An experienced anesthesiologist and an entrepreneur in the wellbeing field alongside her husband, Wahyu Diarto (Yudi), with whom she founded Blue Phoenix in 2020, Daniela Godoroj–Diarto is a true model of ambition, tenacity, and courage. We invite you to discover the story of Blue Phoenix and the authentic flavors of Indonesia, reflected both in specialty coffee and in plant-based powders, appreciated for their health benefits.

Opening & introduction

C&B: If you had to describe yourself briefly, in a single sentence that sparks curiosity, what would you say about yourself?
Daniela: I am an ambitious and persevering person who never gives up on her goals, no matter how many obstacles arise along the way.

C&B: If we asked your colleagues or collaborators how they would describe you, what do you think they would say about you?
Daniela: I believe they would say that I am a perfectionist and that I stubbornly stick to the path I have chosen, even when it becomes difficult.

Journey & beginnings

C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you have changed up to today?
Daniela: At the beginning, I was much more timid. Over time, I gained self-confidence and learned not to be influenced by what others say. I no longer consume myself with outside opinions—I know who I am and what my direction is. I follow my path guided by what I feel in my soul is right, answering only to myself and to God for my choices.

C&B: Looking back, what were the turning points that shaped your professional path or your business?
Daniela: Six years ago, my life changed completely—both personally and professionally. I got married and, together with my husband, founded Blue Phoenix, a wellbeing business based on the healing power of nature. He is from Indonesia, and his experience with the plants there was essential. That’s how we created together a concept that brings Indonesian tradition closer to Romania and is based on the idea of returning to nature and to the healing power of plants.

It has been and still is difficult to promote this concept in Romania, because Romanians are not very well informed about these aspects. Promoting these principles is not easy—people need time to understand this holistic approach and to shift toward a new mindset, oriented toward nature and balance.

Challenges & decisions

C&B: What has been the biggest challenge so far and how did you manage to overcome it?
Daniela: The greatest challenge, but also the greatest blessing, was the birth of our daughter, Tribuana, at the end of last year—after six years of trying. It is an emotional journey, especially when you are also an entrepreneur. You don’t have the luxury of taking a break, but the joy fully compensates for it.

C&B: What decision changed the direction of your career or business the most?
Daniela: The most important decision for Blue Phoenix was to niche down. At first, we imported a wide range of products from Indonesia—teas, spices, sauces—but we quickly realized that the market needs clarity. So we focused only on coffee and plant powders from which we produce natural supplements here, which you can find in Dr. Max and Farmacia Tei pharmacies and on our website, www.blue-phoenix.ro.
The products follow traditional Indonesian recipes, based exclusively on pure plant extracts. The entire process—from formula to encapsulation and packaging—is carried out entirely by us in Romania.
On the coffee side, we focused on quality and originality: from the famous Wild Kopi Luwak, with a fine aroma and low acidity, to specialty coffees such as Gayo or Java Blue Mountain, each with its own story and unique flavor.

Wild Kopi Luwak is undoubtedly the boldest and rarest variety in our collection. Derived from coffee beans “naturally selected” by the Indonesian palm civet and then carefully cleaned and roasted, this coffee reveals its nobility through a velvety taste, with chocolate notes and delicate acidity. It is a unique experience—a coffee that is not only tasted, but felt: gentle on the digestive system, yet intense through the energy and sense of wellbeing it provides.

Equally fascinating is Gayo Arabica, one of the most appreciated coffees in the world, grown in the highlands of Sumatra, in the Central Aceh region. With a fine texture, a light nutty aroma, and a balanced, intense but never bitter taste, this coffee captivates lovers of refinement worldwide. Likewise, the Gayo Wine and Gayo Honey varieties tell different stories: the first offers an intense, fruity aroma with sweet notes and subtle wine-like accents; the second is a gentle blend of honey and wine, with low acidity and a memorable taste.

From the heart of the volcanoes of Java, Java Blue Mountain brings another story—a coffee with the soul of a legend, grown at over 1,600 meters altitude, where volcanic soil and clean air give rise to a deep and refined aroma. Its origins are linked to Jamaica, from where it was brought at the beginning of the last century, and today it preserves the same noble spirit.

And the newest addition to the portfolio, the rare coffee from Mount Argopuro in East Java, grown at 1,800 meters, is a true revelation. Processed through a complex method—a combination of carbonic maceration and natural processing—it impresses with notes of cherries and caramel and an intense, round, and elegant aftertaste.

C&B: Has your leadership and decision-making style formed naturally, or have you built it over time through experience?
Daniela: My leadership style has been built gradually, through lived experiences and lessons learned along the way. We are guided by the same simple but essential principles: honesty, authenticity, and discipline. We believe in the freedom of creativity, but also in the power of balance. Both my husband and I try to apply these values in everything we do—in our own personal and professional growth, as well as in the way we inspire and guide the Blue Phoenix team.

Present & differentiators

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the most joy?
Daniela: My day starts early, at 5 a.m., when I feed our little one. Then it becomes a marathon until 11 p.m., balancing the roles of mother, anesthesiologist, and entrepreneur. My husband helps a lot with Tribuana and handles production and distribution entirely within the company, while I focus on marketing and relations with authorities. It’s a full but fulfilling day, especially when we manage to enjoy the small moments spent together.

C&B: What do you think makes you different from other professionals or other businesses in your field?
Daniela: The dietary supplements market is extremely competitive, and the challenges are numerous. What differentiates us is authenticity. Our products are based on original recipes inspired by the ancestral wisdom of traditional Indonesian medicine, made 100% from pure plant extracts, with real health effects.
In addition, Blue Phoenix supplements are carefully standardized—1 g per capsule, 60 capsules per bottle—a rare concentration that allows for a single daily intake. Through this rigor and clarity, we have managed to preserve the essence of our promise: authenticity, purity, and a genuine return to nature.

