Tell us a bit about yourself, background and what you do currently
I am 41 years old, single mother of two teenagers, originally from Transylvania. I have been an entrepreneur most of my adult life. I have changed careers a couple of times, hence started from zero a few times. The hardest moment of my life was 2005 when I lost my dad, ended my marriage and lost my business in the divorce. With hindsight, I can say that 2005 was the worst and the best year of my life. Life forced me to face reality and answer all the questions that I was not willing to hear. Today I am the happiest I’ve ever been! I am a Leadership Breakthrough Specialist working with amazing people and supporting them progress toward becoming their better selves, a journey that I am doing myself along their side.
Why did you start your business?
After a brief career as a junior consultant with one of the Big Four, I was sat down to be told that although very good and promising at what I do, I am a complete disruptor in the office being too entrepreneurial. My dad was an entrepreneur and so is my brother, so I guess we have it in our blood. Being 23 and jobless, starting my own business became the obvious choice.
I love working with young adults. I find their positivity and enthusiasm refreshing, inspirational and motivational.
What appealed to you about setting up your own business?
Having the luxury of starting with a blank canvas, I took the time to “scan” the market and identify the gaps, taking into account what I was good at and enjoyed doing. I started an interior design company followed by the establishment of a bespoke upholstered furniture manufacturing company. A long way from what I do today, but a great learning experience for what I do today.
What has been your biggest challenge?
There were a lot of challenges, probably mostly challenges. But picking the biggest one, I would probably say it was managing the relationship with both the employees and the clients. The interaction was very different and my life experience wasn’t that extensive, so I learnt by doing. People always fascinated me, since a young age I liked to observe people. But observing and interacting with people are two very, very different things.
What’s been your greatest achievement personally?
Without a doubt my children! I am beyond proud of how my children are turning out and, modesty aside, I take full credit for that. As I mentioned earlier, I have been a single mother for the last 10 years.
If you weren’t doing what you do, what would you be doing?
I’d probably be a surgeon.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
I have been and still am inspired by lots of people I meet or read about. I remember watching the Paralympics in 2012. I was so inspired by those athletes that I literally stopped complaining about my life.
If I have to name people who inspired me, then I would name my parents from whom I learnt the art of interacting with people, what true generosity really is and the power of unconditional love.
People always fascinated me, since a young age I liked to observe people. But observing and interacting with people are two very, very different things.
What does the future hold for you?
Health, wealth and happiness, I hope 🙂 Joking aside, my plans for the future include writing one or two more books and getting involved in academia. I love working with young adults. I find their positivity and enthusiasm refreshing, inspirational and motivational.
To find out more visit:
http://www.twitter.com/mihaelaberciu
