People in the Spotlight | Ligia Ardelean, Country Manager Atos Romania: The values of reliability, solidarity, and ingenuity are principles that guide our approach to work and interact

In my career, I have focused more on learning leaps rather than job titles

It is the people who have taught and inspired me that stand out as the biggest drivers of my growth. I feel that interactions with my formal or informal mentors have been pivotal, allowing me to absorb valuable lessons and then pass that knowledge on. There were times when I could slowly digest the progress I was making, much like reading a good book. Other times, it was like trying to drink from a fire hose—fast and overwhelming. Both the steady and the rapid learning phases have been inspiring. The faster-paced times, however, really pushed me out of my comfort zone and spurred significant growth.

Reading the room

If I were to pinpoint a single professional accomplishment that I value the most, it would have to be the skill I have progressively learnt in reading people and situations—”reading the room,” so to speak. This ability is something I hold dear and continuously strive to refine. It has proven invaluable not only in my professional life but in personal interactions as well.

I consider myself fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time, surrounded by the right people, and presented with the right opportunities to cultivate this skill. It’s a gift that I am truly thankful for and one that has been instrumental in navigating my career and life.

Atos Romania’s culture and values are deeply embedded in our team dynamics

The values of reliability, solidarity, and ingenuity are not just words to us; they are principles that guide our daily interactions and our approach to work.

In my team, each member naturally resonates more with one of these values, creating a diverse and balanced group. This diversity is our strength, ensuring that all these critical values are represented and that they drive our business toward success. We respect and nurture these traits because they are essential to who we are and how we operate.

As we advance through 2024, the themes of ‘resilience’ and ‘transformation’ stand out prominently, mirroring our own experiences from the previous year

Our company has shown remarkable adaptability and a robust capacity for evolution in response to the rapid changes within the IT sector. In 2023, we maintained steady progress through deepening our existing client relationships, affirming the trust and value we have cultivated.

Looking at the broader picture for 2024, I believe several global trends are making a substantial impact, but two stand out in particular:

• Generative AI is transforming industries with its ability to automate and innovate, pushing the boundaries of creativity and efficiency.
• Workforce Transformation is crucial as businesses invest in upskilling to harness the potential of these new technologies.

These trends are shaping our strategic direction, as we focus on the opportunities they present for growth and development in 2024.

Servant leadership. You are only as good as your team is

Since my first management role at the age of 24, I have seen how supporting and empowering a team can lead to remarkable outcomes. I apply this leadership style by prioritizing the needs of my team, ensuring they have the resources, guidance, and support they need to excel.

I genuinely enjoy working with people and take great satisfaction in seeing team members grow and succeed. This joy comes from a simple place—it’s fulfilling to witness the personal and professional development of individuals I work alongside.

Leaders who inspire me are those who put their teams first, mentor with empathy, and lead by example. Their commitment to the growth and well-being of their people is what I find most admirable.

Loving what you do for your work

It’s the contentment that comes from being genuinely happy with your work and not feeling the dread of the upcoming week on a Sunday evening. While specific successful projects can bring about a sense of achievement, true satisfaction for me lies in the seamless blend between passion and profession.

I’ve come to realize that the boundary between personal and professional life is quite fluid, shifting back and forth as needed. Sometimes it leans more towards personal needs, other times, work demands more of our time. But in the long run, there tends to be a natural equilibrium.

Reaching this state of fulfillment requires personal discipline. It involves a commitment to self-improvement, consistently challenging yourself to be better than the day before. This ongoing pursuit is what stands at the core of professional satisfaction for me.

For those starting out in IT, my advice is to stay curious and aim for specialization

Get really to the smallest details in anything that is your passion, and your investment will for sure pay off. The IT is a world that will never get dull. Maintain your enthusiasm for continuous learning and aim to be the best in your chosen field, and you’re likely to find success.

I have a motto that I trust so much, it’s almost like a recipe: follow the steps, do the right things, and don’t change course. It’s a reliable formula for success. On top of that, stay connected with the relevant names in the industry, read each day something new to feed your curiosity.

When it’s time to unwind, truly relax and enjoy yourself. But when it’s time to study or work, commit fully. In short, make every moment count.

In 2024, the power words that resonate with me are ‘innovation,’ ‘collaboration,’ and ‘resilience.’

These words reflect the spirit that drives our work and the challenges we overcome.

My inspiration this year comes from the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the IT industry. Every day brings something new and exciting, and it’s this constant stream of change that energizes me. I want my team and myself to stay plugged into that. It gives us all the right kind of fuel to keep going and making it count each day.