Unpacking Feedback Culture at the Top with Maria Ursu of Booking.com

In this episode of Byte-Sized HR, we welcome Maria Ursu, HR Director for Commercial HQ & EMEA at Booking.com, to discuss the critical yet often misunderstood topic of feedback culture at the executive level. Maria shares insights on the challenges of creating a feedback-driven environment, the importance of psychological safety, and practical strategies to turn feedback into a tool for empowerment and growth. Whether you're an HR professional, a manager, or a leader seeking to elevate your team's performance, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to inspire change and foster a thriving feedback culture. Key Topics Covered in This Podcast: The Feedback Gap: Why feedback is often not given, despite its proven benefits, and how to address it effectively. Practical Strategies for Feedback: How Booking.com implements programs and initiatives to nurture continuous feedback across all levels. Constructive Feedback Dynamics: Tips on ensuring feedback is seen as a growth tool, not a personal attack. Psychological Safety in Leadership: How to create a safe space for open dialogue and constructive feedback within teams. Actionable Feedback: The importance of clarity, relevance, and intent in feedback for senior leadership development. Data-Driven Insights: Leveraging metrics and surveys to measure the effectiveness of feedback and drive organizational improvements. Leadership Buy-In: Encouraging leaders to actively seek feedback and use it as a tool for personal and team growth. Resources and Links: Connect with Maria Ursu on LinkedIn: Maria Ursu LinkedIn Explore life at Booking.com: Booking.com Careers Learn more about creating feedback culture: Harvard Business Review Insights: HBR Feedback Article