Unplugged Season 3 with Anna Ho: Culture as a source of unity

Talent management and the purely administrative tasks that this entails are no longer what is expected of HR managers. Around the world, especially with the changes brought about by the pandemic and digital transformation, the role of these professionals has changed in nature and expanded to a much broader horizon: that of leading cultural transformations within companies, ensuring that they are also aligned with the vision and goals of the business.

We heard more about this change from Anna Ho, Director of Human Resources at Vena Group, a renewable energy company operating in ten different markets.

With more than two decades of experience in various sectors, Anna's path to HR leadership has not been without challenges.

“It hasn't been a bed of roses, it's had its thorns,” Anna says candidly on People Matters Unplugged. However, despite all the ups and downs, she credits meaningful human relationships with shaping her career.

That's what attracted her to HR. “It's not just about operations, it's about purpose.” 

At Vena, that purpose is embedded in the company's DNA. Operating in culturally diverse jurisdictions across Asia and Europe, Anna believes that culture is the glue that holds the business together.

Her leadership reflects a broader evolution of the role of the HR director in the region, which has moved from asking for a seat at the table to shaping the table itself. “When I started in HR 30 years ago, we were trying to be heard. Today, we are leading change.”

To channel this change effectively, Anna and her team developed a values-based framework called “A to H,” which encompasses appreciation, benefits, culture, development, empowerment, generosity, and health and safety. 

Designed to be people-centric and performance-oriented, the framework ensures that HR connects goals with results.

Recognition has been swift, and Anna recently received the HR Director of the Year award. She is quick to point out that this is not an individual achievement. “No one wins an award like this alone. It’s a collective success. It reflects the passion of our team and the unconditional support of a CEO who truly values people.” 

That alignment of leadership is no coincidence: Anna highlights the strong collaboration between the executive team as a key factor in the success of HR initiatives.

One such initiative is V Evolution, a wellness program based on the idea of integrating work and personal life. The program, created based on feedback from an impressive 80% of employees, reflects Vena's belief that listening is only the first step.

"We don't guess what people need. We ask, we listen, and we act,“ says Anna.

The program is structured around three pillars: ”Me Care," which includes time off to care for family and pets, support for elder care, and time for volunteering; “Me Health,” which covers mental health, wellness, and even fertility support, including egg freezing; and “Me Time,” which offers personal leave options such as birthday leave and sabbaticals. Simple, tangible gestures of appreciation, such as gifts from colleagues for coffee or lunch, help embed the culture into everyday life. 

“It's sincere and reminds people that they are seen and valued.”

As the company grows, so does the complexity of maintaining a cohesive and inclusive culture. With the recent expansion into Europe, Anna emphasises that technology can drive operations, but it is values that give meaning. “Respect and empathy are very important. When you live those values, inclusion comes naturally.”

Diversity, particularly gender inclusion in the energy sector, remains a challenge, but Vena is tackling it head-on with its Venus Program. The initiative supports young women studying engineering, helping them break stereotypes and gain real-world experience. 

The impact is already evident: "The sector has achieved gender representation of around 32-33%. It's progress, but we want to improve.“

A former Venus intern now holds a senior position in the Singapore Prime Minister's Office. ”She interned with us, gained confidence and acquired professional skills. We are proud to have been part of that journey,“ Anna shares. ”It's not just about scholarships, it's about building trust, community and change."

Sustainability is also more than a strategic priority at Vena: it's a way of life. “Our goal is to design a greener future. It's not just a slogan, it's what we live and breathe.” 

From planting trees to reducing plastic use and cycling to work, sustainability has become an organic part of the company culture. “Before joining Vena, I didn't think much about sustainability. Now it's part of who I am. The passion here is contagious.”

All of this—the culture, the care, the commitment—stems from a firm belief that people drive performance. For those entering leadership roles in HR, Anna's advice is simple but profound:

 She adds: ”Base everything on your organisation's purpose. When people see that their work is connected to something bigger, the culture comes to life.

And never stop learning, listening, and evolving. Because culture isn't a fixed destination, it's a journey."