C&B: Was there a dream or desire that always kept you motivated, regardless of obstacles?
Daniela: Yes—the desire to contribute to a change in how Romanians perceive the concept of wellbeing. It is a long and difficult process, but we strongly believe it is worth it. We want to encourage a culture of balance, self-care, and respect for nature. “Back to natural” is not just a motto for us, but a philosophy of life.

C&B: What values or principles guide you day by day, and how do you keep them alive in what you do?
Daniela: We are hardworking and ambitious people, but at the same time grateful for every day and for the gift we receive from God by being together and being healthy.
We enjoy simple things—a sunrise, nature, time spent together. We believe in positive thinking, in balance, and in the idea that everything we do has meaning when it is done with love and respect for people and for life.

C&B: If you could share one single thought with those who see you as a role model, what would it be?
Daniela: Never give up on your dreams, regardless of obstacles or failures. I have always learned—and I have told my older children as well—that every failure is actually a step forward. Beautiful paths are not easy, but they are the ones that truly fulfill you.

Daniela Godoroj–Diarto’s story is about the courage to follow your path, even when it feels difficult, and the strength to build something authentic and meaningful. Balancing medicine, entrepreneurship, and family life, she manages to create a rare sense of harmony, guided by simple yet profound values.

The post Daniela Godoroja–Diarto, Co-founder of Blue Phoenix, in a conversation about balance, passion and returning to nature appeared first on careers-business.com.

Andrei Niculae is one of the most recognizable DJs and vibe creators in Romania, known for his authentic energy and for the way he transforms music into a memorable collective experience. His voice and musical selections are part of the Radio Nostalgia universe, where he brings back to life hits that have defined generations.

C&B: How did your passion for radio begin and what memories do you have from the first moments you entered a studio?

Andrei Niculae: My passion for radio started at the age of 7, when I watched “Good Morning, Vietnam”, a film in which Robin Williams plays a radio DJ during the Vietnam War, and it made me say that this is what I want to do when I grow up. Years passed and I kept dreaming, but also taking small steps. I first wrote for a newspaper, and later I managed to audition for a radio station.

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

Andrei Niculae: I think the most difficult moment was when, after 9 years in radio, I had to leave my home and build a radio station from scratch together with Monica Munteanu and Costin Gache. I never even dreamed that I would have my own radio station alongside my colleagues.

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

Andrei Niculae: I was lucky to learn from the best and to have the courage to try new things, even if sometimes they didn’t work out. Curiosity and the question “what if?” have always guided me. I think it’s essential to try things, otherwise you’ll never know whether they work or not.

C&B: How would you describe your professional journey from your first contact with radio to becoming a host appreciated by thousands of listeners?

Andrei Niculae: A roller coaster that I got on together with my audience and never wanted to get off. Some of the people who listen to me have become part of my life. I live a beautiful dream every day and I always wake up with a smile on my face. There has also been a lot of work and a constant desire to improve myself. I am still working on myself and I won’t stop.

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

Andrei Niculae: I think they would say I’m crazy, passionate, and that I probably have ADHD. At least that’s what I think. I’ve always tried to surround myself with great people.

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

Andrei Niculae: The fact that I almost suddenly laid the foundation of Nostalgia Radio in Romania. Things were going well where I had grown, but this kind of opportunity comes once in a lifetime in my opinion, and it shouldn’t be missed.

C&B: What do you feel when listeners recognize your voice or write to you about your shows?

Andrei Niculae: Many times I don’t know how to react to compliments because in my mind I’m still the same boy from the Militari neighborhood who dreamed of being on the radio. But I have to admit that when someone compliments me, my heart fills with joy, it’s hard to describe. I believe my job is to somehow make the day better for the people who choose to listen to me, and when someone tells me that, it’s the greatest reward for me.

C&B: You said you wanted to try acting, television or even becoming a magician. How do you see expanding your career beyond radio?

Andrei Niculae: I tried many things out of curiosity when I was younger. But I have some extensions that, combined, present me more as an entertainer. I play music, host events, I have various online campaigns with brands I once only dreamed of, and I am a radio person. Someone once told me that I am, in fact, an entertainer in this life.

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

Andrei Niculae: Now I spend more time than ever at the radio because we are at the beginning and we have big plans, but I also try to attend various events, document almost everything I do online, and on weekends I play music. I love the chaos in my life and it would be very hard without it.

C&B: What did it mean for you to test the limits of your relationship in the context of an intense competition like Power Couple?

Andrei Niculae: Power Couple was an extraordinary experience for us that brought us even closer together, and for that I thank Emilia Vlad and Alex Fotea for choosing us. Besides testing our limits, I was happy to see my girlfriend Claudia blossom in every way. I am more in love with her than ever, and that is also thanks to Power Couple.

C&B: What was the most difficult challenge you experienced during the show and how did it challenge you personally?

Andrei Niculae: Probably the first challenge, riding a bicycle upside down, is something I never thought I would do in this lifetime. On a personal level, I would have liked to win more challenges, because it’s clear I would have gone home a long time ago if I didn’t have Claudia by my side, who was very good at everything.

C&B: What advice would you give to young people who aspire to build a career in media and entertainment?

