We met for a coffee with Doina Binig, to refill our batteries in a good company. Doina is a real source of inspiration, as you will read soon. We invite you to discover her, in the following lines.

ALISIA ENCO: Tell me a short story about your career. How does a common day at the office looks like to you and how do you manage to get things done, when it comes to your daily responsibilities?

I am an Electrical engineer with postgraduate studies in finances and an Executive Master in Business Administration. My career started 23 years ago and for 21 years so far…I have been  a manager. A typical day of my professional life is full of challenges and interaction with many people: colleagues, customers, suppliers.

It’s so important to love what you do, to work well in a team, to be organized, to be both an inspiration and a motivation source for others, to be a trustworthy person, someone people can rely on, no matter what.

AE: A powerful business woman is still a rare thing when it comes to Romania’s business market. In your opinion, which are the main qualities a woman should check, in order to be successful?

The key word is “powerful”. To be successful has a different meaning for every person, depending on what’s really important to them.

If you feel strong, at peace, honest with yourself and fully involved to accomplish something that truly matters to you, to those around you, to your business and to the society as well, in this case, people around you will be aware of that and will define it as: ambition, perseverance, professionalism and success.

You don’t have to give up if things don’t work out from the start. It’s better to stand up and keep trying than to stand out and watch the game from outside of it.

In your professional life and in your personal one as well, you have to be the main character of the movie, not the film critic.

AE: What was that moment that completely turned around your professional life? Do you remember the outfit you wore that day?

The moment I received the letter that, despite the fact that I was still a student in the last year, I was accepted as part of the team in a large corporation coming in Romania. Nowadays, it may not seem as such a big deal but back then, in 1993…

I was finishing my diploma project in France and just entered the apartment in the campus  with the letter still unopened. I don’t remember exactly what I was wearing but for sure I was wearing heels, because I remember throwing them away so I can start dancing of joy.

AE: How does your attire influence the way you feel? Do you think there is a connexion between these two?

For sure! It’s important to be no disagreement between your mood and the clothes you opt for.With a little good will and optimism, you can manage to turnaround a day that you did not start on the right foot and your clothes must fit into this picture.As a woman, if you like what you see when you look in the mirror, you will feel good and if you feel good in your shoes, you will send the right message to all the people around you and they will see how beautiful you are.

AE: There are some “basic” pieces in a woman’s wardrobe but, the essentials are not always the same for all women. What do you believe are the highlights of your wardrobe?

For me, the essentials are: the white shirts and the white silk blouses with original details, the pencil skirts, the Capri pants, sleeveless dresses and 8 cm heels. 6.

AE: Carolina Herrera once said that “Trends may come and go, but nothing will ever beat a white shirt.”. What makes this piece of clothing so special?

It’s special because it’s so versatile and allows your imagination to play in order to make for yourself combinations with style.

AE: Details make the difference. For you, what are the most important details when choosing to buy a piece of clothing? What are the top two features you take into account before making a decision?

The most important features for me are: the impeccable quality and the design.

AE: Is there a moment in your career that was influenced by the outfit you have chosen?

There are lots of moments in a business woman career that are strongly influenced by the saying “dress to impress” and I don’t think there is something wrong in it. Whether it’s a negotiation, a charity ball or the moment of signing a major contract, your appearance is important.

I remember the beginnings of my career, I was wearing more masculine outfits just to make sure that people were taken me seriously in the important negotiations…

At the time, I think it really helped. With time, I realized that primarily matters the way you feel inside, to be strong, powerful and send the way you feel about yourself to all those around you. Your outfit should perfectly fit your style and personality.

AE: In what circumstances, during your professional life, it was the most difficult for you to decide what outfit you should choose?

At my first job, for my introductory meeting hold at the headquarters in Paris.

AE: You choose to wear a white shirt May Flower from ALISIA ENCO’s Traditionale Collection. What made you chose it?

The whole Traditionale Collection caught my attention. It’s an authentic collection, full of personality. It has that “je ne sais quoi” that transforms a classical piece and essentially masculine inspired, in a business piece that highlights the strengths and qualities of femininity.

If you like the white shirt May Flower from ALISIA ENCO’s Traditionale Collection, have a look for more details here.