Some stories are built slowly, with consistency and purpose. And there are people who, by who they are and what they do, become a true reflection of a company’s culture. Such is the case of Susana Agra, Human Resources Director at ETMA, who now celebrates 20 years with the company.
Indeed, some paths are not planned, yet they end up leading us exactly to the right place. For Susana Agra, that place is called ETMA. Two decades ago, she joined the company with the enthusiasm of someone starting a new chapter and the curiosity of someone who knows how to listen to the signs.
She joined the company through an internship, encouraged by a trainer who recognised in her the right profile to help implement a new performance appraisal system. What was meant to be temporary quickly turned into a long-lasting relationship.
„At the time, the department was much more administrative. We were fewer than a hundred people, with very few HR management tools.
Today, we have twice as many employees, far more agile processes, and a much stronger structure. And I feel like I’ve grown alongside the company,” she shares, with the calm glow of someone who recognises the path they’ve walked.
20 YEARS ON, ONE FEELING REMAINS: BELONGING
Over the years, Susana has become much more than the head of department. She is a trusted face and an internal point of reference when it comes to people. “What I enjoy most is exactly that: working with people. Creating the conditions for them to want to be here – and to stay. That, to me, is the real challenge of Human Resources.”
Throughout these 20 years, Susana Agra has always stood beside those who make ETMA what it is. This photograph, which she keeps in her office, is more than just a snapshot – it reflects the commitment and connection she builds every day with each person in this company.
In fact, that commitment to others has a name: Respect for People. And that’s precisely why Susana Agra was chosen by her colleagues to be the ambassador for this core value – one of the founding principles of ETMA’s culture. A natural choice for someone who, for 20 years, has acted as a bridge between employees and Management, with empathy, active listening, and a consistently constructive approach.
As she points out, “saying our door is always open isn’t just a figure of speech. It really is. We’re always available to listen – and, whenever possible, to help.”
That accessible and consistent presence is recognised both within and beyond the department. Susana is often the first face to welcome, guide and support new employees – from their very first day to the development of their journey within the company.
“Helping others grow is part of the HR mission. It’s not just about offering support when there’s a problem. It’s about identifying talent, aligning roles, investing in the right people. And when we see someone who started with us grow and evolve, it’s incredibly rewarding. It means we’ve done our job well.”
THE VALUE OF PEOPLE IN A CHANGING MARKET
But the world of Human Resources is not without its challenges. Susana acknowledges that the current context has brought new difficulties. “Recruitment is harder these days. The market is more demanding, and people are less committed. As a company, we have to find ways to remain attractive, to retain talent, and to stand out through the way we treat those who work with us.”
That’s where the value of respect comes in once again – not as a buzzword for corporate presentations, but as a genuine practice in everyday life. “ETMA still has a strong family feel. And that makes a difference. Long-lasting relationships are built, and there’s a real sense of stability. I truly feel this is my second family.”
Looking ahead, Susana sees a strong and stable ETMA, with the ambition to grow and invest in order to meet the demands of the market. And as long as the company’s values remain the same, she sees herself continuing to contribute.
“As long as I feel the way I do today – connected to who we are – I see myself staying here. I’m happy at ETMA. And if I weren’t… I simply wouldn’t be here.”
Simple words – but they say it all.
On this symbolic milestone marking her 20 years, ETMA thanks Susana Agra for her professionalism, dedication, and above all, the humanity she has brought to every step of her journey. May the future continue to be written with the same commitment – with open doors, open arms, and a whole heart.
Thank you, Susana. May the next chapters of this story continue to be written with the same dedication.