Meet Denise Foz, Head of Employee Relations

Driven to connect people and motivated to do so with a strong commitment to her responsibility, Denise entered The Ortus Club to pursue her personal mission as a professional: to establish more open and communicative relationships within an organisation. As a seasoned human resources specialist, she was entrusted with the monumental task of striking a balance between advancing the goals of the company and advocating for a more wholesome Ortus experience for everyone within the organisation.

Tell us something about yourself and how you got started with The Ortus Club.

I’ve always seen myself as an empath who is adept at reading different kinds of people and efficiently gauging my perception of them. These skills have always enabled me to connect and effectively work with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.

The Ortus Club piqued my interest at a time when I was looking for greater opportunities to progress in my career. After stumbling upon their blog and perusing a number of their articles, I discovered the core of the Ortus culture: a fresh, lively, and remarkably more unconventional corporate experience. The company’s goal-driven ethos, complemented by opportunities to travel across the world for work and interact with C-level executives, is what inspired me to come out of my comfort zone and join the company.

Tell us about your role. What’s your strategy for getting things done?

As the Head of Employee Relations, I essentially serve as the middle ground between the members of the various departments of The Ortus Club, with my role being chiefly concerned with people management. I ensure that everyone in The Ortus Club has the resources and tools they need to thrive more comfortably in the company.

Fairness and stability remain to be my objectives as the Head of Employee Relations within the company. I’m driven to achieve these values by brainstorming and implementing HR strategies with my team that promote the well-being of our members, such as finding ways to continue improving manager-employee relations and the overall experience of being a member of The Ortus Club.

My mission is twofold: to balance the company’s vision and objectives with the respective visions and objectives of each member and to establish clearer and more wholesome lines of communication between our people and our management to guarantee more amicable—even familial—relationships among all members.

Can you name anyone who has had a lasting, positive impact on your career? What did they do for you?

The Ortus Club were paramount to finding my footing within the organisation. Back then, I had always felt I was merely following others, but through the guidance of my mentors, I realised how much potential I did indeed have. Jamie, Jess, and Anya have been a huge part of that. Working alongside them, I’ve seen how passionate they are about every project and initiative that they do and how they put their whole hearts into everything. They inspire me to continue doing the best that I can. I found my footing in the company and broke out of my shell to become the leader I am today. After joining The Ortus Club, I was inspired to lead, and I lead to inspire others.

What’s the most challenging part of your role, and how do you overcome this challenge?

One of the most challenging aspects of my role is ensuring the well-being of every employee while recognising that each person has unique needs, motivations, and circumstances. Throughout my years with Ortus, I realise that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to maintaining healthy well-being every day. Finding the right balance between professional expectations and personal fulfilment requires constant adaptability.

Because of this, I strive to prioritise active listening and open communication, fostering an environment where employees and leaders alike feel heard and supported. I’m working closely with different teams to tailor initiatives that cater to various needs—whether through mental and physical health support, professional development training, or even our daily end-of-day town hall meetings!

There is a lot more to be done, but by continuously refining our policies and maintaining our values, I like to believe that we’re creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, and equipped to succeed both personally and professionally.

What’s been your proudest moment?

I’m incredibly proud of the HR team we’ve built. What started as a one-person operation has grown into a trusted team, and it’s a continuous journey to reflect the values our colleagues aspire to. This growth directly fuels my aspiration to create a welcoming community within the company, a goal I’ve held since joining The Ortus Club and continuing into my role within HR. We’re fostering stronger connections, a sense of professionalism and cooperation, and encouraging open communication with HR.

With this ongoing effort, I’m now kept more up-to-speed with what goes on within the company, and we are all significantly more communicative with one another. We regularly share insights that contribute to the progress of our company or our respective teams, and we work together to resolve any challenges that arise, ensuring we keep moving forward.”

What is a piece of knowledge you consider invaluable and hope to share with as many people as possible?

Hone your potential, and don’t fear the pressure. In everything you do, you’ll always encounter challenges that will push you to go further. As the saying goes, ‘The best versions of ourselves happen outside of our comfort zones’.

What do you think the future holds for The Ortus Club? What role will you play towards it?

The Ortus Club has an exciting future ahead as the need for strategic business dialogues and knowledge-sharing continues to grow. With our unique approach to managing and hosting tailored high-level discussions between executives, we’re well-positioned to expand our global reach and deepen our impact across industries.

The company’s future success will increasingly depend on maintaining a strong, engaged, and well-supported team as we continue to expand globally. As the Head of Employee Relations, I plan to play an integral role in building and nurturing a workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent.

By focusing on employee wellbeing, professional growth, and maintaining our unique company culture across different regions, The Ortus Club will remain an organisation that nurtures knowledge-gathering and knowledge-sharing from diverse backgrounds and inspires mindsets to expand into the seemingly inconceivable.