Andrei Niculae: It’s always a joy to meet young people and I take every opportunity to tell them to dream, to try even if it seems impossible, and not to give up even if sometimes everything may seem boring. They should always try to do a little more than what’s written in the job description and not waste time. I hope that one day they will enjoy an interview like this one, for which I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Andrei Niculae’s story is about the courage to try, passion, and the constant drive to grow. From the child who dreamed of working in radio to the voice that now brings nostalgia and joy to thousands of listeners, his journey proves that when you follow your dream, the results will eventually follow.

The post Andrei Niculae: From a childhood dream to the voice of Radio Nostalgia appeared first on careers-business.com.

Dana Tudor, communication consultant and coach, journalist, entrepreneur. “What are we building this year?” No, she is not a house builder, but a communication project builder, and this is one of the big questions that has followed her since she began her professional life. “Is it time to say that yes, I know this field, after 30 years in media and communication?” is another. Dana Tudor is a communication consultant and coach, founder of Chic-Elite.ro, the female leadership platform. She launched Eva.ro, was editor-in-chief of Cariere magazine and in 2010 founded the Buticul de Inspirație agency. Alongside some of the best professionals on the market in their field, the agency responds quickly, with concrete solutions (Dana calls them “braincrafts”), to companies, brands and leaders who want to amplify their unique voice.

C&B: If we were to look at a narrative thread of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?
Dana Tudor: Looking back, I realize that the projects that define my professional path have often been in the area of ​​pioneering and building projects. I stubbornly took the entrance exam to the Faculty of Communication and Public Relations, recently established at the University of Bucharest. It was a field that 30 years ago, only a few people and a handful of DCRP-ists, as we, the students of this faculty, proudly called ourselves, had heard of.

Next came HR. Well, when my publisher at the time told me, around the early 2000s, that I would be in charge of the HR column of Biz magazine (the first business “glossy” in Romania), a lump stopped in my throat: I didn’t even know what he was talking about, much less what topics related to this field would be of interest. How many knew what HR was? I started writing about human resources, education and leadership, and audience data would show that it was one of the most read columns of the magazine. It is a field that I have remained close to to this day, thanks to the clients and projects I had.

The same publisher proposed that I take care of, in parallel with the column I had at Biz magazine, the launch and coordination of an internet project, the first website in Romania dedicated to women: Eva.ro. This was where the greatest investment of energy and soul was. We went to meetings, talked about the online environment, newsletters, interactivity, things that are now commonplace, but which at the time were something exotic, at best, and often misunderstood. Eva.ro would become one of the first brands in the Romanian online world and, in all the 7 years that I was the project manager of the site, it was in first place in terms of traffic, in the category of sites dedicated to women.

In the summer of 2010, I entered entrepreneurship, founding the communication agency Buticul de Inspirație. At that time, we were again discussing terms rarely used in the business environment, which are very fashionable today, such as personal brand or thought leadership.

My interest in the field of personal development materialized in the fall of 2010, when, as editor-in-chief of the magazine Cariere, I coordinated the relaunch process of the publication. And in 2015, I launched the women’s development and leadership website Chic-Elite.ro, together with my high school friend Cristina Lincu, a remarkable and creative writer. And during the pandemic, I made a fascinating journey into the world of coaching, following a consistent training with the high-quality professional and human team of the Coaching Partners school.

C&B: What was the first concrete step in building the Chic Elite brand and community?
Dana Tudor: The discussions with Cristina Lincu, co-founder, also a community creator, after which I chose the name Chic-Elite, I put the structure, the launch campaign on paper, I created the logo and the slogan.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Dana Tudor: Yes. Ambition has been cultivated in me since childhood and is a character trait that has helped me find solutions in the most difficult situations. And indeed, there are dreams that I had that seemed impossible to achieve, but animated with meaning, determination and a lot of work, I saw them become reality, in a way that was perhaps even more fulfilling than I had dared to dream. I started to look more carefully at dreams and dreams, following discussions with Ana Maria Ștefănescu, a former high school classmate, the first certified Dream Teacher in Romania, currently a Master Dream Teacher.

C&B: What did you look like at the beginning of the journey and how do you feel you have transformed yourself so far?

Dana Tudor: I was a teenager with a lot of energy, enthusiasm and ambition, without realizing what valuable resources they are. At school we are evaluated by how well we know the lesson, not at all by our personality and the value we bring to the environment we are in. How helpful it would be to have as many benchmarks related to idour entity, at the beginning of the journey, don’t you think?

In the meantime, I learned to manage these resources more carefully and to value them. Added to this was the experience of working with many people and exposure to diverse situations, which come with the ability to “read” certain everyday situations relatively quickly, which sometimes gives a minus to enthusiasm, but a plus to the ability to listen and understand.

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

Dana Tudor: Asking for such feedback is an exercise that I recommend! I still have in my heart the unexpected appreciations that I received from those I worked with.

For this interview, I asked Cristina to answer this question and here’s what I found out: “I’ve known Dana since my teenage years and I can say that, from a professional point of view, we grew up together, later being college and, implicitly, industry colleagues. Thus, our partnership started early, when we were both discovering and perfecting our skills, talents and goals. Dana is, first and foremost, an extremely loyal partner, very well prepared, constantly self-improving and always one step ahead of everyone else, so that unforeseen situations are always defeated when I have her by my side. In fact, I’m lucky because, in addition to an excellent business partner and collaborator – as an example, see the Chic-Elite.ro platform – I have in Dana one of those friends you have for life, a solid point of reference, when everything seems to be chaos around me. She is not only talented, rigorous, a consummate professional, attentive to the last detail, but and because he has a vast personal culture that subtly leaves its mark on each of his projects, which gives him the elegance and refinement that we all seek today, especially when automation and algorithms have somewhat taken over the reins of creativity”.

