Volvo Cars

Esme Ribarovski is People Experience Director at Volvo Cars, where she leads employee experience and culture initiatives. With a focus on well-being, engagement, and leadership, she champions sustainable HR practices that empower teams and build resilient, purpose-driven workplaces. This article is based on an interview conducted by Manage HR APAC with Esme Ribarovski. The conversation explores HR burnout, emotional resilience, and her Core, Collective, and Culture framework, offering practical strategies to help HR professionals restore energy, reconnect with purpose, and create healthier workplace cultures.

Who is HR for HR?

It’s a question I’ve been asked a few times in my career. I’ve felt grateful to work with leaders who truly cared about my well-being, but those moments are the exception, not the rule. It’s a fair question, as recent research reveals that 76% of HR professionals report experiencing burnout, with APAC markets showing particularly high stress levels. This isn’t just a personal feeling; it’s a professional reality.

As HR professionals, we’re often expected to be the unwavering pillars of our organisation the empathetic ear, the culture custodian. So what happens when the very passion that fuels us, our HR “mojo,” starts to fade? Is it okay to feel that profound weariness, that exhaustion that leaves us tired of dealing with people? Yes, it is.

This isn’t a sign of personal failure; it’s a natural response to the pressures we face. From organisational firefighting to emotional contagion, during tough times, this emotional and mental drain is real. When I have lost my “mojo,” I’ve turned to my Core, Collective, and Culture framework as a lens to find my way back.

Recalibrate with Core, Collective, and Culture

When our mojo starts to wane, we need a systemic, multifaceted approach and recalibration. Knowing what is working and what is not allows you to recalibrate and focus your energy to get back to being you. The sign of restored mojo isn’t a magical, permanent fix, but a consistent feeling of renewed purpose, energy, and engagement in your work.

1. Core: Restoring Your Personal Spark

Your core is the unique makeup that makes you, you; or what I like to call my “Personal Superpower”. It’s the engine that fuels you. To protect this, you need to intentionally pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself.

• Reconnect with Your Purpose: What is the fundamental belief that drives you, professionally and personally? What about HR still aligns with this? Write down your “Why” and make it visible every day a new wallpaper for your phone or a little note next to your home coffee machine.

• Embrace Your Authentic Self: When do you feel most alive, energised, and genuinely fulfilled? What unique contribution do you consistently bring to a situation? Proactively plan your day to achieve a balance that includes activities to “fill your cup.” Even on those days that go awry, you can allocate five minutes to pause and listen to your favourite song.

"Losing your mojo isn’t a sign of personal failure; it’s a natural response to the pressures we face. Recognising that is the first step toward restoring resilience."

• Set Boundaries: These are the lines you draw to protect your time, energy, and well-being. Start by defining your non-negotiables and then hold yourself and others accountable. This can be as simple as scheduling buffer time between meetings, setting expectations for after-hours communication, or learning to say “no” respectfully. Start with small, clear actions and build from there.

2. The Collective: Go Where the Energy Is

The human need for social connection is as fundamental as the need for food and water. Once you’re clear on your Core needs, look to the broader collective both inside and outside your organisation to make space for more of what you love. Don’t wait for good energy to find you; seek it out.

• Align with Your “Energy Buddies.” Identify the people and teams within your organisation who align with or naturally spark your passion. Collaborate intentionally with them, offer your support, and harness their positive momentum. On the flip side, learning to recognise and manage “energy vampires” those who drain your reserves is a critical skill. You don’t have to cut them off entirely, but you can set firm time limits for those interactions.

• Build Your External “Mojo” Network. Don’t let your professional world be limited to the four walls of your company. Connect with other HR professionals and thought leaders outside your organisation. Join industry groups, attend events, and engage in online forums. These connections can be a source of new ideas, validation, and fresh perspectives, reminding you that you’re not alone in the challenges you face. A recent study by Gartner found that HR professionals with strong external networks are 1.5 times more likely to be top performers.

• Create Spaces for Positive Connection. Be the one who initiates positive interactions. Organise a peer-to-peer learning session for a department you admire. Start a “wins and learnings” ritual at the beginning of your own team meeting. By proactively creating these moments, you can not only boost your own mojo but also contribute to those around you.

3. The Culture: Understanding the System

Ultimately, the culture is the fabric of your organisation the invisible forces that shape every interaction and decision. To protect your mojo, it’s essential to check if this environment truly aligns with your core values and helps you thrive.

• Reconnect with the Organisation’s “Why.” Take time to revisit your company’s mission and vision. Does it still resonate with your personal “why”? If so, actively seek out projects or initiatives that directly connect to that purpose. For example, if you’re passionate about development, volunteer to lead a mentoring programme. By aligning your values with the company’s, your work feels more meaningful and less like a burden.

• Influence the System. As an HR professional, you are uniquely positioned to advocate for systemic change. Look for opportunities to influence policies and practices that shape the culture. This could mean championing a new well-being initiative or designing a peer-to-peer feedback program. These actions elevate you from simply being part of the culture to actively shaping it.

• Get Close to the Business. Step away from the “HR office” and immerse yourself in the day-to-day operations. Spend time with teams on the ground, listen to their challenges, and celebrate their successes. Reconnection with the human side of the business can help remind you of the people and purpose behind the frameworks, renewing your passion for the work you do.

A Final Word on Reclaiming Your Mojo

Losing your mojo isn’t a failure it’s a signal to act. By intentionally focusing on your Core, Collective, and Culture, you can restore your energy and reclaim your passion.