Can you tell us a bit about your educational background before entering the IT world?

Ah, before I dived into the tech world, I was deeply entrenched in the fascinating realm of art history - a domain where one of the most cutting-edge technologies was the paintbrush! My academic journey was a grand tour mainly through centuries of Byzantine splendor and the intricate diplomatic procedures between East and West, so I spent my days engrossed in the glittering allure of Byzantine mosaics, while my nights were dedicated to unraveling the nuanced layers of diplomacy. At the same time, I was captivated by how we perceive art and how it impacts our brains. On one hand, I was immersed in the past; on the other, in the modern world of neuroscience that, thanks to advanced technologies, can create astonishing research tools.

When I transitioned to IT, it felt like trading the opulent Byzantine courts for the fast-paced, pixelated universe of code (can we think of the small pieces of mosaics as the ancient equivalent of pixels? We surely can!). I would say that I finally made that quantum leap from the past to the future. Instead of orchestrating diplomatic intrigues or interpreting ancient mosaics, I now navigate the complexities of workforce management and optimization of staffing processes, where discovering new strategies and solutions in this realm can be just as exciting and creative as unraveling and explaining the intricate strategies of Byzantine emperors and the nuances of artistic solutions. 

How did you get started in the IT industry? Was there something specific that inspired you to choose this career path?

My dad has been fascinated by new technologies for as long as I can remember. Since he worked in a computer store, I grew up surrounded by hundreds of IT magazines at home and stayed up-to-date with everything happening in the tech world. This constant exposure to the latest gadgets, innovations, and tech trends fueled my curiosity and passion for the digital realm, which a bit later connected seamlessly with my fascination for IT and the business world.

Do you remember your first job in IT? What were some of the challenges you faced when you were just starting?

I was searching for new opportunities that could help me develop my potential and allow me to grow further, not knowing exactly where to go. Sometimes, even when you have no clear vision of where your potential lies or where to go next, someone unexpectedly appears to point you in a direction you never even considered. They reveal opportunities you had no idea existed. Even if you're uncertain at the beginning, it can turn out to be exactly what you were dreaming of.

My first IT company hired me not because of my experience, but because of the potential my manager saw in me during our interview. I applied because the role looked interesting and some of my skills matched the requirements, though I was certain they would never reach out to me! To my surprise, they offered me the job the next day. I was both terrified and excited to start in a role where I had no experience whatsoever. However, I trusted my instincts and accepted the offer. I had to learn everything from scratch, but with the help of my amazing mentors, I succeeded in the role and discovered it was exactly what I wanted to do.

What's a typical day like for you as a Resource Manager?

A typical day for me as a Resource Manager is like juggling flaming torches but with deadlines, projects, and teams instead. I’m constantly striving to stay up-to-date, handling strategic workforce planning, and playing an endless game of Tetris in the world of resource allocation. I also serve as a matchmaker, aligning individuals with projects and ensuring that our talent management decisions are in line with the needs, capabilities, and preferences of our specialists.

Additionally, I must ensure that our choices meet client expectations and advance our company’s goals. Wrestling with spreadsheets and Gantt charts to manage surprises and sudden changes is part of my daily routine, along with monitoring revenue forecasts, current/future bench, and adjusting the workload of our talent pool to handle evolving opportunities.  Essentially, a Resource Manager serves as a trusted and well-informed mediator and advisor to Project Managers, the Business Development Team, and the Board by providing high-quality solutions for workforce management. It’s a whirlwind of constant coordination, diving deep into the core of numerous cases, helping to efficiently utilize and develop the pool of company talents, and identifying opportunities that align with business goals.

What are some of the biggest challenges you encounter in your role?

First and foremost, a passion for mediating, assisting others, and resolving conflicts in alignment with business goals is crucial, as these responsibilities are central to the role of a Resource Manager. You are the go-to expert for project staffing, with colleagues relying on you for insightful solutions and effective management of resource allocation challenges. The main motto in terms of challenges could be the saying "Expect the unexpected".

In resource management, surprises are the only constant—so the ability to remain calm when everything seems to be falling apart and to maintain focus despite chaotic changes is invaluable. Aligning talents with the right projects sometimes feels like an endless challenge - just when you think everything is sorted, a new block (or project) comes along, and the game resets. You are the trusted source of knowledge about what is happening in the staffing area, so you always have to stay up to date to be able to help and advise as quickly and as efficiently as possible. You identify current and future needs and do your best to forecast the next steps to remove any obstacles. This supports project teams in achieving success and allows them to more effectively prioritize the client’s needs.

A good Resource Manager should always be ready to navigate through the jungle of the unknown, finding often unconventional and creative solutions that keep staffing processes and strategies on track while adapting to evolving needs. Ensuring that both company and client goals are achieved seamlessly and with the highest quality through meticulous talent selection should always be one of the primary objectives in this role.

In your opinion, what qualities are essential for achieving success in the tech industry?

I want to emphasize that achieving success in the tech industry involves much more than just technical skills and a tech mindset. It obviously depends on the role you choose, but basically, it’s about harnessing a blend of personal qualities that help you connect with others and navigate through the often complex and very dynamic landscape of technology. Curiosity and resilience are crucial components of this set —being truly open to facing challenges that foster growth is essential, as well as a keen willingness to learn because the tech world changes and evolves quickly and requires good adaptive skills. 

As technology is being created by and for humans - you will most probably end up working with them, so it is good to be well-prepared for that part of the journey too: authenticity, well-developed emotional intelligence, and efficient communication skills can be tremendously helpful in that environment. Last but not least, this applies not only to the tech industry but is worth mentioning: it is also good to be surrounded by people who are genuinely willing to support you and help you to grow, so beware and make smart choices! And if you are ready and committed to delivering high-quality performance and have passion for it, the rest you can always learn.

What hobbies or interests outside of work help you stay energized and motivated?

Outside of work, I find that traveling, immersing myself in nature, and altering my surroundings are essential for maintaining a refreshed mind and vibrant creativity. I delight in playing beach volleyball whenever I have the opportunity to be by the shore and also enjoy painting as a means of expressing my inner world through art. The profoundly multidimensional realm of music has been a crucial part of my life for as long as I can remember, helping me to stay focused, inspired, and creative. Given that music impacts humans even at a cellular level, it may be one of the reasons it stands as one of my most effective methods for achieving the desired state.