• If you had to choose one word to define your professional journey, what would it be? What story does this word tell about you?

It’s hard to choose just one word, so I’d say evolution, continuous learning, and dedication. I started working in marketing during the first year of my master’s degree, always striving to improve and become better each day. Since then, I’ve completed over 15 training courses in various areas of marketing, management, and leadership.

In 2021, I attended a management course at the Bucharest International School of Management, where I had the opportunity to interact with entrepreneurs and managers from various industries over four months. Later, when the timing felt right, I began an Executive MBA program at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. Over two years, I honed my skills in business, management, leadership, and finance. I graduated from the EMBA program in December 2023, and I still take short courses to stay up to date with industry trends.

• What drives you to maintain the standards of a globally renowned brand like Mercedes-Benz, and how do you find motivation during challenging times?

Maintaining the standards of a globally renowned brand like Mercedes-Benz stems from a deep commitment to excellence, innovation, and tradition. Mercedes-Benz isn’t just an automobile manufacturer; it’s a love brand, a symbol of luxury and performance. This reputation brings tremendous responsibility to consistently deliver products and services that exceed customer expectations while reflecting the brand’s values and heritage.

During challenging times, my motivation comes from the pride of being part of a team that not only sets the direction in the industry but also inspires loyalty and passion among customers. It’s about contributing to a success story built over decades and continuing this legacy through innovation and unwavering dedication.

Personally, I’m motivated by knowing that every effort contributes to maintaining and enhancing the prestige of a brand loved and respected worldwide.

• Tell us about a major challenge in your career. What personal or professional resources did you activate to overcome it, and what lessons did you take away?

My professional journey has been built on hard work and meticulous planning, with adaptability playing a key role. As a result, I see challenges as natural stages in my professional development rather than obstacles.

• What principles guide you when building and motivating your team? What role do diversity and creativity play in your success?

I enjoy working with curious, determined, and creative people, and I’m fortunate to be part of such a team. We challenge each other, never accept the status quo because of titles, and constantly strive for improvement. Diversity and creativity play a vital role in our success. A diverse team brings varied perspectives, innovative ideas, and solutions that wouldn’t be possible in a homogeneous environment.

• Mercedes-Benz is a symbol of tradition and innovation. How do you integrate these two dimensions into your local strategies to maintain the brand’s relevance?

Mercedes-Benz is indeed a symbol of tradition and innovation, and integrating these two dimensions into our local strategies is essential to maintaining the brand’s relevance.

Our tradition is anchored in excellence and performance, values that have defined us since the beginning. Every new model we launch is a testament to our commitment to preserving these values while striving to exceed expectations through cutting-edge technological innovations. From the first internal combustion engines to today’s electric vehicles, we have consistently demonstrated our ability to evolve and set new industry standards.

Innovation is crucial for meeting the ever-changing demands of our customers. We focus on developing advanced technologies such as driver-assistance systems, intelligent connectivity, and sustainable mobility solutions. These innovations not only enhance the driving experience but also contribute to a greener and safer future.

By harmoniously blending tradition and innovation, Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the automotive industry, offering its customers not only high-quality products but also a clear vision of the future of mobility.

• What global Mercedes-Benz campaign has inspired you the most? How would you translate its message and strategy for Romanian consumers?

The first campaign that comes to mind is “One of Many”, launched last year and continued in 2024 for International Women’s Day. It’s a campaign designed to promote diversity and equal opportunities, focusing especially on empowering women. It highlights women from various professions who have successfully navigated and excelled in traditionally male-dominated fields. By showcasing their stories, skills, and personalities, the campaign aims to inspire and encourage women to pursue their dreams and claim their rightful places in any profession.

The campaign film is highly emotional, set in a school—a place that tells the story of generations of heroes of both genders and the stereotypes they’ve faced. The message is that it’s time to move beyond stereotypes and start recognizing women’s achievements as natural—without emphasizing their gender. You can easily find the video with a quick YouTube search, and I encourage you to watch it.

• How do your personal values influence the marketing strategies you implement with your team? What do you consider the most important element of a marketing campaign aimed at creating an emotional connection with the audience?

I believe it’s crucial for brand values to align with personal values. This ensures that the projects and marketing strategies we implement flow naturally.

My personal values—integrity, openness, and respect—are fundamental to everything I do. I firmly believe that integrity builds trust, which is the foundation of our success, whether it comes from customers, business partners, or colleagues. When sincerity, transparency, and mutual respect exist, collaboration becomes not only possible but also fruitful.

These principles create an environment where both employees and customers feel comfortable, confident, and connected to what we do daily and the values we uphold.

• What is the role of personalization in your customer experience strategy? How do you use customer feedback to improve Mercedes-Benz products and services?

We have tools to measure our customers’ experiences, both through the mercedes-benz.ro website and the Mercedes-Benz apps. Monthly, we monitor customer satisfaction, tone of voice, and ensure nothing is overlooked. We treat every piece of feedback with great seriousness because, ultimately, it’s what helps us improve.

• How would you like your impact at Mercedes-Benz to be defined, both by colleagues and by the industry?

I want to convey my passion for this brand through every action we take so that people understand that Mercedes-Benz is not just a car—it’s an experience in itself—a symbol of aspiration, a love brand that inspires. My goal is to constantly bring fresh ideas and implement strategies that strengthen our market position while fostering a collaborative and trusting atmosphere within my team.

In an ever-changing industry, I want my impact to be seen as an example of adaptability and long-term vision. I believe in innovative approaches and a mindset oriented toward excellence, enabling us to develop top-tier products and services while creating a truly unique customer experience. My aim is to turn every challenge into an opportunity, and for our team and strategy to inspire and add value in everything we achieve.

• What advice do you have for women aspiring to a career in the automotive industry? What are the most important skills for achieving success in leadership?

I can speak more about doing marketing right, which can be done in any industry, with ethics and fairness in work. The automotive industry is incredibly exciting, and I know many women who have a true passion for cars. Although traditionally male-dominated, the field is rapidly changing, and there are more and more opportunities for women to contribute in all areas—from engineering to marketing and management.

It’s essential to be brave, continuously learn, and build a supportive network of mentors and inspiring individuals. From my perspective, empathy, effective communication, and the ability to make strategic decisions are critical skills for success in leadership.

• What models or personalities have influenced your vision of marketing and leadership?

The most important influences in my journey haven’t necessarily come from individual models or personalities but rather from the experiences gained through the courses and programs I’ve attended. For example, during my MBA, I had the chance to learn from professors worldwide—USA, Singapore, the Netherlands, Hungary, Germany—each bringing different and valuable perspectives. I believe every book I’ve read, every course I’ve taken, and every person I’ve met has left a mark, big or small, on how I think and work.

That said, I do follow a few personalities who constantly inspire me, particularly authors and business leaders like Adam Grant, Mel Robbins, Mark Manson, and Dan Ariely. They consistently provide useful and innovative perspectives that help me evolve both personally and professionally.

• If you had to describe Mercedes-Benz in Romania in three hashtags, what would they be?

#Experience #Technology #Luxury