Maria's enthusiasm, positive approach and her commitment to people has been recognised, and she superbly represents our 'be proud' value.

What is your role at Covalen?

I’m a Content Analyst at our Social Media site.

How long have you worked with our company?

I've worked at Covalen since November 2020.

Overall, what impact do Our Values have on your working life at Covalen?

The fact that our company is concerned with the wellbeing of employees makes a big difference, and because we see more recognition through our work. This makes me more engaged and want to grow with Covalen.

How did you feel about firstly being nominated as a ‘be proud’ Value Champion, and secondly receiving the Covalen Value Champion award?

Firstly, it was a pleasure to be nominated as a “be proud” Covalen Value Champion. I felt really honoured, and surprised. I couldn’t imagine that happening in such a short time as an employee. When I received the Covalen Value Champion award I felt complete in knowing that all the efforts that I put into my work, sharing ideas, learning with my colleagues, creating and applying the” buddy system” truly makes a difference and was recognised by everyone who nominated me.  

Reflecting on our own achievements, and the achievements of colleagues/ team/ company can enable us to feel proud. What motivates you to be proud?

Helping others to achieve their personal goals and building trust between my colleagues and I. They are the most important motivations that I have. After that, I believe that my attitude helps to create a positive working atmosphere.

Taking pride in your work is important to achieving success. What advice would you give to a colleague who needed to handle a big challenge?

Before starting anything, take a deep breath and take time to think about the previous challenges you’ve faced before now. We always learn something. And that’s what can help you to handle any new challenge. Always be honest and ask for help if needed, and never give up.

Always be honest and ask for help if needed, and never give up.

Maria Cecilia Laistner Pereti.

Tell me about your journey with Covalen to date.

My journey started in November 2020 in the middle of COVID-19 restrictions. I was working from home since March 2020 and leaving my place just for essential things, so being back in the office and meeting new people from various cultures was the most exciting thing that happened to me that year. After onboarding, I had a better understanding of what my role would be like from then on. Since then, I have met my team I have learned more each day. Now we share our thoughts, we help each other, and I have the pleasure to be a 'buddy' for the first time, and also a Coach POC (point-of-contact) so I can dive more into my colleagues’ positions. This helps me to improve my skills, like communication, delivering presentations to the team and teaching others how to interpret policies.

What are your goals going forward?

Being part of Coach POC and buddy of a new starter, I realise that I am improving my skills which can help me to reach my goal of leading a team.

I want to be a Team Lead, firstly because I have such a great Team Lead who showed me that I can be like him, and he believed in me. He is the kind of person who pushes you to be better every day, and he is open to listening to you and helping whenever he can. And because of this, I want to be the same kind of person for others. Secondly because to lead, means to work hard, be organised, be focused, and it helps our company on a different level, and that’s where I want to be.

How do you feel empowered to achieve your goals?

I feel that the most important thing is, be honest with yourself and trust your abilities about what you are able to do. So, I am able to see that my success depends on me, and I trust in it. I know that I can learn, I can fight, and I can win. So, this is my empowered feeling. After that, having support from my family and friends makes me stronger and helps me to keep going.

What do you like most about working at Covalen?

I feel that everything that I do here has meaning and purpose whether it’s in the overall work culture or bringing positivity into people’s lives.