Nada Kozina
Episode · #583
MEDIJATOR Nada Kozina
Guest Nada KozinaHosted by Srđan ŠimacMay 3, 2026
Nada Kozina
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
Nada Kozina's professional purpose is clear: to foster human-centered HR practices. With a background in linguistics and two decades in human resources, she has seen the field evolve from a mere administrative function to a strategic partner. Her work is guided by a commitment to preserve humanity at every level of an organization, from the individual employee to the executive suite. This conversation explores the core of what HR should be, challenging the very language we use to define people's roles in business and asking whether our terms truly reflect our values.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Nada Kozina began her HR career in the late 90s, when many companies still operated with a 'personnel department,' a term common in German-speaking regions. The shift to 'human resources management' wasn't just a name change; it marked a fundamental evolution in how organizations approach their people, moving from administrative tasks to strategic talent development.
02
A CEO Nada Kozina once worked with described HR as one of his 'two hands' in the organization, the other being controlling. 'One hand is people, the other hand is numbers.' This framing elevates HR from a support function to a central strategic pillar, on par with financial oversight.
03
Fifteen years ago, HR primarily supported management. Today, employees at all levels have found 'the strength and courage to speak on their own behalf,' transforming HR's role. It now acts as a mediator, ideally sitting 'at the table with both sides' to prevent misunderstandings and foster humane working relationships.
04
The host questions whether 'human resources' truly captures the essence of people's value, suggesting terms like 'human relationships.' Nada Kozina agrees that names like 'human relationships' sound more humane, but stresses that the *content* matters more than the *form*. If an organization truly lives a human-centered culture, the name will gain credibility; otherwise, it's just a label.
05
Drawing on a LinkedIn post comparing HR to Hadrian's Wall, the host suggests HR should not be a barrier between management and employees. Nada Kozina implicitly agrees, highlighting HR's role in fostering 'humane working relationships' and understanding, making it a bridge rather than a wall.
06
As a mother of three, Nada Kozina dedicated a significant part of her career to balancing private and professional life. This personal experience likely informs her belief in human-centered HR practices, recognizing that an employee's life extends far beyond their professional role and directly impacts their work.