With Corina Neagu, on the Power of Togetherness, Integrity, and Transforming People Management

Corina Neagu has been drawn to human connection since childhood. However, the moment of utmost clarity about what she truly wanted came when she built an HR department from scratch – a challenge that confirmed her passion for being “a person for people.“
Family, integrity, and courage are the values that guide Corina in everything she does. Rooted in these values, she aspires to bring the power of “togetherness” to Romanian people management, through authenticity and vulnerability. In Corina’s view, asking for help is not a sign of weakness because real progress happens when we work together toward shared goals.
To young people at the beginning of their journey, Corina suggests a concrete action plan: know yourself, stay open to learning, read, find mentors, make a plan, and live your own life! And don’t forget to have fun (responsibly) along the way.

C&B: How did you manage to build an HR department from scratch that truly focused on people? What principles and values guided you through this process, and how did you maintain authenticity at every step?
Corina Neagu: Like any beginning, it wasn’t easy-especially the first time I contributed to creating a department from scratch. The most important aspect was to create a functional structure tailored to the specific business context of that time, with clear roles and the right people-individuals who embodied the company’s values and were eager and motivated to join a developing department.
As for principles and values, they’re the same ones guiding me today: integrity, courage, authentic communication, and fostering potential.

C&B: You speak about the importance of collaboration and working together to achieve shared goals. How can leaders create and sustain an environment where such authentic collaboration is possible?
Corina Neagu: Communication, communication, communication! Whether we’re talking about feedback, brainstorming sessions, individual or team meetings, spontaneous gatherings, or planned ones-open, transparent, and honest communication is essential, even during tough times or when delivering bad news. We shouldn’t shy away from tackling taboo or delicate topics; doing so shows that we are willing to step outside our comfort zones and work together to find solutions.

C&B: What challenges have you faced in integrating personal values such as integrity and courage into organizational culture? What advice do you have for other HR professionals looking to do the same?
Corina Neagu: It’s challenging to integrate personal values, which may not align with those of others or with the organizational culture, as it can feel like trying to fit a puzzle piece into the wrong spot. If you don’t find even a partial alignment with the organizational culture, you have two options: stay and accept the situation, moving forward to see what happens – with the risk that this compromise may cost you greatly later-or leave. Unfortunately, when you try the third option-changing the mindset and contributing to cultural transformation – you often find yourself fighting a losing battle and end up leaving anyway.

C&B: How do you see the role of vulnerability in leadership and people management? What benefits does this approach bring, and how can leaders become more comfortable with the idea of showing vulnerability in front of their teams?

Corina Neagu: Just the other day, I held a workshop on this topic, and people in management roles were surprised when I explained that vulnerability does not mean a lack of courage, nor is it proof of weakness. On the contrary, it shows that we are also human, that we can have moments of uncertainty, sadness, fear, and that we need help. There is no shame in asking for help; I believe it’s more important to do that than to struggle alone with often extremely complex problems that can overwhelm us. I only see benefits in this human, open approach, in taking responsibility and being self-aware. I believe people respect you much more if you show that you are not indestructible because, frankly, no one is. 😊

C&B: For young people starting their careers, you suggest a concrete action plan. What do you think is the most common mistake they make at the beginning of their journey, and how can they learn to take more responsibility for their own development?

Corina Neagu: I would focus on the common tendency, not necessarily the mistake, because my role in individual and organizational development processes is to find solutions, not to hunt for mistakes or blame. One of these common tendencies is impatience – they want a lot and quickly, without realizing the effort behind it. Things cannot happen overnight, nor do they happen by themselves. They require involvement, effort, and interest to succeed. It’s very good to desire and intend to do something, as long as that desire and intention translate into concrete actions that lead to achieving the goals.

C&B: How do you choose your mentors, and what advice would you give to those looking for guidance in their careers? What role does mentorship play in professional and personal development, in your view?

Corina Neagu: From the role of both mentor and mentee, I can say with certainty that we need guidance, role models, and inspiration to evolve. I recommend to everyone—not necessarily just those starting out-to find not just one, but several mentors who can help them through their personal examples in their development and growth process. I didn’t necessarily choose my mentors, but looking back, I’ve had quite a few people who positively influenced me and helped me get where I am.

C&B: How would you define the concept of “the power of togetherness,” and how can it transform the dynamics of a team or an organization? Can you provide an example from your professional experience?

Corina Neagu: I believe with all my heart in the power of communities and in #bettertogether. Both personally and professionally, I have countless experiences where I wouldn’t have succeeded in doing certain things alone, or wouldn’t have been able to contribute or build something if I hadn’t worked as part of a team. If I were to give concrete examples, one that had a significant emotional impact for me would be the construction of the hospital initiated and built with the considerable efforts of the Dăruiește Viață team, together with everyone who contributed in one way or another. Another example is the help provided by the community to candidates I recommend on LinkedIn, who manage to find a job much faster than through standard means, let’s say.

C&B: You mentioned that family is one of your core values. How do you manage to balance your personal values with the demands of a work environment that is often challenging and full of pressure?

Corina Neagu: Yes, that’s right. Family is the one that excites me, supports me, understands me, and is both my toughest critic and my most passionate fan. It’s not easy to find this balance, but when you know who you are, what you want, have clarity about your goals, and understand what your family’s expectations are, then you can prioritize so that you can be genuinely present both in your personal life and in your family life.

C&B: As an HR professional, what changes would you like to see in people management in Romania, and what do you think is necessary to achieve these changes?

Corina Neagu: Don’t provoke me… I won’t stop! It’s essential to understand that we need empathy, understanding, openness, honest, transparent, and authentic communication. We need leaders and leadership, we need role models, and people who do things, not just talk about doing things or promise that they will. In many cases, management competencies are completely lacking, and this is why we see the absence of results, the increase of abuses in recent times, resignations, frustration, burnout episodes, depression, etc. All these situations, which do not honor us, could be avoided through awareness of the effects our behaviors have on those around us and through education so that we do not repeat them. Because it’s pointless to make mistakes if you don’t learn from them.

C&B: How do you maintain your motivation and inspiration in the face of professional challenges, and what would you recommend to those who wish to stay connected with their values and succeed in a complex professional environment?

Corina Neagu: I believe I was born under a very joyful and shining star, but also a very rebellious one, because I have extraordinary optimism, combined with a large dose of realism that keeps me grounded in reality, and a great sense of independence that I highly appreciate. I focus on the things I can do, manage, change, or influence, not on the things I can’t. I’ve reached a level of maturity and emotional intelligence where I no longer let myself be affected by people, things, or situations that don’t bring me value, and I understand perfectly that I don’t need to be liked by everyone, nor do I need everyone to agree with me, and certainly, I don’t need everyone to be by my side. I am a very happy person with my own choices, with who I am, what I do, and the people in my life. As a final piece of advice and thought—dear people, be kind, find your Why, discover your passions, follow your dreams, and don’t let anyone convince you that you’re not good enough, not prepared enough, etc. What’s more, don’t let anyone live your life for you, because you only have one, and it would be wonderful to live it beautifully and in harmony with your values, with who you are, with what makes you feel good, fulfilled, and brings you satisfaction!