What has defined Daniel Dobre’s career as a whole has been the consistency of his educational mission: “To educate future generations to eat more consciously, more healthily, and with respect for taste and nature.” He is not only a promoter of taste, but also a shaper of attitudes — a bridge between culinary tradition, education, and social responsibility.

By gaining experience in the food and HoReCa industry, he learned how taste connects with education and experience. Having inherited the art of traditional cooking from his mother and grandmother in Transylvania, the early 2000s marked the beginning of enriching his international cultural and gastronomic universe. During that time, he also became aware of international initiatives dedicated to responsible nutrition, which promoted awareness of healthy eating from childhood. Among these were programs such as “Education for Taste,” implemented in France, Switzerland, and Italy in the 1990s.

C&B: If we were to look at the narrative thread of your career, what were the key moments that defined you?

Daniel Dobre: Key moments: The official launch of the program in Romania (2010).

The first chapter of my journey was about passion for taste and tradition. Between 2000 and 2010, working in several Romanian, French, and Italian restaurants and visiting, as a tourist, some of the most important international culinary competitions, as well as meeting prestigious chefs, including Paul Bocuse in 2005, shaped my professional training in gastronomy. I discovered how culinary culture can be a powerful vector of education and identity, which over time transformed for me into a vision and a purpose in itself.

The second key moment was the launch and development of the educational program “The Celebration of Taste” in Romania, at the suggestion of Patrick Pierre Pettenuzzo, co-founder, as a Romanian-French educational program dedicated to cultivating taste culture, promoting balanced nutrition, and encouraging respect for local producers and seasonal food.

The creation of the “Lessons of Taste” tour — a traveling project through schools, where students learned about healthy food through taste and play.

The publication of the “Pedagogical Brochure of Taste,” a true manual of food education intended for children and teachers.

The program, officially launched in Romania around 2010, marked the beginning of a new stage in children’s food education. Within it, the “Lessons of Taste” tour was created, a traveling school project where students had the opportunity to learn about the importance of healthy eating. Complementarily, the “Pedagogical Brochure of Taste” was published, a true manual for children, parents, and teachers, offering diverse notions from fields such as general knowledge, mathematics, Francophonie, geography, history, and natural sciences. Thus, the program managed to combine food education with the development of knowledge and critical thinking, leaving a lasting imprint.

The third key moment was the program’s expansion nationally and internationally. In 2023, all third-grade students in Romania benefited from the educational program, marking an important step in consolidating its national impact.
In 2024, the Ministry of Education in Spain, through its official project submission procedure, approved the proposed study module in Spanish, intended for schools in the Valencian Community.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment in your journey so far, and how did you overcome it?

Daniel Dobre: The most difficult moment was the period when the project’s enthusiasm and vision were greater than the available resources. The attempt to expand nationally brought serious challenges: coordinating multiple stakeholders, the lack of stable funding at the beginning, and the need to convince partners and institutions that education about food deserves long-term investment and trust, at a time when sustainability was not yet perceived as an imperative priority in the choices and concerns of partner companies. We could say we were ahead of our time, anticipating directions that would later become essential. Looking at it positively: better late than never — especially when it comes to education, responsibility, and the future.

It was a test moment, with a real risk that the project would remain small-scale or even stop. The team’s determination, resilience, and constant connection to international best practices played an important role. We sometimes had to readapt the format of certain B2B events to retain and attract potential sponsors while remaining consistent with our initial educational principles. Perseverance, open dialogue, and the belief that real change is built step by step, like the foundation of a house, transformed that difficult period into a moment of maturation for the project.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?

Daniel Dobre: The dream that has always been present, regardless of obstacles, has been to change people’s relationship with food — not through fear, diets, or restrictions, but through understanding, joy, and respect.

From the beginning, the ambition was that every child, parent, or adult should know what they eat, where their food comes from, and what impact their daily choice on the plate has on their own health and on the planet. A simple dream in wording, but profound in its consequences: a society that eats more consciously is a society that is healthier, more balanced, and more responsible.

Enthusiasm and hope have always guided me, and this ideal has directed all important decisions, including in difficult moments when the road seemed too long or resources insufficient. The conviction that food education can become a form of culture, not just information, has been the engine that kept the project moving and gave it long-term meaning.

C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you have transformed up to the present?

Daniel Dobre: At the beginning, I was, above all, enthusiasm and intuition. A lot of energy, bold ideas, determination, and a sincere desire to do good, even if I did not yet have all the tools, structure, or experience needed for a large-scale project. We were guided by conviction and passion.

The transformation has been profound. Anchored in reality and organized, we are aware of the responsibility we have toward communities, partners, and the public to protect the future by improving the present. We have learned to balance idealism with pragmatism and to build for the long term.

Today, we feel like a mature team that has preserved its original spirit, enriched with experience, patience, and clarity. The transformation did not mean losing enthusiasm, but refining it — into a more solid, coherent, and powerful vision.

C&B: If we met your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?

Daniel Dobre: Pleasant but demanding, passionate and deeply attached to the project’s moral values. That I genuinely care about people and impact, not just results or visibility, and that we put a lot of heart into everything we do.

Many would mention that the Romanian expression “you throw me out the door, I come back later through the window” suits me. They would say I am stubborn in moving forward even when things become complicated or when we receive refusals — persistent, but in a good sense — because I do not compromise when it comes to the quality of the message, education, or respect for food and the environment.

At the same time, I hope they would say that working with me means dialogue, openness, and the feeling of being part of a meaningful leadership journey — not just a project, but a community built on trust, collaboration, and strong shared values.

Team: Daniel Dobre is a true Swiss army knife, as precise as a problem-solver when facing complications and certain Romanian habits that range between imposture, bureaucracy, procrastination, and random time management. He is rigorous without appearing so, taking the time necessary to craft the right scenario while seeming not to have a clear direction. In fact, he knows exactly where he is going and can intuit what remains unsaid by his interlocutors, already having the appropriate answer prepared. With those who do not respect their word, he is direct, not easily fooled, and makes it clear he has no time to waste on nonsense. With him, there is no room for approximate answers; he will clearly show you where you stand if you only pretend to listen. He expects your answer and will not hesitate until you respond sincerely, without falsity.

Being strict with himself, he expects the same commitment from those with whom he debates. Without a serious argument, or in the face of digressions, he does not hesitate to bring people back to their responsibilities.

Yet he is also a pleasant person; often his actor’s side comes out. In relaxed moments, he can be Louis de Funès, Mr. Bean, or even Chaplin. Like all hardworking people, you must be ready to keep up and not pretend; you need stamina to match his pace. Still, he demonstrates every day that his tenacity and honesty bring results in advancing a complex and innovative project whose objectives go far beyond appearances.

C&B: What is the most important decision you made that changed your trajectory?

Daniel Dobre: Every year, the chef’s hat of the educational program receives the support and trust of some of the greatest chefs on the planet. It is more than a symbol — it is a message-promise passed from hand to hand, from generation to generation.

Since 2014, the chef’s hat has carried the signatures of three-Michelin-star chefs from around the world, such as the legendary Paul Bocuse, Jérôme Bocuse, Alain Ducasse, Alain Passard, Daniel Boulud, Massimiliano Alajmo, Yannick Alléno, Régis Marcon, Martín Berasategui, and others. In 2015, another remarkable moment followed: no fewer than 16 executive chefs from royal households, presidencies, and governments around the world signed it — from France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, Israel, Canada, Monaco, and beyond. And the story continues with a surprise.

It may sound unusual, but I want to share an episode from the history of The Celebration of Taste, which took place in 2016 and relates to the question above, hence this introduction.

I met the famous French chef Marc Veyrat, awarded three Michelin stars. After visiting him at his invitation, he generously signed the chef’s hat, and for three days I had the privilege of working alongside him in his kitchen.

At the end, he offered me what for many would have been the ultimate dream: to stay and work for him in his three-Michelin-star restaurant. I said NO.

For many, that decision might seem like a missed opportunity. For me, even if it was somewhat difficult, it was an act of loyalty to my own vision. Even though at that time the project was going through difficulties and struggling to retain or attract partners, I chose to stay on my educational path.

It was not easy. But it was the choice that defined me — devoted and loyal to a vision alongside my team.

C&B: How was the partner network built, from public institutions to private companies and NGOs, and what role do they play in the success of the Taste Celebration?

