Disruption, Optimization, Transformation: What’s Coming Next in Business Services Industry?
6th March
The business services industry is in a state of constant change, shaped by rapid technological breakthroughs, evolving market dynamics, and shifting customer behaviours. Staying ahead requires more than just adaptation; it demands proactive transformation and optimization. Today’s landscape introduces new complexities, from the disruptive potential of Generative AI and evolving workplace cultures to the far-reaching effects of recent fiscal policy changes.
ABSL invites you to a new edition of Iasi Business Mixer, an event aiming to offer local and regional companies the opportunity to explore these dynamics, gain fresh perspectives, exchange best practices, and rethink how we approach transformation, turning challenges into strategic growth opportunities.
Join us and our experts in discussing key topics for the local community, including tax legislation, trends in labour market, employee wellbeing, and workspace. Engage in interactive sessions focused on sharing insights and tackling current unpredictability and its impact on people.
The event also provides a platform for networking and collaboration with industry professionals and is open to everyone in the business services sector.
Attendance is free of charge, and there is no limit on the number of participants from each company. The only exception is the HR session where only company leaders and HR representatives can participate (maximum 2 participants/ company), in order to facilitate knowledge sharing and the involvement of all those present.
If you represent a local ABSL member company/ office, you may be part of the event by presenting a study case on relevant themes in the fields of HR, Technology or Business. You are invited to share with the audience practical examples, successful stories, presentations of what works or not, regarding current interests.
- 9:00 – 9:30
Welcome coffee
- 9:30 – 9:40
Introductory Speech
Welcome from our host Andreea Tebrean, Learning & Development Manager | Iași Site Lead, Genpact & event moderator Matei Stoicescu
- 9:40 – 10:00
- Vasile Pintescu
- PwC
Shaping Tomorrow: A Deep Dive into the GBS Sector evolution in Romania and Iasi Local Dynamics
We are exploring the developments and challenges of the business services sector in Romania during 2024, with the main focus on the development of the labour market and a zoom in on Iasi. We will also be looking at the recent and prospective economic and regulatory environment in our country and how they will impact the sector in 2025.
- 10:00 – 10:20
- Laura Ene
- iO Partners
The Rise of Flexible Workspaces & Co-Working Hubs
Why traditional offices are shifting towards flexible leasing and shared work environments. This presentation will explore the rise of co-working, its evolution, and the factors driving its growth. It examines why major corporations are integrating flexible spaces, weighing the benefits of cost savings and productivity against collaboration challenges. Case studies of successful companies provide real-world insights, leading to a forward-looking discussion on whether traditional office buildings will adapt or be replaced by more flexible work environments.
- 10:20 – 10:40
- Georgiana Vlădescu
- Zamfirescu Racoți Vasile & Partners
Recent Legal Changes Impacting the Employment Field
How is the workplace evolving in response to AI integration and new regulations on workplace harassment? This presentation will explore key developments shaping employment law in Romania and what they mean for businesses and employees alike.
AI & Workforce Transformation – The rise of AI is automating repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on high-value work that demands critical thinking and creativity. This transition not only enhances workflow efficiency but also increases job satisfaction and motivation by providing employees with opportunities to develop their skills and make meaningful contributions to company growth.
Workplace Harassment Regulations – New legislative projects aim to clearly define violence and harassment, requiring employers to implement internal policies, confidential reporting mechanisms, and protective measures for at-risk employees.
Adaptability is essential—not just for embracing AI but also for ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. Join us for an insightful discussion on what lies ahead in employment law.
- 10:40 – 11:00
- Elena Ardelean
- Steelcase
Uncharted Territory: Four Macro Shifts Changing Work Now
It’s a tough time to be a leader. We are in uncharted territory – how, when, where and why we work has changed more dramatically in the past five years than it has in generations. Hear about how four macro shifts are fundamentally changing work and why designing offices like thriving communities is the solution to meeting these evolving challenges.
- 11:00 – 11:20
- Monica Elena Teletin
- Reteaua Regina Maria
Thriving Within, Succeeding in Business: Psycho-Emotional Health and Well-Being (to be held in Romanian)
Your emotional state directly impacts your physical health, energy, and performance. When you know how to manage stress, changes, emotions, and relationships, you gain more balance, clarity, and motivation. On the other hand, chronic stress and negative emotions can lead to health issues, decreased productivity, and burnout. A balanced mind means a healthy body, better relationships, and greater efficiency at work.
