It is our pleasure to introduce you to Spela Hafner Kalan, who completed the Bring Women Back to Work (BWBW) program in 2022/2023. 

Spela relocated to Switzerland in 2019 after an extensive career in the E-commerce industry in Slovenia. Spela is now enjoying her new role as a Salesforce Team Leader with Integra, a Bring Women Back to Work Hiring Partner in Switzerland.

Spela relocated to Switzerland in 2019 after an extensive career in the E-commerce industry in Slovenia. Spela is now enjoying her new role as a Salesforce Team Leader with Integra, a Bring Women Back to Work Hiring Partner in Switzerland.

BWBW: Spela, you are originally from Slovenia, can you tell us a little about your life there and your career before joining the BWBW program?

Spela Hafner Kalan (SHK): I was born in Kranj, Upper Carniola region in Slovenia, where I spent most of my life. My parents worked hard to provide my brother and me with the kind of life they imagined for us. They were very hardworking and still are my greatest inspiration. They taught me that I can achieve anything in my life if I set a goal, work hard towards achieving it and don’t give up.

At University of Ljubljana, I studied Business Informatics, and from my first class, it was love at first sight. I started my professional career in my second year at university, working as a business analyst for a small company. After graduation, I went on to work as an e-commerce project manager for a new company.

For the next twenty years, I held different roles in several companies, always in the field of e-commerce and IT. I am really proud that I never gave up and was always focused on achieving my goals.

Above all, grit and integrity are the values I admire most and are central to who I am in my professional and personal life.

BWBW: In 2019, you moved to Switzerland and had a short career break. What prompted this move? 

SHK:  I am married to a wonderful, supportive man and together we have 10 year old daughter and a big black labrador who is the most gentle dog ever named Thor. The name quite suits him, as he is a furry god of thunder :) 

We moved to Switzerland to allow my husband to pursue a new career opportunity. Although I left a very successful career behind me, it was important to us to support him in achieving his dreams. As is necessary with an international move, I dedicated the first two years in Switzerland to supporting my family. It was crucial to our long-term success to settle down and feel comfortable in our new country - this was particularly vital for our young daughter.

Once the family was established, I began looking for the next career challenge. The relocation and break was a perfect opportunity to change and pivot away from a sole focus on e-commerce. 

When talking with friends about my next career step, one mentioned seeing an ad for Bring Women Back to Work on LinkedIn. 

It was a breakthrough moment for me. I read all the available information, applied, and was accepted. I really liked how well the program was organized, and the team members' dedication was inspirational. I am very grateful to join and be part of this fantastic group.

BWBW: Tell us about your time with the program, Spela and how it helped you to change your career and re-enter the workplace.

SHK: From the first day of the program, I took it very seriously. This was not just another program but THE program that would allow me to take my career to where I wanted it to be.

I started working towards my Administration Certificate and followed the advice from the BWBW team members. It was hard in the beginning to connect all the dots, but then it all started to make sense, and I was lucky to pass my certification on the first attempt. I was the first in my cohort to pass, and I am very proud of that.

During my time in the program, I learned a lot, professionally and personally.

Firstly, I realized that it is never too late to switch career paths. It takes grit and determination, but in the end, you are rewarded.

Secondly, I returned to what my parents taught me and what I needed to be reminded of - don’t give up. I am happy that I listened to my inner self and believed that I could do it.

I had a great mentor in the program who was always well-prepared for our discussions. He challenged my limited beliefs and guided me to really understand what I wanted and how to go about achieving that. His advice helped me tremendously when I interviewed for my job. His support undoubtedly helped ensure my success in securing the role.

BWBW: Spela, tell us about your new role and your employer, Integra Biosciences AG.

SHK: I am now working with Integra Biosciences AG, a proud Hiring Partner of the Bring Women Back to Work program.

Integra, is a leading provider of high-quality laboratory tools and consumables for liquid handling in the life sciences industry.

I am delighted to be part of a company culture that values and actively works towards gender equality in the workplace. It's a culture I genuinely enjoy and believe in.

I was originally taking over a Salesforce IT specialist role and currently, I am serving as the Salesforce Team Lead in the Application IT Department, a role I was privileged to be promoted to within a remarkably short span of a year since joining the company. In addition to leading the Salesforce team, I am also taking on the responsibilities of the IT Project Manager for Salesforce projects, a testament to the trust and confidence placed in me by the company.

This year is a very busy year for our team as we implement several projects. I am happy to work with such amazing colleagues. We break limits together.

Without question, BWBW has helped me to be successful in my role. My knowledge from studying for the Salesforce Administration Certification gave me a solid understanding of the Salesforce ecosystem. At the same time, the workshops helped me to focus my mindset and my personal growth. To be promoted within a year of joining the company makes me incredibly proud.

BWBW: Do you have any final words of advice for our participants, Spela?

SHK: We women are a superpower. My advice for all women who want to make a change is to be confident. Know your worth. Keep learning.

Our congratulations, Spela on your success with the Bring Women Back to Work program and your transition to a new career with our hiring partner, Integra Biosciences. With the commitment of partners like Integra we are making a difference for women who are returning to the workplace after an extended break.

Want to learn more about the Bring Women Back to Work community?

Interested in becoming a #BWBW Participant, Hiring Partner or Sponsor?

Find out more at https://lnkd.in/dEPXBQAk or email us directly at  info@bringwomenbacktowork.com