Welcome to the newest instalment of MG Meets where we get to know the person behind the position. This month we’re taking a trip to the Capital of Culture 2021, Timisoara, to talk to Iulia Balan about her love of Leonard Cohen, wanting to be a Warrior Princess and her life as a Senior Business Manager and Branch Manager of our Romanian office…
How long have you worked for Manning Global?
I joined the MG team in November 2017.
What made you choose office management as a career?
My choice is to work with people – that’s what I like the most.
What does your role at Manning Global mostly entail?
It’s such a dynamic managerial role that includes a whole range of administrative duties within the Timisoara office.
What is the best thing about your job at Manning Global?
Where do I start? Firstly, I get to utilise all the skills I have learnt so far in my career, whilst picking up new ones on a daily basis. Every day I feel that I am improving and realising my potential, so you can’t say better than that!
What qualities do you need to succeed at Manning Global?
You have to like talking to people and be eager to learn new things; I feel like I get to know the world from a different perspective.
How would you describe the culture in the Timisoara office?
It’s a young, dynamic environment, with nice people, warm personalities who are all eager to build a career – I love it!
What was your dream job as a child?
When I was young I wanted to be a Warrior Princess! By the age of 12 I dreamt of becoming a lawyer. I was 19 when I decided that I wanted to work with people, which is the main reason I studied sociology.
If you could listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
‘Dance me to the end of love’ by Leonard Cohen. He’s my favourite singer!
What are your hobbies out of work?
I love watching tutorials about make-up, then trying the different techniques on my friends. I also love the Romanian mountains, swimming and reading. Oh, I also have two spoilt brats, so that makes my evenings very interesting 😉
What was the best piece of advice you were ever given?
It came from my father; he told me not to listen to others but to do what is best for me.
Finally, what is your life motto?
What doesn’t kill you definitely makes you stronger!
What is your advice to someone considering a career with Manning Global?
Be prepared to learn and you’ll really prosper.