Doina Vornicu, CEZ Romania: “Performance is about creating a culture that genuinely rewards innovation”

The business leader of 2020 must have the ability to build trust and to facilitate the unlock of people’s potential, according to Doina Vornicu, Chief Operating Officer at CEZ Group in Romania. “One must be able to influence and inspire innovation and creativity, because performance is not only about technology and product development, but more about creating a culture that genuinely rewards innovation,” she tells The Diplomat – Bucharest. “Last but not least, the business leader of 2020 must create a fear-free environment, wherein the people are encouraged to leave the comfort zone behind, to take risks and fight ‘the dragons’, wherein they are empowered to say ‘we did it by our own means and ways’”.

The world is definitely changing for employees, as much as for business leaders, Vornicu explains: “One must breathe and eat flexibility, because our day to day environment will feature ambiguity above all other things. One must understand and internalize the speed of change and treat the ecological and social accountabilities and reputation with sustainability and care. And, of course, one needs to embrace the diversity, without forgetting the traditions and for that, one needs a certain level of precision that makes the positive difference.”

For Doina Vornicu, the values regarding work ethics and culture that she would replicate it to each level of company departments are: a) making a difference, b) keeping promises, c) being reliable, d) being positive.

“The team of CEZ Group in Romania, as we built it, is my milestone!” she underlines. “That is a team which in several years achieved the biggest leap in evolution from a traditional team to a innovative and agile team! Young (in spirit and facts), courageous, managing polarities! Brave while facing the unpredictable environment and fearless while looking towards the future! I am deeply proud of them!”

Her inspiring message to business peers is: “The future is now! I imagine it as a mountain we started to climb together and which is our honor and duty to conquer. I already see us putting the flag on its peak, tired but happy and full of hope. Our view reflects the horizon and gives us the deepest and most fulfilling satisfaction! In that particular moment, all the obstacles, silent times and doubts are forgotten. But what will stay with us forever are the learnings from this trip. When we had to fly, we built wings. When we had to crack the rock, our mind built the tools, we adjusted the needs to the resources of the environment and we made it! Who shoots for the stars will see the Earth in its utmost beauty.””

(From the print edition)