Lea Engelmann
You transitioned from leading fitness teams to managing People Ops and Payroll. What drew you to Checkmk, and how was your start with the team?
I transitioned into the People space a few years ago. After finishing my Master’s in HR Management during my previous employment, I felt ready for a new challenge. I stumbled upon Checkmk online, and their website really piqued my interest. The interview process fully confirmed my great first impression, and that welcoming atmosphere continues to this day. My team is fantastic, and everyone outside the team makes it so easy to fit in and feel right at home.
Managing Payroll and People Operations requires both analytical precision and strong interpersonal skills. How do the coaching, leadership, and team-building skills from your fitness background help you excel in your HR role today?
I spent about eight years in the sports industry, working closely with a wide range of people. During that time, I learned how to navigate diverse personalities and adapt quickly on the spot. Working so closely with my team and clients taught me how to overcome challenging times together - especially during COVID-19. My biggest takeaway from this experience is knowing how to manage different personalities while staying calm and composed under pressure.
No two days in HR are exactly the same. What does a typical day look like for you at Checkmk, and which tools or frameworks keep your daily workflows structured and smooth?
That’s so true! No two days are ever the same. Our go-to tools are definitely Personio and our shared People Ops inbox, which we work out of multiple times a day. We stay structured through our weekly team meetings and recurring monthly timelines for things like payroll and new hire onboarding.
You've been pursuing your Master’s degree in HR Management alongside your professional role. How does Checkmk support personal development, continuous learning, and flexibility?
In 1-on-1s with my manager, we review my role requirements and discuss the necessary steps for me to advance to the next level. Checkmk fully supports me whenever I need training or assistance from colleagues. We have great flexibility with our working hours, and through open communication, my manager and I always find a good balance between work and personal development.
Off-duty, you’re passionate about fitness, gaming, and cooking. How does the culture and flexibility at Checkmk help you maintain a great work-life balance and bring your full, authentic self to work?
We're extremely flexible when it comes to working hours. If I want to work out in the morning, I can easily start later. The same goes for fitting in a workout during lunch or wrapping up early to run errands. As long as effective collaboration is maintained and my tasks get done, all options are open to me within legal guidelines.
What do you think makes the team dynamics at Checkmk unique, and what tip would you give to applicants who want to join our team?
At Checkmk, everyone is welcome. We have so many different personalities and cultures, and we can learn so much from one another. It’s truly special and a lot of fun! My advice to applicants: give it your all, show us what you can do, and just be yourself.