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

Dana Tudor: There were several. The first was when, at the age of 18, on a window sill in the Casa Presei Libere, on half an A4 sheet – the one that absorbed the ink – I wrote my CV with a pen (far from what we know today about writing a CV). That half a sheet of paper took me to the editorial office of the most widely read newspaper in Romania at the time and from there to one of the most beautiful jobs on earth, according to a forgotten – or ignored? – dream from high school, when in my diary I asked myself “What would it be like to become a journalist?”

C&B: Can you share a moment or feedback that confirmed to you that the project has impact and relevance?
Dana Tudor: Yes, for Chic-Elite we often received feedback that our interviews made people evaluate or become aware of important things for them.

C&B: What do you think differentiates your business or your professional approach from the rest of the industry?
Dana Tudor: If we refer to the Buticul de Inspirăție agency, the approach to communication from a complex perspective – as a communication specialist, journalist and coach. Our clients get 3 in 1 :). We have some of the best people in the industry on our team, in their segment. We are fast, efficient, very good and very serious.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now and what moments of the day bring you the most satisfaction?
Dana Tudor: Some days are for documentation and work in the office, others are in the field, in meetings with clients or at events. The constant (which also comes with the moments of greatest satisfaction) are the interactions with clients, the coaching sessions, the discussions with my daughter, the sports classes and the amusement provided by the antics that the little animals in our yard do, including those that come to visit (hedgehogs, frogs).

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

Dana Tudor: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review a values ​​identification report, made by Dan Dițoiu, an exceptional psychotherapist, who works very documented and scientifically, founder of Psycenter. My values ​​are Relevance, Development, Efficiency, Success and Safety. If I feel like I’m not developing, I panic, I’m a “target woman”, as a collaborator once defined me, I look for solutions to achieve maximum results in the most efficient way, and probably due to the thousands of news and articles written and rewritten, it has become second nature to ask myself how relevant a certain information is to one audience or another. That’s why I allowed myself to make a few references in this interview, for those who would like to learn new things, discovering the mentioned experts.

C&B: How was Chic Elite born and what motivated you to launch this project?

Dana Tudor: Before the launch, Chic-Elite was like a baby that cried every day because it wanted to say something to the world. That’s how I gave it a voice, a platform. I’m privileged to meet special people , often modest, who through their passion leave their mark on the world in a way that inspires me so much that I want to hear about them, through the interviews I conduct. I believe that when we have a goal, a disappointment, a bad time, a real story about courage and determination can become a landmark. I believe that landmarks are essential, especially since we are increasingly surrounded by forms without substance, as I discussed in a recent video interview with Ana Maria Ștefănescu.

The interview with Dana Tudor shows us how passion, courage, and perseverance can transform a career into a source of inspiration for others.

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Sergiu CORBU Boldor graduated from the University of Music in Oradea with specializations in Music Pedagogy and Violin Performance. In addition to the violin, Sergiu CORBU Boldor studied as secondary instruments: acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, percussion, mandolin, flute, caval, and jaw harp. Sergiu CORBU Boldor has over 15 years of experience on the big stages of the music industry. He has performed on national and international stages, playing the violin together with and alongside names such as: Phoenix, Celelalte Cuvinte, Partizan, Dirty Shirt, Semnal M, Taxi, Hara, farfarello, Haggard, Guano Apes etc. He was a founding member of the band Azepam from Oradea and violinist of the band Popa Șapcă from Timișoara.

He initiated and coordinated his own musical projects such as: AD HOC, 2 fire 2 paie, Intensitate Epic Sonoră.

Sergiu CORBU Boldor has experience in transdisciplinary education in working with young people: he was a leader in the National Organization of Romanian Scouts and a music teacher in kindergartens and schools in Bucharest. He is currently collaborating as a violinist with the band Phoenix and has been creatively active in the musical project CORBU, which he initiated in 2017.

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

Sergiu CORBU Boldor: I am a transdisciplinary artist who transforms music into an emotional and esoteric ritual, a sound prayer through which the soul rediscovers and heals itself.

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

Sergiu CORBU Boldor: Looking at the thread of my career, the moments that defined me were the encounters with remarkable people and the lessons I received from them. The first was my violin teacher, Ștefan Iorga, who made me fall irreversibly in love with music. Then came the period when I was a stage manager at Celelalte Cuvinte, where I learned what it means to have an unshakable musical personality. Later, the years when I played as a violinist in the band Phoenix, at the invitation of Nicu Covaci – a place I had never even dreamed I would reach – taught me to follow my dream at any cost. From Artan (Timpuri Noi, Partizan) I received another precious lesson: the sincerity you can have on stage and the courage to show yourself to the audience in your purest form. However, the most important decision was to start on my own path and perform under my own name – Corbu.

C&B: What were the biggest challenges you faced in developing Ad Hoc?

Sergiu CORBU Boldor: Ad Hoc was a project born from student enthusiasm, from the young and explosive energy I had at that time. Moving intuitively, I discovered what teamwork means, how egos manifest, when to give in and how good or bad that can be. I pushed hard for people to continue playing, believing that this was how they needed to be encouraged, but along the way I realized that some of them had other interests and passions outside of music, which made collaboration increasingly difficult to manage. It was a huge challenge: convincing people to follow what I thought was their passion. From this experience I learned one of the greatest lessons: the direction of a group is set by the leader, whether it is built collectively or comes from his individual initiative.

When you follow your passion and give your life to it, the exhaustion of long tours, sleepless nights, thousands of kilometers traveled, endless carrying and setting up of instruments and stages become just details – you live them with joy, without feeling them as obstacles. The real challenges arise when you deal with people’s egos, because those are incomparably harder than any physical effort.

