I am Anca and I am proud and humble in the same time to share from my professional and personal development journey so far with anyone interested to work in Human Resources and interested in personal development. My current home is in Brasov, Romania and I am working as HR Director supporting several teams in a multinational company in Automotive Industry - Autoliv. I like to say that HR found me and not the other way around 😊 While I was still a student one colleague asked me if I would be interested in a job as a part time recruiter, I say yes, and this is how my journey in HR started 17 years ago. I have navigated through almost all the HR Processes, I had the privilege to build and guide teams, to implement HR processes from scratch and to master influence without authority in many cases. I love working with people and even more I love to listen, guide, and bring smile back to people faces no matter how challenging the time is.
My Mentoring Topics
- Talent management & acquisition
- Learning & development
- Consultation
- Communication
- Leadership & navigation
- Strategic and critical thinking
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Leadership & Management
A.
22.August 2024I’m really lucky to have Anca as my mentor. Anca is always there to encourage me and offer advice, especially during tough times. She helped me with my job search by reviewing my CV, practicing interviews, and always making time for me when I needed it. Anca is full of energy and knows how to motivate others. She is positive and dedicated, helping me improve my skills in my current job. It’s rare to find someone like Anca, who gives so much of her time to help others, always with a smile. After every talk with her, I feel more enthusiastic and ready to take on new challenges. I wholeheartedly recommend Anca to anyone seeking guidance and support. People like her, who give so much to others without expecting anything in return, are truly one of a kind.
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The Gifts of Imperfection - Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
Brené Brown
Key Facts or Insights from "The Gifts of Imperfection" Embracing imperfection is a key to living a wholehearted life. Authenticity is a practice and it's about the choice to show up and be real. Courage, compassion, and connection are the tools for developing resilience. Self-compassion is critically important to overcoming shame and cultivating resilience. Creativity, play, and rest are not luxuries, but essential to our well-being. Letting go of numbing and powerlessness can help us cultivate a resilient spirit. Gratitude and joy are attitudes we can choose that contribute to a ‘wholehearted’ life. A calm and stillness, which doesn’t necessarily mean meditation, can help us understand ourselves better. Believing we're enough can help us become more loving and accepting of ourselves and others. Meaningful work and shared experiences are important for living a fulfilling life. An In-Depth Summary and Analysis "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown is a groundbreaking work that challenges our perceptions about perfection and self-acceptance. In the book, Brown, a leading expert on shame, authenticity, and belonging, shares ten guideposts on the power of wholehearted living - a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness. The first guidepost, which is about embracing imperfection, forms the basis of Brown's philosophy. It is a concept that runs counter to the societal norms where we are taught to seek perfection in all that we do. The author emphasizes that imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we are all in this together. Imperfection is seen as a gift, a doorway to empathy, connection, and authenticity. Brown presents authenticity as a practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are. It's a continuous journey, which requires vulnerability and courage. From a psychological perspective, this resonates with Carl Rogers' concept of 'congruence' in which an individual’s ideal self (who they think they should be) aligns with their actual self (who they genuinely are). The book also emphasizes the importance of courage, compassion, and connection as tools for resilience. Brown defines courage as telling the story of who you are with your whole heart, which requires embracing vulnerability. The idea of vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness is a radical but powerful concept. Compassion and connection, she argues, can alleviate feelings of fear and inadequacy, creating a sense of belonging and love. Self-compassion is one of the most pivotal concepts in the book. Brown believes that it is only when we can be compassionate towards ourselves, acknowledging our own pain and treating ourselves with kindness, that we can genuinely extend compassion towards others. This concept aligns with many mindfulness practices, which emphasize self-compassion as a means of promoting emotional well-being. In a society that glorifies busyness, Brown highlights the importance of rest, play, and creativity. She asserts that these are not luxuries but necessities for our well-being. This echoes the sentiments of many psychologists and neuroscientists who argue that creativity and play are essential for cognitive development and mental health. Numbing and powerlessness are common responses to pain and fear. However, Brown argues that these responses only serve to intensify our pain in the long run. Instead, she encourages readers to cultivate a resilient spirit, which involves recognizing our struggles, seeking help when needed, and continuously striving for emotional growth. Gratitude and joy, according to Brown, are not the result of good fortune or random chance. Instead, they are a mindset that we can cultivate. She argues that by practicing gratitude, we can learn to recognize the abundance in our lives, which in turn, can lead to increased joy and satisfaction. Brown also explores the concept of calm and stillness, suggesting that it is in these moments that we can gain greater self-understanding. This is reminiscent of the mindfulness practice of meditation, which promotes calm and stillness as a way to foster self-awareness and emotional regulation. The belief that "I am enough" forms the foundation of Brown's guide to a wholehearted life. This belief, she argues, can lead to a greater sense of love and belonging, both towards ourselves and others. Lastly, Brown emphasizes the importance of meaningful work and shared experiences in living a fulfilling life. She suggests that when we engage in work that aligns with our passions and values, and share experiences with those we care about, we are more likely to feel content and satisfied with our lives. In conclusion, "The Gifts of Imperfection" is a profound exploration of the power of embracing our vulnerabilities, imperfections, and authentic selves. By offering practical strategies and personal anecdotes, Brené Brown provides a roadmap to wholehearted living that is both accessible and profoundly transformative.
