Quick 5 Interview with Africa Biomass Company’s Mieke Janse van Rensburg

Team AdvantageClub.ai

May 12, 2026

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In the overlapping worlds of biomass, renewable energy, agriculture, and forestry, sustainability is more than a business model. It is a mindset that must extend directly to the people doing the work. For Mieke Janse van Rensburg, Head of HR at Africa Biomass Company, the challenge is clear: how do you drive operational productivity in these essential sectors while ensuring every employee feels a deep sense of purpose and belonging?

As a winner in the Achievers category for MAW 2026, Mieke is a leader who views HR as the heartbeat of the organization. From talent acquisition to organizational development, her approach is rooted in the belief that leading with humanity naturally leads to high performance. In this conversation, she explores the daily pulse of HR leadership, the myth of the “once-a-year” survey, and her mission to champion people-centered leadership.

Q1: How has the evolution of employee experience reshaped your leadership style?

A1: Employee experience has completely reshaped how I lead. I’ve realized that HR is no longer about policies. Instead, it’s about people, purpose, and belonging.

Today, rewards and recognition aren’t just about compensation. They’re about making people feel seen and valued. Culture isn’t something built in a one-off workshop. It is built daily through how we lead, how we listen, and how we show up. For me, leadership is about creating spaces where people don’t just work, but truly thrive.

Q2: What does a day in the life look like for a Head of HR in such a dynamic industry?

A2: There is no such thing as a typical day in HR, and that’s exactly why I love it. My day constantly moves between high-level strategy, supporting our leaders, and staying connected to the heartbeat of the organization: our people.

I’m incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system both at home and at work, which allows me to stay grounded and present. At its core, the role is about balance. It’s about driving business outcomes while never losing sight of employee well-being.

Q3: You often say HR “is” the business. What is the life mantra that guides your professional journey?

A3: My guiding principle is simple: Put the HUMAN back into Human Resources. HR is not just something we do; it is the business. This means leading with empathy, making people feel heard, and remembering that every decision impacts a life, not just a role. I believe that when we lead with humanity and treat people as individuals rather than resources, performance follows.

Q4: Engagement is a continuous effort. How do you challenge the mindset that engagement is just a periodic activity?

A4: Engagement isn’t a once-a-year survey. It’s a daily experience. In a world of constant change, I focus on three pillars: connection, communication, and consistency. People want to feel recognized and part of something meaningful. When you build trust and create the space for real, honest conversations, engagement becomes natural and organic. It’s never something that has to be forced.

Q5: As you look toward the future, what are your professional and personal aspirations?

A5: I aspire to become the best HR professional I can be, while making a real difference that extends beyond the workplace. I am currently writing a book on human-centered leadership because I am passionate about making a meaningful impact on my community.

Looking ahead, I believe HR will become even more human, not less. While technology will continue to evolve and change how we work, empathy, connection, and purpose will always remain at the center of great organizations.

Stay tuned for more such insightful interviews from our Quick 5 Interview Series!