Biofore Magazine 2022

62

A company is only as great as its employees. UPMers from around the world share their stories. Today, I...

Monika Sztandera Director of Sourcing and Indirect Procurement Operations, UPM Business Services Hub, Poland Today, I joined our extended team meeting in which we reflected on our work during the past few months. Besides hearing about project updates, we also heard an inspiring story by one of our new colleagues about the importance of face-to-face interactions. I joined UPM in 2020 and, since then, I have been on a journey getting to know the compa ny and colleagues driven by the same purpose: building a sustainable future. I approach work with a curious mind, a continuous development mindset and a positive attitude. Professionally I feel satisfiedwhen I can shareknowledge andhelp others succeed. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, reading books and doing yoga. Back in 2008, I fell in love with Asia, visited many countries, collected unforgettablememories andonedayhope to travel there againwithmydaughter.

Andrea Irazabal Cortes Development Manager RafCycle, UPM Raflatac, Germany

Shao Zhiqiang Converting Tender, UPM Changshu paper mill, China Today, I have been working at UPM in different roles for 23 years. The company focuses on sustainability and is committed to creating a safe and healthy working environment for employees, while paying atten tion to their long-term career devel opment. These values and the work culture keep me empowered and passionate about what I do. It’s important to trust and be trusted and work towards the same goal. That’s the kind of good collab oration we have at UPM. Inmy spare time, I like togofishing and take photos. I’m also part of the Fishing and Photography Club of UPM Changshu mill.

Today, I had a sessionwith our internal logistics team and our logistics supplier to discuss development points. And to gether with our sales team, we guided a customer inBelgiumonhowtopromote our RafCycle service to their customers. I joined UPM in September 2020. With RafCycle, my colleagues and I help companies around the world to recycle their label waste and to build a more sustainable future. The fact that I can support customers and brand owners to achieve their sustainability targets gives me a sense of purpose. Away from work, I spend time with my partner and friends, as well as par ticipating in sport to keep my body healthy. Last summer, I went paddle boarding with my colleague Vera to re fresh ourselves during the hot days.