What we learned: what truly matters in today’s workplace
In today’s fast-paced professional world, technical expertise is no longer enough to succeed.
Whether you’re in marketing, sales, legal, recruitment, or even running a company, one thing is pretty clear: it’s all about people. The stories shared by our colleagues underline one simple truth—empathy, communication, and adaptability are what truly drive success. Here’s what we’ve learned from our journeys so far.
The pace is fast, but human connections make all the difference.
New technologies emerge almost daily, making the work hectic and unpredictable. But amid all the chaos, one lesson stands out: it’s all about people. As Teo, our Head of Marketing, says, “Stories do not exist without people.” Building relationships, understanding individual motivations, and empathizing with different perspectives are central to the work. When things get overwhelming, the solution is often found in human interaction—listening, understanding, and collaborating. Soft skills, like communication and emotional intelligence, are the backbone of these interactions, transforming a fast-paced environment into one where creativity can thrive.
Similarly, our executive assistant, Marta stresses the importance of connecting with others in the workplace. Early on, she learned how much she depended on the support of her team. “We are surrounded by great people,” she reflects, emphasizing the importance of building a strong, trusting network. Marta’s journey shows that success is rarely achieved alone—collaboration, kindness, and teamwork are key.
Achieving success in leadership
Effective leadership isn’t about rigidity but connecting, understanding, and adapting. Our recruitment manager, Vlad, believes that “you can’t approach everyone the same way.” Everyone on his team is motivated differently, and understanding what drives each person allows him to tailor his approach. This empathetic leadership style builds trust and empowers the team to perform at their best.
Cătălin, our CEO, echoes similar sentiments but from a different angle. His leadership approach hinges on transparency and empowerment, two values that place people at the center of everything we do here at DevNest. In his view, a rigid, hierarchical structure doesn’t foster creativity or trust. Instead, a culture built on open communication and empathy empowers employees to take ownership of their work. “Your job is split between inspiring and connecting people,” Cătă states, making it clear that effective leadership is as much about soft skills as it is about business acumen.
The power of “No”
For Teo and Andreea, our in-house lawyer, learning to say “no” was one of their careers’ hardest yet most valuable lessons. Teo confesses that saying no “may cost us years in therapy,” but it’s essential when an idea isn’t feasible or the timing is wrong. For Andreea, setting boundaries is crucial in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. “Learn to say no,” she advises, especially when working long hours or managing unrealistic client demands. Setting clear boundaries earns respect and protects one’s mental health and personal relationships.
They both highlight a critical soft skill: asserting oneself without alienating others. Saying no isn’t about rejecting people—it’s about setting realistic expectations and maintaining professional (and, more often, personal) integrity. It’s a skill that balances empathy for others’ needs with respect for your limitations.
Mistakes are part of it all
Perfectionism can be a heavy burden, and no one knows this better than Marta, who, in the past, felt overwhelmed by the fear of making mistakes. But through trial and error, she discovered that “we only learn and rise from them.” Owning mistakes, seeking guidance, and learning from them is the only way to grow. Marta’s experience teaches us that we should not fear failure; instead, we should view it as an opportunity to improve.
Vlad, too, touches on this in his role as a recruitment manager. He reminds us that mistakes happen, even when we’re trying to make quick decisions on the spot. “Correct the issues, apologize if you need to, and don’t let it happen again,” he says. Mistakes, no matter how small or large, are part of the journey, and dealing with them gracefully is another essential soft skill.
Learning never stops
In an ever-evolving professional world, curiosity is key. Teo reminds us that the world changes at an incredible pace. “Never stop learning, asking, and listening,” Teo advises. The marketing landscape, for instance, evolves daily with new trends, platforms, and technologies. It’s not enough to rely on what you learned yesterday—today’s success requires constant curiosity and adaptability.
Marta shares a similar view from her position as an executive assistant. She realized that school is the beginning of our learning journey, not the end. “If you aren’t eager to learn and progress, you are lost like a black sheep on a dark night.” In every new role or project, there’s an opportunity to grow, whether it’s through new challenges or fresh experiences.
Prioritization. Managing time
One of the major lessons Marta learned was the importance of prioritization. Early in her career, she felt overwhelmed by tackling every task at once. It wasn’t until she learned to prioritize that she found balance in her work life. “Not every task is urgent,” Marta notes, emphasizing that knowing what needs immediate attention and what can wait is crucial in maintaining a healthy work pace. This skill also helps reduce stress and improve overall efficiency—valuable lessons for anyone juggling multiple responsibilities.
Unexpected situations often require rapid solutions. Flexibility and finding effective solutions on the fly are essential, says Anca, our CFO Assistant. Analyse, prioritize. Repeat.
Feedback brings growth
Ana and Vlad emphasize the significance of feedback in the recruitment field. For Ana, constructive feedback is essential to personal and professional development. It strengthens communication and builds better relationships, fostering continuous learning. Vlad takes this a step further, explaining that knowing when and how to solicit feedback is an art. It’s not just about asking for feedback but being ready to hear criticism and act on it. Feedback helps teams grow and enhances leadership—another lesson underscoring the importance of empathy and adaptability.
Another thing that brings growth is, as Cătălin says, empowering others to be the best version of themselves. Leading is all about inspiring people and connecting the dots.
Embrace the ride
Respect the people. Choose wisely. Sometimes, choose with your heart. Do the math. Share the spreadsheets. No one says work is always easy. But don’t forget to enjoy it all, even with its ups and downs. Enjoying the ride enhances your fulfillment and sets a positive tone for the team, says Nicu, our CFO.
Whether Andreea advises lawyers to “enjoy the lost cases” or Nicu, a CFO, urges professionals to “enjoy the ride,” the message is clear: setbacks are part of the process. Instead of dreading the challenges, we should embrace them, learn from them, and use them to build a life.
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Sure thing. Technical skills may open many doors, but the soft skills—empathy, communication, and adaptability—help you thrive once you’re inside. By focusing on relationships, setting boundaries, learning from mistakes, and embracing the journey, we enhance our professional success and create more meaningful and fulfilling work experiences.