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

Sergiu CORBU Boldor: All my life my dreams have come true. I wanted to sing and make a living from it – and it came true. I dreamed of meeting my idols, and life offered me even more: I got to play alongside them. I met important people from whom I learned enormously. At one point I even wanted to test the ‘law of attraction’ and set myself the goal of crossing paths with Roger Waters from Pink Floyd. The meeting came in an unexpected way: after I uploaded to YouTube a concert that included a Pink Floyd piece at the end, the video was blocked due to copyright, but our manager managed to get in touch with Roger Waters, who approved the broadcast. Beyond these spectacular moments, what makes me happiest is that I have everything I need to sing, to travel, and above all, that I am healthy. And my greatest wish is to remain healthy in mind, heart, and body, so that I can serve this art as best and as long as possible. As I like to say: to be an Artist in the Royal Art, to build the Great Work.

C&B: What did you look like at the beginning of your journey and how do you feel you have transformed until now?

Sergiu CORBU Boldor: At the beginning of my journey I had a backpack on my back and a violin under my arm and traveled all over the world, from Romania to Europe. The first tour of my project, Ad Hoc, we did with the whole band hitchhiking, with instruments and all. Then came the trains. Today, after all this experience, the essence remains the same: I still travel with my backpack and violin, only now I have the privilege of owning my own van, which I manage to fill by myself with my luggage and instruments – more than at the beginning.

The difference is that then I was driven by the enthusiasm of youth and an unstoppable energy. Now I know I have a mission: to take music into the world for all the souls who can hear it, even for those who don’t realize how much they need art. If at the beginning I had a thick veil over my vision, today I try to do everything, as much as possible, in harmony with the plans of the Great Director. I started, unconsciously, on the road like the Fool in the tarot, I travel like the Hermit, and I want to reach the balance of the World – from unconscious to conscious.

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

Sergiu CORBU Boldor: I think reactions in a group are generally the usual ones: some are pro, others against; some understand, others don’t; some are loyal, others may betray you – as in any collective.

However, there are reactions that stayed in my mind: “I don’t understand Sergiu, he’s too absurd,” or “Your music won’t reach anyone.” At the same time, I also heard things that brought me great joy: “My God, how much courage you have!”, “I appreciate you enormously,” “For me, you are a model.”

I receive all these reactions and try to treat them without being influenced by them, neither the positive nor the negative ones, so that I can continue my path as close as possible to my spirit, and not to how I am perceived from the outside.

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

Sergiu CORBU Boldor: The most important decision I made was to continue on my own: to close the Ad Hoc chapter and start the Corbu project. This fundamentally changed my way of working. In Ad Hoc, decisions were made collectively – everyone had the right to vote and, even if there was an apparent hierarchy, I could not just do what I wanted, but what the whole group wanted. In the 8 years of existence, we released an album and a few singles.

In the Corbu project, I took full responsibility and decision-making, and by collaborating with people and their opinions, I managed in a few years to release 10 albums, plus an album from the Ad Hoc period. Maybe it would have been easier to learn group management at school, but practical experience shaped me just as well and I am glad about how things turned out. The decision to start on my own path – the Way of the Raven – among contrasts, black and white, good and evil, turning contradictions into unity, achieving the miracle of a single thing.

C&B: What valuable lessons have you learned from the experience of building and managing Ad Hoc?

Sergiu CORBU Boldor: I can’t limit myself only to the Ad Hoc experience; it is essential to also include the Corbu stage, in which I am now. The most valuable lesson I have learned is that only through love can we make things work in harmony. Only through friendship can we build something with soul, that resonates within us and becomes nourishment for it. Only by loving each other can we fulfill the Royal Art.

If brotherly love is missing, everything turns into something else, which I no longer resonate with and which I avoid. Some play very actively, have entire tours, and make a lot of money from it, but I consider that there is something much more valuable than money – something that works in our hearts, and for that it is worth all the effort. Money is just a result, a reward for good behavior. If you do good things spiritually, the material reward comes naturally.

C&B: Can you give an example of a successful project that reflects Ad Hoc’s impact?

Sergiu CORBU Boldor: The Ad Hoc project was a trailblazer. Of course, we were also inspired by others, but we always tried to be different. It seemed completely ridiculous to me to do something that already exists and, most of the time, is done better by others. That’s how we avoided playing medieval music, because there are bands that do it excellently, and we ended up developing our own style, which we called medieval folk acoustic punk. More technically, I would define Ad Hoc as a Romanian fantasy with medieval influences.

After our debut, I noticed that bands appeared in Romania that looked strikingly similar to what we were doing, especially in the way of playing. It’s interesting to see how other groups using the same instruments created a similar musical approach; I hope they also find their own identity.

On the other hand, in the Corbu project, where I placed immense emphasis on my intimate senses related to sound, my style seems impossible to copy. Technically, someone could imitate certain sound effects or violin playing, but the way I build a show, often in real time, has a unique impact: it inspires people to be who they truly are, or at least to seek that, not to reproduce.

As an example, listen to the album Dezleganie – Ritualul and imagine how you could reproduce that. Or take the album AIN: what impact could it have on someone? And especially, what impact does it have on you?

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

Sergiu CORBU Boldor: One of the most important decisions in my life, which you asked me about earlier, was to move to the countryside, a year before the pandemic. For several years now, my life has been shaped as much as possible, literally and figuratively, by the rhythm of nature.