Daniel Dobre: The success of the Taste Celebration would not have been possible without this network, built with patience, respect, and mutual trust—just as a good recipe needs the finest ingredients and skilled hands to bring them together.

We began with public institutions, which provided the official framework and support necessary for the project to be recognized and to achieve national impact.

Over time, the educational program has benefited from the consistent moral support of key institutions. The Ministry of Education has been present since the very beginning, in 2010, followed by the Embassy of France in 2012, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2014, the Bucharest City Hall in 2016, the Representation of the European Commission in Bucharest in 2017, the Department for Sustainable Development within the General Secretariat of the Government in 2019, the Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism in 2024, and more recently, the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority – ANSVSA, in 2025.

The partners and sponsors we approached were carefully selected through a strategic and well-thought-out process, much like preparing a refined menu: each collaboration had to be perfectly balanced, based on shared values and mutual trust.

We carefully avoided partners whose products or services were contrary to the healthy lifestyle we promote; some were even declined, because the integrity of the project and its message have always been more important than any sponsorship opportunity.

At times, even when budgets were not what we had hoped for, we also faced limitations imposed by sponsors’ desire to be unique within their product category at events, which meant we could not collaborate simultaneously with competing companies. Even in such moments, we continued to be guided by the same principles and to build partnerships that truly served the vision and values of the Taste Celebration and, of course, those who believe in the program’s motto, even if this meant financial compromises or more limited resources.

C&B: The festival promotes the motto “Good for Taste, Good for Health, Good for the Planet!” What does this philosophy concretely mean for the founding team?

Daniel Dobre: If we want real change in society and in future generations, we must begin in childhood. School is the foundation of healthy thinking—the place where mindsets that define our future are built. The key lies in childhood, where education has the power to shape not only knowledge but also long-term values and behaviors.

As Abraham Lincoln said: “If you think education is expensive, wait until you see the cost of ignorance.”

At the same time, food is not a trivial act, but a deeply cultural and identity-driven one. Emil Cioran captures the essence of this idea: “Eating: a ritual, an act of civilization, a philosophical stance.”

Xavier Alberti completes this perspective by emphasizing that “at the table and in the kitchen there is far more than the act of eating itself; it is also where the foundations of our social patterns are defined.”

Thus, food education built from an early age, starting in school, can generate real impact and profound transformations in all aspects of individual and social life, contributing to the formation of more aware, responsible, and healthier generations, and of course to an innovative 360° vision for Romania—one that views food education not in isolation, but as an integrated system linking school, family, community, local producers, and the environment, with the goal of generating long-term sustainable change.

For the founding team, the motto “Good for Taste, Good for Health, Good for the Planet!”—the same motto as the French one-Michelin-star chef Alain Alexanian, “Bon, Bon, Bon!”, present at every launch of the educational program on World Food Day, October 16—is not an abstract slogan, but a clear set of criteria by which all festival decisions are made.

Good for Taste means real quality food: clean ingredients, authentic flavor, well-designed recipes, and producers or chefs who put passion and skill into what they do. The pleasure of eating well is essential.

Good for Health translates into promoting balanced foods, minimally processed, with an emphasis on transparent sourcing and options that support a healthy lifestyle without unnecessary excess.

Good for the Planet implies responsibility toward the environment: supporting local producers, reducing food waste, sustainable packaging, and choices that minimize impact on the ecosystem.

Overall, this philosophy reflects the team’s belief that excellent taste, care for people, and respect for nature can coexist harmoniously. In conclusion, it represents a mix of sustainable food ecology—and the Taste Celebration is the space where these values become concrete experiences for the public.

Raising awareness among younger generations, from an early age in school, about sustainable food is part of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, more specifically Goal 4: Quality Education, which in turn positively influences Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and Goal 13: Climate Action.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments of the day bring you the greatest satisfaction?

Daniel Dobre: A typical day for me is a balance between discipline and the satisfaction that the day has passed and something useful has been accomplished. My daily routine alternates between communication and meetings dedicated to building strategic collaborations that bring real value to the community and the Taste Celebration educational program, and moments directly in the field, alongside those who give meaning to our work: meetings in schools with third-grade students as part of the “Taste Lessons” tour.

These moments are, by far, the most fulfilling: interacting with curious children, the enthusiasm with which they welcome us, their lively questions, the joy of discovering flavors, and the affection they show us at the end of each session give us energy and reconfirm the educational impact of the project.

The fact that I was a performance athlete in childhood, later continued with fitness as an adult, and recently resumed competitive activity as a 100-meter sprint athlete within the Romanian Athletics Federation at the RMA club allows me to offer a concrete example of leadership through a healthy lifestyle, inspiring not only the younger generations involved in the project to practice sports, but also entire families and communities.

I feel the greatest satisfaction in simple yet profound moments, when I notice that during the day that has passed I have done something tangible and useful, when I see an idea come to life, when a partner resonates with our vision, or when I receive feedback from children, teachers, or Horeca professionals confirming that our work has real impact. At the end of the day, satisfaction comes from the feeling that I have remained faithful to my values and contributed, through education and personal example, to building a more aware, healthier, and more responsible future.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them day by day?

Daniel Dobre: We often ask rhetorical questions about the meaning of life or the purpose of our existence on earth. In my case, the answer came naturally: do good around you—and that is enough. This principle guides me to live with integrity, to respect people regardless of their condition or level of education, and to always choose what I feel is right, even when it is not easy.

I try to live in such a way that each day has meaning, to put passion into what I do, and to set an example through my healthy and balanced lifestyle. Whether it is discipline, perseverance, or the joy of discovering and sharing beautiful things, I believe that the true measure of life lies in the impact you have on those around you and in the good you leave behind.

The world is evolving. If we look back at the progress humanity has made in the last 25 years, technology has made extraordinary leaps, changing the way we communicate, work, and learn. Why should we not become equally involved, morally and spiritually, in contributing to a deeper and more balanced understanding? Just as technology propels us forward, values, awareness, and reflection can help us use these advances wisely and harmoniously to create greater balance.

We can constantly ask ourselves: what can we do so that the people we meet are happier? For me, health is the highest priority—there is a saying that “if you have health, you can do anything,” and that says it all.

The healthy lifestyle I try to apply every day rests on four fundamental pillars:

A diversified and high-quality diet that provides the body with energy and balance;

Sport, for vitality, discipline, and mental balance;

Quality rest, to restore both body and mind;

Well-being through harmonious relationships, in order to live each moment with joy and awareness alongside those around us and within our environment.

C&B: How was the Taste Celebration born and what was the initial motivation for transforming education about healthy eating into a national project?

Daniel Dobre: The Taste Celebration was born from a simple yet powerful need: to reconnect people with real food and its meaning.

When we started, in 2010, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health had already adopted a government decision encouraging primary school teachers to deliver lessons dedicated to a healthy lifestyle.

In this context, we responded to this initiative with educational material designed to help children discover, learn logically, and acquire responsible habits and behaviors related to nutrition, avoiding food waste, and adopting a balanced lifestyle.

We wanted the experience to be more than a playful activity, going beyond simply cooking in the classroom. Our objective was to create an authentic act of learning, based on practical and applied themes that would contribute to the development of critical thinking and children’s ability to make conscious choices.

The founding team started from the observation that, in the rush of daily life, eating had increasingly become an automatic act—fast, processed, disconnected from origin, seasonality, and its impact on health and the environment.

The ever-accelerating pace of modern life, combined with often superficial food choices, makes the challenges related to responsible consumption more complex and pressing than ever. In the pursuit of speed and convenience, we often lose touch with seasonality, product origin, and the impact on natural resources, amplifying waste and imbalances in how we eat and live. This includes not only food but also the consumption of resources such as gas, electricity, and water, highlighting the need for a more conscious and responsible attitude toward everything we use.

The initial motivation was educational. The founders noticed that information about healthy eating was often either too theoretical or moralizing and did not truly reach people. Thus emerged the idea of transforming food education into a living, accessible, and enjoyable experience: learning about food through taste, meetings with producers, workshops, culinary demonstrations, and real stories.

The transformation into a national project came naturally because the theme is universal. Health, taste, and care for the planet concern not just a small community, but society as a whole. The Taste Celebration set out to create a platform that brings consumers, educators, chefs, farmers, and institutions to the same table, offering a common language and concrete solutions.

