Alina Gheuca discovered her path in HR when she was offered a recruitment role, a moment when she realized that her skills and personality were perfectly suited to this challenge. One of the most important lessons she learned was that, while we want to protect our teams, we cannot control events 100%. However, we can compensate by providing constant support. The values that guide Alina are ethics, responsibility, and camaraderie, which she considers essential principles in building authentic and strong relationships.
Alina advocates for leadership focused on continuous development and collaboration, rather than rigidity. In people management, she encourages leaders to invest in people’s potential and create environments where teams are encouraged to be creative and take healthy risks. She advises young professionals to approach things with curiosity and ethics to build solid relationships. Each small step can create a significant impact if pursued with perseverance.
C&B: You discovered your path in HR when you were offered a recruitment role. What made you realize that HR suited your skills and personality, and how did you embrace this challenge?
Alina Gheuca: Recruitment is probably the process that best allows you to visualize the impact of your work as an HR professional. I realized this field suited me when I saw how the people I selected grew within the organization and eventually helped others grow as well. In recruitment, I had the opportunity to meet talented individuals and guide them toward the right roles, which brought me immense satisfaction. I embraced the challenge by being open to continuous learning and adapting to the needs and dynamics of the teams.
C&B: You mentioned that one of the most important lessons you’ve learned is that, while we cannot control everything, we can provide constant support. Could you share an example of how you applied this lesson in your HR career?
Alina Gheuca: One example was when a colleague faced a personal challenge that temporarily affected their work performance. Although I couldn’t control the external circumstances, I provided support through regular discussions and schedule flexibility. I was there to listen to their needs and offer tailored solutions. This approach strengthened our professional relationship and contributed to their return to the team with renewed energy.
C&B: The values that guide you are ethics, responsibility, and camaraderie. How do these principles influence the way you build strong and authentic relationships with teams and colleagues?
Alina Gheuca: These values are the foundation of all my interactions. Ethics helps me make fair and transparent decisions, responsibility pushes me to be attentive and engaged in everything I do, and camaraderie allows me to build relationships based on open discussions, trust, and mutual respect. This approach enables me to collaborate openly and authentically with people.
C&B: You support leadership focused on continuous development and collaboration, rather than rigidity. What strategies do you use to encourage leaders to invest in their teams’ potential?
Alina Gheuca: Through the programs we create, we offer leaders a framework to understand that investing in team development is a long-term investment in the organization’s success. We use coaching and mentoring sessions to foster constant and constructive feedback. Additionally, we organize training programs focused on leadership and team management skills.
C&B: Creativity and taking healthy risks are essential in people management. How do you create an environment where teams feel encouraged to be creative and take such risks?
Alina Gheuca: At KPMG, we foster an environment open to new ideas, offering individuals opportunities to engage in interesting and innovative projects that provide learning experiences and stimulate creativity. Encouraging cross-departmental collaboration and organizing interactive workshops to spark innovative thinking are other ways we nurture creativity. Additionally, we have an internal program called Encore, which recognizes creative initiatives and the courage to go beyond job descriptions.
C&B: What role does ethics play in building strong relationships within an organization, and how do you advise young professionals to integrate ethical practices into their careers from the beginning?
Alina Gheuca: One of the fundamental values of the organization I represent—and, as I mentioned earlier, my personal value as well—is integrity. Ethics is a key aspect of integrity and is crucial in building trust and credibility. I advise young professionals to always be transparent, take responsibility for their actions, and never compromise on integrity. Ethical practices will help them build a solid reputation and establish long-lasting relationships.
C&B: You mentioned that small steps can have a big impact if pursued with perseverance. Can you share a moment when a minor change you implemented made a significant difference for your team or organization?
Alina Gheuca: During the pandemic, I implemented a mandatory lunch break for all team members. While it might seem like a small gesture, this decision had a considerable impact. It ensured that there was a block of time during the day with few or no meetings, allowing people to completely disconnect, recharge, and socialize. Over time, this increased productivity, energized the team, and strengthened their connections. This simple break significantly reduced stress and contributed to overall well-being within the team.
C&B: In uncertain times, how do you ensure your team remains resilient and continues to grow both professionally and personally?
Alina Gheuca: In times of uncertainty, open communication and personalized support are essential. I maintain an open relationship with my colleagues and encourage a supportive environment. I also admit when I don’t have answers and show vulnerability when appropriate. Depending on the context, I encourage colleagues to develop skills that help them navigate uncertainty and utilize complementary support programs such as coaching, therapy sessions, neuromindfulness, sports activities, and volunteer work.
C&B: How do you balance the need for creativity and innovation with maintaining responsibility and accountability within your teams?
Alina Gheuca: I believe innovation and responsibility complement each other. At KPMG, teams have the freedom to innovate, with numerous examples of fintech and other types of applications we’ve developed. In my direct team, we all have the freedom to create and improve what we do daily. Responsibility is reinforced by setting clear goals and performance standards. This balance enables teams to be creative without losing sight of results and their responsibilities to themselves and the organization.
C&B: At SMART HR 10, you spoke about the power of personal development in action. What are the most important steps leaders should take to ensure their teams grow and evolve continuously in meaningful ways?
Alina Gheuca: I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions, so any recommendation should be adapted to the specific context of each organization. What I’ve found works for me is, first, creating a supportive environment where every team member feels encouraged to develop their skills. Secondly, growth can happen when there are constant opportunities for learning and development. Additionally, promoting constructive feedback and recognizing team successes are essential. This fosters a continuous cycle of growth and development.
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