Codruța Ilie, Zig Software Romania: HR between artificial intelligence, people and change

Codruța Ilie, HR professional at Zig Software Romania, speaks about the future of Human Resources, AI adoption, organizational culture, education and leadership.

Codruța Ilie is an HR professional at Zig Software Romania and brings extensive experience from industries such as media, healthcare, banking, consulting and hospitality. The companies she has worked for, whether entrepreneurial or multinational, have had one common denominator: change.

C&B: What is the mission you have taken on through your work?

Codruța: I am glad that, in 2026, we have moved beyond the stage where Human Resources focused primarily on personnel administration. Today, I am more concerned with creating the conditions in which people and organizations can succeed in the long term and continuously adapt to change. We are the architects of the future of the workforce, while at the same time contributing every day to building a sense of belonging for every colleague. We look ahead, but we take the journey one step at a time.

C&B: What is the most important challenge you see today in your field, and how do you think it can be addressed?

Codruța: For me, one of the most important challenges I see today is the effective adoption of artificial intelligence within organizations. Although technology is evolving very rapidly and offers significant opportunities to increase productivity, many companies are still facing resistance to change, a lack of the necessary skills, and even fear of AI. A European map showing adoption rates places Romania at 18%, compared with France, for example, at 48%.

I believe this challenge can be addressed through a combination of education, experimentation, and responsible leadership. AI is not just a technology, but a tool that can simplify our work and allow us to focus on activities with greater value and meaning. Organizations can therefore invest in digital skills development programs, encourage pilot projects, and create an environment where employees can test new solutions without fear of making mistakes. At Zig, we are already taking well-directed steps in this direction for all employees.

In the years to come, success will not belong to companies that have access to the most advanced technology, but to those that manage to build a culture in which people and artificial intelligence collaborate effectively, ethically, and responsibly.

C&B: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned throughout your experience and believe is worth passing on?

Codruța: The most valuable lesson I have learned is that people can achieve extraordinary things when they feel part of a community. Whether we are talking about a team, an organization, or society, lasting change is created by people who share a common purpose, trust one another, and feel that their voices and actions matter.

Throughout my experience, I have observed that when we build communities based on collaboration, respect, and involvement, people become more open, more creative, and more willing to contribute beyond their formal responsibilities. I believe one of our most important missions is to create contexts in which people can connect, learn from one another, and grow together.

If I were to pass on just one message, it would be this: invest in relationships and communities. The results emerge almost as if by magic, while the true value remains in the people who choose to build together.

C&B: If you had the opportunity to change one single thing in Romania, what would it be and why?

Codruța: If I could change one thing in Romania, I would invest in the development of education and a culture of continuous learning. I believe education is the foundation of a prosperous society, and a better-prepared person has access to better opportunities, contributes to economic development, and is more adaptable to the rapid changes we are all experiencing so intensely. From my professional perspective in HR, I know how important skills development is for the success of both people and organizations, and consistent investment in education clearly has significant long-term effects for society as a whole.

C&B: How can we work together to help people, companies, and communities develop more effectively?

Codruța: I believe we can help people, companies, and communities develop more effectively by investing in collaboration and authentic connections. For example, we can support people in developing their skills and working together, encourage companies to create cultures based on trust, and help communities bring together people who share ideas, experiences, and original resources. When we grow because we genuinely want to, the benefits multiply for everyone.

Good examples are the occasions when we initiate international projects that bring together colleagues from different cultures and countries, or when innovation working groups encourage diverse opinions and experiences.

The interview with Codruța Ilie, HR professional at Zig Software Romania, highlights the transformations taking place in the HR field during a period shaped by artificial intelligence, organizational change and the need for continuous development. From responsible AI adoption and digital skills development to building cultures based on trust, collaboration and belonging, her perspective places people at the heart of the future of organizations.