Teaching young people and their parents to ask the right questions—what do I eat, how do I eat, why do I eat this way, and what impact will this have in the future on myself, my family, my community, and implicitly on nature—is essential. In this way, we contribute to the development of a sustainable food culture and provide younger generations and their parents with a logical framework of thinking, constructive and positive critical thinking to understand concretely what it means to eat healthily.

Long-term change in mentalities is not achieved through strict rules, but through the joy of taste, correct information, and the rediscovery of the value of food as a central element of a healthy and responsible life that allows us to live in a cleaner and more balanced environment.

C&B: What are the development plans for the Taste Celebration in the coming years? Expanding themes, new formats of engagement, or strategic collaborations?

Daniel Dobre: The development plans for the Taste Celebration in the coming years, aligned with our post-COVID 2023/2030 motto, focus on consolidating our educational mission and expanding the project’s impact. We aim to broaden the themes addressed, introducing new perspectives on healthy eating, sustainability, local traditions, and culinary innovation, so that participants can explore taste in all its dimensions.

We also intend to develop new engagement formats that allow everyone—from young students to industry professionals—to actively participate, whether through workshops, masterclasses, culinary competitions, or interactive experiences, transforming gastronomic education into a memorable experience.

At the same time, we aim to strengthen and expand strategic collaborations with public institutions, private companies, NGOs, and sponsors who share the same values, in order to create sustainable and innovative projects capable of inspiring entire communities and transforming the way people relate to food.

In essence, the coming years of the Taste Celebration will be about smart growth, authentic education, and culinary experiences designed to leave a lasting mark, contributing to building a better future for Romania—the Green Garden of Europe.

We also intend to expand the project’s impact by giving it a broader dimension and contributing to the creation of a common framework for food education at the European level.

I have a question for each of us, a rhetorical question of introspection: what is truly our purpose in this journey of life, in the place where we live? Beyond career and care for family, do we not also have the mission to bring progress to our community, to transform the environment in which we live, and to leave behind a more beautiful and harmonious place?

Through vision, consistency, and partnerships built on shared values, Taste Celebration proves that change begins with education and personal example. Beyond events and activities, the project creates a framework where taste, health, and care for the planet become tangible reference points for the community and for tomorrow’s Romania.

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Pupils and students think digitally, make quick choices, and seek authentic experiences. In this context, schools can no longer be simple “places of teaching”, but institutions capable of offering relevant experiences, adapted to the way young people consume information. At the center of this transformation lies the educational brand.

A school brand is not reduced to a logo, but to the way the institution delivers on its promises: the quality of interactions, the atmosphere a student feels when entering the classroom, and the way teachers address a generation that seeks authenticity and usefulness, not rigid rules.

A brand becomes credible when it helps young people in concrete ways, not just through declarations. Reputation begins with adapting to students’ real behaviors: in a visual culture, the school provides interactive learning; in a fast-paced world, it simplifies processes; in an uncertain economy, it develops critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. A respected institution is one that looks ahead and responds to the needs of the future.

Innovation thus becomes essential: up-to-date projects, useful technologies, and connections to economic reality. Partnerships are equally important – with the business environment, public authorities and the local community, cultural institutions – showing students and parents that the school does not operate in isolation, but is firmly rooted in reality.

Yet the decisive element remains…

You can find the rest of the article in the print edition of Careers and Business magazine.

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Maura Anghel is a journalist at Ziarul Evenimentul, a trainer, a storytelling and PR consultant, founder of the Journalism and Public Speaking Club for Children and Youth, and also the president of an NGO dedicated to education and culture for children and adolescents. She is also the initiator of three publications with a social and educational mission: Glare Magazine – a glossy magazine about people and authentic lifestyles, EduLink – a magazine on education and pedagogical innovation, and Lumea Medicală – a platform for dialogue between doctors and patients. Through all these projects, Maura follows her dream of opening a cultural center for children and adults, a place where values, art, and inner dignity can return to being a natural part of life.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence, in a way that sparks curiosity for those who don’t know you yet?

Maura Anghel: I am a person who translates the world into stories and teaches others to tell their own story—whether in a classroom, a newsroom, or on a stage.

C&B: If we were to look at a narrative thread of your career, what were the key moments that defined you?

Maura Anghel: The first was when I chose journalism as a way to understand and heal the world through words. Then, when I moved from the press to education, I discovered the joy of growing people, not just texts. The third moment was founding the Journalism and Public Speaking Club, which became a laboratory of courage and authenticity for children and youth. In recent years, I felt the need to take this language further—to adults, teams, and brands, through storytelling, PR, and conscious communication. All these experiences taught me that stories are not just strategies, but forms of meaning.

C&B: What was the first moment you realized there was a real need for this type of club?

Maura Anghel: When I saw how afraid children—and sometimes adults—were to speak about what they feel. It was clear we needed a space where communication was not just a technical exercise, but a return to authenticity. The club emerged as a response to this need: to learn how to tell our story without a mask, with meaning and presence.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?

Maura Anghel: Yes. My dream is to open a cultural center for children and adults, a place where everyone can reconnect with their values and cultivate them through art—whatever art means to them: words, music, painting, stage, or simply living life with purpose. I believe that education, culture, and authentic communication must meet in a vibrant space that shapes people, not just skills.

C&B: How did you start out, and how do you feel you’ve transformed since then?

Maura Anghel: At the beginning, I was a journalist who wanted to tell the truth about the world. Today, I am a person who seeks the truth behind every inner world. I’ve moved from news to meaning, from text to experience. I believe I’ve transformed from someone who writes to someone who listens.

C&B: If we met with your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?

Maura Anghel: That I am demanding, but fair. That I leave nothing to chance, but make room for freedom. That I have a special radar for authenticity and cannot work without soul. People in the newsroom would probably say that I live the word, and the children at the club would say that we do “serious play.”

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?

Maura Anghel: The decision to no longer divide myself between “vocation” and “work,” but to unite them. I chose to stop separating journalism from education, PR from soul, business from meaning. This integration has led me to what I do today: conscious communication that respects people and their stories.

C&B: How do you manage to combine communication skills development with self-confidence and creative expression?

Maura Anghel: Through storytelling. When a person knows their story, they rediscover their power. In my workshops—whether with children or adults—I don’t teach techniques, but processes. I guide them from the words of others to their own words. That’s how confidence arises. That’s how authentic creativity is born—it’s not copied, it’s lived.

C&B: What types of activities or programs do you organize, and which are the most popular?

Maura Anghel: I work along three directions: Education for children and adolescents—through the Journalism and Public Speaking Club, which functions as a workshop for critical thinking, empathy, and courage. Personal development for adults—through storytelling, personal branding, and authentic communication programs. PR and narrative strategy consultancy—for brands that want to communicate with meaning and humanity. The most loved activities are those in which participants write their own story: from speeches and articles to their personal mission.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the most satisfaction?

Maura Anghel: My day is divided between the Ziarul Evenimentul newsroom, coordinating the NGO projects, workshops with children and adults, and writing for my magazines—Glare Magazine, EduLink, and Lumea Medicală. But my favorite moments are when I see a spark of transformation: a child gaining courage to speak, an adult finding their voice, a reader writing that a text touched them. That’s where the meaning is.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them every day?

Maura Anghel: Truth, purpose, and dignity. I believe that every word spoken or written must have dignity—that is, it must serve the greater good. In the newsroom, in school, in PR, or in personal life, I always strive to maintain that uprightness in communication that unites rather than manipulates.

C&B: How did the idea of founding the Journalism and Public Speaking Club come about, and what inspired you to work with children and adolescents?

Maura Anghel: The idea came naturally from the newsroom. I noticed how young people’s language was changing, how patience was decreasing, but also the desire for meaning. I wanted to create a space where children could learn to think and express, not just repeat. They themselves inspired me—their sincerity, the way they open up when they are truly listened to. That’s how it all began.

C&B: How do you see the club evolving in the coming years?

Maura Anghel: I see it growing organically, through a network of local clubs and educational partnerships. But beyond expansion, I see it as part of a bigger dream: the cultural center I want to open. A place where children and adults can meet, create, and learn from each other, through art, storytelling, and presence. A living space where value is not taught, but experienced.

Through her work, Maura Anghel demonstrates that stories are not just words but bridges between people, fostering courage, meaning, and authenticity every day.

The post Maura Anghel: The story that inspires children and adults to communicate authentically appeared first on careers-business.com.

