Alina Podaru is a founding member and the Group Chief People and Culture Officer at Leviatan Group, where she shapes the organisational culture of one of Romania’s most innovative construction groups. With more than two decades of experience in people and organisational development, she has helped change the group of companies into a place where technological performance meets genuine care for people.

At Leviatan Group, Alina supports the group of companies’ vision of turning ideas into reality through strong values such as innovation, integrity, responsibility, camaraderie, tenacity and vitality.

In her role as Group Chief People and Culture Officer, she has driven initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion and balance. Under her leadership, Leviatan Group became a signatory of the Romanian Diversity Charter, strengthened its support for organisations such as HOSPICE Casa Speranței, and created the HERizon community, opening new opportunities for women within the group of companies.

A defining moment of her leadership was obtaining the Top Employer 2025 certification from the Top Employers Institute, the most prestigious global authority in HR strategies. The accreditation followed a rigorous evaluation covering HR strategy, talent acquisition and development, diversity and inclusion, work environment and employee well-being. It is an explicit confirmation of the company’s high standards and authentic care for people.

At the invitation of the publication “Women Who Inspire Romania”, Alina Podaru spoke about what it means to lead as a woman in a world marked by uncertainty and rapid transformation.

You are part of the gallery of successful women whose involvement, perseverance and dedication help change Romania for the better. What were your beginnings, and how did your journey towards success unfold? What inspired you to choose this path? Was it difficult or easy?

I believe the “road to success” is a continuous journey rather than a final destination. I started with curiosity and a sincere desire to work with and for people. The journey included moments of uncertainty, failures that taught me important lessons, and many difficult decisions. Each stage contributed to who I am today.

I remember wanting from the very beginning to create a space where people feel seen and heard. This belief still guides me every day. In a highly technical and often rigid industry, I chose to believe that the most valuable resource is the human being.

My perseverance has never been about pushing forward at any cost, but about staying true to my values: respect, integrity and curiosity. There were moments when things felt hard, but I saw them as opportunities to grow. It was not a smooth road, but the challenges are what made it meaningful.

In general, men follow a clear and socially accepted career path. Women, on the other hand, tend to think first about family, children, home and responsibilities, and only then about a professional path. How difficult is it for a woman to find the strength and wisdom to harmonise both family and career?

I believe one of the most significant challenges for women is understanding that balance does not mean perfection. Balance is about conscious choices and the acceptance that sometimes one area will require more of you than the other.

As a mother and leader, I have learned that harmony comes when you allow yourself to be vulnerable. We do not have to prove that we can do everything flawlessly. Real strength lies in asking for help, delegating and acknowledging that family and career are not parallel paths but two threads that weave together.

I know many women struggle with the pressure of being present for both their family and their career. I have felt that pressure too. But I discovered that when you put people at the centre of everything you do, both at home and at work, you eventually find your rhythm.

There are more and more successful businesswomen today. What qualities should a woman have to become a strong leader, a role model who inspires and motivates others?

I believe authentic leadership, regardless of gender, is built on three essential ingredients: courage, empathy and perseverance. For women, it sometimes takes an extra measure of courage to claim their place in an industry traditionally dominated by men, such as construction.

A leader is not someone who has all the answers, but someone who creates a space where people feel free to ask questions and explore solutions. I have learned that vulnerability, when embraced, does not weaken you. It makes you more credible and more connected to others.

If I were to give one piece of advice to young women who aspire to lead, it would be this: stay curious, remain authentic and be patient with yourselves. A perfect leader does not inspire people. They are inspired by a leader who shows their humanity and keeps going despite the obstacles.

Are you optimistic or pessimistic? How do you see the challenges and expectations of 2025, a year that already shows signs of major transformation? What does the future look like for you and for female entrepreneurship in Romania?

By nature, I am an optimist. 2025 has been a challenging year, but I believe these challenges push us to be more creative, more attentive to people and more grounded in reality.

For me, this year is about consolidation and growth. It is about strengthening organisational culture, building trust, and increasing our ability to respond to rapid change. I am proud that Leviatan Group received the Top Employer 2025 recognition, a sign that our commitment to people is not just a promise but a globally validated standard.

As for female entrepreneurship in Romania, I see real opportunities ahead, along with the responsibility to continue creating environments where women are heard and supported. I know biases still exist, but I believe that every woman’s success story breaks down another barrier.

The interview was published by Piața Financiară in the print edition of “Women Who Change Romania”, November 2025.