In an industry where women represent just 28.2% of the tech workforce globally1, pioneering female tech leaders are making remarkable strides in transforming the digital landscape. This story highlights one such leader's journey to excellence.
Mihaela's Journey: From Engineering to Global PMO Head
In the world of technology and digital engineering, leadership is about more than just keeping the wheels turning—it’s about envisioning and building a better future. Mihaela, the Global PMO Head in the CEO's Office, embodies this philosophy. Her journey from studying mathematics and informatics in high school to leading global strategic initiatives at Encora is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning.
Mihaela’s career began in technology before expanding into PR and HR, yet technology was never far from her path. Since 2012, she has played a key role in shaping delivery, project management, and operations within tech organizations. Her experience has culminated in her current role, where she supports the CEO in monitoring and implementing critical strategic initiatives worldwide. “I try to combine all sorts of powers,” she says, referring to her ability to bridge technology, communication, and project management seamlessly.
A Mindset for Change: Women Leaders Driving Innovation
Leaders like Mihaela are breaking barriers and setting new standards for excellence in an industry where only 22% of AI and data professionals are women2. For Mihaela, reimagining the system is not just a concept—it’s a daily practice. She believes that leadership demands the constant pursuit of improvement. “As leaders, we always have to think about a better future or imagine a better world,” she explains. Whether it's identifying problems and fixing them or completely redesigning processes, she sees leadership as an ongoing journey of reinvention.
One of her proudest achievements is the transformation of a reporting department into a data-driven powerhouse. With a team of three women, they automated workflows, introduced a resource allocation tool, integrated it with timesheet tracking, and leveraged Power BI dashboards. These advancements allowed them to monitor key performance indicators in real time, making proactive, data-driven decisions instead of relying on end-of-month reviews. “We were trying to eliminate manual work and errors as much as possible, while ensuring everyone was on board with the new systems,” she recalls.
The Unique Impact of Women in Tech Leadership
Mihaela is passionate about diversity in technology and the balance it brings to decision-making. While she believes that skills and competencies are not gender-specific, she emphasizes that women contribute unique strengths—particularly in communication and engagement. She firmly believes that women can bring more balance and enhanced communication skills to the table, fostering more profound engagement with different audiences. She hopes that this can create opportunities for everyone, enabling more inclusive and dynamic collaborations in the tech industry.
Mihaela also highlights the role of diversity in driving innovation. “Who wants uniformity? Uniformity cannot create change or innovation,” she asserts. By embracing diverse perspectives, companies can unlock groundbreaking ideas. Encora, for example, boasts one of the most diverse executive leadership teams in the industry, bringing together experts from various cultures and backgrounds. “With all these cultures and ideas combined, we will be a game changer,” she adds.
Finding Balance: Leadership, Family, and Inspiration
A Deloitte study mentions that 12% of women in tech view work-life balance as a challenge in their careers3. Mihaela's approach offers valuable insights for aspiring female tech leaders. As a mother and a leader, Mihaela understands the importance of balance. “I’m proud of my work and take immense satisfaction from it, but when I need to refocus, I turn to my family,” she shares. Spending time with her daughter offers her a fresh perspective, reminding her of the simple yet profound insights that children often have about the world. Traveling is another passion that helps her recharge and maintain perspective. “It's a matter of balancing everything together,” she says.
This ability to find an equilibrium between professional aspirations and personal fulfillment is a message she hopes to share with other women.
Advice for Women Aspiring to Lead and Innovate
Mihaela’s advice to women striving for leadership roles is simple yet powerful: “There is a time to fight and a time to recharge.” She acknowledges that systemic challenges exist, but she encourages women to remain focused on their passion and dedication. “Even if the context is not great, continue doing what you’re good at. The right moment will come.”
She also believes in the power of cycles—times of intense focus and ambition, followed by moments of reflection and recalibration. For women looking to advance in tech, she sees a significant opportunity in leveraging generative AI and other emerging technologies. “If dedicated programs could be created for women in tech, it could help boost careers and open new doors.”
Building a More Inclusive Future
Mihaela’s journey is an inspiration to women navigating careers in tech and beyond. Her leadership demonstrates that reimagining the system is not just about changing processes—it’s about changing mindsets. Through diversity, communication, and a commitment to continuous improvement, she and other women leaders are shaping a more inclusive and innovative future.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Mihaela’s story serves as a reminder that progress is built by those who dare to envision something better—and then take action to make it a reality. Women hackers and innovators across industries continue to challenge the status quo, proving that technology thrives when diverse perspectives come together to drive meaningful change.
References
Geldard R. (2024, June 27). Gender Gap: This is the state of work for women in 2024. World Economic Forum.
Pal S., Lazzaroni R.M., & Mendonza Paula. (2024, October 10). AI's Missing Link: The Gender Gap in the Talent Pool. interface.
Parmelee M. (2023, April 5). Empowering women at work. Deloitte Insights.
