On Adaptability and Resilience: an interview with Andra Antonescu

What are the main objectives of your company's human resources strategy this year?

Our human resources strategy this year focuses on encouraging employee well-being and maintaining motivation, with a priority on attraction and recruitment, retention, and involvement in society. We heavily invest in skills management and training, with a well-defined onboarding program and mentoring to facilitate communication between team members. As we continue to grow, we aim to attract and recruit new employees through an authentic employer branding plan that emphasizes adaptability, company values, and close cooperation.

What is on your mind when you wake up every morning as a human resources director in Romania?

As a Human Resources Director in Romania, my focus when I wake up every morning is on the people I work with. They are my source of energy and inspiration, and I strive to learn from them every day. It is crucial to me that we collaborate to create ideas and initiatives that are meaningful and have a positive impact on our organization and society.

What are the two most important lessons you have learned during the pandemic and your career?

Regardless of the situation, I strongly believe that resilience and adaptability are essential qualities when making decisions. These values are at the core of our actions and enable us to create meaningful moments that have a positive impact on our employees. Even when we face unknown and unpredictable circumstances, our ability to adapt and find solutions can make all the difference. Our top priority is taking care of our employees, especially in challenging and uncertain times. From my experience during the pandemic and throughout my career, I have learned that continuous learning, adaptation, and change are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees.

What would you recommend to a young person preparing to enter the IT field?

My recommendation for a young person preparing to enter the IT field would be to focus on combining their work and passion, as this can be key to achieving success in this dynamic industry. It's important for them to stay informed about the market and make their career development a priority by taking advantage of opportunities like the Cegeka Academy program, which connects students with industry experts. This can help them gain insight into different company cultures and provide access to potential mentors. Ultimately, their attitude and approach to their work can make a significant impact on their success in the IT field.

Who have you learned the most from during your career?

 Rather than singling out one person, I believe that I have learned the most from everyone around me, including my own mistakes. I am a strong believer in 360-degree learning. However, if I had to identify someone who had a significant impact on me, it would be one of my former managers, C.B. Their constructive attitude and objective judgment taught me valuable lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career.

 What are your company's values?

Cegeka's values revolve around the idea of being there for its employees. As a family-owned and founded IT solutions company, Cegeka places a high value on working "in close cooperation." This involves prioritizing close collaboration, proactivity, and human interaction. In addition, Cegeka places great emphasis on an authentic mindset that is guided by the company's principles and values and works in partnership with the business.

The interview was originally published in Forbes and you can read it in Romanian here.