Spreading Humanity in Human Resources

Achieving fundamental, positive transformation within a company takes much more than an iron will or creative ideas. It takes a willingness to work with others, listen to their concerns, and collaborate on a solution toward the best possible outcomes. Elene Costan, CHRO, Berje can work with others in her company to keep Berje’ moving forward. Most importantly, she believes in keeping the “human” element within “human resources.” This means more than passively addressing issues as they arise; rather, actively looking to implement the best possible procedures for the employees and the company to create a work environment where employees feel comfortable, validated, and consistently feel how important they are to the company’s success.

Elene’s team’s dedication and commitment to the company impresses her daily. The entire team works around the clock to ensure that the vendors/clients and employees are well taken care of and that the environment maintains Berje’s high standards of integrity, respect, and diversity. Elene empowers her team to become great leaders first and foremost by listening to them and their concerns. “I want to make sure they have the necessary tools and resources to do their jobs to the best of their ability. I pride myself on always being available for my team to reach out with questions or concerns. I also empower my team by providing guidance and trainings, formally and informally, allowing my team to continue to master their skills,” explains Elene. “I want to share my experience and impart knowledge to the next generation of professionals so they can further grow and innovate the field. This also means letting my team members “take the reins” at times so they can earn the same experience I did.”

Having always worked in male-dominated industries, Elene has learned two things that she feels are unique to being a female leader. “The first is that there is a sharp difference between confidence and cockiness. A cocky person believes they always have the right answer no matter what, while a confident person knows they can work to discover the right answer,” says the steadfast leader. “The second thing I have learned comes with being confident and that is “Use your voice.” In a male dominated industry, I bring unique insights and experiences that are valuable and can help the company grow.” Armed with this brilliant mindset, Elene is taking the company and her team to new heights.

Berje’ is committed to being a trusted partner, reliable innovator, and informed resource. They promise to deliver superior service and products that live up to their values of integrity, accountability, leadership, legacy, diversity, and passion every single day. Berje is proud of being able to maintain and grow its relationships from source to client while also understanding that its employees are at the crux(maybe foundation over crux?) of all they do and are what makes them so successful.

The company has been at the forefront of transforming an industry resistant to change by encouraging diversity across the board. “In a male-dominated industry, we have been recognized as an organization that empowers women to find and use their voices,” elucidates Elene. “We have developed a reputation for social responsibility and, by adhering to the core values mentioned above, have been proudly named one of the Best Places to Work. While I am proud of all that I accomplished, both as an individual and company wide, I am always aware that there are always more opportunities to grow, learn, and achieve.”

Elene has been able to give back to her employees, the business, and the community at large by utilizing her experience and expertise in the field to provide the best possible work environment for the employees; lending advisory services when called upon, and encouraging diversity within the industry. Her success has allowed her a platform to change not only the industry that she is a part of but also the business landscape as a whole, serving the company and all the people who work for it. “Too often I feel that the “human” element of “human resources” is forgotten. Of all my accomplishments, I am most proud that I never let myself forget that element both in the boardroom and beyond,” adds Elene. “My continuous goal is to spread the humanity in human resources beyond Berje by continuing to open doors, providing insights based on my experience, and ensure that others know the power of their voice.”