that I also enjoyed when I started working here myself.
It’s crucial that new team members feel welcomed and supported, especially in a remote working environment. The human connection and thoughtful guidance we offer are essential in making sure that everyone feels integrated and not overwhelmed by the transition. No matter if you work remotely or on-site, maintaining a sense of community and collaboration remains vital.
3 years in, I am more confident than ever in the success we are building together. With positive energy and shared aspirations, I am excited to continue contributing to the growth of Mindnow and supporting our team as we achieve new milestones. Here’s to the future and the ongoing journey of growth and success at Mindnow!
