In a world often driven by metrics and achievements, it's rare to glimpse the intimate thoughts and personal journey of a successful professional. This conversation with Madalina reveals the multifaceted nature of a woman who has masterfully balanced her roles as a CFA level I-qualified investment expert, people manager, wife, and mother. Let’s dive in!
· What are the three important moments in your life that you would stop at to tell us who you are?
What a beautiful question! I have 3 main roles in mind and I will begin taking it into account.
The first moment I have is taking Level I of CFA to define me as an expert in my field. I love mastering the figures and analyze before any investment decision, even that I am reffering to portfolio management or people management. Because this is who I am as a professional: a former investment lady and a current people manager with many sucessfull projects finalized.
The second moment I have in mind is about exploring my human side and learn more about the human behind the profesional Madalina. I discovered myself as a bunch of emotions ready to reveal and make peace with. It's an ongoing process as I am cultivating on a daily basis this side.
The third and most important for me is accepting my feminine side: being a woman, wife and mother was the most adventurous role I ever had. And even though I am a very organized person on the job, at home is very difficult to keep things under control. But I learn every fay how to do it and I am honoured to be a woman and have the role as a Mother and wife. Becoming a Mother was the most challening ride I ever have and also the most rewarding and full of love role.
· What has driven you to get to where you are now?
The wish of being more then have more. Of course, having a beautiful life was on my wishlist, but was not about just having money. I had a passion to study and extend my knowledge to the highest level on professional ground (finance and investments). But my learning is not limited by this. I enjoy learn more about history, strategy, geopolitics and diplomacy. And also personal development on different areas like psychology and spirituality. We are a complex creation, therefore we shouldn't limit ourselves.
· If you met yourself when you were just five years old, what advice would you give yourself for a harmonious path through life?
What an emotional moment to visualize it! I would advice myself to have more trust in myself and stop worrying about what others would think of me and my actions. To be as courageous and curious as I were, but without fears and worries about others. To always put myself first when taking a decision.
· How do you define courage?
Take that decision that you are afraid of and that takes you out of your comfort zone. The development, whether professional or personal, takes place when you are brave enough to do the most difficult and extraordinary things.
· How do you maintain your motivation in difficult times?
Visualizing the result and knowing that everything is passing away (having faith in spiritual terms). The result helps me to stay objective and keep track of where I am vs the projection. Analyze the issues that I encounter, as they are showing me something. Nothing happens for no reason. I put Light on it and find solutions. I think those solutions are actually the things I don't see when I plan something. This is how they come to light....as issues that needs to be seen and solved.
· Which would be the 3 recommendations you would give to your sweet daughter when she is going to be a teen?
I would recommend her to always follow her dreams, even it seems impossible. To be bold and curious about everything that makes her heart beat and her stomach anxious. And always know that her father and I will love her and support her in everything she decides. Never lose hope when an issue arise, because it's just a step to a superior scale and she will turn more elevated after it. Last, but not least, to cultivate her faith in God, because he will always be by her side, even when we will not be here on Earth.
· What emotions and colors would you use if you had to describe yourself in this way?
I see myself as the Pink color, which envisions feminity, elegance, grace and awesomeness. Most likely when I am spreading hope, compassion and support. Afterwards, I see myself as a White colour, having in mind the clear thoughts, cultivating pure and trustfull friendship and relationships. The thinker and the person who studies and analyze from different perspectives before taking a decision. After doing this, at the end I see myself as the Red color, taking bold decisions, challenging the status quo and change the present for preparing the future. I don't like to be surprised by the unpredictable. I, generally, foresee what is coming and get ready to face it in the smoothest way.
· If you were to look at life as a journey, where do you think you are on this path?
In the middle of the journey, enjoying the ride, the lessons, the accomplishments, making plans for a brighter future with a better strategy to never lose myself during the ride.
As our conversation draws to a close, what emerges is a portrait of a woman who embodies both strength and grace. Madalina's journey reflects the beautiful complexity of modern womanhood – where professional excellence meets emotional intelligence, and where careful analysis coexists with bold decision-making. Her metaphorical use of pink, white, and red colors to describe herself perfectly encapsulates this harmony: the elegance of femininity, the clarity of thought, and the courage to challenge the status quo.
In sharing her story, Madalina offers more than just glimpses into her personal and professional life; she provides a testament to the power of embracing one's complete self – the analyst, the nurturer, the lifelong learner, and the spiritual seeker. As she continues her journey, consciously crafting her path while remaining open to life's lessons, she reminds us that success isn't just about reaching destinations, but about maintaining authenticity and purpose throughout the ride.
Her story invites us to reflect on our own journeys and consider how we too might find harmony among our various roles and aspirations, always remembering that growth happens when we dare to step beyond our comfort zones while staying true to our core values.