Discover the story of Laura Marinoiu, an Engineering Manager who sees leadership as an ongoing journey shaped by curiosity, trust, and strong teams. Guided by a belief that learning never stops, she approaches growth with intention, balancing her professional path with family life and travel.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a forever curious mind, and I think this is reflected in everything I do on a daily basis. I tackle both my work and personal life with curiosity and enthusiasm. When I am not at work I spend my time with my family (I am a proud mother of 2), working out or travelling the world.
I genuinely believe each day is a blank canvas and it is on us to write it as beautifully and meaningfully as possible, while wearing the best outfit.
What inspired your career journey and led you to become an Engineering Manager?
My inspiration always comes from the teams and the people I work with. Ever since the early days of being an engineering manager my goal was to make sure I support my teams and my customers. I see myself as the middleware connecting the dots and making sure that our engineers’ effort and knowledge are channeled to deliver the customer needs.
I also recharge my professional batteries by growing together with the people I work with. By trying to learn constantly from my day to day work and to invest my knowledge in becoming a better professional. I see every success as the door to go to the next level and to raise the bar higher.
What does a typical workday look like for you nowadays?
I don’t think I have a typical workday. Probably this is also due to the fact that most of the projects I have worked on were and are start-ups. This means that the work environment is pretty dynamic, that new challenges rise up fast and often.
Most of my days are powered by a couple good coffees and start with a pilates session. After that, I scan my to-do list of the day and my emails. Then the time flies in between meetings and managing or understanding product requirements. I finish the working day with a recap of my to-dos, and a short preparation of the day to come.
What is your favorite technology or tool, and why?
Hmm, I don’t think I ever thought of a favorite technology or tool. At the beginning of my career I loved writing complex SQL queries. Ever since I switched to the management side I think it is a mix between Google Docs and Jira with a sprinkle of notes. I still use an agenda for the important things I have to do in a day, and I take great pleasure in crossing off done items from the list.
What is the best book, article or podcast you have discovered recently?
Lately I use Medium articles as one of my main reference sources. Other than that, I constantly scan Project Management Institute for workshops and training materials, as well as Project Management Podcast with Cornelius Fichtner.
Which AscentCore value resonates with you the most, and why?
Definitely “People”. There is a saying in Romanian that is by far one of my core values as both an individual and a professional, and that is “It’s the people who give a place its meaning.” I consider that we as human beings are created to connect with one another, to learn from one another and to value one another, especially because of our differences.
When I became a mother, I read a book that started with the idea that it “takes a village to raise a kid”, well I think it takes a village to do anything valuable in life. When you work with great people it is that everything falls into place. Somehow no matter how difficult or bumpy the road is sometimes, you can always make it to the finish line if you have your tribe by your side.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your time here?
The most important lesson I learnt at AscentCore is that impossible is nothing and that with the right people besides you the sky is the limit.
And also that there will be one day when a colleague you vibe with will ask you to travel together. You’d better say yes to the ride, as it will become one of your best friends.