Laura Iordache, founder of Sourdough Bread Journal, is the self-taught artisan who turned her passion for sourdough bread into a form of art and shared love, into a life story and an educational project, born out of the courage to invent everything from scratch and the desire to bring people together through love and authenticity.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in one sentence, in a way that would make those who don’t know you yet curious?
Laura Iordache: I am a creator of bread and stories, a person who has learned to transform the silence of the kitchen into a storytelling laboratory, creating breads that nourish not only the body but also the soul, and who has taught herself, through curiosity and trials, to turn a simple dough into an experience of love and community.

C&B: If we were to look at the narrative thread of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?
Laura Iordache: It all began far away, in the Philippines, in my small kitchen. I taught myself, reading and testing tirelessly, with patience and curiosity. No master, no school – just me, books, and sourdough. From those trials were born my first recipes, my first fermentation methods, and flavor combinations, all invented from scratch. When people started asking for my bread, I understood it was no longer just my passion, but a path to follow – and that’s how Sourdough Bread Journal was born.

C&B: What were the biggest challenges in developing Sourdough Bread Journal?
Laura Iordache: The challenge was to build without a guide or a predetermined recipe. The biggest challenges were to remain faithful to a vision created from nothing. I had no preexisting recipes, no well-trodden paths – I invented every step. It was difficult to build trust and to bring awareness to a still fragile field here, but every obstacle turned into a stronger step forward.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Laura Iordache: I have always dreamed of being able to transmit love through bread. Every dough touched by my hands carries a part of me and becomes a tribute of love for those who receive it, a gift of the soul.

C&B: How did you look at the beginning of the journey and how do you feel you have transformed until now?
Laura Iordache: At the beginning, I was just a curious person trying to understand the secrets of a living dough. Today I feel like a messenger: through my bread, through the courses I teach, I try to pass on an experience that means more than food – it means connection, tradition, and joy.

C&B: If we were to meet your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Laura Iordache: I think they would say about me that I am a person passionate to the core, detail-oriented, demanding, but always with an open heart and ready to share.

C&B: What is the most important decision you have made that changed your trajectory?
Laura Iordache: To leave behind the certainty of a “safe” path and choose the unknown of my passion. It was the decision that changed my life and gave birth to the project, making space for a life lived in authenticity.

C&B: What was the moment that convinced you this passion could become a dedicated and impactful project?
Laura Iordache: It came when I understood that people came back not just for the bread, but for the story, for the sense of belonging, and for the emotion conveyed. That’s when I knew SBJ had to become more than just a personal exercise.

C&B: What plans do you have for expanding or diversifying Sourdough Bread Journal?
Laura Iordache: I wish to grow its educational dimension: to hold more and more courses for those who want to bake bread at home, because only in this way can this love multiply and be carried further, and to create bridges with artisans from other countries. For me, the future of SBJ means communities united through bread and love.

C&B: What does an ordinary day look like for you now, and what moments of the day bring you the most satisfaction?
Laura Iordache: A day often begins with writing or trying out a new recipe. Then follow hours dedicated to communication and to the people around the project. The greatest joys come when I take out of the oven a bread that has exactly the fragrance and texture I dreamed of – or when I see, in my courses, someone discovering the magic of baking their own bread.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them day by day?
Laura Iordache: Authenticity – because I started from zero and always chose the truth of my work; patience – because fermentation cannot be rushed; love – because it is the only ingredient that turns bread into a gift.

C&B: How did Sourdough Bread Journal come into being, and what drew you to the universe of sourdough bread?
Laura Iordache: From a need of people and from a calling of my heart. My bread began to be sought after and desired, and questions about “how it’s made” became more and more frequent. SBJ was born as an answer – a living journal of my journey, meant to share experiences, methods, and stories.

C&B: How do you see the future of artisanal bread culture in Romania and internationally?
Laura Iordache: I believe we are witnessing a renaissance. In Romania, artisanal bread culture is just beginning to take root, but I feel a real enthusiasm. Around the world, people are rediscovering the beauty of things made by hand and with soul. Artisanal bread has a secure future because, beyond taste, it speaks about community, patience, and love – values we need more than ever.

Laura Iordache’s story and Sourdough Bread Journal show us that bread is not only food, but also love, community, and authenticity. A journey that inspires and connects people.

The post Laura Iordache – Bread as a Form of Love and Community appeared first on careers-business.com.

Virginia Vasilache is an actress, director, and entrepreneur in the cultural field. She is the founder of Teatrul Vasilache Bucharest (2020) and of the children’s theater troupe Miniricii (2018). She is also the author of the texts for the 7 children’s plays performed with the Miniricii troupe, the author of the show “Ultimul Loz – Musical de mahala”, and the author of a 2024 children’s best-seller “Financial Education for Children”, published by Bookzone.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence to make those who don’t know you yet curious?

Virginia Vasilache: I am a person who wishes, through my actions, to leave something valuable—artistic, an idea, a conclusion, or perhaps a broader example—for those who will feel they have a mission on this Earth.

C&B: If we were to look at the storyline of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?

Virginia Vasilache: The first was the moment I decided, despite all the difficulties, the insistence of those around me, and challenging situations, to leave everything behind and start from scratch, following my dreams, intuition, and desires, fulfilling part of my purpose in this world.

Then many difficult moments followed, not necessarily caused by my behavior or willpower, but certainly the choices I made in those moments weighed heavily on my evolution until today. And today, I am only a small part of it.

I have always believed that difficult moments are the ones that truly define us—they push us out of our comfort zone and bring us face to face with destiny, with our will, with the power to move forward or, on the contrary, make us doubt everything we’ve built and believed in, making us change direction or stop altogether. This is where people are defined, one way or another. This is where they can realize whether their choices are aligned with what they feel and want to do.

After these hurdles usually come periods of growth, then hurdles again, then growth again, and so on. I cannot give a temporal cycle to these key moments because they came depending on my actions, my approach, my priorities, and, of course, external circumstances—those anomalies of destiny for which no one can be blamed, right?

C&B: What have been the biggest challenges you faced in developing Teatrul Vasilache?

Virginia Vasilache: The major, most important challenge was realizing whether I truly wanted this—whether I could withstand all the hardships, who would accept me, who I would lose, who I would have to give up, and other such questions that, although existential, are necessary whenever one chooses a grand plan over comfort.

Then, as I wrote above, giving up comfort. This project requires enormous effort—financial, yes, but above all, total commitment, lack of free time, sometimes burnout, persuasiveness, and much more.

The financial challenge is constant when talking about a private theater that receives no funding, no sponsorship, and sustains itself only from ticket sales and participation in events. It is still in a transition phase toward what I want it to become. Yet I cannot ignore or fail to appreciate that, despite the first two years of the pandemic, despite financial difficulties, despite the lack of support, something encouraged me to go on: full halls, extremely rewarding reviews, and this year, participation in several prestigious festivals (Fringe–Sibiu, FITT–Turda, Festivalul La mustață at the Comedy Theater, Comic 7b–Buzău, Festivalul Birlic–Fălticeni), where we even won awards. The prestige of what I created from just an idea, a thought, is the driving force that now compels me to keep going, no matter how hard it is.

There are also other challenges, such as working with actors. I sought to walk this path with people who understood that they were committing to building a future together. But sometimes, as in life, less suitable choices happen. What matters is noticing them quickly and moving forward, staying focused on your purpose, while learning a new lesson each time.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?

Virginia Vasilache: There is a sort of madness; otherwise, I can’t explain it. I believe any creator must have that dose of madness to stay alive in their purpose and destiny—otherwise, it’s impossible. At every step, there are a million reasons not to do something, but there is always one reason to stay and fight. I think anyone who wants to take such a path is somehow obliged to choose the “bishop” on the chessboard. Otherwise, we can talk about perseverance, continuous effort, exhaustion, absolute trust, desire, determination, and so on. So, in this case, the bishop is built from both dream and ambition.

C&B: How did you look at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve transformed since then?

Virginia Vasilache: This question should probably be addressed to those who see us from the outside. As for me, I saw myself from the beginning as what I would become when the time was right. I am still on the road, on the right path, I’d say. But “when will I arrive?”, “how will I arrive?”—these are questions only the Universe can answer. I don’t think about that. I let things flow naturally.

What I can say is that some of the difficulties I faced at the beginning have disappeared, new ones have appeared, and things have definitely evolved. I not only feel this but also see it in the notoriety this project has gained.

C&B: If we were to meet your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?

