Kristina Spring, HR Operations Manager at MET International distils feminine strength into two-metre canvases – with the ambition to “bring more art into our offices” on International Women’s Day.
“It’s amazing to see the faces of colleagues when they pass by, and how two pieces of art can completely change the energy of the room and the mood of the people,” Kristina explains, pointing to her own abstract paintings on the office wall. She cites scientific studies demonstrating that art has a significant influence on our happiness and mental health. Art has certainly made Kristina happy – even from kindergarten, Kristina’s mother discovered that drawing was far more than a childhood hobby.
The now HR Operations Manager was born in the former Czechoslovakia, where she obtained a master’s degree in Visual Arts in Bratislava. After studying Graphic Design in the United States, Kristina moved back to Europe, working in Switzerland as a nanny for an international company’s CEO. “The kids were growing, but I did not grow personally, so after four years I decided to start building a career in HR,” she recalls.
She wanted to connect her passion for the arts with a job that helped her make a living. “You can bring your creative energy into the business environment, and you can bring your business thinking into the arts,” Kristina suggests.
Feminine power on canvas, this is what her LinkedIn page (Kiki Spring Art) champions. She prepares large abstract paintings with warm colours, embodying what she calls ‘feminine strength’.
Design thinking is just what MET Group needs
Independence and strength have in fact played a key part in Kristina’s life – often needing to live on her own, she has found her way in different countries and cultures. Working for the last two and a half years within the truly international environment of MET Group – with colleagues from approximately 60 nations – has therefore resonated with Kristina’s life experiences.
Creativity is just as important in the company’s everyday business activities as it is in the arts. “At MET International, we always look for very talented and creative colleagues with out-of-the-box thinking. This results in an inspiring environment, which is the main reason why I applied for this job,” the HR Manager says.
Outstanding experts with strong problem-solving skills – this is what MET needs, according to Kristina Spring. This skill is also called design thinking, a creative problem-solving methodology taken from the world of art.
