EBSquire Blitz: Serafima Calancea

What I’ve Learned About Success:

One does not simply stumble upon success by chance; there’s a lot of hard work, dedication and focus that goes into achieving it. One of the most important lessons I’ve learnt is that success goes hand in hand with personal growth and can only be achieved if you put in the necessary effort. By way of example, I knew very little about talent acquisition when I started my career. Yet over time, learning, looking up to more experienced people and pushing myself to the limit has made me who I am today – and now that I’m here, I’m not slowing down, but working even harder to get closer to that ‘me of the future’.

What I’ve Learned About Overcoming Challenges:

Well, here we go.

The management of my impostor syndrome, which is still a work in progress, has been quite a perpetual trial. At times, I doubted my abilities, especially when it came to hiring or training at a high level. I understood that such a mindset won’t do in the long run – so I took advantage of the feedback of my good fellow colleagues to make sure I was on the right track, invested good money in my professional development and built up that confidence in my abilities — bit by bit.  

With more challenges I faced and the harder they were to overcome, the stronger my determination grew. Each challenge made me more knowledgeable and resilient, preparing me better for future obstacles. As Vivian Greene said put it “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but about learning to dance in the rain.” So don’t run away from your problems. Meet your challenges heads-on and start looking for ways to overcome it. 

What I’ve Learned About Communication:

I’ve come to realize that listening is as important as speaking — a skill I’ve developed in recruitment. Working in diverse teams with people from various backgrounds, experiences, and departments has taught me to appreciate diversity. I now communicate in a way that respects and values everyone’s unique contributions. Conflict resolution requires understanding all parties’ concerns and addressing them constructively. Clear and empathetic communication fosters trust and cooperation, which are essential for a productive working environment.

What I’ve Learned About Leadership:

Leadership is about inspiring and empowering others. A great leader leads by example, mentors their team, and cultivates new leaders. In my experience, effective leadership involves setting clear expectations, providing support, and recognizing the contributions of team members. One quality I value in leaders is their ability to create an environment where people feel valued and motivated to achieve their best.

What I’ve Learned About Personal Growth:

Personal growth is an ongoing journey of self-improvement and learning. Over the years, I’ve developed skills such as empathy, active listening, and strategic thinking, which have been crucial in my HR role. A significant mindset shift for me has been embracing vulnerability and acknowledging my weaknesses as opportunities for growth. This approach has not only enhanced my professional capabilities but also enriched my personal life, making me more resilient and self-aware.

What I’ve Learned About Work-Life Balance:

To succeed and stay healthy, you need to balance your work and personal life. 

I’ve learned to prioritise my time and set boundaries to ensure I have time for both work and personal activities. It’s important to remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your work. And if you’re happy at work, you’ll be happy at home 🙂

What I’ve Learned About Mistakes

Mistakes are unavoidable. Mistakes are not that bad. Mistakes provide valuable learning opportunities. 

Early in my career, I made a hiring decision that didn’t go as planned. Rather than letting my hands down, I carefully analysed what went wrong and saw where I could improve. This experience taught me to approach failure with curiosity rather than fear. It made me more cautious, but also more willing to take risks (but calculated ones).

The key is to see mistakes as stepping stones to better decisions and actions in the future. 

What I’ve Learned About Innovation:

Innovation, whether in technology or anything else, requires creativity and a willingness to embrace change. 

In HR, staying creative means constasently learning and keeping up with industry trends. In my role, I contribute to innovative solutions by fostering a culture that encourages experimentation, values new ideas, and finds people who share the same passion for innovation. 

What I’ve Learned About EBS:

Since joining EBS, I’ve discovered a culture of dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm. The people at EBS are fearless in their pursuit of progress, ambitious, and not afraid to make mistakes and take risks. It’s inspiring to see how everyone contributes to the company’s success. What stands out to me is the collaborative spirit and the shared goal of delivering excellent results. Being part of EBS has taught me the value of teamwork and the impact of collective effort in achieving remarkable outcomes. 

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