When I am at home, I spend my time either working around the house – building and setting up a new studio and event space –, or in the garden, taking care of household chores. I don’t go to the gym, but I really enjoy physical effort, especially if it is also useful. I also love handmade art: I create linocut prints, I do photography. Even the constructions for myself become works of art. When you come to my studio, I will show you.

The other half of the day I dedicate to study: reading, playing, or exploring new ideas to develop in music.

In addition to this, there is also the other half of life – the one during concerts –, when the day is divided between driving, unloading and setting up the stage, playing, packing up, and driving back. There are also other very beautiful activities that I will tell you about on another occasion.

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

Sergiu CORBU Boldor: There are several values that I pursue and try to apply in my life. Sometimes I succeed better, sometimes less, but the important thing is that from a good man I become even better, through the constant refining of mind, heart, and body.

Tolerance is essential, because in front of the Great Director we are all brothers and sisters, regardless of sexual orientation, religion, politics, sports, or the music we listen to. Another virtue I respect is generosity and passing it on: I have received the gift of music, and that obliges me to give, regardless of the situation, everything I can, unconditionally.

Self-knowledge and personal development are just as important, because I couldn’t pass something on if I didn’t have from what. Sincerity and truth are fundamental: I must be honest with myself and always seek the truth, so that my artistic act is authentic. Otherwise, it turns into something that deceives people and no longer corresponds to the purposes I seek.

C&B: How did the idea of founding Ad Hoc come about and what inspired you to start this project?

Sergiu CORBU Boldor: Almost all my career has been intuitive. I have always guided myself by what my heart told me. Whenever my mind intervened, things changed and turned into something else. The same happened at the beginning of Ad Hoc. I simply wanted to play, so I asked an old college friend, David Pusta, if he wanted to start a band. He said “yes.” And, since everything happened Ad Hoc, that’s what we named our new duo.

From the same pure desire to play all my projects started, including Corbu. Probably nothing is accidental: after 17 years, in the most recent Corbu album, AIN, I collaborated again with David Pusta, the one with whom I started. The way I started projects has always been a mix of unconscious and conscious, intuitive and planned, but the center of all remained the simple desire to play.

C&B: What are Ad Hoc’s development plans for the coming years?

Sergiu CORBU Boldor: Ad Hoc has not existed for many years; Corbu appeared precisely to continue the musical expression once Ad Hoc’s activity began to stop. Plans for the future are grand. What I most want is to be able to fully enjoy both live concerts and studio production.

This year I have published several albums online, including the most recent, AIN – a very beautiful album, which I want us to release also in physical format for those who appreciate the art object: CD, cassette, vinyl record, and even an unusual medium, something I have never seen in the music industry, which I will talk about at the right time. Follow our pages, we will post. As an idea, we released the album Dezleganie – Ritualul in bookmark format, like a puzzle.

Here you can listen to all our music:
https://corbuproject.bandcamp.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@proiectulCORBU

Here we connect:
https://linktr.ee/CORBU

Our narrative CV:
https://panacorbului.ro/cv/

Sergiu CORBU Boldor blends art, music, and experimentation in a journey that inspires and opens new cultural horizons. His story proves that passion and courage can turn life into a true work of art.

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C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence, so as to spark curiosity in those who don’t know you yet?
Florin Cioc: The ambition and energy that dance has given me for so many years!

C&B: If we were to look at a narrative thread of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?
Florin Cioc: The power of movement through dance to keep moving forward!

C&B: What were the first challenges when you started the project The 1 Dance by Cioc?
Florin Cioc: To be able to move forward with what I created, and only I created!

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Florin Cioc: No, the dream that became reality and the ambition to show what dance really means.

C&B: How did you look at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you have transformed up to now?
Florin Cioc: At first, I was self-taught and eager to learn…that transformed me, and I still have a lot to learn!

C&B: If we were to meet your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Florin Cioc: Honestly, I don’t know what they would say about me… I would really like to meet them.

C&B: What is the most important decision you have made that changed your trajectory?
Florin Cioc: To follow this path and create this project.

C&B: How would you describe the philosophy of The 1 Dance by Cioc to those who don’t know you yet?
Florin Cioc: They just need to want to learn and come to us.

C&B: What has been the most memorable moment or performance that has marked you so far?
Florin Cioc: Saying “present” when you’ve already signed a small 3-day contract, even when you’ve broken your ankle and still dancing four dances with it broken.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and what moments of the day bring you the greatest satisfaction?
Florin Cioc: A typical day is when I manage to relax more… And a moment of satisfaction is when I finish a choreography exactly as I envision it!

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them day by day?
Florin Cioc: There is always a small solution somewhere, even when it’s tough! Look for a solution, especially in this field!

C&B: How did the idea of founding The 1 Dance by Cioc come about, and what inspired you to dedicate yourself to dance?
Florin Cioc: For about 2 years I wondered if it was the right thing! And through dance, I liked that no day is the same and I don’t have a boss! Every day is different!

C&B: Where do you see The 1 Dance by Cioc in five years?
Florin Cioc: At a fairly high or good level to keep moving forward!

Florin Cioc and The 1 Dance by Cioc show us that passion, ambition, and perseverance can turn dreams into reality, and that dance is more than movement – it is an art that inspires and transforms lives.

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Marius Marica, entrepreneur and founder of BUG52, a podcasting studio with multiple locations in Bucharest and Iași, with over two decades of experience in the film and media production industry, and a business journey that began back in 2000, when he founded the company Atlantic Film Production.

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

Marica Marius: I am the entrepreneur who has learned that success is not a destination, but a series of new beginnings – and that is precisely why, after more than two decades spent in the film industry, I decided to set out once again, this time in podcasting.