Virginia Vasilache: Oh, tough question… I don’t know—probably both positive and negative things, but I couldn’t estimate the ratio. I’m not in the habit of asking them to confirm their belonging to the group, but I suppose if they are still working with me, things aren’t so bad.

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?

Virginia Vasilache: I haven’t had such a decision yet. I’ve had smaller challenges, such as obtaining in 2023 our current location in Carol Park, at the “Dimitrie Leonida” National Technical Museum—a studio hall with 120 seats, a good, central location. Having such a space that we can also use for rehearsals allows us to work on various new projects, and probably this will lead us to another hurdle that we’ll overcome, one that will change our trajectory for the better.

C&B: How did you develop your leadership style or the way you make decisions? Was it a natural process or a learned one?

Virginia Vasilache: Both. Naturally, I am a leader—it may sound strange, but it’s true. As a child, I would direct classmates and playmates, then, at 20, I opened my first business, which I ran alongside partners until 2012, when I changed my path, gave up the comfort I mentioned earlier, and followed my dreams.

This natural leadership has been constantly improved over the years, but I believe it is, first and foremost, a way of being—a talent you either have or you don’t. Those who don’t have it become bosses if placed in such positions. A leader, in my view, is a mentor—someone you want to walk alongside, who doesn’t impose, but before whom you feel you cannot back down, who creates a moral duty that only those without character can avoid. A leader is someone next to whom you feel you can grow, but in fact, both evolve together. A leader will never claim success solely for themselves, will not fall into the vanity trap, but builds alongside others, lifting each one, because they are always a few steps ahead.

C&B: What has been the most memorable moment so far in Teatrul Vasilache’s journey, and what have you learned from it?

Virginia Vasilache: There have been many absolutely fantastic moments—the applause lasting 15 minutes after a show, the reviews, the extremely encouraging messages. We are often told: “I come to you because I can see that you really love acting, being on stage”—not literally, but metaphorically. And yes, that’s true. We truly want to perform, despite each person’s struggles, despite what we’ve gone through that day, despite the very hard times some of us may face (and I do mean extremely hard times, like losing loved ones). The actors still want to perform, with the same passion every time. There’s no stagnation, no state-actor complacency of having a salary but no drive to shape a role, discover something new in each show, to try, to transform. With us, the stakes are always high—even if we don’t perform for 800-seat audiences and the earnings aren’t huge, I don’t think that will ever become an obstacle.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the most satisfaction?

Virginia Vasilache: Every day is typical for me, no matter what happens—or better said, something always happens every day, so I got used to it.

There are many tasks in a private theater. We have no set designers—we learned to make our own sets. We have no costume designer—we buy, adjust, sew, etc., our costumes. We clean the stage, we assemble and disassemble sets. We do have a technician, but there are situations when we handle technical direction ourselves, backstage. We sell tickets, we do promotion and social media posts, sometimes we have photographers, usually at premieres. In short, this is my daily work, alongside scheduling, organizing tours, and other logistical or administrative tasks. And yes, we pay taxes.

A typical day in my life has 48 hours, not 24. I’ve learned to be efficient with my time so I can also take care of my family and myself.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them daily?

Virginia Vasilache: I believe they are the same principles that guide us all in life. The main principle is that if this project was given to me, I must do it as best as I can, whatever it is. I see it as a duty to the Universe to make the most of your talents, to showcase what you believe is valuable in you. It’s a duty you cannot avoid.

Another principle is not to harm anyone, although sometimes the method or outcome may not please everyone. We must accept that not everything happens as we want but according to a purpose.

I believe in transformation, in change that always leads to good. I believe that every ending leads to a new beginning.

When it comes to values, things are different. My values are often misunderstood or even opposed to others’. Maybe I’m “old-fashioned,” maybe they come from family upbringing, maybe from life experiences, but I believe that the very scale of values is the reason theater chose me to be here—because I respect its values.

Values are, after all, personal characteristics by which we are guided and act accordingly. Today, values are greatly diminished, often confused with needs.

C&B: How did the idea of founding Teatrul Vasilache come about, and what inspired you to take this step?

Virginia Vasilache: It came about simply and naturally. At that time (2020), I already had four children’s plays, and we often had trouble finding a venue to perform them. Carrying around large, heavy sets was exhausting. So, while searching for a suitable space, I discovered an interwar house in central Bucharest. It was small but very welcoming. After moving in, we thought it would be nice to stage a theater show for adults, too. Said and done.

As for the name, it was a pleasant coincidence between the well-known name Vasilache (from the famous duo Stroe and Vasilache, the Vasilache puppet, Vasilache and Mărioara, and other examples) and my own name. It seemed like a favorable synchronicity. Then the pandemic hit, but I didn’t give up. On the contrary, it seems we grew—perhaps more beautifully than if everything had gone smoothly from the start.

C&B: What projects or initiatives are you preparing for the future, and how do you want Teatrul Vasilache to evolve?

Virginia Vasilache: There is a lot to say here—I have a long list of wishes, plans, how I see things, versus what can realistically be done and when. Some projects I can start soon; for others, I’ll have to wait for the right time.

But for the 2025–2026 season, I can reveal that we will launch a new format. It will be called “The Nostalgia Season”—just as it sounds, it invites you to a nostalgic experience of Romanian theater. We’ll slightly rearrange the seating so that spectators can sit at tables, enjoy a drink, and watch the performance.

Why Nostalgia? Because through comedy, musicals, boulevard plays, and other formats, alongside our partners at the Technical Museum, we’ll recreate a nostalgic atmosphere of the times before 2000. We believe there is an audience for this type of live performance. It will be a special experience for those who attend.

The location in Carol Park invites us to be nostalgic—towards the good times, towards memories. I think it will also be fascinating for young people born after 2000 to discover objects from that era, small details about life back then, which, like it or not, now belong to the last century. We haven’t forgotten, and to them, the absence of technology is fascinating. Through this format, I believe we’ll also bring younger generations closer to theater.

In addition, those interested can join the “Cultural Entrepreneur” program, a loyalty program through which they will gain access to exclusive events, belong to a group that shares the same values, and enjoy different benefits.

At the same time, beyond our five existing shows, we’re preparing four new productions—comedies and plays with unique structures, which you’ll soon find on our website: www.teatrulvasilachebucuresti.ro

We will also continue the MINIRICII series of children’s performances on weekends, usually on Sunday mornings, with the program announced starting in September on our website and on our partners’ website (www.miniricii.ro).

Virginia Vasilache’s story is one of passion, dedication, and the power to bring joy to children through art. Vasilache Theatre Bucharest and Miniricii are not just cultural projects, but true spaces where creativity comes alive and creates unforgettable memories.

The post Virginia Vasilache – From Artistic Dreams to Vasilache Theatre and Miniricii appeared first on careers-business.com.

Ionuț Radu Munteanu is an entrepreneur, professor, and investor, with over 15 years of experience in digital marketing. He is the founder of WebDigital and Reefkig, mentor to hundreds of entrepreneurs, and trainer for nearly 1,000 businesses and brands. He teaches at SNSPA and NewTech Academy and holds board positions at IAB Romania (Education) and CEE Digital Alliance (People & Culture).

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence, so as to spark the curiosity of those who don’t know you yet?
Ionuț Radu Munteanu: I’m the kind of person who seems to have all the answers at hand, but in reality, I’m always searching. I ask questions often, read, test, make mistakes, and learn.
I’m naturally curious and try to optimize everything I can—from how I think and work, to how I live. I don’t claim to be an example, but I embrace the role of someone who evolves consciously. I firmly believe that what defines us is not what happens to us, but how we respond.
This is what I try to apply daily: choosing the better response, even if it’s not the easiest. Sometimes I talk a lot, sometimes I listen in silence, but I never stop searching.

