The Importance of Human Relationships in Building Organizational Success | Sivan Sherf

In honor of International Women’s Day, we proudly share the inspiring story of Sivan Sherf, Campus Manager at Electra FM, who demonstrates how personal determination, initiative, and belief in human relationships can lead to significant professional success.

Sivan’s professional journey at Electra FM began as a call-center representative at “Bahad 1” (today known as Operations Coordinator). “I started by sending my resume to the company,” she recalls. What began as a basic role soon became a steppingstone for personal and professional growth.

Not satisfied with simply performing her basic tasks, Sivan pro-actively expanded her knowledge. “I took initiative and independently learned additional fields”, she explains. The impressive range of subjects she studied independently reflects her curiosity and determination: hazardous materials, swimming pool and mechanical room operations, energy centers, air conditioning systems, workplace safety, procurement, contractor management, and even company vehicle management.

A significant turning point in Sivan’s career came when she realized she needed to take full responsibility for her professional development. “Feeling alone at work, without a mentor or role model, can be challenging. Realizing that only I could make a change for myself was a powerful insight”.

Challenges soon followed. “The most significant challenges were during audits and evaluations by the company and military officials”, she shares. “I faced high demands and had to repeatedly prove myself”.

Sivan found effective ways to meet these challenges. “I learned to handle criticism by focusing on thorough and professional work, managing to excel in each situation. One key insight from these experiences is that hard work and dedication genuinely yield good results. The feeling of success after sustained effort is exciting and fulfilling each time “.

Her move from Operations Coordinator to Campus Manager stemmed from several factors. “It was time for me to take on more responsibility, and I wanted to progress into managerial roles,” she explains. “I felt I had reached a plateau in my previous position and sought new challenges in the Campus Manager role, which provided me opportunities to lead projects and take on broader responsibilities”.

Throughout her professional journey, Sivan acquired numerous skills that supported her development. “I learned team management and mentoring, project management, rapid and precise decision-making, effective interpersonal communication, creative problem-solving, budget and resource management, adaptability, and digital and technological skills”, she details. These skills helped her adapt to and thrive in her new managerial role.

Sivan also received significant support along the way. “Mr. Shimon Gabai! People who believe in us, especially when they see potential we may not yet recognize ourselves, can be the difference between stagnation and advancement. Feeling his support at every stage provided the push needed to dare and take that next step”.

“Having someone like Shimon who fought for opportunities for me was a tremendous source of inspiration. It isn’t always easy to believe in ourselves when doubts arise, and Shimon’s ability to help me see myself differently and face challenges was an invaluable gift”.

Asked what achievement makes her most proud, Sivan doesn’t hesitate: : “I’m most proud of creating a workplace that feels like home for me and my team. I learned that professionalism alone isn’t enough—what truly matters are the relationships and connections we build along the way “.

“You can be the most skilled and professional manager, but without a supportive team by your side, you won’t find happiness, satisfaction, success, calm, security, or unity. I’ve succeeded in creating an environment where people support each other, work collaboratively toward shared goals, and feel a sense of belonging.”

Sivan envisions a promising future for women at Electra FM. “I see an increasing role for women in companies like Electra FM. From my experience, the Facility Management sector is undergoing significant change, and technical roles are no longer considered exclusively ‘male.'”

“In the future, I expect to see more women in senior managerial positions and technical roles traditionally occupied by men. My own experience across diverse fields like hazardous materials, energy systems, safety, and contractor management has shown me that women can excel in these areas.”

Sivan’s message to other women on International Women’s Day is powerful and empowering: “To all the incredible women in our society and everywhere—each of you inspires daily in your unique way. Your strength lies not only in carrying out responsibilities but also in your courage to dream, lead change, and speak up.”

“Each of you brings wisdom, sensitivity, and a unique perspective that enriches both our professional and personal worlds. Your resilience, creativity, and determination break barriers and transform reality. I believe when women support one another, we build a network of empowerment that lifts us all.”

For Sivan, International Women’s Day is also an opportunity to reflect on her various roles in life. “Within my immediate family, I’m a wife, mother, daughter, and daughter-in-law,” she shares. “I strive to fulfill all these roles with sincerity and respect, aiming to positively impact the lives of those most important to me. Being a role model for my children is central to my life.”

Regarding her career, she summarizes: “As a career woman, I have always aimed to demonstrate that the gendered assumptions about my role are irrelevant. Every task, no matter how challenging, immediately translates into a structured work plan and is always executed to the best of my ability”.

Sivan’s story exemplifies how perseverance, self-belief, and strong interpersonal skills drive success. It highlights that the combination of professionalism and excellent human relationships creates not just effective management but also a workplace environment that feels like home.