Introduce yourself.
I am a future of work enthusiast and the CEO of Livit International, a support ecosystem for entrepreneurs, startups and remote workers who build exciting tech and digital businesses; we have an innovation hub in Bali & run a number of other programs remotely and internationally. I’m also the founder of the Remote Skills Academy, an education platform that has equipped over 10,000 Indonesian (and not only) young people with in-demand digital skills.I was born Romanian and I’m ‘’slightly nomadic’’: I’ve lived in eight countries on four continents and explored over 50 others.
What do you like most about your job?
I’m doing something that I believe in and find exciting, with people I enjoy working with. That makes me feel successful on a mundane Wednesday, when nothing happens, no awards, milestones, media appearances are on schedule, just doing what I/we do. That’s my personal definition of success.
Tell me about a defining moment in your career.
When I was in my early twenties, I decided to quit a coveted job in banking (where I had been promoted three times within three years) to go on a string of international exchange experiences (both study and work related), which put my life and career on a completely different trajectory. I’ve never regretted that decision.
What was your first job in the sector?
During university, I worked for an NGO called AIESEC, a global platform for young people to develop their leadership potential through practical, international, cross-cultural experiences. I ‘played’ different roles, from project manager to team lead to expanding the program to Azerbaijan. It was a formative experience to say the least!
What makes you get up in the morning?
A sense of meaning and purpose, contributing toward something I care about. Freedom. I am fortunate enough to be able to choose what I get to do, how and with whom.
What’s the biggest challenge to your profession?
Switching your brain off!
I’m an entrepreneur, and we are always envisioning a slightly different future, as well as the way to get there. We’re always fixing problems. Your brain almost never takes a vacation from that. You have to force it to go into relaxation or curiosity-with-no-action mode!
What’s the best – and worst – food or drink experience at a conference you’ve had?
The desserts we had at a conference I once organised at Fairmont Baku were memorable. Exquisite taste and plating!
Be passionate about what you do and about the core “why” you do it
Conversely, coffee at most conferences is terrible – I’m not sure why, as getting caffeinated while expected to socialise intensively for a few days on a packed schedule, possibly dealing with jetlag and other logistics, might just be one of the most important things at a conference!
If you had one piece of advice you could give to an aspiring international educator, what would it be?
Be passionate about what you do and about the core “why” you do it – you will need that passion to sustain you through the many ups and downs ahead! And don’t underestimate cultural differences – becoming aware, knowledgeable and good at navigating them is one of the best investments you can make.
Describe a project you’re currently working on that excites you.
I’m currently working on bringing the Remote Skills Academy to two new continents: we are running our first program ever in Africa with a partner from Rwanda, and I am also working with a partner in Belgium, where we recently launched a digital skills program for immigrant women.
If you could learn one language instantly, what would it be and why?
Farsi. I love the sound of it, as well as Persian poetry and literature, and would love to read some of it in its original language.
