Dennis, can you describe your job in one line?

I govern the invisible within HR—building the infrastructure that allows people to get paid, hired, connected, and supported through the systems that make work work.

You’ve had a long career in HR and labor law. What have been some key lessons?

Change is the new normal. Early in my career, I learned to embrace uncertainty—sometimes moving countries on a weekend's notice. It taught me adaptability, cultural awareness, and a mindset for growth. In business today, volatility is everywhere—from technology to markets—and the only way forward is to accept change and prepare to evolve.

"Change will always win. You either embrace it or get left behind."

Remote and hybrid work are still hot topics. What’s your perspective—especially for small businesses?

Interestingly, many large companies are reverting to pre-COVID models, requiring four or five days in the office. But that rigidity doesn’t reflect what employees actually want—especially not younger or senior candidates seeking better balance. This is where smaller businesses have a real advantage: they can be more flexible, more human, and more aligned with the realities of today’s workforce. Remote work isn’t going away, and small companies that embrace it smartly can stand out.

What advice would you give to companies entering the BASA Awards?

Don’t underestimate your ideas just because you're small. I've seen innovations from 20-person teams influence global strategies. Creativity thrives in small, agile environments where there's less bureaucracy and more heart. If you believe in your idea, put it forward. These awards aren't just about budgets or scale—they’re about passion, potential, and impact.

"Sometimes the best ideas come from the smallest teams. Innovation isn’t about size—it’s about belief."

Any final words of encouragement for nominees?

Believe in what you're doing and don’t be shy about sharing it. As a judge, I often learn from the entrants—it’s not just us giving feedback, it’s a two-way exchange of ideas. If you’re hesitating, take the shot. The ripple effect of your work could be bigger than you think.