Andreea stands out as an exceptional professional, so we took the opportunity to sit down with her for an insightful conversation. We explored her unique approach to creating a positive work environment and why it’s so vital to her. Learn how Andreea Rusu combines communication, respect, and creativity to build strong teams and achieve success as an Engineering Manager at AscentCore.
Tell us a bit about yourself. How does Andreea usually spend her personal time?
I enjoy spending time with my family and close friends. Sometimes, I take our dramatic husky, Sky, to nearby places around Cluj to enjoy nature and go for walks.
Other times, I love having people over to my place and cooking for them. I believe there are two types of people in this world: those who love being hosts and those who prefer being guests. I fall into the first category. 🦹
What led you on your career path, to ultimately become an Engineering Manager?
I’ve always known that my passion for working with people, organizing, and finding solutions would shape my career. However, becoming an engineer uncovered another aspect of how I define success.
It all changed when I met one of my mentors, who heavily influenced my leadership style. During one of our one-on-one meetings, he asked me some challenging questions about my aspirations. His questions made me introspect, and I was surprised by how accurate his observations were.
Long story short, he encouraged me to do a pros and cons list. So the answer to this question, in particular, was a pros and cons list, pun intended.
On a more personal note, it might sound cliché, but I am happy I get to do what I love and call it a job.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
Usually, my schedule changes from week to week. We follow two-week sprints, with the first week being more relaxed and the second week more busy. Currently, we are on the last day of the current sprint, and I can feel the rush.
I typically like to kick start my day with my first cup of coffee at home while scrolling Instagram (guilty as charged), then I check emails, and messages, and follow up on threads before jumping into meetings.
When I’m in the office, I like to arrive a little early to chat with colleagues in the kitchen before getting started for the day.
Each day brings something different, and that’s what makes it so interesting. Never a dull moment!
What do you believe is key to building a tight-knit team? How do you keep people motivated within the team?
I would say that communication and respect are both crucial, not necessarily in that order.
I strongly believe that anything is possible as long as everyone in a group is aware of the direction and works toward the same goal.
However, this isn’t possible if people don’t feel free to speak up, share perspectives, and have healthy conversations. And all of that is only possible if we respect and treat one another with respect. It sounds like a riddle: simple, yet so complicated.
Are there any specific strategies or mindsets that have helped you succeed?
I don’t have anything specific in mind. I sometimes find myself getting too emotionally involved, and even though I try to avoid making things too personal, I sometimes fail. However, what helps me is waking up every morning with almost the same energy and trying to see what I can do or improve upon next.
What initiatives or activities have you been involved in that you feel have made a significant impact?
As I previously mentioned, one of the things that fulfills me and stands as a source of joy is organizing different types of events outside the team’s scope.
On a scale from sweet to crazy, they can vary randomly: from arranging a pajama day in the office to creating a business case for having a grill in the office to coordinating a presentation skills workshop, I did it all.
Having the liberty to express this (wild) creativity outside the scope of the projects completes me as a professional.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your time here at AscentCore?
Things take time! I’ve been with AscentCore for six months, and it hasn’t been easy. Adjusting to new things, processes, and people can be challenging. At times, you may find yourself questioning everything.
But it’s mandatory to be patient and kind to yourself, always.
