Leading with Purpose: Andrei Lupu's QA Journey

The soul of Pangea.ai’s brand is making human connections. Our tech partners continue to build and strengthen our community’s DNA. We are very proud to have Expert Network as part of our circle, whose unique individuals now inspire and empower all of our team members.

Time to meet the QA Discipline Lead at Expert Network, Andrei-Cristian!

In your opinion, what are the hallmark traits of a great QA Discipline Lead?

As someone who has been in the QA industry for 5 years and has held various roles within the discipline, I believe that a great QA discipline lead should have a combination of technical expertise, strong leadership skills, and a passion for the impact of quality assurance on the end product.

Personal qualities such as very good communication and interpersonal abilities, the ability to mentor and develop team members, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement are key to success in this role. Additionally, being organized, detail-oriented, and having the ability to manage projects and priorities effectively are crucial to delivering results and inspiring others.

For me, what sets apart a great QA discipline lead is their ability to gather people around them as role models and lead by example with a strong sense of purpose and passion for their work.

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What are your primary responsibilities and what does your day-to-day look like?

As a QA Discipline Lead, my primary responsibilities include overseeing the progress of the discipline objectives, staying up to date with domain standards and advancements, ensuring the development of discipline competencies, creating and maintaining a list of relevant certifications, defining and promoting best practices, coordinating with technical leads to provide technical leadership, and leading the discipline's meet-up group. Additionally, I work with HR to interview and hire new team members and serve as a role model within the discipline.

On a day-to-day basis, I spend time monitoring the progress of projects and ensuring that they are aligned with our objectives and best practices. I communicate regularly with team members to provide guidance and support and attend meetings to stay informed of any updates or changes in the industry. I also invest time in continuous learning and staying up to date with advancements in the field, and attend training sessions or conferences to further my knowledge. Finally, I regularly assess the performance of the discipline and identify areas for improvement, and work with the team to implement any necessary changes to drive success.

What’s your next step, or a few goals you’d like to accomplish in life, or while with Expert Network?

In the short term, my goal is to continue to develop and grow as a leader in the QA discipline and make a meaningful impact within [company name]. I strive to keep up with the latest advancements in the field and impart my knowledge to the team to drive success.

In the long term, I am interested in exploring new technologies, particularly in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. I have a passion for understanding how these advancements can shape the future and bring about positive change. I would also like to start a project that has a positive impact on my local community, whether that be my town or country. I hope to utilize my background in trading and investing to make a difference and drive positive change in the world.

Overall, I am driven by a passion for technology and innovation, and I am always looking for new ways to learn and grow, both professionally and personally.

And yeah, I would like to build a garden too! I mean, who doesn't want to enjoy a little slice of nature in their backyard, right? Just kidding, I don't have a green thumb, but I'm still excited to try my hand at gardening!

What's your favorite line from a movie?

One of my favorite lines from a movie comes from "The Godfather". It's when Marlon Brando says, "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse". This line embodies the power and cunning of the character and is a testament to the timeless appeal of the film.

Another favorite line of mine is from "Goodfellas" when Joe Pesci says "Funny how? I mean funny like I'm a clown? I amuse you?". This line perfectly showcases Pesci's character's quick temper and dangerous personality. In both "The Godfather" and "Goodfellas", the dialogue is sharp, the characters are complex, and the stories are unforgettable. These movies are not just crime dramas, but also masterpieces of filmmaking that have stood the test of time.

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If you could pick one theme for Expert Network to turn into a book about the company, what would it be?

If I could choose one theme for Expert Network to turn into a book, I would choose "Building a Culture of Innovation and Growth". This theme would highlight the company's commitment to fostering a work environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. The book would showcase the various initiatives, programs, and processes that have been put in place to promote this culture, as well as the stories and experiences of employees who have benefited from it. It would be a celebration of the unique and dynamic community that Expert Network has built, and a testament to the company's dedication to empowering its people to reach their full potential.

...and maybe add a section on how we host an annual tomato-growing competition for the best office garden! (Just kidding, but wouldn't that be a hoot?)

...or maybe add a section on the annual office pool synchro-swimming competition, complete with swim caps and matching swimwear! (Now that's a company culture!)

How do you define success in life?

Success in life, for me, is a balance between achieving personal and professional goals, making a positive impact, and finding fulfillment and joy in life's experiences and relationships. It's about continuously striving for excellence in all aspects of life, whether it be in one's career, personal relationships, or hobbies, while also having the financial stability and freedom to enjoy life's simple pleasures and indulge in one's passions.

Get to know Andrei-Cristian and the rest of the Expert Network team!

We’re delighted that Andrei-Cristian decided to join Expert Network – it’s been great having them on board! If you have any questions or want to get to know Andrei-Cristian or one of their colleagues from the Expert Network team, we can put you in touch. Don’t hesitate to reach out!