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B. Braun Group’s Head of Country HR & Administration believes meaningful employee engagement starts with trust, honest feedback, and leaders who are willing to turn what they hear into action.
For Je-An Aquino-Ovilla (pictured above), Head of Country HR & Administration at B. Braun Group, a great day at work is one where people and the business move forward together. Whether it is helping a leader make a better decision, welcoming a critical hire or seeing a team overcome a challenge through honest collaboration, these moments remind her that HR is about more than managing people. It is about enabling performance, building trust and creating the conditions for people and teams to succeed.
That focus on trust also shapes her approach to employee engagement. Aquino-Ovilla believes one of the most effective strategies is creating safe spaces for employees to share feedback and ensuring leaders act on what they hear. She adds that transparency, consistency and follow-through can help employees feel heard, respected and valued.
In this interview with HRO, ahead of her session at Transform Talent Philippines 2026, Je-An shares why HR professionals have both the opportunity and responsibility to shape the future of work, and why building strong foundations in people, culture, and capability will remain important as technology, AI and business models continue to evolve.
Read the full interview below.
Q What does a great day at work look like for you, and how does it remind you why you love HR?
A great day at work is when I see people and the business move forward together.
It could be helping a leader make a better decision, welcoming a critical hire who will strengthen the organisation, or watching a team overcome a challenge through honest collaboration.
Those moments remind me that HR is not just about managing people.
It is about enabling performance, building trust, and creating the conditions for individuals and teams to succeed.
Seeing the positive impact of those efforts on both people and business outcomes is what continues to energize and inspire me throughout my HR journey.
Q What's one strategy you've found most effective in keeping employees engaged and committed?
One strategy I have found consistently effective is creating safe spaces for employees to share feedback and ensuring that leaders act on what they hear.
Many organisations collect feedback, but engagement grows when employees see that their voices lead to meaningful change. Even small improvements can make a significant difference when people feel heard, respected, and valued.
Employees are more likely to stay committed when trust is built through transparency, consistency, and follow-through.
Ultimately, engagement is not driven by programs alone. It is strengthened by leaders who genuinely listen, respond, and demonstrate care for their people every day.
Q In three words, how would you describe your leadership philosophy?
Accountability. Courage. Humility.
These three principles guide how I lead and make decisions.
Accountability means taking ownership of outcomes and being responsible for both successes and setbacks.
Courage is the willingness to make difficult decisions, have honest conversations, and challenge the status quo when necessary.
Humility reminds me that leadership is not about having all the answers but about learning continuously and valuing the contributions of others.
I believe the strongest leaders create environments where people can thrive, collaborate, and grow together.
Q Could you tell us one thing about you that people might be surprised to know?
People are often surprised to learn that I spend far more time asking questions than giving answers.
There is a common perception that HR leaders are expected to have solutions for every challenge, but I have found that curiosity is often more powerful than expertise alone.
Asking thoughtful questions helps uncover perspectives, build understanding, and create better outcomes.
Throughout my career, I have learnt that great leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room. It is about creating the space for others to think, contribute, and discover solutions together.
Q As a speaker at #TransformTalentPH, what is the #1 call to action you hope for attendees to take away from your session?
My message is simple: HR professionals have both the opportunity and the responsibility to shape the future of work.
Technology will continue to evolve, AI will become increasingly embedded in organizations, and business models will keep changing.
Yet success will always depend on people, culture, and capability. HR is uniquely positioned to drive transformation by building these foundations and helping organisations adapt to change.
I hope attendees leave inspired to see themselves not just as supporters of transformation, but as leaders of it.
Real transformation begins when we challenge ourselves to grow, learn, and evolve first.
I want to attend the conference: If you're keen to attend this closed-door conference, kindly register your interest here. For speaking opportunities, please write in to Mary Ann Bundukin. We look forward to welcoming you!
I want to sponsor: Engage in meaningful dialogue through dedicated speaking slots, roundtable discussions, and at your booths! If your organisation provides any talent solutions and products that you'd like to showcase, you’ll fit right into this event. To learn how you can sponsor, please reach out to a member of our team now!
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