Where are you from and how did you get here?
Where are you from and how did you get here?Firstly, if I may take this question literally, I am originally from Bucharest in Romania and I flew into Dublin over 11 years ago. On a more serious note, after finishing my bachelor’s in Bucharest, I moved to Ireland to further my studies in Marketing. I discovered a vibrant city, which has become my home.
After completing a master’s in Marketing, I moved into working in commercially focused roles with Bord Na Móna and marketing agency Dara Creative. I became even more and more interested in entrepreneurship and over the last couple of years, I worked on building a technology-focused startup.
It is my belief that learning is a lifelong continuum and we should all permanently seek opportunities to develop as individuals. It is also my belief that volunteering helps you grow and also opens the mind and a lot of doors. I have therefore invested in being an active member of Junior Chamber International (JCI) and taking various leadership roles.
In a nutshell, I think and feel the key is to be hungry for knowledge, hungry for connecting with people and, of course, the truth is I am still learning (I am sure Michelangelo does not mind if we have a similar approach to life).
What is it about business and start-ups that so interests you?
I have always had a deep interest in the business world; in particular as I have realised economic growth is the foundation of a strong society. Businesses play a hugely important role in achieving a better and more sustainable future and of course, achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
I have a deep appreciation for entrepreneurs and for startups. I admire their passion, determination, creativity, resilience and their vision for a better world and society. Every single person who takes the leap of faith and embarks on the entrepreneurship journey is a person with courage and boldness, a person who has the outlook and confidence in a better future. These people inspire me!
When did you become a New Frontiers PM and what inspired you to become one?
I became a New Frontiers Programme Manager in November 2019 and I think there are three main reasons or sources of inspiration for this, namely:
- I had the New Frontiers experience myself and I can understand the ups and downs, the opportunities and the challenges, the highs and lows entrepreneurs go through, in particular at the beginning of their journey.
- I am passionate about enabling those ‘Aha!’ moments and I really like putting my entire time, energy and effort into working with people for discovering those moments.
- In a nutshell, the role of New Frontiers Programme Manager is super exciting!
What do you feel are the qualities you bring to the role?
- Emotional intelligence
- Business acumen
- Wish and dedication towards seeing entrepreneurs succeed
