Effective People: Effectively Human

Celebrating 20 Years of Effective People

Across roles, countries, and years of experience, our colleagues bring curiosity, honesty, and deep expertise to everything they do. In this article, we’ve gathered reflections from team members around the globe — stories of surprise, growth, and what it’s like to build a people-first career in HR technology advisory.

These are just a few of the voices that shape Effective People. And we’re proud to share them.

Jorge Sa

Integration Team Lead, Portugal

When Jorge joined Effective People in 2019, he was just a few years into his consulting career. Coming from a more traditional work culture in Portugal, the shift to a flexible, trust-based environment came as a surprise — and a welcome one.

Jorge has grown in ways he hadn’t expected: from deepening his technical expertise to stepping into people management — something he never pictured himself doing.

“I never thought I’d be a people manager, but I discovered I actually enjoy it. And I’ve learned so much by working alongside really experienced consultants.” 

How does he describe Effective People in three words?

“We’re honest — even when the answer isn’t what the client wants to hear. We bring real experience, and we’re always there when they need us.”

Looking ahead, Jorge is excited by the possibilities AI brings — and how it’s poised to reshape the way consultants support their clients.

Phil MacGovern

Senior Manager, Total Rewards, UK

Phil joined Effective People after being made redundant from SAP. What started as a practical move turned into something deeper — not because of grand gestures, but because of the people.

“I’m not married to the job — but I would miss my team if I left. I think I’ve made a difference here.”

With a career spanning over 30 years and just three employers, Phil knows when something is worth sticking with — and it’s not about perks.

His field — Total Rewards — may sound corporate, but for Phil, it’s deeply human:

“Everyone needs to get paid. But it’s more than that — we’re helping people live their lives. Whether it’s buying a house, taking their kids to Disneyland, or just putting food on the table — our work makes that possible.”

And what makes Effective People stand out?

Mihai Hogas

Proposal and Deal Manager, Romania

Mihai joined during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic — a time when the world felt uncertain. He wasn’t just looking for a job. He was looking for a place that felt right.

“It just felt more human. My first conversation with the team wasn’t about checking boxes — it was about whether we’d work well together. That stayed with me.”

Now, over four years in, Mihai reflects on what’s made his time meaningful:

His role spans legal, IT security, and proposal management. Juggling multiple hats, he’s learned to adapt, grow, and keep things moving.

“A good proposal might not win the deal. But a bad one will definitely lose it. That’s where I come in.”

For Mihai, trust and growth go hand in hand:

“It’s a place that lets you learn, try, build. If you invest in yourself, the company invests in you. And that kind of mutual respect is rare.”

And the core value that makes it work?

Paulina Bajor

Financial Operations Administrator, Poland

Paulina joined in 2021, during a time when flexibility and remote work were becoming essential. Recruited by a headhunter, she wasn’t actively looking — but the culture quickly won her over.

“I took the job because I wanted flexibility as a mom. And it really has been a dream come true.”

It’s not the tasks that have kept her here — it’s the people.

“Invoicing and admin isn’t always exciting. But the people make it different. The support, the energy, the team gatherings — they create a connection that feels real.”

One standout memory? A team gathering in Krakow:

“That gathering really stuck with me — those in-person moments mean a lot.”

For Paulina, it all comes back to human connection:

Sreyas Krishnan

Project Manager, United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

“We’re not a vendor. We’re a partner — and our clients feel that difference.”

Sreyas joined seven years ago after leading a consultancy team in Dubai. What convinced her to make the switch? A conversation with EP CEO Mikkel Krogsdal-Wogensen.

“His humility really stood out. For me, Mikkel was EP — and that set the tone.”

Since then, she’s built relationships that go far beyond system implementation.

Working across the culturally diverse Middle East region requires more than technical skills. It takes emotional intelligence, cultural fluency, and patience.

“You’re in a room with five different nationalities. It takes a different kind of listening. A different kind of understanding.”

Sreyas’s passion is clear:

Tom Fisker

SAP SuccessFactors Compensation Consultant, Sweden

“I didn’t want to deal with office politics or work on the same project for years. I wanted to solve problems and move on.”

Tom joined EP after working on the customer side — and seeing firsthand what Effective People consultants could do. Encouraged by one of them to make the jump, he did — and hasn’t looked back.

What keeps him here? The variety, the pace, and the purpose.

We've built 20 years of trust

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, one thing is clear: the strength of Effective People has always come from its people. These conversations offer just a glimpse into what makes our culture unique — grounded in trust, driven by curiosity, and united by a belief in better HR solutions.

We’re excited to keep building the next chapter. Together.