Meet A WINner: Nazım Ünlü

Nazım Ünlü

We are very happy to have Nazım Ünlü, an HR leader, lead our Pharma Circle! To highlight the importance of diverse backgrounds, we got to know him a little closer below!

Nazım is a Global HR Leader, Coach, Agile HR practitioner, and Project Lead. With 15+ years of Global HR experience, he’s industry-recognized for leading a collaboration to deliver unique, transformative, market-leading solutions and outstanding business results on a global scale. Nazım worked in different countries and managed global-scale transformation projects in multinational companies (e.g., Novartis, Cargill, UniCredit) that operate in various sectors. He specializes in human-centric process, technology optimization, building high-performing diverse teams, creating efficiencies and employee experiences, and ultimately delivering more value for our people, business, and stakeholders. Nazım is passionate about the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion principles on embedding to workforce dynamics.

What's the best piece of advice you've received?

"Help others achieve their dreams, and you will achieve yours." Les Brown

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ― Oscar Wilde

One thing you wish you had known earlier in your career.

Everybody has a learning curve, and the people already high in their career journey also have vital needs. So do not think that you know less than the others. Everybody passed into similar learning and growth journeys. The critical thing is believing in yourself and not limiting yourself and blocking your potential by focusing on negative things. Do not forget that life is a long journey, and staying in the learning mode will give you a lot of joy and fun.

What is the most courageous thing you have ever done?

Moving, working in different countries and new roles gives much uncertainty but create lots of learning opportunities in the meantime. So do not stay in your comfort zone! Keep going and adapt yourselves to new things, and do not hesitate to create your pathway if there is no way!

"Travelers, there is no path. Paths are made by walking"

I always remind myself of this quote when I feel stuck or need to do something different. Or, as Einstein well said about change: “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change." A. Einstein

Who are your role models?

My parents are teachers. I have learned about being a good person, having goodwill and respect for others in every situation, and most importantly, learning the POWER of sharing and caring from them. Those fundamental elements shaped me into who I am and how I look at the world when I look back.

Name a book you read that positively shaped you.

Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson

- Who Moved My Cheese tells a parable, which you can directly apply to your own life, in order to stop fearing what lies ahead and instead thrive in an environment of change and uncertainty

The Little Black Fish by Samed Behrengi 

- Little Black Fish may be small, but he has big questions and a determination to find answers to them. While his fellow fish are too scared to do anything different from their set routine, Little Black Fish swims over the edge of the pool, into the stream and river which will show him much more of the world. 

You believe in sisterhood at work because…

I love supporting others and finding inner peace and joy if I can help. This platform gives the right ecosystem where people can find their mentors and role models in a safe environment. So I am super proud to be here and connect with all of you.

Your advice to the next generation of professional women from your learnings.

Never give up, Be yourselves and support others as well. Do not be afraid of making mistakes and asking questions when you don't understand.  If I simply summarize: "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn." — Alvin Toffler