Meet Iulia Ionescu—a leader whose career and personal experiences are filled with bold, unconventional choices, illustrating a journey that embodies the spirit of taking the road less traveled.
Iulia's story is marked by her ventures into male-dominated fields and her late-blooming passion for motorcycling, each chapter highlighting her zest for exploring new territories and embracing life’s challenges.
In this interview, Iulia shares insights drawn from her unique leadership path, revealing how her deepest and most vulnerable moments have shaped her approach to leadership.
Let's dive into Iulia's reflections on family, vulnerability, and the unconventional adventures that have defined her leadership journey.
First, would you like to share with us how your closest circle perceives you and your leadership style?
“My partner would often recount the story of my determination to learn to ride a motorcycle—a challenge I took up at 42. He'd describe it as a classic showcase of my never-say-die attitude, how I faced each fall with a chuckle and got right back up, more determined each time. He sees me as a harbor in the storm; a person who stands firm and provides shelter when challenges loom large. This persistence, coupled with a heart that cares deeply for others’ well-being, defines who I am in his eyes.
Reflecting on my childhood, my parents are often amazed at my journey from a quiet, introspective child to where I stand today. They recall my stubbornness when I passionately believed in something, even as a young girl. They’ve seen me overcome countless doubts from those who thought I couldn’t make it, turning each 'you can't do it' into a stepping stone. My parents admire how, through all the battles, I've never lost sight of what’s important—loving and caring deeply for our family, upholding morality, and protecting those who cannot defend themselves, perhaps because I sometimes felt unprotected myself.
The influence of my mother was particularly profound. Her strength and grace through adversity showed me that leadership isn't just about strength—it's also about vulnerability and the courage to show genuine care. These lessons from home have deeply influenced how I lead: with an open heart and a firm belief in the potential of others.”
Leading with an open heart is one of the most beautiful yet also challenging aspects of leadership. Would you like to share when and how you realized the kind of impact your mother had on your leadership?
“One of the most transformative experiences in my life occurred during a moment of profound loss—the funeral of my beloved mother. Known for her boundless compassion and dedication to helping others, I was aware of the impact she had on our local community. However, it wasn't until her funeral that I truly grasped the breadth and depth of her influence. As I stood by her coffin, enveloped in grief, an endless stream of people approached to share stories of how she had profoundly impacted their lives.
They spoke of critical moments when her support had been a lifeline: helping someone complete their education, providing emotional support during bouts of depression, inspiring others to explore the world, and even changing the course of lives through acts of kindness like facilitating an adoption. Each story added another layer to my understanding of what it means to lead a life of significance.
As I listened, my sadness began to mingle with a profound sense of pride and a burgeoning realization. Smiling amidst my tears, I recognized that my mother's legacy was not solely in what she achieved for herself but in the differences she made in the lives of others. Her life was a testament to the power of quiet, steadfast leadership that works tirelessly in the service of others.
This pivotal moment reshaped my own vision of success and leadership. It instilled in me a desire to emulate her example—to lead in a way that truly betters the lives of those around me. In my professional and personal life, I strive to support, inspire, and empower others just as she did. Leadership, to me, means creating a positive impact that helps people not just to succeed but to thrive.
Her funeral underscored a vital lesson: true accomplishment comes not from personal accolades or achievements but from the ability to positively influence others' lives. This insight has become a cornerstone of my leadership style, driving me to foster an environment where empathy, support, and genuine care are as important as any strategic business objective. My goal is to ensure that, like my mother, my legacy will be measured not just in achievements but in the stories of those whose lives I've touched.“
Thank you for trusting us with your vulnerable reflection. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
The power of vulnerability is often undervalued when it comes to leadership. What are your thoughts on this?
“A value that I hold dearly, which isn't always associated with traditional leadership but has been crucial to my success, is the power of vulnerability. In the corporate world, leaders are often expected to exude unwavering confidence and strength. However, I've found that embracing vulnerability—not as a weakness but as a strength—has allowed me to connect with my team on a deeper level, foster trust, and drive genuine engagement.
Vulnerability in leadership means being open about challenges and uncertainties. It means admitting when I don't have all the answers and asking for input from my team. This openness not only demystifies the decision-making process but also invites others to contribute their expertise and perspectives, enhancing collaborative efforts and innovative outcomes.
By showing vulnerability, I signal to others that it's safe to speak up, share new ideas, and take risks, which is essential in a dynamic business environment. It encourages a culture of learning and growth, where mistakes are seen as opportunities to improve rather than failures to be penalized.