C&B: If we were to look at the narrative thread of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?
Ionuț Radu Munteanu: There were three major turning points:
• Around 2006, when I co-founded a digital marketing agency, at a time when people referred to their websites as “virtual business cards,” and SEO was mostly about web directories and link-building with high PR.
• In 2009, when I began building the core client base of WebDigital, against the backdrop of a financial crisis, without external investments, as an after-hours project, just with the belief that the future would be digital, specialized, and “Google-first.”
• In 2017, when I officially started teaching, when education became not just a channel of impact, but also a way to clarify ideas and learn.
• In 2021, when I began transforming WebDigital’s software solutions into a platform, not just an agency, giving birth to Reefkig Solutions as a SaaS spin-off.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment in your journey so far, and how did you overcome it?
Ionuț Radu Munteanu: Paradoxically, it wasn’t the beginning that was hardest, but the moment when everything was going well, yet I felt I wasn’t growing anymore. I overcame that block by taking a pause: a step back, a reset of priorities, and a redefinition of how I allocate my time.
The phrase “what worked until now won’t necessarily work going forward” resonated strongly in my mind. At that moment, I almost resigned from the agency and made way for my successor, younger and better suited for the growth stage.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Ionuț Radu Munteanu: To prove that you can live a good life without compromising your values.
I cannot truly control the environment in which my children will grow, but I can influence what they see in me: how I learn, how I adapt, how I maintain balance in chaos. So I choose to cultivate curiosity through my own discipline and growth.
I believe that personal example outweighs any preaching, and that a child who sees you learning, making mistakes, and starting over with dignity will have a clearer compass than one who only receives rules.

C&B: What did you look like at the start of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve transformed up to now?
Ionuț Radu Munteanu: At first, I was a fast, impulsive executor, always with solutions. Now, I am a process architect, calmer, more context-aware, and more comfortable with uncertainty.
More concretely, at the beginning I weighed 105 kg, smoked, drank alcohol almost daily, stayed up late, worked constantly, was anxious and nearly paranoid; health was more a frustrating obstacle than a priority, and I was absent even on vacations.
Today, I weigh 85 kg, have been a non-smoker for about 15 years, haven’t consumed alcohol for 3 years, wake up at 5:30 a.m., go to the gym at 6:00 a.m. twice a week, swim 1,000m, do sauna, appreciate food, have been riding a motorcycle for about 4 years, and in the next few days I’ll sign up for my first 20 flight hours as a student pilot. I’ve also added an MBA, many hours as a speaker, and last but not least, I’m a father twice over, and my children don’t have as much time with me as I have with them.

C&B: If we met with your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Ionuț Radu Munteanu: That I am demanding but fair. That I don’t let things go unnoticed, but I also don’t impose anything I wouldn’t follow myself. That I ask questions that can be uncomfortable, but which change perspectives.

C&B: What is the most important decision you have made that changed your trajectory?
Ionuț Radu Munteanu: To take on the role of educator, even though it wasn’t planned. That decision made me clearer in thinking, more patient in dialogue, and more aware of what I leave behind.

C&B: How did you build your leadership style or decision-making approach? Was it a natural process or learned?
Ionuț Radu Munteanu: Initially, I relied on instinct and made impulsive decisions, believing I had to invent everything from scratch.
It worked for a while but also brought many costly mistakes. Over time, I became more introspective and informed; I no longer feel the need to reinvent the wheel with every step, but rather to understand where I am, learn from others, and adapt what works.
Today, decisions go through my own filter—a model that starts with the question, “What is actually happening here?” and ends with, “Can we improve?” I don’t improvise, but I don’t stifle initiative either. I maintain flexibility while increasingly relying on tested principles and processes.

C&B: What do you think differentiates your business or professional approach from the rest of the industry?
Ionuț Radu Munteanu: I combine performance marketing with education and technology. We don’t just sell campaigns; we provide understanding. Our clients grow not only in conversions but also in autonomy.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments of the day bring you the most satisfaction?
Ionuț Radu Munteanu: Mornings start early with gym, swimming, and sauna. Then I work on strategic projects, and in the evening I focus on family or teaching.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them daily?
Ionuț Radu Munteanu: Integrity – I don’t promise what I can’t deliver. Courage – I don’t shy away from difficult topics.
Wisdom – I seek context, not just solutions. Justice – I treat people fairly, not equally. Resilience – when I fall, I get back up.

C&B: How did the idea of starting this business come to you, and how did you choose its name?
Ionuț Radu Munteanu: WebDigital started as a code name for “what we actually do”—performance media, initially with Google Adwords (as Google Ads was called for younger Gen Z).
The name was generic but effective. Today, I feel we need to reframe it, maybe even change it. Reefkig, on the other hand, is an invented name; a reef you look over.

C&B: If you were to send a message to people following your example, what would it be?
Ionuț Radu Munteanu: Live intentionally. Not to impress, but to understand what truly matters to you. You can’t control everything that happens to you, but you can control how you respond. And the response is rarely an impulse; it’s usually a conscious choice, repeated despite emotion or fatigue. Find your rhythm, not perfect balance. Life doesn’t fall into place on its own; we build it step by step, based on the values we nurture, not just the ones we declare.

Ionuț Radu Munteanu shows us that success is not just about results, but about how we choose to grow, learn, and inspire those around us.

The post Ionuț Radu Munteanu: How to Grow and Evolve Consciously in Career and Business appeared first on careers-business.com.

Leadership for Transforming Romanian Schools

One of AVE’s most significant initiatives has been strengthening the role of school principals as agents of change. Through the School Leadership and Management Academy (ALMS), 260 principals received support to become managers capable of mobilizing resources and developing a strategic vision for their communities. The program has directly impacted the lives of over 76,000 students.

Each principal worked alongside a business mentor who guided them in identifying challenges, finding solutions, and creating actionable plans tailored to their school’s reality. Beyond immediate results, this model established a network of educational leaders who inspire other schools.

Since 2017, through the Principals of the Year Awards Gala, AVE has recognized those who demonstrated courage, perseverance, and vision. Over 6,000 principals were nominated, and 34 awardees became examples of leadership in education. The Gala’s jury brings together professionals from diverse fields, including human resources specialists, business leaders, journalists, students, and representatives of the Ministry of Education.

Programs Tailored to School Needs

AVE has developed interventions adapted to each educational community to generate sustainable change. Edu Networks (2019–2023) is one such example, where 101 schools received support for institutional transformation, impacting 64,000 children and 3,600 teachers.

HumanKind, conducted in partnership with MindUP | The Goldie Hawn Foundation, introduced an innovative socio-emotional approach in schools. Twelve educational units and 1,500 students participated in activities designed to foster a safe and supportive environment, guided by psychologists and psychotherapists.

Read also: Nestlé Romania supported vocational testing for over 15,000 teenagers across six counties

The Schools Transformation Program in Romania, launched in 2023, continues this mission. It focuses on developing teacher competencies, strengthening executive teams, and creating ecosystems that support students in acquiring eight key skills – from literacy and STEM abilities to digital and socio-emotional competencies. Currently, 100 schools participate in this program, with an estimated impact on 60,000 children.

Public Policy and Evaluation Tools

Transforming Romanian schools cannot be complete without evidence-based public policies. AVE contributed to the new Pre-university Education Law through the “A Voice for Education” alliance, with 65% of proposed reforms incorporated into the law. The organization also supported the establishment of the Community for Excellence in School Management, a national structure that brings together principals from all counties and advocates for professionalizing school leadership.

To support data-driven decisions, AVE, alongside partners such as BRIO, developed standardized evaluation tools for students, teachers, and principals. Nearly 20,000 students were assessed in literacy, and over 22,000 evaluated their socio-emotional skills. Additionally, the first National Report on Numerical Literacy in Romania was produced.

Principals involved in AVE programs used a comprehensive 360° self-assessment and feedback tool to measure leadership competencies. Similarly, teachers underwent multi-source evaluations, including feedback from colleagues, students, and parents.

Partnership with the Business Sector

A distinctive aspect of AVE’s work is the involvement of the business sector. Beyond financial resources, the organization benefited from the expertise and energy of over 830 professionals who served as mentors and coaches for principals and teachers.

From initial revenues of €37,000 in 2015, AVE has reached a cumulative budget of €9.5 million, supported by 205 funding companies and 18 educational partners. This financial growth reflects the private sector’s trust in AVE’s mission and the relevance of its projects.

A Vision for the Next Decade

AVE’s core message remains that every child has potential and deserves an educational ecosystem that supports them. Simona Pavelescu, the organization’s Executive Director, emphasizes that over ten years, a model has been built that centers on the inspired teacher, the cohesive leadership team, and the principal capable of mobilizing the community. This combination creates schools transformed from within, where students gain not only skills but also emotional balance and well-being.

With an extensive network of schools, teachers, and partners involved, AVE aims to continue transforming Romanian education, ensuring that every child has the opportunity for complete and harmonious development.

Photo: freepik.com

The post Association for Values in Education: A Decade of Changes while Reshaping Romanian Schools appeared first on careers-business.com.

