Mia Galic is an ACTivist based in Lausanne, Switzerland. She is keen to influence well-being and ensure quality of life of those around her. Her career is mainly people-oriented as she both a Human Resource professional in the corporate world as well as a Psychologist. She offers her support by volunteering in student counseling centres or working with children with special needs. Besides formal psychological education, she possesses two degrees in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and is a strong believer of how encouraging thoughts can positively influence emotions and behaviour.
Interview
What motivated you to pursue a career in Human Resource?
Mia: Back in the days while I was still psychology student, I couldn’t exactly decide what I wanted to do in the diverse psychology field. However, one thing that was clear is that I didn’t want to work in Human Resource. It seemed unrelated and distant from what I thought was real psychology. Funny enough, I got an opportunity to give Human Resource a try as I challenged myself and my beliefs. 15 years later in Human Resource, I’m happy I took the leap. What won me over was the impact that HR can make in revealing people’s strengths and creating the right environment where those strengths will blossom, bring results and make people fulfilled and proud of themselves.
What was the most significant moment in your career?
Mia: I couldn’t emphasize just one specific moment, but I can generally say that I am most proud of remaining connected with my values and using them as a compass when dealing with people and situations. I also consider significant those situations when I was courageous enough to follow my career path regardless of uncertainty instead of following common and defined standardized ways that were not meant for me.
Name the three lessons you’ve learnt in the course of your career?
Mia: First lesson is that people should be approached holistically, with various roles and complexity that they have. We are not only employees, but also parents, friends, children, brothers/sisters, partners, etc. These roles are connected and overlapping. In order for one to function, other people’s needs to be supported.
Another important lesson is about trust. It is such a powerful enabler and a gift that we can give to someone, trusting them, their intentions, values, abilities and work. When shown trust, people can move mountains.
Asking for help is the third lesson. For various reasons, we don’t do that as much as we should. What should come as constant reminder is a fact that we are not alone and allowing others to see our struggles and insecurities can open a door to possibilities and deeper connection with others.
What progress do you hope to make in the protection and promotion of human rights, particularly women’s rights?
Mia: Contributing to women’s confidence, rights and equal opportunities is important for me after hearing, seeing and experiencing various situations where women’s path was full of hurdles and double standards. In addition, our inner talk is often full of doubts, blame and coloured with self-critism and quilt. I want to change this which requires systematic societal changes and I can’t do it alone. But I want to be the change that I would like to see so I am using every opportunity to say loud and clear to women I interact with about their strengths and uniqueness. I want to bring the positive self-talk, pave the road to self-acceptance and give them energy and wings to succeed, act and dare.
How has your experience been volunteering at Spring ACT?
Mia: The team at Spring ACT is incredible! So many capable, enthusiastic, smart, positive and motivated people in one place who are always willing to go the extra mile, pushing the boundaries and changing the world for better! I enjoy being part of this great team and leaving a mark in the society, the one that will transform the quality of life of people as well as offer the hope that good or better life is around the corner, waiting for them.
