# First HR role model brunch: - URL: https://hr-passionista.com/en/hr-role-model-brunch-an-inspiring-hr-event-2024/ - Published: 2026-01-26 - Updated: 2026-01-31 - Author: Marion Eppinger (HR-Passionista) - Categories: top HR influencers > An inspiring HR Role Model Brunch: insights, exchange and strong role models for HR leaders and the HR community. ### Courage is needed for progress to happen. This motto formed the central theme of our first **HR Role Model Brunch,** which took place on 20 November at the beautiful [**Hab’s Gut**](https://www.habsgut.at/) in Maria Enzersdorf. It is an exclusive format that I created to raise the profile of HR role models and facilitate a space for genuine exchange. ### Why this format? HR encompasses more than just processes and guidelines – it is a strategic, human and courageous function. With the HR Role Model Brunch, I aim to provide a platform that transcends traditional networking meetings:  **offering an intimate setting with a maximum of 15 participants and inspiring conversations**. It’s not about quantity, but about depth and quality. ### The location – Hab’s Gut – is a perfect choice: offering a **stylish ambience, great hospitality and a breakfast that left nothing to be desired**. [Hab’s Gut](https://www.habsgut.at/) is a stylish daytime bar and seminar venue located in the countryside, just a few minutes outside Vienna. Getting there is easy, and once you arrive, you feel as though you have taken a short break from everyday life. The combination of professional equipment and a living room atmosphere makes it the perfect place for formats that encourage creativity and exchange. ![](https://hr-passionista.com/media/2025/11/HRRolemodel-064-1024x683.jpg) Special Guest The focus of the event was an the interview with [Svetlana Pančenko](https://www.linkedin.com/in/svetlana-pan%C4%8Denko-07401717/), Head of People & Culture at UniCredit Bank Austria AG. I was deeply impressed by her thoughts. Here are my key takeaways: - **Be a role model –** to yourself, your family and your company. That’s what makes a true role model. - **Have a mentor** who will support you in difficult times and encourages you to reach your full potential. - **Have courage to** strive for an international career even if you don’t have a plan – just take the leap and trust that the path will reveal itself. - **As an HR executive, remember you are also human** – this is often overlooked. Present yourself professionally, but always remember your personal story; it is part of your strength. #### **Issues that concern us as an HR community** We have discussed at length the topics that we need to promote together: - **Diversity, equity and inclusion:** Women are still underrepresented. How can we empower each other and bring about real change? That is the big question. - **Technology in HR:** If Svetlana could change one thing right now, it would be  **AI** to analyse data faster and more efficiently. The future is about spending less time on Excel and more time on people. ![](https://hr-passionista.com/media/2025/11/DSC01841-Edit.jpg) ### My conclusion Svetlana described this brunch as „**like a breath of fresh air**“ – an opportunity to escape everyday business life behind and find new inspiration. For me, it was a promising start to a format with a lot of potential. There is, of course, always room for improvement, but the energy, openness and joy of that morning showed that **we are on the right track.** #### **Outlook** This was just the beginning. More HR Role Model Brunches are already in the pipeline so **stay tuned!** You will find a photo wall below so you can get an idea of what our morning was like. I look forward to working with you to shape the future of HR **in a bold and human** way. ### PhotoWall A few impressions from the HR Role Model Brunch. [Photographs by (c) Sebastian Hochleitner](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-hochleitner-videoproduktion/)