Denisa Šebenová

Growing up in Bratislava, Slovakia, Denisa Šebenová (28) never imagined she’d find her place in a multinational insurer’s digital hub. “When I was really little, I thought I needed a degree to become a Disney princess,” she laughs. But that youthful imagination eventually found its path—not in fairy tales, but in people.

From an early age, Denisa knew she wanted a career that involved connecting with others. “I’ve always been the bubbly type,” she says. “Working with people gave me energy—it still does.” That instinct would eventually draw her into human resources, a field she discovered during university when she began her journey with NN.

Finding direction through people
What started as a student role quickly evolved into something more. “I joined NN during my studies, not knowing what to expect,” she admits. “Insurance felt like a boring industry. But the atmosphere changed everything—suddenly, I was in this dynamic environment, surrounded by passionate and open people.” Denisa took on new responsibilities within a short time, becoming a trusted HR partner in Slovakia’s IT sector.

After nearly four years in Slovakia, Denisa boldly joined NN’s Digital Hub on a virtual international assignment. Today, she supports the Spanish business unit while living in Bratislava, frequently travelling to Madrid, Prague or the Netherlands to collaborate with the teams in person. This cross-border collaboration is what excites Denisa most about her current role. “Even though I’m based in a different country, I feel part of the team,” she says. “There’s always someone just one call away, and that creates a real sense of belonging.

Cross-border collaboration
At the Digital Hub, Denisa is helping shape the future of the brand. She’s working on projects to define HR standards with the teams across its two locations—Spain and the Czech Republic—and helping Digital Hub grow in number of employees but also it´s positioning in the market. “It’s about building identity,” she says, “so that wherever you are, you feel part of one team.”

While her role offers variety, it also comes with complexity. “Sometimes I feel like an octopus,” she says. “A bit of this, a bit of that. Managing multiple tasks remotely can be a challenge but it also keeps things exciting and there is never a dull day.” 

Not just one of many
One of Denisa’s proudest achievements is how quickly she’s grown within the company. “I started in a support role and became HRbusiness partner quickly. People around me believed in me even before I believed in myself. What I considered “normal”, others highlighted as my strength. That’s something special.” Denisa credits her growth to the collaborative spirit at NN. “Here, you’re not just one of many. Your hard work is seen, and people hear you. My manager involved me in international projects early on, even when I didn’t realise my potential yet.”

She applies that same mindset in her work, ensuring others feel empowered and included. “My job is mostly about making people happy at work. That’s the goal,” she says.

Working with a multicultural team has broadened her perspective. “Every personality, every culture brings something different. That diversity enriches my work and helps us growas individuals and as a company.”

Why NN stands out
For Denisa, what makes NN truly unique is its people and its promise of flexibility and support. “It’s more than just policies—it’s how people make you feel like you belong. Even though I don’t speak Spanish fluently and sit in a different country my team never excluded me. That’s rare.”

Looking ahead, Denisa is considering relocating to Spain, and is actively learning the language. “I love that NN gives me the space to grow—not just professionally, but personally.” To anyone unsure about joining an insurance company, Denisa offers this: “Don’t judge the book by its cover. The sector might seem old-fashioned from the outside but inside NN, it’s modern, fast-paced and full of amazing people. You’ll be seen and heard. You’ll grow. And you’ll never walk alone.”