Shaping Culture, Driving Growth: Eris Çunaku on HR at KODE

Welcome to this month’s edition of the HR Journal! In this issue, we’re thrilled to feature Eris Çunaku, HR Director at KODE Labs.

With years of experience in Human Resources, Eris has played a pivotal role in shaping KODE Labs’ thriving culture and team member engagement strategies. As the company continues to grow, we sat down with him to discuss the challenges and rewards of HR management, his journey into the field, and how KODE Labs stays ahead in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

I’m curious, what was it that first sparked your interest in HR? As you’ve progressed in your career, how has your passion for the field grown or evolved?

My interest in HR management started during my undergraduate studies. Throughout my studies, I was involved in clubs and student government, trying to provide students with a great experience, listening to their concerns and organizing various student activities. Then, my interest grew even more during my first Human Resource Management class, where I truly understood the important role of HR professionals in an organization. As I continued to work in this field, my passion for the role grew even more. I love being part of our team members’ growth within KODE and seeing our team push the limits of our industry and thrive. We, as an HR team, are a support mechanism for team members, ensuring we enable our team and build an environment where people feel valued, challenged, and supported.

You’re always shaping and nurturing KODE Labs’ culture—what’s been the most rewarding part of that? And as the company grows, how do you make sure that culture keeps thriving?

Seeing people embrace our culture, and especially our Core Values, has been the most rewarding. We recently started doing our Core Values Workshops, where we get to dive deeper into each of our core values to help our team truly live them everyday. And seeing the feedback from our team who want to embrace these values in their everyday work has truly been one of the best experiences in my five years at KODE.

Additionally, when it comes to ensuring our culture grows with us, it all starts with hiring the right people, and then training. We don’t just look for a cultural “fit”; we look for people who will add to our culture, bringing fresh perspectives and energy. Combine that with continuous learning and training, and we make sure that as KODE grows, our culture grows with us.

If someone is considering joining KODE, what advice would you give them? And what’s the best way for them to make a real impact once they’re here?

At KODE, you have the opportunity to shape the future of our industry and grow professionally in ways few places can offer. Making a real impact doesn’t happen overnight—it takes dedication, challenges, and continuous learning. That’s why we foster a dynamic, fast-paced environment that pushes boundaries while surrounding you with some of the brightest and most supportive professionals in the field. Whether you’re an engineer, a designer, or an HR professional, the key to success here is taking initiative, embracing challenges, and making things happen.

Out of all the Core Values at KODE, is there one that really stands out to you? What makes it so meaningful to you?

This is a tough one because all our Core Values are closely aligned with where we want to go and how we can get there. However, if I had to pick one that is closest to me, it would be ‘Innovation is rewarded; execution is workshipped’. You can have the best idea in the world, but if you don’t follow through and make it happen, it’s meaningless. That mindset is what drives us.

Personally, I like coming up with new ideas for what we can do, and improve our current processes and initiatives. At KODE, I’ve had a chance to do just that. That is also what we look for in people. We want to bring team members who aren’t just innovative but also take action, push projects forward, and turn ideas into reality. That’s what sets great people apart.

You’ve been with KODE for 5 years now, and you’ve had a chance to interview many candidates. What do you personally look for in a candidate?

For me, the biggest attributes are mindset, drive, and adaptability. Skills can be learned, but a problem-solving mindset, willingness to take ownership, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment are what truly make someone a great fit.

I look for candidates who don’t just wait for direction—they take initiative. People who, when they see a challenge, say, “I got this.” Whether it’s an engineer solving a complex issue or a marketer pushing creative boundaries, the best team members are the ones who step up, take action, and own their work.

Culture fit is important, but we also look for culture add—people who bring fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and push us to be even better.

We hope this conversation has offered valuable insights into the field of HR, particularly within the tech industry.

Whether you’re an HR professional or someone interested in fostering strong company culture and enhancing team member engagement, Eris’s experiences provide plenty of takeaways to inspire and guide you.