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The Diligence Above & Beyond Awards (DABAs) celebrate employees who go “Above and Beyond” in their work on behalf of Diligence. These awards recognize individual accomplishments and contributions to both team and Diligence goals three times a year. We celebrate these individuals for embodying the spirit of Exiger’s Guiding Principles.
The Impact Award
Ioana Stafie, Team Lead, Public Records, EMEA
This award goes to the professional that had a measurable impact on our product and our company’s achievement through research excellence.
About Ioana
- The best advice I’ve ever received is: “Life’s short, take advantage of every second.”
- If I could meet anyone, it would be: a very old version of me that already lived my life. It would save me a lot of trouble.
- I’m currently reading: The Secret Life of Dali
- My go-to dish to cook: Grilled broccoli
- I’m currently watching: The world change.
What is your biggest motivator when it comes to your job performance?
My team’s performance. Since becoming a team lead, making sure that my team is I would say that the biggest motivator is success and growth. This is the motivator and also the goal. It does not matter what your job is, you have to always strive for improvement.
What have you been working on during your time at Exiger? Who have you met and what have you learned?
I’ve been a researcher, reviewer, manager, product expert, colleague, trainer, mentor, and friend. I’ve met a lot of people and I’ve learnt that every human interaction leads to a lesson.
What has inspired you? And what excites you moving forward?
I’m inspired by true professionals, and I’ve met some. I’m thrilled about the office’s growth and further opportunities. I like seeing people evolve.
The Creativity Award
Madalina Carp, Team Lead, Public Records, EMEA
This award goes to the professional that uses the freedom they have in order to create or support systems or programs which impact our products and process.
About Madalina
- The best advice I’ve ever recieved: “Don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter thirty!”
- My go-to karaoke song: “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
- I’m currently watching: The White Lotus
- If I could meet anyone, it would be: William Shakespeare
- I’m currently reading: The Book of Moods: How I Turned My Worst Emotions Into My Best Life by Lauren Martin
What is your biggest motivator when it comes to your job performance?
My biggest desire and motivator in life is when my work and its impact is recognized, seen, respected, and appreciated. This motivates me to work harder and put more passion every single day. It is one of the driving principles in my quest for professional and personal development.
What have you been working on during your time at Exiger? Who have you met and what have you learned?
Ever since joining Exiger in the middle of the pandemic I have been on a continuous learning path, from research and writing to team management. I’ve been working on improving myself and my team, helping and guiding us on the path to success. Growing alongside my team has helped me find a particular management style which I’m currently trying to put in writing to share with my peers. I’m thankful that I have met inspiring people all around, from the members of my team to my colleagues and supervisors, everyone is teaching me something, be it patience, industry expertise or problem solving.
What has inspired you? And what excites you moving forward?
Many things inspire me at Exiger, such as the importance of our work, the almost palpable drive and passion of my peers, or the companionship, cooperation and understanding between colleagues. I’m excited to see the growth of my team members, the development of our company and to share all this with my coworkers in a safe and understanding environment. And most of all, I look forward to planning exciting team building activities.
The Improvement Award
Larisa Popa, Conference Lead, Analysts, EMEA
This award goes to the professional that seeks constructive solutions, maintains a positive attitude, and works toward constant upward growth.
About Larisa
- My go-to dish to cook: Halloumi Burger
- The best advice I’ve ever received is: “Be kind to people; treat people as you would like to be treated.”
- If I could meet anyone, it would be: my grandfather
- I’m currently reading: Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
- I’ve learned during quarantine: Cooking is fun! Masks are fashion!
What is your biggest motivator when it comes to your job performance?
Currently, my biggest motivation is mentoring and coaching others. I’m passionate about having a natural work connection, demonstrating patience with those in need of guidance and support, helping people figure out the best path forward.
What have you been working on during your time at Exiger? Who have you met and what have you learned?
I have been at Exiger since May 2019, and since then I had the opportunity to work on all Exiger products, [and been] part of the training team for almost one and a half years. I joined Exiger two years ago, as a Team Leader of the Analysts. Currently, I manage 4 teams of Analysts which consist of 53 colleagues. During my career at Exiger, I managed to help improve existing procedures, create helpful guidance for Managed Services, and most importantly, be an important factor in helping the Bucharest office grow.
What has inspired you? And what excites you moving forward?
My inspiration is related to how people feel and what they can achieve when you show them trust and kindness. With these in mind, I am motivated by the fact that I can work with very capable professionals, who prove to me every day the importance of working in a strong team.
The Citizenship Award
Gerardo ‘Gerry’ Lazaro, Team Lead, LatAm, USA
This award goes to the professional that is egoless in seeking to do what is best for the whole organization, putting the interests of Diligence and Exiger before an individual office or team.
About Gerry
- My go-to dish to cook: Fondue
- Best advice I’ve ever recieved: “Caminante no hay camino, se hace camino al andar.”
- I’m currently reading: The Accidental President of Brazil: A Memoir by Fernando Henrique Cardoso
- I’m currently watching: Succession
- If I could meet anyone, it would be: Stevie Wonder
What is your biggest motivator when it comes to your job performance?
The biggest motivator is to have my team members succeed at what they do and accomplish their milestones at Exiger. I feel very fortunate to have outstanding leaders and great mentorship at Exiger as it has provided me the tools to succeed. Another motivator is to have my team members feel engaged and a sense of pride with what they do.
What have you been working on during your time at Exiger? Who have you met and what have you learned?
I have been working on doing research and training in Latin American jurisdictions. While we have been working remotely, we have been able to meet in a continuous basis and create a great working relationship and work environment.
What has inspired you? And what excites you moving forward?
What inspires me is my family and my desire to work with others and reach all of our goals.
