Whether you’re ever in need of someone to craft very – and we do mean VERY – professional LinkedIn posts, or DIY projects that include wiring and electronics, Georgiana Preduca is the one you need. Extremely skillful, creative, and resourceful, she’s not your usual Technical Manager, after all, she’s really into espionage movies and shows, so… We kept our discussion not short, but effective and very insightful, so let’s dive right into today’s story with Georgiana!
Tell us a bit about yourself. How does Georgiana usually spend her personal time?
In my personal time, when I’m not engrossed in work or crafting LinkedIn posts, I devote precious moments to my beloved french bulldogs, cherishing the joy and companionship they bring. Alongside, I indulge in the captivating world of espionage movies and TV series, providing me an avenue to unwind and immerse myself in thrilling narratives.
One of my greatest delights is immersing myself in the world of literature, particularly personal development books that span a wide range of topics. From self-improvement and leadership to mindfulness and productivity, these books offer invaluable insights, practical tips, and actionable strategies that contribute to my personal and professional growth.
Beyond the realm of books, I express my creativity and love for aesthetics through interior design. Constantly seeking to improve my surroundings, I delight in rearranging furniture, experimenting with color schemes, and adding different elements to create a harmonious and visually pleasing environment in my house.
Furthermore, my passion for electronics and hardware takes me on thrilling adventures in technology. Engaging in DIY projects, I tinker with gadgets, connect wires, and explore the intricacies of electronic components.
In all these pursuits, I find myself constantly driven by an unwavering thirst for knowledge, self-improvement, and creativity.
What led you on your career path, to ultimately become a Technical Manager?
I have always known that mathematics is my favorite subject. Even now, I remember how kids used to stop me on the street during my primary school years to ask me how I managed to score a perfect 10 on the exam, knowing that our teacher never gave such a grade.
Years passed, and I made it to the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science in Cluj-Napoca. In my third year of college, I decided to start my career in the IT industry. What followed was pure magic, sprinkled with numerous projects and wonderful people who helped me become who I am today.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
No day is ever the same, but one thing I know for sure is that my day starts when my two French bulldogs wake up.
At 08:43, I’m at the bus station on my way to the office, where I prioritize my task list based on the Eisenhower matrix.
Once I arrive at the office, I check my emails and messages before quickly heading off for a coffee break and some chitchat with colleagues.
After a well-deserved coffee that officially marks the start of every day, I dive into my tasks, which include project and management meetings, one-on-ones with team members, daily check-ins, and more.
The workday concludes with a well-deserved walk back home, that helps me disconnect. During this walk, I reflect on everything that happened throughout the day, and I prepare myself for usual evening activities like reading a good book, writing LinkedIn posts, or watching a good movie.
You stand out – professionally – by being very active on LinkedIn. Is this a hidden talent? Would you claim the term ”technical influencer” by any chance?
Not hidden at all 🙂 I’ve always had the inclination to share the things I learn and engage in mentoring. However, it all started when I received a link some time ago, pointing to a guy writing about boosting your LinkedIn profile, and I gathered the courage to try it. What followed was steady growth, and after seeing the number of impressions, direct messages, and how many people my posts reached, I continued doing it, and I have no regrets. I’ll keep sharing the things I’ve learned, and I hope they reach as many people as possible.
What is your favorite tech?
This is a hard question, and let me tell you why. In my third year of college, a friend recommended me for a job interview. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be a PHP interview. For the next 6 months, I worked extensively with PHP, using the Kohana framework, and also explored the iOS part, which I must admit, I fell in love with at first sight. Looking back now, I realize how passionate I was about iOS and its principles. The WWDC events (Apple’s annual conferences) and the visit I made to the Apple headquarters with my colleagues are etched vividly in my memory.
But I have always been curious and eager to explore new areas. That’s how I ventured into my first Arduino project, which sparked a passion for DIY (do-it-yourself) projects. From soldering irons to magnifying lenses, wires, conductors, books, and more, I delved deeper into this world. Yet, I didn’t stop there. When the opportunity arose to transition to frontend development, I embraced the challenge without hesitation, and for the next 3 years, I became a full-stack developer.
Looking back, my favorite tech has always depended on the opportunities and challenging situations I encountered. However, one thing is certain: I will never forget the 9 years of iOS development that have shaped my journey.
What’s the best piece of tech-related media you’ve read/watched/listened to?
Wow, there are a lot, from LinkedIn newsletters to YouTube channels. But the most recent one was talking about how user needs are often different from our needs as developers. The users focus more on user interface and user experience, while our tendency as developers is to focus more on the technologies we use. Bringing these two worlds together is what keeps me active and engaged every day.
Which is your favorite AscentCore value and why?
When I accepted the role of Technical Manager here at AscentCore, I was considering how closely the company values align with my own. This played a significant role in making the right decision, and now I can confidently say that all three AscentCore values are part of my own core values.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your time here at AscentCore?
Definitely, I’ve learned that you can swim with your clothes on 😂…but hey, what happens in teambuildings stays in teambuildings. On a more serious note, I’ve learned that each of us brings unique experiences to the table and it is essential to share them and to explore how or if they can be applied based on our company’s culture and strategy.
