Simona Paraschiv: Every young person has a unique potential, waiting to be discovered and nurtured.

Simona Paraschiv, president of the InspirAction Association, found her professional path at the age of 35 when she made a major change — she decided to leave the corporate world and get involved in volunteering for young people. This experience was revealing and gave her clarity about her true mission — to support younger generations in discovering their own potential. Along the way, Simona learned that new challenges cannot be overcome without new approaches, so she became closely acquainted with flexibility and openness to change.

That’s precisely why the values that guide her are flexibility, autonomy, and proactivity — key elements in collaborations, as well as in people management. Simona promotes a leadership philosophy focused on continuous development, empathy, and trust, all within a space where mistakes are seen as valuable growth opportunities.

Simona advises young people to be brave, follow their passion, and remain open to continuous learning.

C&B: You made a major career shift at 35, moving from the corporate world to youth volunteering. What prompted you to make this transition, and how has this experience influenced your professional vision?

Simona Paraschiv: The decision to make this transition was deeply influenced by the desire to explore new horizons and contribute directly to the development of young people. At 35, I realized that the free time I had could be used in meaningful ways. During this journey, I discovered a strong passion for youth training, an area that always fascinated me.

My experience in the corporate world provided me with essential skills, such as time management and relationship-building, which proved valuable in volunteer work. This transition not only enriched me personally but also redefined my professional vision. I understood that true fulfillment comes from contributing to the well-being of others and from the commitment to helping young people discover their potential. Thus, each day becomes an opportunity to learn and grow together with these wonderful young people.

C&B: What are the most important lessons you’ve learned from working with young people?

Simona Paraschiv: Working with young people has been an incredible experience, full of valuable lessons. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that every young person has a unique potential, waiting to be discovered and nurtured. It’s essential to provide them with a safe space where they feel heard and appreciated, as self-confidence is the foundation of personal growth.

I also realized how important it is to be open to their ideas and perspectives. Young people are creative and innovative, and their contributions can bring fresh energy to our projects. Moreover, flexibility and adaptability are key in relationships with young people, as each one comes with their own challenges and aspirations.

Finally, I’ve come to understand that learning is a continuous process, both for them and for me. Every interaction is an opportunity to share knowledge and grow together, and this strengthens my belief that our support can make a real difference in their lives.

C&B: How do you apply these principles in people management and in your relationships with your teams?

Simona Paraschiv: In a constantly changing world, it’s essential to adopt innovative approaches to team management to face emerging challenges. I strongly believe that a team’s success depends on our ability to listen and encourage the contributions of every member. Thus, in my relationships with my teams, I focus on collaboration and open communication, creating an environment where every voice is heard and appreciated.

Implementing brainstorming sessions and interactive workshops is a strategy I frequently use. These activities not only stimulate creativity but also improve team cohesion, allowing them to collaborate on innovative solutions. I also offer team members continuous development opportunities through courses and training so that they can improve their skills and be prepared to face challenges.

In addition, I like to use constructive feedback as a tool for improvement. I encourage the team to give and receive feedback, as I believe it is the engine of progress. This way, we not only adapt better to changes but also build an organizational culture based on learning and trust. This approach enhances the team’s performance and contributes to the personal development of each member, thus strengthening our common mission to support young people in discovering their potential.

C&B: Flexibility, autonomy, and proactivity are your core values. How do you integrate them into the way you manage teams, and how do you promote them within the organizations you collaborate with?

Simona Paraschiv: Flexibility, autonomy, and proactivity are the pillars on which I build my management and collaboration strategies. In terms of team management, I promote a culture where every member has the freedom to express their ideas and take responsibility for their own tasks. This not only encourages creativity but also fosters a sense of belonging and individual responsibility.

In each project, I encourage the team to approach challenges with an open mindset, giving them flexibility in how they work. This means that each team member has the freedom to organize their time and resources in the way that works best for them, as long as we align with our common goals. In this way, everyone can find their own pace and working style, leading to increased productivity.

Within the organizations I collaborate with, I promote these values through an open and collaborative approach. These activities educate employees about the importance of proactivity and empower them to take initiative. I encourage them to identify and propose solutions to the challenges they face, thus fostering an atmosphere of innovation and engagement.

By integrating these values into team management and our collaborations, we create an environment that supports professional development and contributes to fulfilling our mission of helping young people discover their potential. Flexibility, autonomy, and proactivity become fundamental in building a strong and united community.

C&B: You promote leadership focused on continuous development, empathy, and trust. How do you create a work environment where mistakes are seen as valuable growth opportunities?

Simona Paraschiv: In our organization, I’ve implemented leadership centered on continuous development, which encourages an open and constructive mindset towards mistakes. I believe that mistakes are inevitable in the learning process and, more importantly, are valuable growth opportunities.

To create an environment where mistakes are viewed this way, I encourage open and transparent discussions. In every team meeting, we set aside time to reflect on the challenges we’ve faced, addressing each mistake as a lesson learned. This process helps identify solutions and strengthens trust between team members, fostering empathy and mutual support.

Additionally, I aim to promote the recognition of efforts and initiatives, even when the results are not as expected. Every step in this journey is important, and mutual support creates a positive and motivating work climate. By encouraging such an environment, we cultivate an organizational culture where innovation and experimentation are not only accepted but also celebrated.

Thus, through empathetic leadership and by turning mistakes into learning opportunities, we support the personal and professional growth of each team member and contribute to the overall growth and success of the organization.

