Kätlin Päll: Leading with Ambition in the World of HR and Learning

Kätlin is a distinctive figure in the HR landscape. With over three and a half years of experience in her current role and an additional forte in recruitment for ed tech as a freelancer, she stands out as a dynamic professional who is constantly on the move. Her speciality lies in the global picture, recruitment, and feedback talks, but she also possesses a penchant for onboarding and crafting learning modules. At the heart of her success lies her adaptability and distaste for routine – she thrives on changing activities on the go.

Journey to the Head of Learning

Kätlin’s journey to becoming a Head of Learning is emblematic of her individualistic character. It combines her natural ability to connect with people and her relentless ambition. Her education and experiences have moulded her, but it’s her belief in treating the company as her own that genuinely drives her.
When asked about the pivotal moments that shaped her path, she emphasises, “It truly depends on the individual. I’ve always found my strengths in understanding people and harnessing my ambitious drive.”

Challenges and Solutions in the Learning Sphere

Kätlin has seen her fair share of challenges in her role, especially during tumultuous times. With rounds of layoffs and constantly shifting team dynamics, she has had to be innovative. Recognising the significance of cost-effective learning solutions, she says, “We have an in-office library, and we also promote a lot of internal learning. If the budget is tight, it’s about optimising what you have. And if you have a robust management team, they can take the lead in creating courses.”
Interestingly, she observes that younger professionals, especially those below 30 without familial commitments, show a heightened eagerness to learn. However, this doesn’t undermine the diverse learning styles she encounters – from avid readers to those who prefer more hands-on experiences.
On being asked about notable trends, she mentions an increasing inclination towards self-learning, made feasible with monthly learning days and budget. For her, it’s about making learning a two-way street, ensuring feedback loops are active and everyone understands the ‘why’ behind their roles.

Retaining Talent in a Competitive Tech World

Being immersed in the tech industry, Kätlin knows first-hand the challenges of talent retention in the highly competitive market. ” She emphasises that the tech world revolves around constantly staying updated with the latest technologies, and when tasks become repetitive, such as code maintenance, employees are more likely to lose their enthusiasm.  Her formula for a thriving work environment? According to her, the key to creating a great work environment involves eliminating toxicity, hosting engaging events, cultivating a positive atmosphere, and fostering a sense of value among employees. And of course, a competitive salary coupled with essential benefits like sports facilities, insurance, and casual perks like drinks and snacks. In her view, the tech culture is fiercely competitive. It’s less about the years of experience and more about the quality and impact an individual brings.

Bridging Gaps Across Regions

When it comes to designing learning programs, Kätlin firmly embraces simplicity as her guiding principle. She observes that the most notable distinctions arise when comparing different office locations like Tallinn and Paris due to different cultural expectations and norms. But remember, you can’t please everyone,” she says, emphasising that people generally adapt to the company culture and values.  Each company is like a small country with its culture and norms. For her, discrepancies in learning needs are more sector-based than generational.
In a rapidly evolving learning needs and HR dynamics world, Kätlin remains a beacon of adaptability, innovation, and genuine passion. With a commitment to continuous growth and fostering talent, she’s undoubtedly making waves in her domain.

For more information on Kätlin’s professional experience, please visit her LinkedIn profile.