Ștefan Manu

What are some common misconceptions about your job?
I'm responsible for keeping connections up and flow rates from different markets to our applications. I can't "misplace funds" into my friends' accounts, as they would have me do.

What do you think would happen if you didn't take your job seriously?
The first thing that comes to mind is that I'd be out on my bike way more. But from a company perspective, me not doing my job well enough might mean having to pay some fines.

From a social perspective, what do you bring to the team? And do they give back?
I usually bring good vibes, smiles, my camera and the occasional chocolate cake. The connection we have on a social level and the fact that we're always willing to help each other professionally are very rewarding to me.

What does work-life balance mean to you?
It means that my private life takes no hits from my job.

And do you achieve it?
I do. It helps that my working hours are flexible, as long as I get the job done. And I don't have to be in the office every day to perform, and that's well understood.

It can't all be good – what's a tough moment you've faced in your job?
I would have to say the first Disaster Recovery I've gone through. It ended up being a successful one, but things didn't go as planned from the get-go. We had to failback the entire process.

And how did that feel?
Well, the stress of an unsuccessful Disaster Recovery exercise can potentially cut a few years off your life. But it's also a test for the spirit of a team and we passed with flying colours. It made me feel like I was just where I needed to be, and that feeling stood the test of time.