Alina Predescu is one of those great connectors who is always involved in exciting work. Most recently, she brought together female leaders and entrepreneurs for a series of events as a part of a women's conference. In our month dedicated to moving ideas forward, Alina continues to be one of our favorite visionaries. Enjoy our Q+A with Alina below, and be sure to check out her spotlight feature in this month's issue of En Root.
This month's theme is all about moving ideas forward. Tell us about how you interpret this theme, and how it has played a role in your personal or professional life. We are each our own universe of ideas and possibilities. I think almost everything we do, whether it is in our professional or personal life, is moving ideas forward and creating new possibilities. For example, I don’t think of myself as an entrepreneur, but I am very good at bringing together women entrepreneurs and others from different fields to exchange ideas and create opportunities for others.
At OutGrowth, we believe in designing the space and time to reimagine the path forward. What are your tips on taking steps today to use our abundance and take our ideas to the next level?
I was recently at a conference where the keynote speaker shared: improvise, adapt and overcome. I would add to that: improvise, adapt and overcome continuously.
Tell us about your most significant professional moment since the start of the pandemic.
It’s hard to pick one. But a main learning for me has been to be kinder to ourselves, our colleagues and supervisors. We don’t know what everyone has to juggle when they show up for work every day.
How did this experience change the course of your life, your career or your outlook from pre-pandemic times.
I think I am more flexible and accept that priorities can change.
What is one competency or skill you hope to develop in 2022?
Patience.
What inspires you these days?
Nature. This is not new, but I have been more intentional about listening to nature and enjoying the outdoors.
At OutGrowth, we believe in preparing the next generation of leaders. What is one resource (book, podcast, article, anything!) you'd recommend to those looking to carve out the time for growth in 2022?
National Geographic has always been a resource of interesting articles and beautiful glimpses of the world for me.
What's next? What are your next steps toward growth in 2022?
Doing the next best thing.
Alina Predescu is passionate about bringing together multidisciplinary teams to work efficiently whether it pertains to biomedical innovation or her volunteer work with the JHU Alumni Affinities. She also enjoys time outdoors with her retired greyhound, Alma.