In any ambitious project, a significant part of success comes from perspective: having a broad view, keeping your composure, and finding the right solution to overcome obstacles and move forward with a clear vision of your goals.
At work or in personal life, the same rules apply. Our colleague Cătălina Luca embodies these principles both with the Connections team, where she handles recruitment, and in her personal time, when she laces up her hiking boots, straps on her backpack, and heads for the mountains. It’s a hobby that not only improves her skills in the outdoors but also brings out her best self at work.
Transformation, a natural part of every story
Cătălina discovered her passion for hiking five years ago, and since then, her connection to the mountains has grown ever stronger and deeper.
“I was immediately drawn to the feeling of freedom and mental clarity it offers, and over time, I realized that many lessons from hiking apply to my professional work as well. Hiking requires planning, attention to detail, and flexibility — just like in recruitment. For each hike, I need to prepare my equipment, study the route, and anticipate potential challenges. Similarly, in recruitment, each candidate represents a unique path that requires a personalized approach and a well-thought-out strategy,” she says.
Mountain hikes are not simply walks, as the trails can vary widely, and Cătălina has already explored many of them. She has learned to relax on more accessible routes, like Mount Tâmpa (960 meters) and Mount Postăvaru (1799 meters), but also to test her strength, patience, and perseverance on the more challenging ones, such as Mount Moldoveanu (2544 meters) and Mount Toaca (1904 meters).
Of course, reaching the summit isn’t always easy. Over time, she has learned to better manage the unexpected challenges of hiking — from planning to improving her physical condition and properly managing her water and food supplies during longer treks.
“On the mountain, challenges are never in short supply. From unpredictable weather to moments when the trails were much tougher than I expected, each challenge has helped me become more resilient. I enjoy carefully planning each excursion and being always ready for a potential change in context, because when you’re on the trail, anything can happen. I’ve learned that patience and adaptability are essential, and I’ve come to realize that many lessons from hiking also help me in my professional work. In both cases, when the context can change — whether it’s the weather conditions or the complexity of a recruitment process — the key to success is to stay calm and seek efficient solutions. Challenges are a natural part of both activities,” Cătălina believes.
Lessons from the Mountains
For Cătălina, the lessons from the mountains are more than just a story of passion. They represent training that develops her personal qualities while broadening her perspective. Hiking has taught her that, often, the destination is just as important as the journey itself — sometimes even more so — and that one should savor it fully.
“Patience, perseverance, and the ability to assess situations quickly are just a few of the qualities I’ve gained. Plus, I’ve improved my physical condition and learned to manage resources better. The moments of relaxation in nature help me clear my mind and return to city life with renewed strength and a constant fresh energy.”
Tips for Beginners
- Start with easier trails and make sure to gather information before setting out.
- It’s important to have proper gear and always be prepared for sudden weather changes.
- Don’t neglect hydration, and bring an easily portable energy source, like protein bars or dried fruit.
- Enjoy every moment and don’t rush the trail. Hiking is not about the destination; it’s about the journey.