ViewHidden Potential - The Science of Achieving Greater Things
Adam Grant
Key Insights from "Hidden Potential - The Science of Achieving Greater Things" Unlocking one's potential: The book emphasizes the idea that everyone has untapped potential within them that can be harnessed to achieve greater things. The power of belief: The author argues that belief in one's abilities is fundamental to unlocking potential and achieving success. Role of persistence: The book underscores the importance of persistence and resilience in overcoming obstacles and reaching our goals. The Growth Mindset: The author discusses the concept of a 'growth mindset' as a crucial factor in personal and professional development. Importance of self-awareness: The book stresses the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection in understanding our strengths and weaknesses. Value of mentorship: The author highlights how mentorship can play a pivotal role in guiding individuals towards realizing their potential. Learning from failure: The book encourages viewing failures as learning opportunities instead of setbacks. Goal setting: The author talks about the role of setting clear, achievable goals in the pursuit of success. Creating opportunities: The book emphasizes the importance of being proactive in creating opportunities instead of waiting for them. Importance of continual learning: The author advocates for lifelong learning as a key to unlocking hidden potential. Role of motivation: The book discusses internal and external motivation as critical factors in achieving greater things. In-depth Summary and Analysis "Hidden Potential - The Science of Achieving Greater Things" by Adam Grant is a compelling exploration of the human potential and the various factors that can help individuals tap into their latent abilities. Drawing from years of research and firsthand experience, Grant presents a comprehensive guide to personal and professional development. The first key insight from the book is the idea that everyone has untapped potential within them that can be harnessed to achieve greater things. This aligns with the psychological concept of self-efficacy, which suggests that individuals have the capacity to perform tasks at a higher level than they currently do. Grant encourages readers to challenge their self-imposed limitations and venture beyond their comfort zones. Belief in one's abilities is fundamental to unlocking potential and achieving success, says Grant. This echoes the concept of self-belief or self-confidence, often highlighted in psychological literature as a determinant of success. The book offers practical tips on how to cultivate this belief, such as through positive self-talk and visualization. Persistence and resilience are underscored as crucial traits for overcoming obstacles and reaching our goals. This resonates with Angela Duckworth's research on 'grit,' which she defines as the combination of passion and perseverance for long-term goals. Grant's emphasis on persistence provides a practical perspective on how to develop this 'grit.' One of the most significant contributions of the book is the discussion on 'growth mindset.' This term, coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, refers to the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. By promoting a growth mindset, the book challenges the traditional notions of fixed intelligence and talent. The book also stresses the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection in understanding our strengths and weaknesses. This aligns with Daniel Goleman's work on emotional intelligence, which includes self-awareness as a core component. By understanding ourselves better, we can leverage our strengths and work on our weaknesses, thereby unlocking our hidden potential. Mentorship is highlighted as a pivotal factor in guiding individuals towards realizing their potential. This aligns with research on the positive impact of mentoring relationships in various fields, ranging from academia to business. By sharing their experiences and insights, mentors can help mentees navigate their path to success. Grant encourages viewing failures as learning opportunities instead of setbacks, a perspective that aligns with the concept of 'failing forward.' This approach encourages individuals to learn from their mistakes and use them as stepping stones towards success. Setting clear, achievable goals is another important theme in the book. This ties into the psychological concept of goal-setting theory, which suggests that setting specific and challenging goals leads to higher performance. The book emphasizes the importance of being proactive in creating opportunities instead of waiting for them. This proactive approach aligns with the concept of 'locus of control,' a psychological term referring to how individuals perceive the control they have over their own lives. The author advocates for lifelong learning as a key to unlocking hidden potential. This aligns with the concept of 'learning agility,' which refers to an individual's desire and ability to learn from experience and apply that learning to perform successfully under new situations. Finally, the book discusses internal and external motivation as critical factors in achieving greater things. This is consistent with Self-Determination Theory, which posits that intrinsic motivation (doing something because it is inherently interesting or enjoyable) and extrinsic motivation (doing something because it leads to a separable outcome) both play crucial roles in driving behavior. In conclusion, "Hidden Potential - The Science of Achieving Greater Things" presents a comprehensive guide to realizing one's potential, backed by scientific research and practical advice. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to unlock their potential and achieve greater things in their personal and professional lives.