Remus Lăzăreanu is the co-founder of Supraviețuire Inteligentă (Intelligent Survival), a project dedicated to developing practical skills in orientation, adaptability, and resilience in critical situations. With vast experience in survival and tactical training, he combines solid theoretical knowledge with applied exercises, offering both courses and resources designed to prepare people for real-life challenges.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence, in order to spark curiosity among those who don’t know you yet?
Remus Lăzăreanu: To be accurate and precise, our Intelligent Survival team consists of Cristi Bozgan and myself, Remus Lăzăreanu, former Special Forces officers turned entrepreneurs and survival trainers, who combine military experience with a passion for education and personal development—through children’s camps, for over 8 years, and corporate teambuilding programs, for more than 12 years.

C&B: If we were to follow the storyline of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?
Remus Lăzăreanu: There were three key moments: the “light bulb moment”—the idea that the experience gained in the Special Forces could be turned into an educational project; the research and continuous specialization phase, through courses and partnerships; and finally, the development of a solid business that, for over a decade, has been shaping people to become stronger and more confident in their own abilities.

C&B: What were the first challenges in convincing people of the importance of preparing for unforeseen situations?
Remus Lăzăreanu: In the beginning, the challenge was to show people that preparing for extreme situations is not a luxury, but a necessity. People need leaders with real experience, who can practically demonstrate what planning, organization, and resilience mean. Only those who have gone through extreme situations can credibly pass on these lessons. And our team can!

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Remus Lăzăreanu: Yes. For us, every project started as a dream and turned into a challenge that we carried through with ambition, perseverance, and a lot of preparation. The ambition to succeed and to prove that any obstacle can be overcome has guided us constantly.

C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve transformed since then?
Remus Lăzăreanu: At first, it was difficult: we had lots of ideas but lacked practical business experience. We invested time in study, courses, collaborations, and research. The first year was a string of trials, but with every step we gained experience, built partnerships, and grew steadily. Today, we have a solid portfolio behind us and a professional team.

C&B: If we were to meet your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Remus Lăzăreanu: They would describe us as ambitious, fair, and people-oriented. We are two leaders who complement each other, who know when to assert themselves, but also how to listen, to provide support, and to demand results. I strongly believe that success is built together. Very important!

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?
Remus Lăzăreanu: The radical decision was to leave behind a promising military career in the Special Forces and enter the business world. We started with sales, moved through management and consultancy positions, and in parallel, we built educational projects and teambuilding programs. We chose a difficult path, but one that brought us fulfillment.

C&B: How do you manage to combine the practical side—survival techniques—with the educational and community aspect?
Remus Lăzăreanu: “Survival is an art”: it’s not just about physical techniques, but also about mental, emotional, and team development. Each exercise—whether for children or adults—is a life lesson about trust, communication, resilience, and solidarity. Our team, made up of former Special Forces members, brings both technical expertise and a pedagogical style that makes learning engaging and relevant.
Connection with nature—and learning from it—allows us to transfer these activities into daily life, into professional and educational life. Our professional trainers have a strong pedagogical and psychological approach. All activities are coordinated by former Special Forces members who went through grueling selection and training processes.
Our team’s experience has been proven over 12 years through corporate teambuildings for renowned companies in telecommunications, beverages & food, insurance, banking, IT industries, etc., and more than 8 years of children’s camps. All with the same goal: learning and perfecting basic techniques for survival in both urban and wilderness environments.

C&B: What do you think differentiates your business or professional approach from the rest of the industry?
Remus Lăzăreanu: “Children and adults are challenged with experiences you only see on TV!” The difference lies in our authentic experience combined with methodology: theory immediately applied in practice. Participants live experiences “like in Discovery documentaries,” but in a safe, controlled, and well-organized environment. In fact, our participants carry out the same activities as those shown on TV survival shows. That’s why their final reaction is always the same: “Wow! I did it!”

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and what moments of the day bring you the greatest satisfaction?
Remus Lăzăreanu: The day starts with rigorous planning: logistics, location scouting, designing scenarios, and preparing surprises for participants. Nothing repeats itself, every program is unique. We design teambuilding activities together with clients, in a modular way. We choose equipment, create activities, and much more. But we also prepare surprises, to excite and amaze people.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them daily?
Remus Lăzăreanu: To prove that what we teach, we can also do; that we can be good trainers; that people take away valuable knowledge and practice their skills under our guidance. Professionalism, perseverance, and respect for people. I believe that high-quality information and skills we share must stay with participants for a lifetime—even if one day they might forget us as trainers. We have to be “pro”!

C&B: How did the Intelligent Survival project come about, and what inspired you to turn it into an educational business?
Remus Lăzăreanu: The project started from an idea discussed with my colleague and partner, Cristi Bozgan, with whom I served in the Special Forces. The training we both went through at home and abroad, in the USA and Israel—with various special units like SEALs, Rangers, SWAT—shouldn’t go to waste without finding a “civilian” application. It could be turned into an educational program. This is how “Intelligent Survival” was born—specialized programs for Strong People.
Then came the whirlwind of promotion: teasers about survival, filming in the forest, attending workshops, pitching, promoting on social media, and so on. And now, as I’ve mentioned, we’ve reached 12 years of corporate teambuildings and 8 years of children’s camps: Wilderness Survival and Urban Survival.

C&B: Can you share an experience or feedback from participants that confirmed the project’s value for you?
Remus Lăzăreanu: One interesting experience was with an IT team whose leader was very smart and nonconformist, and who proposed a teambuilding activity with us. They enjoyed the theoretical part, but it was harder to challenge them to go into the forest to apply what they learned. We completed the activity, and they were enthusiastic: “Wow, that was awesome, we want more, we’ll come back next year, you guys are amazing!” We thanked them, congratulated them for their achievements, and smiled knowing we had prepared another surprise: that night, we took them back into the forest, for just one hour. They didn’t want to go at all—until their leader scolded them and told them it was mandatory.
Then came the trek into the forest, in the dark, each with a headlamp, in a wild area with bears. We entered with firecrackers, horns, and a lot of noise, plus strobe lights to scare away animals. We carried out two more activities there, using only the light of their lamps. At the end, we congratulated them, but then came the big second surprise: returning to the hotel with their headlamps turned off. Pitch black. No exceptions. This was the real challenge: fear of the dark, fear of wild animals, orientation in the forest, and applying the theory learned earlier in the day. They were literally shaking with fear. The girls clung to the two trainers—what would happen next? Luckily, Cristi had built a glowing stick trail marking the path back to the hotel while they were busy with their tasks.
The “wows” multiplied, they overwhelmed us with hugs and thanks, and the evening ended with a campfire and a glass of wine.
The next morning brought another round of thanks and promises that they would return the following year—and they kept their word. We gave them new surprises, too.

C&B: What are the development plans for Intelligent Survival in the coming years?
Remus Lăzăreanu: We will focus on corporate teambuilding—both urban survival and wilderness survival—including live-fire shooting sessions at the range. In addition, we are working on partnerships with tour operators from Romania and Norway to put Romania on the adventure tourism map: cultural visits, wine tastings, and survival programs, all in one complete package.

Remus Lăzăreanu and the Intelligent Survival team show that preparing for unforeseen situations is not only a practical skill but also a form of personal and professional development.

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With over 10 years of experience in communication, public relations, and digital marketing, Ioan Miclea has been working at the University of Bucharest for more than 7 years, where, since 2024, he coordinates the News and Events Service. Over the years, Ioan has combined academic rigor with creativity, managing campaigns, events, and image crises, as well as building strategic partnerships through authentic and relevant communication. A graduate with a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate from the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences at the University of Bucharest, Ioan has been teaching seminars on marketing, event organization, and public relations at the same faculty since 2019, sharing his experience with students and encouraging them to see communication as a bridge between people, values, and opportunities.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence to pique the curiosity of those who don’t know you yet?
Ioan Miclea: Passionate about communication and creating authentic stories, always seeking new ways to connect people and organizations.