C&B: How do you support young professionals to be brave and follow their passion, especially in times of uncertainty or challenge?

Simona Paraschiv: Supporting young professionals during moments of uncertainty or challenge is essential for their personal and professional growth. We provide an environment that encourages openness and vulnerability, so that young people feel safe expressing their fears and doubts. This approach helps create a relationship based on trust and mutual support.

Through mentoring sessions and workshops, we help them clarify their passions and goals. We encourage them to explore different options and not be afraid of making mistakes, emphasizing that each experience is a learning opportunity. Additionally, we provide tools and resources to help them develop the skills they need to navigate the challenges they face.

We also share success stories of other young professionals who have overcome similar obstacles, inspiring them to trust in their own abilities. Our support goes beyond the professional level; we also care about their emotional well-being, promoting a balance between personal and professional life.

Thus, through a holistic approach and constant support, we contribute to shaping a generation of brave young people who follow their passions with determination, even in the most difficult times.

C&B: What have been the biggest challenges you’ve encountered in your journey of mentoring young people, and how have you overcome them?

Simona Paraschiv: My journey of mentoring young people has been full of challenges, but each one has brought valuable lessons. One of the biggest challenges has undoubtedly been finding effective ways to communicate and connect with young people from different generations. Each group has its own values, expectations, and ways of expressing themselves, and adapting to these differences has been a lesson in itself.

To overcome this challenge, I invested time in getting to know the young people better by listening to their opinions and concerns. I created an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their ideas and emotions. Additionally, I integrated various learning and communication methods, such as interactive activities and group sessions, to encourage active participation.

Another significant challenge was managing young people’s expectations regarding success. Many feel pressured by high standards, which can lead to anxiety and a lack of self-confidence. I addressed this issue through open discussions about the definition of success, emphasizing that it can take different forms and that every step in their personal journey is valuable.

Through empathy and constant support, I was able to build trusting relationships and help young people overcome their fears. Thus, every challenge encountered became an opportunity for growth, both for them and for me, strengthening our commitment to supporting the development of young professionals.

C&B: What methods do you use to cultivate a growth mindset both individually and at a team level, and how do you encourage them to stay open to continuous learning?

Simona Paraschiv: To cultivate a growth mindset, I apply various methods that target both individual and team development. An important aspect is encouraging an open mindset by promoting discussions and constructive feedback. Every week, we dedicate time to reflect on the achievements and challenges we’ve faced, so that each member can learn from the experiences of others.

We organize training sessions and workshops on relevant topics that not only develop skills but also stimulate creativity and critical thinking. These activities are designed to encourage exploration and experimentation, allowing participants to push beyond their limits.

Additionally, I encourage each team member to set personal development goals and share their progress with others. This approach supports individual responsibility but also strengthens the bonds between team members, creating a collaborative and supportive environment.

To maintain a culture of continuous learning, I promote the importance of self-discipline and commitment to personal development. I encourage colleagues to actively seek resources, such as books, online courses, or mentorship, and to stay curious about exploring new ideas and perspectives.

Thus, through these methods, we cultivate a growth mindset at both the individual and team level, creating an environment that supports continuous learning, which is crucial to our shared success.

C&B: How did you manage to transition from a corporate environment to one focused on volunteering and personal development? What challenges did you encounter, and what satisfactions did you experience?

Simona Paraschiv: The transition from a corporate environment to one focused on volunteering was a journey filled with lessons and challenges, but also deep satisfactions. The first step was to clarify my reasons for wanting this change. I realized that I wanted to contribute to the well-being of young people and help them discover their potential. This conviction was my driving force throughout the transition.

The challenges I encountered were diverse. One of the biggest was adapting to a different working environment, where resources and structures were more limited compared to those in a corporation. I had to learn to be more creative and find alternative solutions while working with what I had available. This adaptation was also an opportunity to develop my leadership skills and build strong relationships with colleagues and the young people I collaborated with.

Additionally, I needed to adjust my mindset, shifting from a focus on immediate results to a long-term vision that values impact and continuous development. This process required patience and perseverance, but I discovered that the satisfactions brought by this work are immeasurable.

The moment I saw the progress of the young people and the positive impact we had on them was extremely fulfilling. Contributing to their development, helping them overcome their limits, and inspiring them to follow their passions became the greatest reward. This personal and professional transformation enriched me and motivated me to continue working in this field, with the conviction that every step we take together matters.

C&B: At SMART HR, you will discuss the impact of collaboration and a growth mindset. What is the main message you want to convey to those who wish to create a positive impact in their organizations through a growth and empathy-based approach?

Simona Paraschiv: The main message I want to convey is that positive impact in organizations is built on solid foundations of collaboration, empathy, and a growth mindset. Every team member has the potential to contribute to collective success, and an environment that supports openness, honest communication, and mutual respect can radically transform the organizational culture.

To create this impact, it is essential to be willing to listen and understand others’ perspectives. Empathy helps us build strong relationships and manage challenges more easily. A growth-based approach encourages continuous learning, experimentation, and acceptance of mistakes as part of the development process. It is important to view every obstacle as an opportunity to learn and evolve.

I encourage leaders to promote a culture of constructive feedback and support employee initiatives, encouraging them to be proactive in their proposals. Together, we can create organizations that not only achieve their goals but also contribute to the development of the communities they are part of.

Therefore, my message is clear: investing in collaboration, empathy, and a growth mindset not only improves organizational performance but also transforms the lives of the people working in those environments. Together, we can build a better future based on strong values and mutual support.