Navigating a career path that spans the vibrant landscapes of the USA, UK, and Romania, Catalin Manolache brings a wealth of international experience to his role and to the International Executive MBA Class of 2025 as a foreign participant. Overcoming fears associated with a drastic shift in industries, stepping out of his comfort zone, and embracing the challenges of being a foreigner for over 20 years have been integral parts of Catalin’s journey, as he shares in this interview. Emphasizing the importance of staying sharp and open-minded, Catalin highlights the invaluable lessons learned so far and the profound impact they have had on shaping his career trajectory while studying the EMBA in Vilnius.
Can you tell us about your professional background and current role?
My professional journey spans 17 years in hospitality across several countries including the USA, UK, and Romania. Throughout this time, I’ve held various management roles, from team supervision to overseeing operations with diverse revenue streams. Currently, I lead the West Europe sales division at Teltonika Networks, managing a multinational team that requires navigating cultural diversity and varying preferences. It’s a complex yet rewarding role where each day brings new challenges and achievements.
What has been the most significant milestone in your career so far?
A significant milestone in my career was transitioning from hospitality to active sales and manufacturing. While working with people remained a constant, moving into a new field presented substantial challenges. Initially, adapting from a routine environment to a small company and driving its growth into a global enterprise at the corporate level was daunting, with numerous hurdles and learning curves along the way.
What motivated you to join the BMI Executive Institute’s EMBA program?
My decision was driven by curiosity and a thirst for continuous learning. As humans, we often discuss the steps needed to learn and grow, but few of us take proactive steps to act upon them. It requires an open mind and acceptance that we don’t know everything.
Despite years of managerial experience, I realized there was much more to explore and understand, especially amidst global changes like COVID-19 and economic shifts. The EMBA program offered an opportunity to expand my knowledge base beyond what I already knew.
Were there specific skills or knowledge areas you were looking to develop through this program?
I approached the program with an open mind, seeing it as a platform to absorb new perspectives and integrate them with my existing knowledge. It was about exploring what more I could learn rather than focusing on specific skills.
How did you learn about the BMI Executive Institute and what made you choose it over other programs?
I discovered BMI through extensive research into both online and face-to-face study options. Meeting Krilė Klug, the director of the EMBA program, who presented the program in an engaging manner, solidified my decision. Her insights resonated with me, and I felt confident that BMI would provide a valuable educational experience.
As a participant from abroad, what were your main considerations before joining the program?
Being a foreigner for the past two decades, I was familiar with the initial fears of adapting to a new environment and culture. The main concern was fitting in and overcoming potential language barriers. However, the warm reception and support at BMI quickly alleviated these worries.
Have you faced any challenges as an international participant, and how have you overcome them?
Fortunately, my experience as an international participant at BMI was smooth sailing. The program’s language aspects and interactions with colleagues posed no issues, thanks to the supportive environment and seamless communication with professors. Overall, it was a highly positive experience.
What do you consider to be the main strengths of the BMI Executive Institute’s EMBA program?
The main strengths of the BMI Executive Institute, in my view, lie in the benefits and value that the institution offers through its unique environment. BMI provides a safe space for participants to conduct research, explore, and discover. It’s not a typical workplace; here, you can collaborate with colleagues, professors, and executives. We are consistently encouraged to step out of our comfort zones, embrace trial and error, and learn from our experiences. This approach emphasizes the importance of overcoming self-imposed fears and limitations.
Can you share a specific example of a course or project that had a significant impact on you?
The international study module in Singapore was an incredibly enriching experience for me, personally one of the best in terms of learning throughout my life. Being part of National University of Singapore and spending time on their campus was a unique opportunity that many would aspire to have. Beyond the visit, we received invaluable direct feedback and insights from Professor Virginia Cha. This experience allowed us to bond as a group in an amazing environment as well.
Can you talk about any valuable connections or relationships you’ve built through the EMBA program?
As adults, we often become so focused on our professional responsibilities that we forget the importance of playfulness and enjoyment in life. My experience with BMI has shown me that every adult and executive still retains a playful side and a desire to balance fun with their commitment to roles, seriousness, punctuality, and achieving targets.
BMI fosters a strong sense of community and networking, which initially starts with introductions that can be intimidating. However, over time, these acquaintances evolve into colleagues and friends. Beyond BMI’s formal activities, we gather for informal gatherings like barbecues, forging connections that extend beyond the program itself.
The networking facilitated by BMI extends beyond business; I’ve built a diverse network of approximately 50 individuals spanning various industries, segments, and roles. This network provides invaluable advice, fostering an environment where feedback is constructive and supportive, ensuring I can seek guidance without fear of judgment.
This diversity of perspectives enriches discussions, offering alternative viewpoints and constructive criticism when needed. The two-way communication among colleagues and peers is incredibly valuable, contributing to continuous learning and growth both personally and professionally.
What are your long-term career goals, and how do you see the EMBA helping you achieve them?
In terms of career goals, I believe that the sky is the limit. My aspiration is to continually grow both personally and professionally, whether that means advancing in my current career path, exploring a new field, or perhaps embarking on a joint venture.
At the moment, I am still on a journey of learning and development. Completing the course with BMI is a significant milestone, and once we celebrate this achievement, I look forward to discussing and planning the next steps for future ventures.
What advice would you give to other professionals from abroad considering the BMI Executive Institute’s EMBA program?
I would emphasize the importance of keeping an open mind, even though it may sound cliché, it’s crucial.
Personally, I always thought of myself as open-minded, but early on in the program, I realized my definition of open-mindedness needed refining. I had to shift my perspective to appreciate different viewpoints and accept that knowledge is always evolving. This shift made my journey with BMI more enriching.
In conclusion, I believe that our actions today shape our future selves. I delayed starting the EMBA course for two years, citing concerns about its impact on my family and children. However, once I committed, I discovered ample time for personal growth and self-discovery. It’s about prioritizing continuous learning and development, not just for ourselves but also to influence those around us positively. This philosophy guides my daily life, although I occasionally revert to old habits. BMI has reinforced the idea that there’s always time to invest in personal growth, and it’s a resource we should utilize wisely.
