Follow us on LinkedInThe People Leaders Summit (April 09, 2025) is just around the corner, and we’re thrilled to introduce a new feature in the lead-up to the event: our Speaker Spotlight series!
The People Leaders Summit is your opportunity to power organizational excellence with a people function focused on engagement, retention, and growth.
Today, we’re excited to highlight Maria Luisa Cammarata, Global Chief People Officer at Gi Group Holding, one of the inspiring voices you'll hear at the summit.
🎟️ Secure your free pass to access every live session.
Hi Maria Luisa, can you tell us about yourself?
I am a passionate Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience, all gained within multinational corporations. This enabled me to develop skills across various sectors, including Sales & Marketing, Operations, Human Resources, Project Management, Business Development, and Public Affairs.
As the Global Chief People Officer of Gi Group Holding, a multinational company with over 9,000 employees and operations spanning 37 countries, I am responsible for driving the People strategy of our Group and therefore the growth and development of the employees and the organization, guiding the integration of diverse organizational cultures, and supporting all functions and businesses across our markets.
Deeply committed to our ChangeLives philosophy, I aim to catalyze a positive impact in our People's lives and build an enjoyable work environment for all.
These values guide my mission:
- People: They are at the heart of everything I do.
- Global-Local Synergies: Balancing global strategies with local perspectives is crucial to ensure our approach resonates authentically in every market we serve.
- Communication: Key to effectively promoting our unique identity and values, and instilling a shared sense of purpose guided by the principle of autonomy, ensuring employees are treated like adults and customers.
- Inspiration: I aim to transfer ambition and lead by example, positively influencing our People to achieve their goals.
Lastly, not for importance, I am a mom of two wonderful kids, I love sports and especially running outdoors. I love constantly coming up with new ideas, activities, and projects that I can bring to life. It's energizing to keep my mind engaged in fresh possibilities and creative opportunities.
Rachel Ernst
What will you be speaking about at our event?
The speech challenges the traditional focus on work models (remote, hybrid, in-office), arguing that the real priority should be people. Employee engagement and well-being are at critically low levels, making it essential for organizations to rethink their approach.
Gi Group Holding prioritizes making work sustainable and enjoyable, aiming to create a positive, life-changing impact. To achieve this, the company focuses on three key pillars: connection, empowerment, and long-term impact. Strong leadership, meaningful relationships, and a sense of purpose drive motivation and engagement. Empowerment comes through autonomy, professional development, and well-being support, ensuring employees can reach their full potential.
With challenges like talent shortages, an aging workforce, and multigenerational workplaces, investing in people is more crucial than ever. Gi Group Holding actively addresses these issues through flexible work models, mentoring programs, and well-being initiatives.
The speech concludes with a call to action for HR professionals: rather than just adapting to change, they must lead it. The future of work is being shaped today, and companies that put people first will be the ones to succeed.
What is the main message you hope attendees will gain from your presentation?
The call to action urges leaders to adopt a personalized approach to talent management, ensuring that development is a central focus. The core message is that the future of work must prioritize engagement, empowerment, well-being, and long-term impact, ensuring that both the organization and its people thrive together.
Who is your ideal attendee for this event?
The ideal attendee for this event is an HR leader, talent acquisition specialist, or business executive responsible for shaping workplace strategies and employee experience. This includes CHROs, HR directors, employer branding professionals, and decision-makers focused on talent management, engagement, and well-being.
Sabrinthia Donnelly
What are you looking forward to the most about the event?
I’m most looking forward to engaging with HR leaders and industry experts to discuss how we can shape the future of work by prioritizing people. It’s a great opportunity to exchange insights on what truly drives engagement, well-being, and long-term impact.
I’m also excited to position Gi Group Holding as an employer of choice—showcasing how we create a sustainable and enjoyable work experience through connection, empowerment, and meaningful career growth. By sharing our approach, I hope to inspire other organizations to rethink how they attract, engage, and retain talent in an evolving workplace.
Most of all, I look forward to leaving the event with fresh ideas, new connections, and a strengthened commitment to making work more fulfilling for everyone.
Can you provide a brief teaser of what attendees can expect from your presentation?
Shifts the narrative: Many discussions focus on work models (remote, hybrid, in-office), but this presentation challenges that perspective, emphasizing that people—not models—should be the priority.
Actionable insights: It provides concrete strategies on how to foster engagement, well-being, and empowerment in an era of talent shortages and a multigenerational workforce.
Real-world applications: By showcasing Gi Group Holding’s approach to sustainable and enjoyable work, attendees gain insights into practical initiatives such as mentoring programs, flexible work models, and well-being strategies.
Leadership perspective: The speech highlights the role of HR professionals not just in responding to change but in leading it—helping them position themselves as key drivers of business success.
José Benitez Cong
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve ever received is: "Focus on impact, not just effort."
It’s easy to get caught up in being busy, answering emails, attending meetings, completing tasks, but what truly matters is the difference you make. Whether it’s in employer branding, talent management, or leadership, the key is to ask: How does my work create value?
This mindset shift helps prioritize meaningful projects, advocate for change, and stay focused on long-term success rather than just short-term productivity. It also aligns perfectly with the idea that people, not processes, should be at the center of work.
What advice would you give to young professionals starting out?
Do what you like, stay curious, and surround yourself with great people. Opportunities come when you focus on what truly interests you and keep learning along the way. And don’t stress too much, careers aren’t linear, and the best moves often happen unexpectedly.
How can attendees connect with you after the event to learn more?
Maria Luisa Cammarata | LinkedIn
People Leaders Summit
We’re counting down the days to the People Leaders Summit—a free virtual event designed to help you lead with impact, innovate with confidence, and future-proof your people strategy.
This summit brings together visionary HR leaders, trailblazing executives, and top industry experts to explore what’s next in talent, tech, and transformation. Whether you’re focused on engagement, retention, DEI, or leveraging AI in HR—there’s something here for every modern people leader.
💡 Why attend?
- Get inspired by thought leaders shaping the future of work
- Discover actionable strategies to drive growth, innovation, and resilience
- Access live sessions and OnDemand recordings—all at no cost
🎟️ Reserve your free pass today and don’t miss a moment of insight, connection, and transformation.