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

Marica Marius: The first moment was in 2000, when I founded Atlantic Film, the company through which I entered the world of cinema and production. Then, the moment when I managed to grow the business to the point of an exit in 2022 was a defining stage – because it proved to me that I can build something from scratch and bring it to maturity. The third key moment is the launch of BUG52, a project where I transferred all my previous experience, but into a new field – podcasting and multimedia content – an area that is extremely current and with huge potential.

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

Marica Marius: The most difficult moment was the transition period, when I had to detach myself emotionally from Atlantic Film, after more than two decades of work there. I overcame that stage by focusing on what I could build moving forward – and BUG52 became exactly that new beginning that restored my energy and passion.

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

Marica Marius: If the question refers to my current ambition, then it is to create a space where people can tell their stories freely, authentically, and with impact. Podcasting gives me exactly that framework: the possibility to give voice to ideas, to connect communities, and to make messages circulate beyond barriers. For me, podcasting is not just a media format, but a tool through which everyone can leave a real mark on the world.

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

Marica Marius: At the beginning, I was a young man full of enthusiasm, but with very little practical experience. Today, after 25 years, I have the same energy, but I combine it with patience, strategy, and an understanding of the market. I believe I have transformed from an executor into a visionary, and from a solo entrepreneur into a team leader.

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

Marica Marius: I think they would say that I am perseverant, demanding, but fair. That I have high standards, but that I also give them the freedom to express their creativity. Most likely they would mention that I am solution-oriented and that I always find a way to turn ideas into reality.

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

Marica Marius: The decision to sell Atlantic Film and to start a completely new business in an emerging industry. It was a leap of faith – one that brought me back to the field where I feel most comfortable: innovation.

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

Marica Marius: It was a mix. Natural, because I always had the instinct to lead and build teams, but also learned, because over time I understood the importance of listening to people, making decisions based on data, and prioritizing long-term partnerships.

C&B: What do you think differentiates your business or your professional approach from the rest of the industry?

Marica Marius: BUG52 is not just a podcast studio. It’s a space where people come to feel inspired and supported, where they receive not only top equipment, but also our know-how. The difference is that we don’t just rent a space, we offer a complete experience: from audio-video production to consultancy and post-production, in a friendly and professional environment.

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

Marica Marius: My workday begins with organization and setting priorities for the team. Then come client meetings, sessions, and often time spent directly in the studio. The most rewarding moments are when I see clients excited about the results of our work. Because that confirms we are on the right path.

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

Marica Marius: The core value is quality – we do everything at the highest possible standard. Then authenticity – because only stories told sincerely resonate with the audience. And, very importantly, perseverance – no matter the obstacles, I don’t give up until we find the solution.

C&B: How did you come up with the idea to start this business and give it this name?

Marica Marius: The idea came naturally after I concluded my experience with Atlantic Film and felt it was time to build a modern business, in line with the new media trends. The name BUG52 synchronized perfectly with the address of our first studio (Berthelot Underground 52), and that made the brand organically tied to the place where we started. At the same time, for me, “BUG” symbolizes the creativity that can emerge even from imperfections, and “52” is also about consistency (the 52 weeks in a year in which you can create and tell stories). Practically, the name came naturally and managed to bring together both our roots and our long-term vision.

C&B: If you were to send a message to people who follow your example, what would it be?

Marica Marius: Don’t be afraid to start from zero. Even after building a consolidated business and going through an exit, you can reinvent your path and create something new, perhaps even more relevant. Success doesn’t only mean stability, but also the courage to reinvent yourself when you feel the time has come.

From Atlantic Film to BUG52, Marius Marica proves that success is never an endpoint but the beginning of a new chapter. With vision, perseverance, and authenticity, he continues to transform every experience into innovation and inspiration.

The post Marius Marica: From Atlantic Film to BUG52 – A Journey of Leadership and Innovation in Media appeared first on careers-business.com.

Mihai Vutof – Co-founder of Paragon Music Festival – a 20-year-old with diverse experiences in the world of music events and marketing. Since the age of 15, Mihai has worked with various associations and organizations such as the Student Council, as a Graphic Designer, which brought him into networking contexts that sparked a passion for the world of music events. By the age of 18, he had already laid the foundations for a music festival dedicated to youth, involving them directly and promoting up-and-coming artists.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence to pique the curiosity of those who don’t know you yet?
Mihai Vutof: A guy who dove in headfirst, hit the wall, and got up every single time. I’ve learned firsthand what the Romanian event industry really means and what it’s like to build a large-scale local event from below zero. I’ve hit my head and it hurt, but everything happened for a reason and brought me to where I was meant to be.

C&B: If we were to follow the narrative thread of your career or business, what were the defining moments?
Mihai Vutof: Chronologically, I’m not sure where it all began, but even in high school, through student organizations like the Bucharest Municipal Student Council, I found myself in valuable networking contexts that eventually pushed me into the events industry. The most important leap for me was the Paragon Music Festival, a joint initiative between me and my former high school music teacher, Anamaria Sârbu. It was an initiative that brought together young student artists with nationally renowned performers. We had zero experience in organizing such events, but gradually, through meeting the right people in the industry and with a bit of luck, the festival actually happened—and in really good conditions, on September 15–16, 2023, at the Romexpo outdoor venue.

