Meet Esther: Helping People Grow

“Once you stop learning, you start dying.” Einstein’s famous quote has never felt more relevant than it does today, says Esther Burger, Director of People & Culture at the Novature Group. In her role, Esther plays a central part in developing people and leadership across the organization. Her mission is clear: to give employees the chance to grow and unlock their potential - for themselves and for the company’s ambition - and, in doing so, to strengthen collaboration across the group.

Think Global, Act Local

Esther’s approach is built on sharing best practices, processes, and systems across all Novature companies.

“We want everyone to have access to the same tools and knowledge,” she explains. “But at the same time, it’s important that each team has the freedom to make local choices and apply these in their own context.”

This approach touches everything from HR systems and talent development to leadership programs and training. For example, the monthly meetings with HR and recruitment managers are not just about reviewing new and existing talent pipelines - they’re also about building a stronger community. “We exchange experiences, share insights, and help each other move faster,” says Esther.

She’s a firm believer in the principle of self-directed learning. Employees set their own learning goals within the framework of their company. “The idea is that people grow in an organization that supports them with training, knowledge sessions, and moments of reflection. That’s how people learn from one another, develop in ways that fit them, and how the whole organization grows together.”

Leadership in Practice

For Esther, leadership means creating an environment where people can perform at their best while working together toward shared goals.

“Managers should provide direction and structure,” she says, “but they also need to step back and let people take ownership.”

In her own leadership journey, she’s learned that trying to control everything can make you a bottleneck. “Empowering people, rather than being the only decision-maker or information point, is key. It’s about finding the right balance between trust, guidance, and active support.”

Leadership, she believes, is the embodiment of company culture. “People mirror what they see. Leaders set the tone. Their behaviour becomes the example others follow.”

Engaging People

To truly engage teams and create an environment where people can accelerate, Esther draws on Dan Pink’s ‘Drive’ philosophy: autonomy, mastery, and purpose.

“At their core, people want to contribute and become great at what they do, if they’re challenged and supported in the right way, and if the mission is meaningful,” she explains.

Her favourite moments are when she sees someone gain confidence and take a step they once hesitated to take. “That’s when you know the approach is working.”

Talent Development and Collaboration

Initiatives like the Summer Academy and joint leadership programs connect colleagues from different Novature companies, creating a dynamic network where people learn beyond the boundaries of their own teams.

“We don’t want to be a holding company that says, ‘Do it exactly this way.’ Space for ideas and entrepreneurship is essential. It’s the diversity of perspectives that makes us stronger.”

And the results are tangible. Teams share knowledge faster and collaborate more across business units. New colleagues integrate quickly through shared onboarding programs, while experienced employees step into mentoring roles. “It’s inspiring to see people reaching out, challenging each other, and growing together. That's my source of energy.”

The Future of Leadership

Esther identifies flexibility and learning agility as essential attributes for effective leadership in the future. Leaders must lead by example, provide direction, and support their teams’ development.

“It’s not just about learning a skill, it’s about developing the ability to learn in different situations. That often means experimenting, daring to make mistakes, and learning from them. That’s how we prepare for future challenges, from AI to growth to collaboration.”

AI will play a major role in that future. Esther sees both opportunities and open questions. “Is AI a threat or an opportunity? Clearly, it can support us with repetitive tasks, but there will always be a need for human connection and creativity. AI is both a technology shift and a behavioural shift. The key is to stay curious, explore together, and figure out what works. That’s how we’ll make AI serve us.”

Finding the Right Balance

As an HR leader, Esther is constantly balancing structure and culture. “Our People & Culture team provides clear frameworks and processes, but we also focus on helping people and teams grow and work together.”

For Novature, that means balancing shared standards with local entrepreneurship and execution. “It’s a challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to see how people grow, collaborate, and help build a stronger organization.”

Or, as an old Chinese saying reminds us: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.