Talent & Tech Asia Summit 2024
human resources online

A day in the life of: Minna Rouru, Area HR Director, Asia Pacific, KONE

Encouragement, empowerment and support to try your best and work hard is what you can expect if you show up at a meeting with Minna Rouru, Area HR Director, Asia Pacific, KONE, as Priya Sunil finds out.

Q What’s the typical start of the day like for you?

I wake up at 5:42am. This gives me just enough time to make it for either the 6am bootcamp class at Meyer Park or have a relaxing run at East Coast Park. Following my exercise, I enjoy a slow breakfast, check my messages, the news headlines and finally, kiss my lovely kids before they go to school.

At around 8.30am, I will book a Gojek to work and check my emails along the way. Typically, I reach office at 9am. To get myself ready for the day, I always have a big cup of coffee and a bottle of warm water.

Q What’s on your office desk?

I am a big fan of Scandinavian simple minimalistic design both at home and work. Less is truly more when it comes to my office desk. I want my desk to be clean, plain and calm. I love how my desk can be adjusted to any height. And I enjoy standing up and working as it helps me to keep my energy levels high all day.
Michelle Obama's life is a beautiful example filled with meaning and accomplishment as she serves people more than herself.

Q At work, what’s on the agenda, and how do you manage your time?

Multiple Skype/ team calls with business leaders and HR folks about the various people matters around the Asia Pacific region. I try to have fewer face-to-face meetings and short but inspirational discussions with my manager.

Q What can people expect when they receive a meeting invite from you?

Encouragement, empowerment and support to try your best and work hard.

Q Who is your role model in or outside of work, and why?

Michelle Obama. Her life is a beautiful example filled with meaning and accomplishment as she serves people more than herself. Having grown up in a poor family, Michelle Obama studied and worked hard, yet remaining true to herself and her family after all these years. She comes across as a down-to-earth, honest, warm, intelligent, sporty and fun woman. A true role model for me in and outside of work.

Q It’s the end of the long work day - what’s your favourite way to end it?

I do travel a lot, so when at home I enjoy lying next to my kids and talking about everyday things until they fall asleep.

Photos / provided


To all our CHRO friends across Asia: We’d love for a sneak peek at what motivates you, your favourite lunch menu, how you manage your time – anything that completes your day. If you’re keen to share, do reach out to Priya Sunil at priyas@humanresourcesonline.net.

Follow us on Telegram and on Instagram @humanresourcesonline for all the latest HR and manpower news from around the region!

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