It's no secret that at maib, we have one of the most extraordinary corporate running communities: activ la superlativ. Andrei Urzîca, SME Customer Relationship Manager in the SME Segment Department at maib, is one of the people who fully lives the values of this community.
With each workout and marathon won, Andrei inspires other colleagues to get pleasure from this activity and discover what it's like to have a team that supports you every time.
Find out from Andrei what it's like to be part of the maib superlatives, to push your limits and how a sport like this influences your professional life.
Andrei, we know you are now one of the most active superlatives, but we would like to see how this hobby started and how you became part of the maib " activ la superlativ" team?
Running has never been a hobby for me. Recently, during a conversation with a friend, I remembered with surprise how much I disliked the running norms during my middle and high school physical education classes.
However, fate surprised me when I became part of the maib "activ la superlativ" team. It was a real surprise for me. Shortly before the Chișinau Marathon 2021, Neonila Negruța, my colleague, registered me for this sporting event without being morally prepared for such an experience. Now, however, I am grateful for this opportunity, and to this day, I remember this experience with joy.
What is the best reason for you to be part of the maib runners team?
Being part of the maib runners' team allows you to experience authentic interaction with colleagues that goes beyond the professional environment and creates strong bonds. Running is not only about pushing yourself to your limits but also about promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Do you find involvement in the maib runners community has helped you develop team and communication skills in your professional environment?
Yes, for sure getting involved in the maib runners community is helpful and I even recommend other colleagues who are still on the fence to join and start immediately. Within the community, we get a lot of communication, freedom of expression, affirmation, and listening, all of which are applied in the professional environment much easier.
How do you think running activity relates to your energy level and productivity at your job?
Running provides tremendous energy, powering your body and mind, opening up new horizons and contributing to a positive mindset. These personal benefits also reflect positively in the professional sphere, directly impacting my productivity at work.
What has been your most outstanding achievement as a runner within maib?
Here, I could talk about several achievements I have had as a maib runner, from my first steps to the present, in terms of different criteria such as: time, distance or pace. But, at the moment, I am most proud of my achievement at the Bucharest Marathon 2023, which was also a goal of mine, to run the 42 km distance in less than 4 hours, where, in the end, I also conquered two personal bests at the 21 km and 42 km distances.
The most significant achievement is around the corner, in 2024 at the Transylvania 100k, 9th edition, on May 25. I can't wait.
How much time do you spend training?
Weekly, we enjoy an "official" community runner workout guided by the field's most professional coach and champion. These workouts are essential in my athletic development, receiving quality advice and personalised guidance from the coach to improve my performance.
In addition to these, I also go out with close friends for runs in various locations and weather conditions, expanding my running experience beyond the usual limits.
How do you balance your personal and professional life with your passion for running?
I do it successfully by applying effective planning and organisation. Regularly, I dedicate every Saturday morning to running training, a routine that involves effort and dedication.
Although these mornings were initially challenging, I have integrated them smoothly into my routine, overcoming obstacles and making them an essential part of my healthy lifestyle. In this way, I balanced the three aspects of my life.
Which route impressed you the most, and which was the most challenging?
The most impressive course was this year's Transylvania 100k, my first run through the mountains. I wasn't morally prepared because I didn't know how I would physically handle that course, but I was very impressed.
The most challenging route? The 42 km run at the Cluj-Napoca Marathon 2023 was my first marathon. It was a real challenge, especially as I doubted whether I could do it.
What are your tips for colleagues who want to start running or get involved in the maib runner community but are hesitant to do so?
I strongly encourage colleagues who want to start running or join the maib runners’ community to take the initiative to create the experience before the perfect time. In addition, I urge them to have confidence in their abilities, even if it is only a tiny start, because we are, in reality, capable of much more than we imagine.
Our community welcomes every new member and provides an environment where everyone matters, and we can rely on each other. I want to convey to them powerfully: champions are not born, they become champions, and joining the maib "activ la superlativ" community is the first step to becoming a champion of their development and success.
What does the maib activ la superlativ community mean to you?
It is a healthy lifestyle, discipline, self-improvement, energy, communication, ambition, goals, and pace of life.
Why do you think it is important for a company to develop such communities?
It is valuable for any company to develop such a community because it strengthens the team and the people in that company, and people are their most valuable asset.
Thank you for the interview!
