Meet the staff

Connie You

About Connie

Cicor site: Dongguan, China

Function: Human Resources Manager

How many years have you been working for Cicor? I joined the Dongguan site in June 2020, and I have worked at Cicor for one year, starting in April 2024.

Hobbies: When I'm not working, I love practising yoga and Pilates. They help me to stay grounded and present, which is an important part of how I approach my work with people.

I also love travelling, as it gives me a fresh perspective on different cultures and working methods. This is something I find very useful when managing diverse teams.

I’m an enthusiastic reader and am always keen to learn more about leadership, emotional intelligence and how to foster a positive workplace culture.

What is your favourite place in the world?
I’ve lived in Dongguan, China for the past 20 years and often say it’s my second hometown. It's truly one of my favourite places in China!

Dongguan is located in Guangdong Province, at the heart of the Pearl River Delta — one of the world's most dynamic manufacturing hubs. Due to its strong industrial base, especially in electronics, machinery, and textiles, it is often called the "world's factory". Our city plays a vital role in global supply chains, and it’s fascinating to witness its rapid evolution.

But Dongguan is more than just factories; it's a city that blends tradition and modernity. You'll find peaceful parks, ancient temples, bustling food markets and a growing arts and technology scene. Life here has an energetic yet welcoming pace, and over the years I’ve come to appreciate the strong work ethic, community spirit and deep cultural pride of the people.

Living here has shaped both my professional experience and my personal growth. It’s a place that has taught me the importance of adaptability, cross-cultural communication and long-term relationships — invaluable skills in my HR role.

Life motto:

"Enjoy life, be yourself."

This simple motto guides both my personal life and my professional approach. To me, 'enjoy life' means appreciating the present, maintaining a sense of curiosity, and finding balance, even in challenging situations. I believe life should be lived with intention and joy, whether through travel, yoga, or meaningful work.

'Be yourself' reflects my belief in authenticity. In my time in HR, I’ve learned that people thrive when they feel seen and valued and are free to be themselves at work. My goal is to foster an environment where individuals feel empowered to be their authentic selves, because it is in this space that true collaboration and innovation flourish.

About Connieʼs job

What does a normal working day look like for you? My working day usually begins at 08:00 when I arrive at the office. I start by reviewing my calendar and checking my emails to prioritise the day's focus areas. At 08:30, I attend a morning meeting with the management team, where we discuss daily highlights, updates and key issues.

Throughout the day, I work closely with my HR team to support daily operations and follow up on tasks. I also attend cross-functional meetings and provide HR support wherever needed to ensure smooth collaboration between departments.

Before the end of the day, I review my to-do list to make sure that I am on track with my tasks and meeting my deadlines. I often seize the opportunity to visit the workshop and speak to operators, listening to their feedback and addressing their concerns to find ways to enhance their satisfaction at work.

We strike a balance each day between providing strategic support and getting involved hands-on, ensuring that our operations run smoothly while fostering a positive and productive work environment for all employees.

What do you enjoy most in your job?
The most enjoyable part of my job is supporting and helping people to grow alongside the company. I derive great satisfaction from creating an environment in which employees can develop their skills, fulfil their potential and contribute meaningfully to the company's success. Seeing individuals grow professionally and personally is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to continuously improve our HR practices and foster that growth.

Who do you want to meet in the next issue of Close?
Tsilla Gaille – HR Manager at the Cicor site in Boudry, Switzerland.