Anca Vargatu, Transformation Manager – Michelin Corporate & Business Services
I’m Anca Vargatu, Transformation Manager (Service Management Department), in Michelin Corporate & Business Services, the Michelin shared services centre in Bucharest, where more than 700 people deliver excellence in Purchasing, Finance, Logistics, Sales Administration and Personnel.
My career started as an Auditor (in college), and then I worked in Finance for 5 years in a FMCG company. My aim to develop myself in the project management area made me accept a change and start working as a business consultant, learning project management and change management in a multicultural company.
The next career movement influenced a lot my career journey: I took the role of Business Development Manager for a media group, being in charge of Mergers & Acquisition projects within Central & Eastern Europe, together with organic projects. This role educated me in an entrepreneurial culture and gave me the opportunity to learn exponentially by trying and doing.
The next tipping point in my career was to join the business service industry 8 years ago. Here I played different roles, from Program Manager to Business Relationship Manager, RPA Manager and Transformation Manager, leading operational and project teams.
I chose the business service industry because it offers me the opportunity to work with people with really different backgrounds, in a very dynamic landscape – as many of these organizations are going in the direction of global business services, focusing on continuous improvement, user experience, and transformation.
Michelin Corporate & Business Services is an agile organization within Michelin; because we work across regions and functions, we can leverage cross-functional and digital skills and competences, and we offer innovative and scalable ideas. This gives a lot of space for people working in the company to gain experience on various processes in a limited timeframe, all in a global organization which enhances individual and team development.
I found the Michelin Group to be really focused on people, starting from one of the core group statements: “For and through people”; this enables each person to become what he or she wants. This would be my third reason for selecting the business service industry and Michelin.
The most valuable lesson learned during my career is that opportunities are everywhere you look, they just need to be identified and then translated into initiatives. When implementing an initiative, always keep the focus on the bigger picture. Curiosity, a thirst for new challenges, and learning from people around me while also developing people around me are my key takeaways.
My private life includes relaxation habits like reading (I love books, from fantasy to real stories, from religion up to business world), nurturing my inner balance and physical fitness with regular yoga classes and going outside the city as well as travelling very often. Everything mixed with a family life with 2 kids.
If I were to start my career now, knowing the present and the near future opportunities, I would advise myself to learn faster about the importance of failure. One more advice I would give is to always be with the change, acting as an ambassador or driving the change.
Development is a continuous process in a changing world, and new skills and capabilities are needed to succeed. At the beginning of this year, I kicked off two new transformation initiatives, so I am learning new processes so that I can have a cross-functional view for the success of the project.
If you ask me for a practical advice for young professionals, I would definitely recommend starting a career in the business services industry. This would help you expand your business knowledge, along with the strong development of soft skills like communication and collaboration. Learn as much as possible from the tools the company is providing you and also from the people around you. Enhance your digital skills. Always focus on trying to understand the big picture and your impact. Enjoy what you are doing.
Cosmina Simionescu, Finance Closing Coordinator & Operations Manager/ Project Coordinator – Michelin Corporate & Business Services
I’m Cosmina Simionescu and I’ve been working since 2018 at Michelin Corporate & Business Services, the Michelin shared services centre in Bucharest, where more than 700 people deliver excellence in Purchasing, Finance, Logistics, Sales Administration and Personnel.
My journey started in the Credit Department (Finance) as a European Credit Controller, and after 6 months I became Operation Leader, coordinating various standardization and automation projects in the credit team.
Since 2021, I’ve had a new role that combines 3 dimensions: Coordinator of monthly financial closings for Europe, Contract Manager Record to Report BPO Operations for Europe and I am involved as a coordinator or contributor in diverse transverse projects within the finance function. I am also one of the Brand Promoting Ambassadors for Michelin, on social media channels.
How did you start your career? Which were your first steps? How did you envision your career?
I started my career in 2008, while I was still a student at ASE, as an Accounts Payable in a BPO company. Then, I evolved more into accounting. I worked for a dairy company; then a pharmaceutical distributor, learning about complex analyses, automation, and simplification initiatives, which was the trigger for my current domain of expertise.
What were your key career moments?
One of my key career moments was when I took over the position of Operational Leader at Michelin, following my graduation from INDE Bucharest Business School MBA.
Since then, my career has focused on transverse projects, which made me realize that, in addition to numbers and results, I like to work with people from various domains, to learn more about business and how business can be transformed through technology.
What are the three most valuable career lessons you have learnt?
After more than 14 years of professional experience in different companies and roles, I can say the most important career lesson is to maintain a healthy work-life balance. If you manage to achieve this, then the road to success will seem a lot smoother.
Another important lesson is that learning never stops, neither after graduating, nor after the first job. We should always challenge ourselves, explore, and focus some of our energy on personal and professional development.
Last, but not least, is to seek a mentor and learn from them; this can widen your horizon and help you progress faster.
Why did you choose Business Services Industry? What were the top 3 reasons for choosing your company?