Furthermore, vulnerability has allowed me to remain humble and approachable, qualities that facilitate strong relationships and a supportive team atmosphere. It breaks down barriers between hierarchical levels, making me more accessible and relatable as a leader.
In practice, my embrace of vulnerability has led to higher team cohesion, increased creativity, and greater loyalty. Team members are more likely to approach me with their ideas, concerns, and feedback, which equips us to tackle challenges more effectively and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
Ultimately, this belief in the strength of vulnerability has not only contributed to my personal success but has also enhanced the performance and satisfaction of my entire team. It's a testament to the idea that leadership involves not just guiding others but also growing alongside them, creating a shared journey towards success.”
Well, our conversation has shifted in a rather deep and heavy direction. But at the beginning of our conversation, you mentioned that your husband admires you for your motorcycling skills. Would you like to share about this area of your life?
“One of my favorite ways to unwind and escape the demands of my professional life is motorcycling. It's not just about the speed or the thrill; it's about the pure joy of being on the open road. There's something incredibly freeing about zipping through scenic landscapes with the wind in my face—it's like the world's best therapy session, but way more exhilarating!
Whenever I'm on my bike, I'm not a leader; I'm just another person enjoying the ride, with all the ups and downs that come with it. It's my time to step away from the emails and meetings and just be present in the moment. I joke with friends that while some people meditate to find peace, I just need to ride. Each journey on my motorcycle is a little adventure. Whether it's exploring new routes or revisiting favorite stretches of road, every ride is an opportunity to reset and recharge.
Plus, there's a fun side to motorcycling that resonates with my adventurous spirit. I love the spontaneous conversations at roadside stops with fellow bikers, the camaraderie in sharing road stories, or simply the challenge of mastering new riding skills. It's a hobby that constantly pushes me to learn and grow, but in a playful and thrilling way that’s quite different from my professional growth.
In a way, my motorcycle is my reset button. It helps me switch off from work mode and enjoy the simpler pleasures of life—like the perfect curve of a road or the stunning view at a vista point. It's these moments that keep me grounded and remind me that sometimes, you just need to take a break and go for a ride.”
Lastly, if you could go back in time and give one piece of advice to your younger self just starting out on their leadership journey, what would it be?
“If I could zip back in time and have a chat with my younger self just stepping onto the leadership path, I’d say, ‘Hey, grab a helmet—because this ride is going to get bumpy, and you’re going to love every minute of it!’
First off, trust that little voice in your head—even when it’s barely a whisper. That’s your intuition, and believe it or not, it’s smarter than you think. You’re going to face rooms full of raised eyebrows and crossed arms, especially in those stuffy board meetings. When that happens, remember: being the only woman in the room isn't just a challenge, it’s your superpower. Use it.
Don’t waste time trying to mimic the ‘big boys.’ Your empathy, your knack for listening, and yes, even your stubborn streak, are going to be your secret weapons. So, lean into your quirks—they’re going to make you unforgettable.
And when things get tough—as they inevitably will—remind yourself that it’s okay to ride solo sometimes. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about asking the right questions and sometimes making up the answers as you go. Embrace the chaos, because it’s in those moments you’ll find your best ideas (and yes, this includes that motorcycle you’ll be tempted to buy—do it!).
Oh, and one last thing: collect allies like you collect quirky coffee mugs. You’re going to need that network of sanity-checkers, cheerleaders, and occasional happy hour buddies. They’ll keep you grounded, inspired, and yes, even a bit more humble.
So, keep your head high, your spirits higher, and never forget to enjoy the ride. After all, leadership is less about the destination and more about the journey. Make it one heck of a story to tell!”
About Iulia
As a visionary executive with more than 20 years of experience shaping commercial landscapes across the EMEA region, Iulia Ionescu honed her expertise in catapulting strategic growth, fostering deep partner relations, and mastering procurement strategies. Her career is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence in business expansion, precision in P&L management, and strategic oversight of key accounts and trade channels, all aimed at driving operational efficiency and solidifying financial strength.
Iulia, a trailblazer in leadership and personal growth, reflects on the unconventional paths that shaped her. From riding motorcycles at 42 to learning leadership from her mother’s quiet strength, Ionescu emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and adventure. Her insights challenge traditional norms, offering a refreshing perspective on what it means to lead with heart and courage.
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