Emma's Passion for Engineering
"From early school, I considered science to be easy to understand, and I remember I was fascinated once I discovered algorithms: I felt incredibly powerful to know that I could provide a general solution that could solve an entire class of problems." Emma recalls. This passion led her to pursue mathematics and computer science degrees and eventually to join HARMAN.
"At HARMAN, I love seeing the immediate rewards of our work and helping others overcome engineering challenges," she adds.
Managing a team of nine developers, Emma ensures that delivery milestones
are met, budgets
are planned, and her team operates in an inclusive, psychologically safe environment. Her approach combines technical excellence with a deep understanding of the human side of engineering, making her the inspiring leader we are all lucky to have on our team.
Navigating Challenges and "The Algorithm for Success"
Emma's approach to overcoming challenges is both pragmatic and optimistic. Although she faced judgment, Emma always treated those with a smile.
"This mindset helps me focus on my career rather than obstacles," she shares. Her advice? Intentional career development:
"I
advise all women, and not only women, to believe in themselves,
to lose the impostor syndrome, and to start being intentional in their career."
Mentorship has played a significant role in Emma's professional development. "I've had amazing mentors who supported me. Now, I aim to pay it forward by advising and guiding aspiring women leaders," she says. Through
HARMAN Women Network (HWN) - one of our Employee Resource Groups that gives HARMAN people a voice, Emma helps foster a supportive community for women to discuss and overcome challenges.
A Unique Perspective in Leadership
The first thing you will notice about her is her sense of ownership. Being in a leadership position for seven years now and having interacted with different people - as the first point of contact for the Video and Camera Infrastructure service, as a leader, and as an ERG endorser - she is your "lead by example" and "show, don't just tell" type of person. Always on the move and ready to say yes to the next challenge or opportunity, just like the Automotive industry itself, she shares, "Having seniority in a management role comes with a responsibility towards the company and your colleagues to highlight the company values. At HARMAN, we are committed to building a safe and inclusive environment. A place where everybody can be their best selves."
Keeping equity in mind, Emma leverages her position to champion gender diversity and inclusion. Her senior role and involvement in promoting the company culture allow her to influence her team and the broader community. And as she says, that is not something to take for granted. So, following her own advice and walking the talk, Emma started her journey at HARMAN by being the first female engineer in Romania to become a manager and, after that, a senior manager. She later said yes to the HARMAN Women Network (HWN) leadership for Bucharest and now chairs the HWN Advisory Board globally. "Our goal is to support, empower, and recognize women, ensuring the global DE&I strategy is implemented and sustained," she clarifies.
Creating the Inclusive Environment of the Future
Having this holistic overview, Emma believes recognizing our biases is the first step to creating inclusive environments. "Our brains are wired to make fast connections, but it's our responsibility to challenge ourselves and stay open-minded. This practice helps break biases and fosters inclusivity," she explained. Emma aims to see more women taking the lead in various activities. She emphasizes the beauty of having diverse teams where different approaches can coexist and complement each other. Her message to women aiming for leadership roles is clear: "I want more women to believe in themselves and take action. Having role models and preparing the next generation for their careers is vital."
Join Emma at European Women in Teach 2024!
Emma's message at European Women in Tech—a hub for networking, learning, and sharing experiences—is clear and powerful: It can be done. She emphasizes the crucial importance of finding your voice and standing up for your dreams. As a testament to
personal growth and resilience, Emma will
be taking the stage to share how she untangled
"The Algorithm for Success".
Be prepared for a speech about intentional career development that draws on real-life experiences, some fun ones and some very challenging ones.
She candidly shares,
"There were moments when self-doubt crept in, questioning my abilities." However, she discovered that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. It's a gateway to deeper connections and genuine relationships. Her story is a beacon of hope, encouraging others to embrace their vulnerabilities and be authentic in their professional and personal lives.
Authentically Balancing Work and Personal Life
Outside of work, Emma is passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and is a safe care and fashion enthusiast. "I enjoy fitness, especially weight lifting, and I'm closely monitoring my sleep and nutrition. I love taking care of myself with regular massages and spa visits," she shares. Emma is also a keen traveler, aiming to spend at least one month each year on the beach, exploring new cultures and local cuisines. "Traveling is the best thing you can do with money in this life," she believes.
Emma's balanced approach to professional and personal life highlights her as a strong and feminine leader. The video below shows this balance and how she embodies strength and grace in her career and personal pursuits.
Ready to join Emma and our amazing team?
Dive into our career opportunities here and be part of an inclusive, tech-savvy community that's shaping the future of technology!