When I joined Michelin, I was looking for a new challenge around complex and dynamic processes; to be up to date with the latest technologies and delivery methodologies, to have the levers to continuously develop myself and to put into practice what I had already learned.
After almost 5 years at Michelin, I can say that I made the best decision, as here I found a work environment embraced by a lot of nice people, with management that always encourages, empowers and facilitates continuous upskilling.
Over the years, I had the opportunity to get involved in many projects and initiatives, so I can say that I always found new things to learn and I have never lost my enthusiasm.
Tell us a little bit about your private life: your passions, family. What do you do to relax?
I have been married for almost 10 years and I am a proud mother of two beautiful boys. We like to spend a lot of time together, the four of us, playing games, watching movies or just relaxing together.
I enjoy staying in nature, and my biggest passion is to travel. Every trip brings me new experiences, as I always seek to learn from different people and cultures. If I had a superpower, I would like to be able to visit all the countries in the world.
If now you were starting your career, knowing the present and near future opportunities, what would you do?
I would not change much, because every challenge I had and the people I worked with defined me. Although, there is one thing I would start earlier: getting involved in project management, especially in the tech zone.
What are the top 3 skills that you would develop?
I think the skills to be developed depend on where you are on your career journey; but for now, my top 3 skills to improve and further develop are: negotiation, wider project management/delivery methodologies and public speaking.
What would you do and what would you avoid doing?—practical advice to young professionals
I recently came across a quote from Steve Jobs: “If you are working on something exciting, that you really care about, you don`t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you”. This defines best my professional momentum and I encourage all to chase it; sooner or later you`ll realise the same.
Don`t be afraid of failures, as failure is one step ahead to self-improvement and success. Also, in these dynamic times, it`s to be avoided to believe that once you choose a field, you are stuck with it forever; change can come when you least expect it. Prepare for it!
Laura Suciu, Recruitment Team Leader – Michelin Corporate & Business Services
I’m Laura Suciu, Recruitment Team Leader since April 2022, working in Michelin Corporate & Business Services, the Michelin shared services centre in Bucharest, where more than 700 people deliver excellence in Purchasing, Finance, Logistics, Sales Administration and Personnel.
How did you start your career? Which were your first steps? How did you envision your career?
I started my career immediately after graduating from university, in 2013. Initially, I wanted to become a teacher, but I also applied to an ad posted by a recruitment company; they contacted me, and I ended up at Michelin, in the Human Resources department.
What were your key career moments?
There were three major moments in my career: the first one was when I joined the company, because it was my first time working in a multinational environment; the second was when I was promoted into a recruiter role, because this job required working in a very dynamic and challenging context, which I had not experienced until that point.
The third biggest challenge was to become a Team Leader. On a daily basis, you need to find the right balance between the business needs and the team’s needs.
What are the three most valuable career lessons you have learnt?
- Accept new challenges and projects;
- Embrace rejections and try to learn from them;
- Take a break when needed.
Why did you choose Business Services Industry? What were the top 3 reasons for choosing your company?
I think the most important thing for me, when referring to an employer, is to see how it treats its employees. This is why I have been working in the same company for almost 10 years now.
Tell us a little bit about your private life: your passions, family. What do you do to relax?
I enjoy hiking and practising Pilates, these two activities really relax me.
If now you were starting your career, knowing the present and near future opportunities, what would you do?
I would probably take on more challenges and try to explore the unknown more.
What are the top 3 skills that you would develop?
- Influence;
- Impact;
- The ability to sometimes say “No”.
What would you do and what would you avoid doing?—practical advice to young professionals
What I would do: I believe I would start professional networking from university, join as many internships and student programmes as possible, and keep an open mind towards new opportunities.
What I would avoid: I would avoid acquiring only theoretical knowledge, without some practice.
Monica Dima, Contract Manager Raw Material and Business Support Analyst – Michelin Corporate & Business Services
I’m Monica Dima, Contract Manager Raw Material and Business Support Analyst since July 2022, working in Michelin Corporate & Business Services, the Michelin shared services centre in Bucharest, where more than 700 people deliver excellence in Purchasing, Finance, Logistics, Sales Administration and Personnel.
I joined Michelin almost 8 years ago; in my current role, I create contracts in our systems for our raw materials suppliers; I have a strong communication with the buyers, planners, and suppliers (we need to work as a team, even if we are in different countries); and I offer support to my team for a specific project.
How did you start your career? Which were your first steps? How did you envision your career?
In 2015, a friend told me about a position as a Sales Analyst at Michelin, and I applied. I was very happy after the interview because I found out that I would be responsible for the activity in Milan.
I didn’t have a very clear picture of what my future career would look like, but I remember being very excited about the job. I knew that within the company I would have plenty of opportunities to show my potential and qualities.
After 2 years and 2 months, I applied for a position as Contract Manager Raw Materials Italy. After an experience of 5 years, I can say that it was the most complete job I could have had. After this, another opportunity presented itself: a new role as Contract Manager Raw Materials Hungary and Business Support Analyst.
