HR Manager Allegra: Listen Actively and Stay Open – Better Communication Will Follow

Whether you’re a potential team member or a business looking for a partner with global roots and local understanding, her story offers a window into what makes ALBAform unique.

Allegra, how did your journey with ALBAform begin?

It started a little over 11 years ago. At the time, I had just wrapped up a short-term contract project after my previous employer closed down. It felt more like a “working hiatus” because focusing on a single project was so different from the typical HR multitasking.

A mutual friend of ALBAform’s owners, Monika and Jan, introduced me to them right as they were looking to bring HR into the company structure. I really liked their vision – and I think they appreciated my experience working with international manufacturing companies. The rest, as they say, is history.

What’s your professional background? Did you always work in HR?

Not initially! My career started in customs and logistics. One day, the company I worked for asked me to help out in accounting and HR, and I discovered I had a knack for the people side of things.

As for my studies, I actually did general studies and drafting – back when everything was still done with pencils! (Yes, I’m showing my age.)

How has it been working for a Czech-owned company in the U.S.? Any differences?

It’s been a great experience. In ALBAform’s early years, our U.S. team included many Czech nationals. There were cultural differences, of course, and blending work styles required effort on both sides. But those experiences helped us grow – personally and professionally.

Working across cultures teaches you to be a better communicator and a more empathetic colleague. Today, I believe our multicultural background is one of ALBAform’s strongest assets.

Do you speak Czech – or French, given your last name?

You’d think I’d have picked up some Czech by now, but sadly, no. I’m not great at learning languages. But I certainly admire those who are!

What does a typical day in your HR role look like?

No two days are the same in HR, but generally, I focus on compliance, internal audits, training, people programs, and long-term planning.

I work closely with my colleague Jessica, who handles day-to-day HR tasks — like timekeeping, payroll, recruiting – and she’s an essential bridge to our Spanish-speaking team members. Between us, we keep things running smoothly. But we’re always ready to shift priorities if something or someone needs immediate support.

You’ve been with ALBAform for more than a decade. What’s changed the most?

A lot! The biggest transformation has been the company’s growth – from serving a single customer to diversifying our client and product portfolio. That shift brought learning curves, but also incredible opportunities for team growth.

We’ve also matured operationally, adding more structure and adopting smart business practices. It’s exciting to be part of that evolution.

What are the biggest HR or market challenges you see today?

One crucial challenge is offering meaningful benefits that are still affordable for both employees and the company. It’s a delicate balance – especially with the rising costs of healthcare.

You interact with people constantly. How do you stay grounded in such a demanding role?

I don’t see working with people as hard – it’s just about perspective. Everyone processes things differently based on their own experiences. If you’re willing to actively listen and stay open, communication becomes much easier.

Let’s talk about you outside of work. What’s your family like?

My wonderful husband, Terry, and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary this August – hard to believe! We’re very proud of our two grown children. Our son Graham is currently deployed at the Texas-Mexico border, and our daughter Sarah works for a major heart and vascular clinic.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

We love kayaking! Recreational trips only – no whitewater for me. One of our most memorable trips was in the Okefenokee Swamp Park… with plenty of alligators for company!

That’s scary! Do you recall any surprising stories from working in HR at ALBAform?

I remember early on, we didn’t yet have a bilingual English-Spanish team. I was sitting at a picnic table trying to help a Spanish-speaking candidate fill out an application — with my first-grade-level Spanish and a bit of Italian. Somehow, we got through it. We hired him, and he turned out to be an excellent employee for many years.

How multicultural is ALBAform’s team today?

Very! Our Atlanta facility has about 125 employees from across North and South America and Europe – Mexico, El Salvador, Haiti, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, the U.S., Puerto Rico, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Ukraine.

It’s a diverse and dynamic environment, and that global perspective helps us better serve our clients across the U.S., Czech Republic, and Mexico.

Are you hiring now – or soon?

We’re not currently hiring, but we’re excited about our new partnerships with Sopo and Brano, which may lead to growth and hiring opportunities in the near future.

Last question: Why should someone want to work with – or work at – ALBAform?

Because we’re not just a company, we’re a community – a multicultural, collaborative team where everyone matters.

For our clients, we offer the unique benefit of being a Czech-founded company operating successfully in the American market, with a presence in three countries. We understand the complexity of international business, and we’re small enough to be flexible, yet experienced enough to deliver at scale.

For employees, it’s a place where you’re not just a number — you’re part of something meaningful.

Want to learn more about our team? Check out our interview with Operations Manager Marek.