Groupon Employee Spotlight:
Loana Rivière

This month, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Loana Rivière 🌟, our Country HR Business Partner for France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands! Originally from the beautiful island of Reunion 🌴, Loana joined Groupon two years ago, bringing her expertise in employment law and a passion for supporting our teams 🤝. Discover her journey, the challenges she’s faced, and her insights on performance and maintaining a healthy work-life balance! 💼💖

"Loana embodies the perfect blend of hard work and smart strategy. Her dedication as a true business partner to all her stakeholders makes her a colleague and team player you can always rely on. To me, she is an essential part of our team and a key contributor to the success of HR at Groupon", Eva Krcova, Interim Chief People Officer and and Loana's Manager.  

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Groupon.

I'm Loana, originally from the beautiful island of Reunion, near Mauritius and Madagascar (for those unfamiliar with it!). I moved to Paris 9 years ago to further my studies in french employment law and launch my professional career. Currently, I serve as a Country HR Business Partner at Groupon, overseeing France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

In my role, I ensure the proper application of laws, regulations, and internal processes—but that's just one part of it! I also work closely with managers to support their teams and assist employees throughout their journey at Groupon. My mission is to balance the interests of both the company and its people, making sure everyone's voice is heard and respected.

How did you get started in your career, and what brought you to  Groupon?

My career at Groupon began two years ago (though it feels like a decade, in the best way possible!). I was introduced to the opportunity by an old friend who was working here at the time. He mentioned that Groupon was looking for an HR person to cover France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. At the time, I was working as an in-house lawyer in a Bank (very different from Groupon), but I was eager for a role that would allow me to have more direct interaction with employees and managers, and offer them meaningful support.

He spoke highly of the company’s spirit, describing it as a place where people are incredibly kind, helpful, and where opportunities to learn and grow come quickly. I decided to take the leap and apply—and here I am today. I can confidently say he wasn’t wrong!

In your opinion, what are the key elements necessary for individuals and teams to excel and achieve high performance in a dynamic environment like Groupon?

In my opinion, high performance is possible when the following key elements are met:
Clear Communication and Support: Teams need clear expectations and continuous support to stay aligned and motivated. We can only move forward when we know the goal and recognize that we're in it together. Equally important is providing positive feedback when someone makes a meaningful impact. Motivation thrives on trust, and when individuals feel trusted and valued, they perform at their best.
A Motivating Work Environment: Motivation is also fueled by a positive working environment, where each individual feels good in their role, within their team, and in the Company as a whole. It's essential that everyone knows they matter and can see how their contributions are valued. When people feel comfortable, respected, and recognized, it naturally boosts their energy and commitment.

What strategies or approaches do you employ to consistently deliver exceptional results in your work?

As an HR person, the strategies I use to deliver good results revolve around placing the individual at the center of everything I do. While I won’t claim to be exceptional, I believe my focus on the people I work with is key. Being an active listener is critical—it's impossible to offer genuine support without truly understanding someone's concerns. I prioritize nurturing relationships by committing to follow through on what I promise, offering support, seeking feedback on proposed solutions, and ensuring that everyone feels they can be fully transparent about their situation.

From an administrative perspective, I’m highly committed to delivering quality results. I always strive to ensure that the projected outcomes are met when working on projects or tasks. My legal background plays a significant role in this, as it has taught me the importance of being methodical and thorough in my work.

How do you balance the pursuit of high performance with maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

Being in HR isn't always easy—we're often in the middle of many things, juggling various responsibilities. It's something I often feel: we tend to forget about ourselves because we’re so dedicated to the work we do. However, I recognize the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life. To achieve that, I make a conscious effort to disconnect by not checking emails at night or on weekends, staying active through sports, and spending quality time with friends.

Can you describe a time when you faced a significant challenge or setback in achieving your goals, and how you overcame it to deliver successful outcomes? 

Taking on the HR role for Germany this year has been a significant challenge for me. Navigating a new legal framework, adapting to local work cultures, and understanding the unique needs of the team has been both demanding and fulfilling. I approached this step by step—getting to know the teams, meeting with managers to gather feedback, and visiting in person to connect with everyone. It required hard work to get up to speed and prove myself in this role, and it has also reignited my efforts to learn German. The team knows how hard I’m trying; it’s still a challenge, but I’m committed to not giving up! 

As Groupon undergoes transformational changes, how do you adapt your approach to ensure continued success and contribute to the company's growth objectives? 

I believe that during significant transformations, a company needs to be highly adaptable. I approach new processes with an open mind and actively seek to contribute to changes because I firmly believe that there’s always room for improvement. The more we explore and experiment, the closer we get to finding the right solutions.

What was the first Groupon that you even bought, or experienced?

A cruise-lunch with my little brother.

What is one non-work activity or hobby that you're into?

I go to the gym 4 times a week and boxing 1 time a week (and I’m not hyperactive!)

What’s one thing about you that surprises people?

I was a labor law teacher in University. 

If you could swap lives with any fictional character for a day, who would you choose and why?

I’d choose to swap lives with Mulan! Experiencing her courage and determination while disguised as a warrior would be thrilling. I’d get to train with the soldiers, tackle challenges directly, and embrace the values of honor and family. Plus, it would be incredible to bond with Mushu and learn about the importance of being true to oneself.

What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done, and would you do it again? 

The most adventurous thing I did was to follow my best friend to the other side of the world on a whim for a 2 months trip, I would definitely do it again.

If you could have a dinner party with any historical figure, dead or alive, who would you invite and what would you all talk about?

I would like to select someone who is not considered as a historical figure but is really a pioneer for me, it’s Joe Dispenza. He explores the intersection of neuroscience, quantum physics, and spirituality, focusing on how thoughts can shape our reality. At the dinner party, we could discuss topics like the power of the mind, meditation techniques, and the science behind manifesting change in our lives. It would be intriguing to hear his insights on personal transformation and how we can harness our potential for healing and growth.

If you could instantly master any skill or talent, what would it be and why?

I would say speaking multiple languages, I love traveling and effective communication with people makes the journey so much better.

What's the most embarrassing song on your playlist that you secretly love?

In honor of my Réunion Island roots, I gotta admit... the most embarrassing song on my playlist that I secretly love is Black Queen by Dezil

And finally, what was the last Groupon you bought?

A facial treatment.