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Leading with Purpose: Giordana’s Journey at ORS, a Serco Company

Giordana’s path to leadership has been shaped by purpose, resilience and a deep commitment to supporting people in vulnerable situations.

With a background in psychology, she began her career in education before moving into roles that strengthened her dedication to social impact. In 2008, she joined ORS, a Serco company, as Head of the Social Sector for the Fribourg region in Switzerland. Today, she co-leads one of ORS’s largest operations, supporting more than 4,600 asylum seekers and refugees, and managing a team of over 450 employees.

Through ORS in Switzerland, Serco provides accommodation, care and integration support to asylum seekers and other vulnerable groups, in partnership with national and local authorities.

Giordana now oversees eight service areas, including social care, integration, training and emergency response for displaced people from Ukraine. Her role involves daily collaboration with sector leads, monitoring projects, participating in executive committee decisions and facilitating monthly meetings with more than 50 managers to ensure alignment and swift action on emerging issues.

We have to get the balance right: autonomy and alignment, speed and empathy, process and care. It only works when we trust each other.

Giordana

Helping others to grow

For Giordana, it all comes down to people — those she supports and those she leads. Doing this work means responding to individuals in moments of great vulnerability, while helping her teams grow into confident, capable leaders. It is a demanding environment, but one that rewards compassion, strength and teamwork. She thrives in high-pressure, fast-moving settings. What motivates her most is the sense of purpose she finds in her work and the people she works with. She takes pride in helping others grow, drawing on her psychology background and experience in human development to lead with empathy and clarity. Mentoring is a core part of how she supports others. She works closely with colleagues facing new challenges, helping them find confidence and navigate uncertainty.

"Mentoring is about structure and trust. You need clear expectations, regular connection and a safe space where people feel seen and supported. I believe that Serco’s values — Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride — closely reflect what effective mentoring requires. For me, mentoring is not just about guidance; it is about creating space for others to succeed. My advice to anyone starting out is simple: Step outside your comfort zone. Say yes before you feel ready. Learn through doing. That is where real growth happens.”

Giordana’s story reflects what is possible when leadership is grounded in purpose and built on care. Her journey shows how, by empowering others, you can shape not just a career but a meaningful legacy.