Adriana Calomfirescu: Guiding 400+ Endavans in Data and AI Excellence

How do you build a 400 + Data team from a handful in just a few years? That’s exactly what our colleague, Group Head of Data Adriana Calomfirescu, EMBA , did. Read on to learn how she grew a team of 5 almost tenfold in the fascinating field of Data, its intersection with AI and, as of late, Generative AI. Take note, and inspiration, from a woman who set out to be visible and create impact.?

You spearheaded the Data & AI team's growth at Endava. Can you walk us through that journey??

Absolutely. Indeed, in 2015, we started small - just five members in Bucharest. Our journey began with a keen recognition of the power of data, later of the AI and recently of Generative AI which is just a catalyser. Over time, our team has flourished, initially expanding from Bucharest to encompass Cluj and Chisinau, and eventually extending our reach to nearly all corners of Europe and Latin America. By 2022, our team had grown rapidly to over 430 members.?

Currently, my colleagues work in projects from Payments, Insurance, Media, Banking and Capital Markets, Healthcare, Logistics and many other industries.?

In the early days, what got you excited about Data and how did you grow your team??

Initially, spreading the word about our data competences was crucial, and growing competences went hand in hand with emerging opportunities. We had to explain what kind of challenges we could solve with the help of Data Specialists to outline our technological framework, to highlight the adaptability and enthusiasm of our team members in embracing novel concepts, and obviously the last but not the least important factor, the incredible growth opportunities in this field. ?

It was all about establishing the value of Data within the company, and as I said, Data Science and AI seamlessly complemented our foundation of data expertise.?

We initiated our efforts by showcasing our capabilities through presentations tailored for the sales teams and Delivery management communities, followed by discussions on how to spot a data opportunity within our local technical leadership from disciplines like Development and Architecture.

To enhance our visibility and ensure the right quality of the delivery for the data assignments and projects, we introduced a dedicated journey for Data specialists in TEAM. ?

Moreover, we actively participated with external presentations and delivered a lot of internal Pass-it-on on interesting topics across Data & AI specific communities.?

My colleagues are very active on blogs and producing relevant articles for Data & AI topics well aligned with the Endava marketing campaigns. For instance, since 2023?we have April month dedicated to Data and May to AI topics.?

You run a team of over 400 people. What's your leadership style like?

This is a complicated question because portraying my leadership style for a team of 400 or more members is not easy. ?

I’d say that it’s a combination of several ingredients: ensuring that the strategic vision is properly communicated to the leadership team to get their commitment for the implementation, fostering a culture of collaboration, knowledge-sharing and accountability across locations, and obviously effective delegation. ?

I believe in on-site visits, building an effective team from the beginning and sharing all the lessons learnt over the years. ??

When we start a new team is instrumental to bring in senior profiles and strong technical talent for growing the team around them. ?

Open communication is key – everyone's ideas and solutions matter. I empower individuals to present their work and give them credit.

It's about attracting top talent, building trust, and promoting technical leadership within the team.?? ?

I believe that clear expectations, transparent communication and two-way feedback are vital. However, opportunities to grow and develop should be available to all. In the Data & AI space the technology dynamic is high, and this helps me a lot in fostering a dynamic environment with Hackathons, through new certifications or other technical solutions. I keep my eye on the ball all the time and create a positive engaging work environment for my colleagues. ?

How do you manage a team of senior professionals???

Managing senior team members requires a personalised approach. I get to know each member, understand their strengths, and create space for them to excel. Building trust and leading by example is essential for a collaborative environment.?

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How does the team stay up to date in this fast-paced tech world???

My focus is on continuous learning and keeping pace with evolving technologies. New skills are essential. We prioritise learning because it benefits our projects, clients, end-users, and equips the team with valuable new expertise.

Given the rapid evolution of technology in this field, requiring continuous learning, we regularly organise Hackathons and since 2020, we have run an annual Data Academy Program spanning from January to May.

This program caters to the upskilling needs of individuals across all grades, from junior to senior levels, focusing on enhancing proficiency in the Data tech stack.?

In a few short years, Data, and related technologies, have gone from trendy to quintessential, the corner stone of decision making. Endava being at the forefront of this revolution did not just happen, it was made to happen by talented, determined individuals. Among them, Adriana Calomfirescu, who proves that if you’re passionate about a field, even one that is incipient, determination and talent will take you a long way. And building a great team will do the rest.??