Meet Our People: Christine, Human Resources Director

At Zuken USA, Human Resources isn’t just a department. It’s the heart of our operations, embodying the first impressions and lifelong journeys of our employees. As we embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving this month, we are especially grateful for Christine Soderstrom, our Human Resources Director, who is celebrating her 15th anniversary with us. With a career that started in the hospitality industry and blossomed at Zuken, Christine has been pivotal in nurturing our workplace. She ensures it’s not only a place of employment but also a space where careers thrive and personal milestones are honored. Her approach has fundamentally shifted the way employees engage with HR, positioning the department as a crucial pillar of our corporate culture.

From Hospitality to Human Resources

Christine’s journey into Human Resources began serendipitously while she was working in the Catering & Convention Services Department. Encouraged by her colleagues and mentors who saw a natural fit, she transitioned into HR, a field that resonates deeply with her skills and passions. After a decade in hospitality, growing and learning through various HR roles, Christine brought her expertise to Zuken USA, tasked with defining and evolving our HR operations. Her transition to Zuken was driven by a desire to foster a workplace that not only supports growth but also values each employee’s contributions and well-being.

A Mission Rooted in Care and Connection

At Zuken, every department is interconnected with sales and customer care. In HR, our employees are our customers. Christine’s leadership is driven by the mission to make Zuken the best place to work, cultivating an environment that is as engaging as it is supportive. Under her guidance, HR is not just a function but also a partner in the business, ensuring that our operations are seamless and our team members feel valued daily. This philosophy has transformed Zuken into a magnet for talent, where professionals seek to grow their careers in a supportive and dynamic environment.

HR Potpourri

Our HR team is involved in every phase of an employee’s journey at Zuken—from the excitement of the first interview to the bittersweet farewell of retirement. Christine describes her daily tasks as “HR potpourri,” encompassing recruiting, benefits and leaves, payroll, coaching and counseling, and employee relations and retention. With a steadfast dedication to empathy, openness, and service, Christine ensures that every interaction is infused with the fundamental values of HR. This comprehensive involvement not only propels the professional development of our team members but also nurtures their personal well-being and overall job satisfaction, reinforcing a supportive and thriving workplace culture.

Supporting Through Seasons of Change 

Christine’s role extends into the personal milestones of our team members’ lives. Her office has become a sanctuary, whether it’s welcoming new babies into homes or supporting employees through illness and loss. Employees always find a listening ear and gentle guidance there. It’s in these moments that Christine’s profound impact on our team is most felt, as she humbly asks, “What can HR do to support you?”. Throughout her career, Christine has had the privilege of connecting with individuals from across the United States and around the globe. These interactions, rich with shared experiences and mutual understanding, have become the universal language of her professional journey.

Christine’s Home Ensemble

Outside the office, Christine’s life is filled with joy from her pets—Percy and Cheddar, the cats, and Honeybear, the lab mix—and a lifelong passion for ballet. She continues to dance, teach, and share her love for ballet, bringing the same grace and discipline to her role in HR that she exhibits on the dance floor. These activities provide a creative outlet and help maintain her mental and physical wellness, contributing to her effective leadership at Zuken.

Leaders Breed Leaders

In her office, a quote from Mahatma Gandhi serves as a daily reminder of her leadership philosophy: “A sign of a good leader is not how many followers you have, but how many leaders you create.” Christine takes pride in walking alongside employees at every stage of their careers, celebrating milestones from first anniversaries to four decades of service. Her active commitment to developing leaders within our ranks highlights her values and vision for Zuken’s future. By focusing on leadership development, Christine ensures that Zuken not only grows in size but also in capability and influence.

Happy 15th anniversary, Christine.

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Keep an eye out for more inspiring stories about our talented team as we continue to highlight the individuals shaping the future of Zuken.

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