Lili Grecu, Talent Operations Manager SoftServe Romania: Young professionals should focus on continuous learning, networking, building a strong personal brand, and seeking mentorship

Career steps

To be honest, after finishing University I didn’t have a clear direction, I enrolled in a Human Resources Master’s program, and there I had some inspiring professors who fostered my desire to learn and to consider having a career in this area.  I’ve started as a recruiter and spent 5 years in this role. Taking management responsibilities was in my case a combination between my personal evolution – I felt I was ready; the right timing – there was an opportunity available; and the courage to follow my career goals – I raised my hand saying I want the role.

From that point to who I am today, I followed these steps:  drawing inspiration from industry leaders, staying informed about emerging trends, learning, and seeking new areas where I need to improve my skills. Effective communication helped me to build strong relationships with my team members, colleagues, and stakeholders to create a supportive and collaborative work environment. Another important aspect is being open to change and willing to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, this being also specific to the IT Market. Last, but not least, I had the chance to work with some amazing mentors, and I’ve learned from their experience, they provided me with valuable guidance and inspiration for my career development.

Development and inspirational pinpoints of a career

Facing and overcoming challenges have helped me to be resilient and determined, leading to my personal and professional growth. I have contributed to the company’s growth, I felt that my work had meaning, and I was acknowledged for my contributions, this boosted my confidence and inspired me to strive for further success.

Evaluating my whole career, among the most valued professional accomplishments, I would choose the moment when I managed to lead an amazing recruitment team to hire 100+ professionals in one month and achieve significant business growth. I’m proud of that achievement not only numbers wise, but also because it shows the level of commitment and motivation of the team.

Professional fulfillment often stems from a sense of purpose and understanding how your work contributes to a larger goal or mission and feeling valued for your contributions. It is also important to keep a balance between work and personal life, to build positive relationships with colleagues and all stakeholders.  To have a degree of autonomy and control over your work, can also lead to a sense of ownership and satisfaction.

Overall, professional fulfillment is a complex concept that involves a combination of factors. Finding the right balance between these different elements can contribute to a fulfilling and satisfying career.

Culture and values of work

The company culture and its values greatly impact teamwork.  It is important to align team values with those of the company to foster a positive work environment.

Some of Softserve’ values that I truly appreciate and act on as a professional are Trust, Teamwork are Willingness to help. Mutual respect and supporting one another will allow us all to grow and reach new heights together.

Other important values we share at SoftServe shaped around the courage to innovate, to challenge limits. Going the extra mile was something that always characterized me as a professional, and I was lucky enough to work at companies that support people being creative and test new ideas and approaches.

Young professionals should focus on continuous learning, networking, building a strong personal brand, and seeking mentorship. But the most important aspect is to be fearless, have the courage to try new things. From my experience, as a young professional you need to change some roles and companies until you will find the right industry and the place where you will feel at “home”.  Nowadays challenges may include navigating a competitive industry and market, adapting to new technologies, and balancing work and private life.

Business sentiment

The business evolution of our company and department depend on various factors such as economical, market conditions, industry trends, and internal strategies. It is important to closely monitor key performance indicators and adapt to changes in the business environment to ensure growth and success.

Regarding the most impactful trends for 2024, it is essential to stay informed about emerging technologies, market shifts, and customer preferences. Some potential trends that could shape the business landscape in 2024 include advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, remote work practices, sustainability initiatives, and digital transformation.

The leadership that serves the people

The leadership styles may vary depending on the department,  area , business model etc. Either transformational, democratic, or authoritarian, I think that we can find them all inside the company.

I prefer the servant leadership style, I care about the growth and well-being of the people I lead, and I often share decision-making authority and empower them to take initiative,  which also helps to foster a sense of trust and collaboration. I try to identify and eliminate obstacles that are preventing my team from achieving their goals.

Regarding leaders that are inspiring me, I won’t provide any names, in my opinion, it is important to adapt your leadership style to the situation and team dynamics, so I try to follow and to read about different leaders and styles and not focus on a single direction.

Power words for 2024

Power words for 2024 should include innovation, resilience, adaptability, and collaboration.  All these words reflect a shared desire for continuous learning, growth, and the ability to make a positive impact.