A Breakfast Tea with Senanur

She’s an engineer, an innovator, a communicator and she believes that everyone can contribute great ideas: Meet Senanur Akkılıç, Innovation and Project Manager, CSR and Communication Coordinator in Mirandola, Italy.

Before heading out to the Fresenius Kabi plant in Mirandola, Italy, Senanur Akkılıç takes a moment to enjoy a cup of breakfast tea: “I’ve been in Italy for eight years now, and I love the country, but I am not an espresso person: In the mornings I need tea from my native Turkey!” This tea seems to be an energy booster, because what comes next is a workday like a whirlwind of activity and drive.

“At the start of my day, I am a project manager and engineer. My task is to make production ever more efficient and to find ways to innovate,” she explains. To this end, Senanur and her team have implemented an idea management platform where everyone can put in their ideas for new and better ways to do things. “Whether they are immediately applicable or longer-term, we can now collect all these ideas and everyone can participate in innovation,” she says, and her smile shows how proud she is of this achievement. These innovations can make production more efficient immediately or become large projects encompassing multiple locations.

But Senanur’s passion doesn’t end with her Innovation Manager tasks – and neither does her workday. “Later in the day, I turn to CSR and Communication Coordinator part of my role, and the #WeCare initiative. It’s a program for our employees, for applicants and for the whole community. We do charitable work together, we represent Fresenius Kabi at events, we collaborate with local organizations.” At the end of the day, Senanur leaves the office knowing she has pushed forward both of her ventures: “I improve the production of medical equipment like our blood filters that can save lives. And I put our “caring for life” mission to action with the work at #WeCare. Every day I can close my laptop and say: Today, I contributed to something good.”

Want to know more about Senanur?

We asked her a few questions:

What is your favorite part about working for Fresenius Kabi?

I feel valued and considered because Fresenius Kabi allows me to use all my potential to contribute to different areas. I am very satisfied with my roles as Innovation & Project Manager and recently, CSR & Communication Coordinator. I manage automation projects but I also gather and deploy innovative ideas within the company.

What is your proudest moment at Fresenius Kabi?

In June 2023, I had my proudest moment when I represented Fresenius Kabi with my colleague Alessandro Ciaravino at the Biomedical Valley, the workshop of TEDxMirandola, by delivering a motivational speech about Blood Donation. I still get goosebumps when I remember myself on that stage. My first visit to a blood bank was a milestone in my professional life. It really showed me how purposeful my job was because the blood filters we produce in our plant are saving lives. This is a motivation to be proud of myself and my job every day.

How do you define success?

Living and working in a foreign country, in a foreign language. I have been working for six years in my third language, Italian. Life has challenged me to learn different languages. Yes, it is difficult! Yes, it is a constant effort that is sometimes taken for granted. On the other hand, the value, cultural mindset and the powerful flexibility that it built both for me and our company is beyond words. And that’s the success to me.

What did you learn at Fresenius Kabi?

I have learned about the importance of wellbeing at the workplace. How important it is to feel a part of a community. I am the founder of #WeCare initiative in Italy which puts Employer Branding and Employee Engagement at the center. Some of our activities were mindfulness seminars, planting trees together, a Medical League playing different sports locally, our music band, collaborating with non-profit organizations and so on. The positive feedback from colleagues is priceless.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love nature and animals. I enjoy long walks and horseback riding. Last but not least, I am a traveler. I am always chasing new experiences and I love discovering new cultures, places and foods.

What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?

First, a talent can develop a skill through experience and learning. You don’t have to know everything when you start. Also, that commitment and determination are vital to becoming successful.

What are three words that best describe you?

Collaboration, innovation and curiosity.

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