ViewThink Again - The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
Adam Grant
Key Facts and Insights from "Think Again - The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know" Power of Unlearning: The book emphasizes the need to unlearn outdated beliefs, opinions, and knowledge to make room for new, relevant insights. Intellectual Humility: Grant underlines the importance of intellectual humility, which involves recognizing the limits of one's knowledge and being open to others' perspectives. Re-thinking Vs. Persistence: The book challenges the traditional view of persistence and determination as the keys to success, suggesting instead that success can often be found through re-thinking and changing course. Scientist Mindset: Grant proposes that we should adopt a 'scientist mindset', where we constantly test our beliefs and assumptions, and adapt them based on new evidence. Feedback and Criticism: The book encourages embracing criticism and feedback as tools for growth and improvement rather than perceiving them as personal attacks. Role of Emotions in Decision Making: Grant highlights how our emotions can impact our decision-making abilities and hence, the need to manage them effectively. Groupthink and Collective Overconfidence: The book warns against the dangers of groupthink and collective overconfidence, which can lead to poor decision making and inhibit innovation. An In-Depth Analysis In "Think Again - The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know", Adam Grant introduces readers to the concept of rethinking – the ability to question your old beliefs and update them based on new information. The central premise of the book is that in a rapidly changing world, it's essential to reconsider and revise our beliefs, strategies, and plans, rather than stubbornly sticking to them. The book starts by exploring the power of unlearning. This refers to the process of letting go of outdated or inaccurate beliefs and knowledge to make room for new and more relevant insights. This aligns with Thomas Kuhn's theory of paradigm shifts in scientific revolutions, where new scientific discoveries often require us to discard old theories. Grant stresses the importance of intellectual humility, a trait that involves acknowledging the limits of our knowledge and being open to others' perspectives. This is in line with psychological research showing that intellectual humility is associated with better decision-making and more effective learning. He also challenges the commonly held belief that success comes from persistence and determination. While these traits can certainly be useful, Grant argues that they can also lead to rigid thinking and resistance to change. Instead, he suggests that we should be willing to re-think our strategies and plans in the face of new evidence. This resonates with Carol Dweck's work on "growth mindset", which emphasizes the value of flexibility and adaptability. In addition, Grant promotes the adoption of a 'scientist mindset', where we constantly test our beliefs and assumptions and adapt them based on new evidence. This is reminiscent of Karl Popper's philosophy of science, which posits that scientific knowledge progresses through the falsification of existing theories. The book also highlights the importance of feedback and criticism in promoting growth and improvement. This is consistent with research in the field of positive psychology, which shows that constructive feedback can enhance performance and job satisfaction. Another key theme in the book is the role of emotions in decision making. Grant underscores how our emotions can cloud our judgment and impair our decision-making abilities. This aligns with Daniel Kahneman's work on cognitive biases, which demonstrates how our emotions can lead us to make irrational choices. Finally, Grant warns about the dangers of groupthink and collective overconfidence. He argues that these phenomena can stifle innovation and lead to poor decision making. This echoes Irving Janis's seminal work on groupthink, which shows how group pressures can lead to flawed decision-making processes. In conclusion, "Think Again" is a thought-provoking book that encourages us to challenge our beliefs, embrace uncertainty, and stay open to new ideas. It aligns with several well-established theories and findings in psychology and offers valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their thinking and decision-making skills.
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D.
19.September 2024Anca has a wealth of knowledge in HR and people topics. I find her incredibly competent. She gave me very helpful advice, and helped me seeing things from another perspective. Thank you very much, Anca!