That festival opened many doors in my career, including my current role at the digital marketing agency Danco Vision, owned by one of Paragon’s main partners. Another key moment was working as Assistant Project Manager for the first edition of Unforgettable Symphonic Experience, a festival that truly showed me everything behind the scenes and all the people who make it happen.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment in your journey, and how did you overcome it?
Mihai Vutof: Without a doubt, the hardest moment was the end of Paragon Music Festival. Imagine: an 18-year-old and his music teacher managed to organize a festival from scratch in less than 6 months, with a lineup of over 50 artists, a 20-meter-wide stage, and a space of over 10,000 square meters. Still, being a first edition mostly self-funded, with budgets and costs changing daily, we ran into problems—especially in marketing (ironically, my field, which I had treated as the least of my worries). Because of that, many expenses couldn’t be covered, suppliers were put on hold after the event, and there was a whole other mess I won’t go into.

Still, about a month after the event ended, things settled down. I was in a period of both physical and mental recovery, with nothing on my plate. It was supposed to be my first year of university, but I hadn’t enrolled because I knew I wouldn’t have time in September–October. Everyone else was moving forward. Then came an opportunity from Daniel Ionescu, CEO of Danco Vision, to work at his digital marketing agency as a graphic designer. That offer saved me at that moment, and I’m still grateful for it to this day.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, no matter the obstacles?
Mihai Vutof: I always want to outgrow my own limitations in every way—that’s my drive. I love the saying: “When you feel like you can’t go on, go on a little more.” That mindset has helped me rise every time I’ve fallen, and achieve even better results.

C&B: What were you like at the start of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve transformed since then?
Mihai Vutof: If I take 16 years old as my starting point, there’s a huge difference between then and almost 21, my current age. At 16, I was a high school kid dreaming of popularity and partying all day, but I also loved to help and get involved in anything that could improve the world around me. Back then I had no work ethic, well-hidden social anxiety, and a serious case of rebellion and stubbornness.
Now, at 21, I still enjoy parties and helping people, and I’m still a bit stubborn—but I’ve learned where the limits are. All-night parties only on Saturdays, helping others only when they’re not taking advantage, and stubbornness only when I have solid arguments.
The main difference between the old me and the current me is that now I understand the gray areas, the nuance in everything.

C&B: If we talked to your team or collaborators, what would they say about you?
Mihai Vutof: Ana, my partner at Paragon, would definitely laugh and praise me like one of her award-winning students . The team at the marketing agency is very dear to me, and I like to think that after almost two years, I’m just as dear to them. I think they’d say good things about me—except maybe the occasional complaint about my stubbornness.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with hundreds of people: brand owners and managers, artists, and insiders from festivals like Untold, Neversea, and Unforgettable. From all these people, I’ve learned valuable lessons. And if you ask them about me, I’m sure they’d use this phrase: “a resourceful guy.” That’s how I like to describe myself—resourceful.

C&B: What’s the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?
Mihai Vutof: In 2024, I randomly decided to apply for the Untold Creators by Visa mentorship program. There, I met some of the most important mentors I’ve had in my career. If I hadn’t joined that program, I probably wouldn’t still be connected to the events and music industry. I joined the program as an artist manager, and it was an extraordinary experience—my first time backstage at a global festival like Untold, analyzing everything going on behind the scenes.
It was an honor to win the first edition of this program, and it really helped me get back on track in this field.

C&B: How did you build your leadership style or decision-making process? Was it natural or learned?
Mihai Vutof: A completely natural process. Trial and error, experiences in various management contexts, and honestly, a lot of luck—no point in lying. I consider myself extremely lucky, and sometimes I feel like things fall into place not how I want them to, but exactly how I need them to.

C&B: What sets your business or your professional approach apart from the rest of the industry?
Mihai Vutof: My authenticity and personal attitude toward the product I deliver—whether it’s an event or a graphic design piece. I put my heart into it, I do it wholeheartedly, and I bring a touch of creativity that, honestly, even I get surprised by sometimes.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and what parts of the day bring you the most satisfaction?
Mihai Vutof: A regular day means a 9 to 5 at the office or working from home, followed by some extra projects until around 8 PM. After all that, relaxation, disconnecting, and socializing are top priorities. I’ve deprived myself of those things for too long. Now that my life is more stable, I want to enjoy the little moments—with family, friends, and sometimes even alone.

C&B: What values or principles guide your work, and how do you apply them daily?
Mihai Vutof: I’ve never defined them formally, but I’ve always wanted to do things honestly and make sure everyone benefits equally. I believe what you give is what you get back. I always try to give fairness, and a little extra—because that’s who I am. I like to help and know that in the end, no matter the original agreement, things are done right.

C&B: How did you come up with the idea to start this business and choose this name?
Mihai Vutof: Speaking about Paragon—we spent about a month doing intense name research. In the end, the answer was right under my nose. I didn’t even know what “Paragon” meant, but I had been obsessed with the word since childhood after hearing it in a video game. I used it for email addresses, accounts, social media channels—everything. By 2018, even my parents had borrowed it for their plumbing business. It basically became my family’s trademark.
Later I found out it means “a model of excellence”—funny, right?

The idea for the project came initially from Ana Sârbu. A year before Paragon, we had organized a pilot version in our high school courtyard, called Cervantes Summer Festival. Afterward, while joking around, we said: “Next year we’ll do it at Romexpo.” And we actually did it—at a whole new level, slightly different concept, and featuring national artists, but born out of a high school festival.

C&B: If you could send a message to those following your example, what would it be?
Mihai Vutof: Super simple: believe in yourself. I didn’t, and I’m grateful that the people around me believed enough for two lifetimes. I’m thankful for everyone who’s supported me throughout my career. Without their belief in me, I don’t know if I ever could’ve developed my own. With confidence—and reason—you can do anything.

Mihai Vutof’s journey is a true example of courage, perseverance, and authenticity. His path reminds us that staying true to our values can turn dreams into reality.

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