Passion is our superpower — these are three ways it is generated.

In the age of the electric revolution, a time of unprecedented technological change the most valued resource of any brand or business isn’t the latest computing power, it remains its people. Those who can bring control, direction, creativity and energy to an ever-shifting landscape. So, it stands that it is the most passionate, ambitious and dedicated people that you want, in every field. 

If you are a pure EV start-up growing at an unprecedented pace, this notion holds particularly true. We have no legacy, no set procedures to rely on. We’re looking to disrupt automotive and innovate to accelerate progress. Forging a new, better path, only the best people will enable us to succeed. The question is: how do we make the best people turn to us? 

As the person responsible for HR at Polestar, this is one of the most burning questions I’m faced with. With 20 years’ experience of the industry, I believe I have some insights to share.

Providing the purpose

People want purpose. They want to make an impact, be influential and feel connected to the goal of the organisation. And rightfully so. Research constantly reveals that well-being and resilience to stress correlate with having a clear sense of purpose.  

I believe people prefer companies with a disruptive approach over those with a traditional linear style. Like Polestar. We’re driven by the force of doing things differently to forge a new, climate neutral path. The passion our people dedicate to their work is fueled by this purpose. Because they are just as passionate about improving the society we live in.

As company, you must walk the talk. Particularly as a brand grows. Looking at Polestar, it is imperative that our sustainability conviction is not limited to the production of our cars, but in everything we do. For instance, the whole company unites four times a year, taking time off to jointly focus on sustainability and consider how to accelerate change – the days are delivered in an interactive way. These sorts of events are a great example of how we ensure that all employees, new and “old” feel connected to the company, and to our overall purpose. 

An experimental mindset to drive innovation

Secondly, we need to create a work culture that promotes employee engagement. An environment that is tolerant and open-minded. To accelerate change, we must allow people to explore and leverage their creativity. People should be encouraged to take smart risks and accept that we grow from failure. 

In fact, I believe we should get rid of the word failure. Let’s call it learning! And given we’re operating in an undefined environment, every day is the beginning of a new experiment at Polestar. We were created to be frontrunners; to explore new territory. Take lessons. Learn. And our people are paving this new way. 

Transparency and collaboration as the backbone

Michael Jordan once said: "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." And the same is true in business. 

There are no unique tools or systems which allow companies to be more agile. To run a successful company, collaboration and transparency need to be the company backbone. Polestar’s greatest accomplishments are not due to a particular function, but because we’re a cross-functional company with strong cross competence and a mindset of transparency.  

Now, we’re on the next phase of setting the business foundation. In order to do that, we are looking for personalities with collaborative skills that can adapt to uncertainty. And with transparency engrained into our organisation, a set of harmonised roles provide a unique opportunity for personal development and increased internal mobility for all roles. 

The Polestar journey

Polestar is a company in which ideas, information, technology and quick execution meet. We are rooted in the belief that only by continuously pushing frontiers can we make the difference. It’s embedded in our cars, in our culture, and empowers us to challenge the conventions of the industry.  We want to become an employer of choice for talent from around the world. Because while electricity drives our cars, passion drives our people. And our people drive progress.

–By Monika Franke, Head of HR at Polestar