In my recent Business Review feature for Women Redefining Business 2025, I reflected on a journey that has taken me across all levels of administration — from local and national diplomacy to representing the European Commission in Romania. Over more than two decades, I have learned that leadership is not a position, but a practice: a continuous act of connecting institutions with people, and values with action.
When I became Head of the European Commission Representation in Bucharest, I entered a communication landscape marked by uncertainty and mistrust. My mission was not only to represent the European Commission, but to bridge the widening gap between citizens and institutions. Through dialogue, consistency, and the courage to listen, my team and I built spaces where people could feel seen, heard, and respected — even in disagreement.
I believe real leadership is about trust, not control; about creating the conditions for others to thrive. Women in diplomacy and public service are now redefining what credibility looks like — leading with authenticity, empathy, and courage. For me, leadership is no longer about being in charge, but about being in tune — with purpose, people, and possibility.