- 11:20 – 11:40
Coffee break
- 11:40 – 12:40
Knowledge Sharing Session- Local Business Cases
Growing Leaders from Within: Nurturing the Next Generation of Managers
People managers are the backbone of high-performing organizations. They drive engagement, foster collaboration, and directly impact business success. Strong leadership boosts employee satisfaction, reduces turnover, and enhances productivity. This presentation explores how structured development programs can equip managers with the skills, mindset and support they need to thrive. Join us for an insightful journey on our next gen leaders’ development roadmap. It all starts with a succession planning program, moves through assessing readiness in assessment centers focused on the company’s core capabilities and continues with dedicated development programs for both newly promoted leaders and more experienced managers. During the session, you will find out how investing in their growth helps us cultivate a culture of strong leadership, continuous learning and high engagement – leading to long-term success for both our employees and the business. When we grow great managers, we grow great teams – and that’s the foundation for a successful organization.
Speaker: Iusica Tessaro, HR Business Partner, Accenture
Say Hello to More Growth
With four decades’ experience helping clients tackle their most challenging business problems and over 700 AI solutions implemented worldwide, Concentrix is now offering GenAI-powered products to clients and businesses globally. Our solution is a powerful technology suite of AI and GenAI-powered, enterprise-grade products that enable self-service, empower advisors, and enhance data – at incomparable speed and scale.
Speaker: Mariuca Ionescu, Operations Director & Site Lead Iasi, Concentrix
Business Services in the Age of AI
Speaker: Alexandru Stoenescu, Romania Country Lead, Genpact
Evolve – Leadership Development Program
Evolve is a leadership development program designed to empower the SCC leadership team to thrive in a world shaped by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. In today’s environment, people leaders must cultivate a safe space built on open communication and trust, enabling team members to find clarity, align with a purposeful mission, and balance professional and personal needs. With this in mind, we have developed a tailored program that equips our leadership team with the tools and best practices needed to navigate challenges effectively. The program incorporates a mentoring component and is structured across three levels to address the unique needs of entry, mid, and senior leadership. By developing the specific skills and capabilities required at each stage, Evolve enables leaders to adapt, grow, and succeed in an ever-evolving landscape.
Speaker: Silvia Calistru, Head of People Team, SCC Services Romania
- 12:40 – 13:00
Coffee break
- 13:00 – 15:00
HR Round table: Changes, Challenges, and Their Impact on People Practices (Closed Session)
Change is often accompanied by challenges and uncertainty determining companies to proactively respond to crises and navigate through the current turbulent times in order to minimize the potential disruptions. It’s a strong pressure with multiple transformational triggers all present at the same time; therefore, companies need to become more resilient in order to remain relevant and adapt to the next development.
What are the triggers for HR departments and how do you keep up with the evolving dynamics? How did your company adapt to the latest legislative fiscal changes? What are the current recruitment challenges? How do you adopt and integrate generative AI tools in HR processes? What are latest trends in the talent market? Continuous learning culture & organizational agility: what are the present learning priorities? Return to the office – what is the status, and how are the companies adapting to the new working space?
These are the questions proposed for this round table where HR representatives from Iasi companies will discuss their concerns, share solutions and good practices on what was done in the past, what challenges did they face and how they see the future of work.
Companies could be represented at this event by HR professionals or company leaders (max. 2 representatives per company). This is a closed session dedicated to companies from business services industry.
- 13:00 – 15:00
Workshop: Adjusting to a Changing Environment in the Local Business Service Sector
Change is an essential and inevitable aspect of organizational growth and success. Embracing and effectively managing business transformation within an organization can yield numerous benefits and contribute to its long-term sustainability: from the implementation of new technology to changes in organisational culture and mergers and acquisitions. Change is closely linked to the concept of continuous improvement. By embracing change, organizations foster a culture of learning, adaptability, and agility. They actively seek opportunities to improve and refine their operations, products, and services, ensuring they remain at the forefront of their industry.
But driving change successfully can be one of the more difficult aspects of a company. What can we do to reach this goal and adjust to a changing environment? What are the current changes in technology, business, and HR that your company is facing? Where do the biggest challenges come from? How can we address nowadays challenges and opportunities in order to build a reliable future?
These are the questions proposed for this workshop where representatives from Iasi companies are invited to share their perspectives.
- 15:00 – 16:00
Lunch & Networking