What were your key career moments?
As a sales analyst, I felt at some point that I was starting to reach my limit, so I asked to see the activities of another department through shadowing. I needed something new, dynamic and I had the courage to say it – this was the first step in order to be helped and guided by the management. A key element was my willingness to take on additional responsibilities in the department where I did the shadowing.
Another key career moment was as Contract Manager, when, 3 months into the role, I asked for support in handling the big workload. Once again, I was listened to, and this way, I gained more time to also work as an ambassador for Michelin.
If I love something in Michelin, it is that I was heard every time I wanted to say something.
What are the three most valuable career lessons you have learnt?
In Michelin, I have learnt that: it is ok to say NO, be a team player and don’t work only for money.
Why did you choose Business Services Industry? What were the top 3 reasons for choosing your company?
The first reason is that it is a strong brand and a top company.
It is not a secret that a good work culture creates engaged employees, who are more productive, so I can add here trust in the company, job satisfaction, and a good cultural fit.
Another reason is a clear and well-developed organisational structure and clearly defined reporting structures.
Tell us a little bit about your private life: your passions, family. What do you do to relax?
I can say that I am who I am because of my family. They have always supported me in everything I wanted to do, and I thank them. It is no longer a secret among friends or colleagues that I love to do fitness and to travel. The workouts help me disconnect from everything during the day. I want to develop more this area in the future.
If now you were starting your career, knowing the present and near future opportunities, what would you do?
I don’t think I would change anything. I would work just as hard as I already did, I would be as involved as I was and I’m sure the opportunities would come my way.
What are the top 3 skills that you would develop?
I want to develop my interpersonal abilities (even if I don’t have difficulties, I would like to develop this skill more), have the ability to wear multiple hats and work on my tactfulness (it is important for individuals to know how and when to deal with various issues), and improve my leadership skills.
What would you do and what would you avoid doing?—practical advice to young professionals
I would try to focus more on what I want and take action. My advice for young professionals is: be different, be yourself, be courageous, be curious, be involved, and learn as much as you can!
Vlad Mihai Rosu, Import Expert – Michelin Corporate & Business Services
I’m Vlad Mihai Rosu, Import Expert since March 2021 in Michelin Corporate & Business Services, the Michelin shared services centre in Bucharest, where more than 700 people deliver excellence in Purchasing, Finance, Logistics, Sales Administration and Personnel.
How did you start your career? Which were your first steps? How did you envision your career?
My first job was in the hospitality sector, a job that taught me valuable lessons, and then I worked in sales.
I am a curious person, and I always challenge everything; before I learn a new skill or new process, I need to understand the logic behind it, so my first steps in my career were to ask a lot of questions and get an overall knowledge of how the business worked.
At first, I had the classic vision: work hard, gain experience, and walk in the steps of others and not on my own path; but, as I got more experienced and wiser, I started to see that I needed to follow my own path and also ask myself what I wanted, and then I started to search for the company that would be the greatest fit for me.
What were your key career moments?
I would say that I had several key career moments, but the most impactful moment in my career was when I started to work at Michelin.
What are the three most valuable career lessons you have learnt?
- Never assume. This is a lesson that I had to work hard to understand and then even harder to learn; to never assume anything until you double-triple check and get a firm confirmation for information, or until you make sure that you are on the same page with your counterpart.
- Don`t be afraid to fail. If you do not fail, you do not give yourself the opportunity to become better and evolve.
- Never stop learning. When you keep an open mind and are always willing to learn new things, you will never miss opportunities.
Why did you choose Business Services Industry? What were the top 3 reasons for choosing your company?
Because I am a results-oriented person, the Business Services industry is the best fit for me.
Why I chose Michelin:
- Michelin cares about people and does not consider you just an employee. You have a voice in Michelin, and you are always seen as a person.
- You have opportunities to grow and develop, you are encouraged and empowered to take your own path and make your own decisions.
- The strategy of the Michelin Group is a practical one, focused on a sustainable future for people, planet, and profit.
Tell us a little bit about your private life: your passions, family. What do you do to relax?
I am a family man, happily married for 8+ years, with a beautiful son and 2 dogs. I love movies, hiking, skydiving, swimming, and other water sports. Whenever I am stressed, I either go for a swim or watch a movie to relax, and I also spend time with my son and my wife.
If now you were starting your career, knowing the present and near future opportunities, what would you do?
I would not lose time walking in the footsteps of others; instead, I would walk on my own path from the beginning.
What are the top 3 skills that you would develop?
- Managing emotions;
- Leadership skills;
- The art of sending a written message.
What would you do and what would you avoid doing?—practical advice to young professionals
I would keep learning, have an open mindset, always challenge everything and be curious.
Things that I would avoid:
- Believing that I know everything;
- Being afraid of mistakes and not learning from them;
- Limiting myself.