C&B: If we were to look at a narrative thread of your career, what have been the key moments that defined you?
Ioan Miclea: A key moment was defending my doctoral thesis in communication sciences, focused on crisis communication – a topic that, beyond theory, provided me with a set of extremely useful practical tools. I understood then how important preparation for unpredictable situations is and how a well-managed crisis can become an opportunity. Another defining moment was the transition from the role of specialist to coordinator of the News and Events Service at the University of Bucharest. This change brought me the responsibility of leading teams and complex projects, which challenged me to develop leadership skills and to think more strategically.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment in your career so far, and how did you overcome it?
Ioan Miclea: The most difficult period was when I had to manage major projects at work simultaneously with finishing my doctoral studies. The pressure was immense, and time was limited. I overcame that moment through discipline, prioritization, and learning to ask for help when needed. This experience showed me that resilience doesn’t mean doing everything alone but building support networks and staying true to your goals.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Ioan Miclea: My ambition has always been to surpass myself and grow continuously, both professionally and personally. Obstacles did not discourage me but forced me to find creative solutions and turn challenges into steps forward. I believe perseverance and adaptability are what make the difference in the long run.

C&B: How did you look at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you have transformed until now?
Ioan Miclea: This is one of the most interesting questions I’ve been asked because it awakens many memories. For me, the beginning of the journey was literally the start of a journey: a train trip on the Putna Seacă – București Basarab route in July 2013, with the necessary documents to enroll at the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences. Ioan from 2013 was a shy but confident young man, a fresh graduate of Pedagogy, with music in his ears and a GREAT desire to write news. Ioan from 2025 still has music in his ears and managed to blend shyness and self-confidence into what today would be called “people skills,” kept his passion for news, and transformed it into a passion for communication, continuing to learn from every project he has been part of.

C&B: If we met with your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Ioan Miclea: I believe they would say that I am a team player, attentive to details and the needs of those around me. That I stay calm in tense situations and always try to find solutions, not blame. At the same time, they would probably mention that I emphasize creating an environment where every team member can contribute to the projects we work on. For me, leadership means building projects that remain relevant in the long term, not just achieving short-term objectives.

C&B: What is the most important decision you have made that changed your trajectory?
Ioan Miclea: I think the most important decision I made was to stay in the academic and institutional environment, rather than moving into the private sector. I made this decision because I realized I could make a real impact through education and strategic communication, helping to shape future generations and strengthen the image of a prestigious institution. This choice gave me the opportunity to work on long-term impact projects and to link communication with the educational mission.

C&B: How did you build your leadership style or decision-making approach? Was it a natural process or learned?
Ioan Miclea: My leadership style has formed over time through a combination of experience and continuous learning. Initially, I led instinctively, relying on empathy and the desire to help. Later, I understood the importance of structure, constant feedback, and making tough decisions. I believe in what I call “collaborative leadership,” because I concluded that people work best when they feel listened to and respected, and when goals are clear and shared.

C&B: What do you think differentiates your business or professional approach from the rest of the industry?
Ioan Miclea: I believe the difference lies in how I combine the rigor of institutional communication with the authenticity of personal stories. Communication is not just about conveying information but about creating real connections and understanding the social and cultural context in which you operate. That is why I focus on crafting messages that not only inform but inspire and bring long-term value to all the audiences I address.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and what moments bring you the greatest satisfaction?
Ioan Miclea: A typical day today is completely different from the “typical day” three years ago because it involves a lot of coordination: from planning meetings and drafting administrative documents to managing events or unexpected situations. The greatest satisfaction comes when I see the results of the work reflected in public reactions or colleague feedback – whether it’s the success of an event, a successful campaign, or a simple message that reached exactly where it was supposed to.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them daily?
Ioan Miclea: Transparency, respect, and perseverance are the values that guide me. I always try to be honest in communication, treat every colleague and collaborator with respect, and never lower the standards I have set, even when it might be easier to compromise.

C&B: If you were to send a message to those who follow your example, what would it be?
Ioan Miclea: I would say that success doesn’t come overnight but is built step by step. Don’t be afraid to start from the bottom, to make mistakes, and to learn. And, above all, stay curious: in communication, in life, in everything you do. Curiosity is what opens unexpected doors.

Ioan Miclea’s professional journey is a compelling example of how passion, discipline, and authentic leadership can turn challenges into opportunities. By combining academic rigor with creativity, Ioan continues to inspire and shape future generations, proving that authentic and strategic communication is essential for long-term success.

The post Ioan Miclea: Passion and Leadership in Communication at the University of Bucharest appeared first on careers-business.com.

Despina Ponomarenco has over 20 years of experience in real estate. She is the founder of the most active associations in the field: Bucharest Real Estate Club and Romania Property Club, which represent the entire real estate industry. The two associations organize more than 10 events and campaigns annually in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Brașov, Iași, and Constanța. Moreover, Despina founded the first educational program in the field, REAL ESTATE ACADEMY, which will reach its sixth edition in 2025.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in one sentence to intrigue those who don’t know you yet?
Despina Ponomarenco: Passionate about the real estate industry, I organize numerous campaigns, events, and educational programs that bring together people in this field to contribute to raising professional standards and improving the quality of the real estate market in Romania.

C&B: If we were to look at the storyline of your career or business, what were the key defining moments?
Despina Ponomarenco: Choosing to study communication at both undergraduate and graduate levels (FJSC & Master in PR & Communication at SNSPA) and deciding to enter real estate—a very dynamic field full of challenges and opportunities. I’m an optimistic person who consciously chooses to see the glass half full, and I apply the same principle at work: I communicate the importance of the industry and highlight the players who innovate and transform the communities they operate in.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment so far in your journey, and how did you overcome it?
Despina Ponomarenco: Difficult moments are inevitable in any career. The most important thing is to carefully choose your “battles” and know which ones are truly worth fighting for until the last drop of energy.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Despina Ponomarenco: It’s essential for me to do something I truly enjoy and to see concrete results from my work. Some of my greatest satisfactions have come from the BREC ACADEMY project: witnessing graduates’ career changes and their achievements brings real purpose and fulfillment.

C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve changed over time?
Despina Ponomarenco: I like to believe I’ve maintained my optimism and passion while becoming wiser and more patient.

C&B: If we met your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Despina Ponomarenco: That I’m passionate about what I do and that I move things, people, and projects forward whenever I believe the stakes are high and the outcomes support our mission.

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?
Despina Ponomarenco: Ending a partnership with someone in business with whom I realized I didn’t share the same values. You learn that not all motivational quotes apply in real life, like “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

C&B: How did you build your leadership style or decision-making approach? Was it natural or learned?
Despina Ponomarenco: I believe leadership style stems from a person’s character as well as from the lessons they learn along their career, including those from other leaders who shape their path.

C&B: What do you think differentiates your business or professional approach from the rest of the industry?
Despina Ponomarenco: All our initiatives have a strong educational component, so people always leave our events with new information. Additionally, we develop integrated campaigns—our events benefit from research, PR, and digital promotion components.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the most satisfaction?
Despina Ponomarenco: I try to schedule each week with communication with member companies (emails, calls, meetings), event preparation—coordinating research materials, editing catalogues, invitations, liaising with authorities and partner companies, PR content, and digital campaigns. In the past two years, we’ve grown significantly, with over 10 events organized annually in various cities. However, this growth also comes with a large amount of bureaucratic work that takes up quite a bit of time.

C&B: What values or principles guide your actions, and how do you apply them daily?
Despina Ponomarenco: Work ethics, innovation, and added value for our member companies and partners are extremely important to me. I don’t believe in shortcuts—consistency and the desire to constantly improve always bring results and are the foundation of long-term partnerships.

C&B: How did you come up with the idea to start this business and choose its name?
Despina Ponomarenco: I had worked in the real estate industry for many years, and in 2017 I founded BREC to give a more institutionalized image to the local real estate market. Since there were no educational initiatives, I launched REAL ESTATE ACADEMY, the first private real estate educational program. As we grew, companies with projects outside Bucharest approached us to organize similar events in other cities. That’s how RPC – Romania Property Club, the national extension of BREC, was born.

C&B: If you were to share a message with those who follow your example, what would it be?
Despina Ponomarenco: I don’t like giving unsolicited advice; I believe everyone has their own path and pace. In professional life, I think it’s important to genuinely enjoy what you do and to feel a sense of fulfillment beyond just the financial aspect. If you dread every Sunday because of Monday, it might be time to re-evaluate your career and look for other opportunities.

With over two decades of experience and a clear vision for the real estate sector, Despina Ponomarenco is a benchmark for professional growth in Romania. Through her initiatives, she builds bridges between leaders, young professionals, and communities.

The post Despina Ponomarenco, founder of BREC and RPC: A model of female leadership in real estate appeared first on careers-business.com.