Leonard Cucos is Head of Marketing at our Global Operations Centre in Romania.
Here he tells us a little about himself and his experience working at Access.
What does your morning look like before you start work?
My mornings strike a balance between consistency and flexibility, often starting with a brisk jog to clear my mind and energise my body. This is followed by the essential ritual of brewing a perfect cup of coffee, which truly sets the tone for the day ahead. As I enjoy my coffee, I briefly review industry news and motivational quotes, igniting my creativity and strategic thinking for the day. This morning routine ensures I'm fully charged and ready to lead with innovation and insight at Access, keeping me sharp and focused on our team and projects.
What 3 things do you always carry with you in your bag/pocket?
1. A magic 8-ball for making those tough strategic decisions – it's my secret to success in global operations.
2. A tiny, yet surprisingly loud, motivational rubber duck – for those moments when I need a pep talk or to cheer on the team.
3. A USB drive loaded with motivational speeches and emergency cat videos – essential for morale during those long project sprints.
What was the last movie you watched? Would you recommend it?
My latest movie watch was 'Tetris', and honestly, it was a hit for me. I've always leaned towards documentaries, and this one, feeling very much like a docudrama, didn't disappoint. It walks you through the journey of how Tetris evolved from a simple game into a worldwide sensation. The story is packed with creativity, challenges, and the kind of perseverance that inspires. It's told in a way that's very humane and relatable, highlighting the effort it takes to turn a game into a name everyone recognises. A must-watch!
How do you think your team would describe you?
My team probably sees me as a motivational detective with a knack for solving problems and a personal touch that keeps everyone feeling valued.
What do you do on days you feel unmotivated?
On days I feel unmotivated, I channel my inner DJ, mixing a playlist of success stories, team highlights, and the occasional power ballad to rekindle my drive and get the rhythm of productivity flowing again.
What has been your biggest professional challenge in the last year?
Stepping into the role of Head of Marketing for the Romanian GOC has been my Everest this past year. The climb involved mastering the art of using my people skills not just to scale new heights in employee engagement and motivation but also to navigate the thin air of a fast-growing team here.
How has your work, your role or your industry changed since the start of your career?
Since the start of my career, the landscape of my role and our industry has transformed dramatically here in RO GOC. Initially, marketing teams were more streamlined, with a focus on a few key functions in Digital Marketing. Now, as Head of Marketing for the Romanian GOC, I've witnessed our team scale up rapidly, incorporating a diverse array of functions and roles. This expansion reflects not just in the complexity and creativity of our campaigns but also in the way we approach problem-solving and innovation, making every day a new learning experience.
What do you want to do differently in your next role or as your progress in your current role?
In my current role or as I progress to the next, I aim to foster even stronger cross-functional collaboration within our team. I believe by breaking down silos and encouraging diverse departments to work together more seamlessly, we can unleash a new level of creativity and efficiency. Additionally, I want to prioritise personal development for each team member, ensuring they not only grow their skill sets but also feel deeply connected to our collective mission and vision
What's your favourite memory of working with Access?
My favorite memory of working with Access has to be the marketing and SDR kickoff in the UK in January 2024, presided over by our CMO, Tete Soto. It was an incredibly insightful event that not only offered a wealth of knowledge but also acted as a powerful catalyst for team motivation. The energy, the shared learning, and the collective enthusiasm we experienced there have fueled us with inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose throughout the year.
What do you think it takes to be successful at Access?
To be successful at Access, it takes resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This company, perhaps more than any other in my career, has opened a wealth of career opportunities and pathways to not just meet but exceed our personal and professional goals. It's about constantly striving to become better in what you do, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, and maintaining the agility to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving marketing landscape.
How would you like to see Access grow in the future?
I'd love to see Access continue to grow by further embracing innovation and sustainability in its operations and offerings. Expanding our global footprint while maintaining a strong, positive company culture that values diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being is key. Additionally, investing in cutting-edge technologies and training for our teams to stay ahead of industry trends would ensure we not only meet but exceed customer expectations. Ultimately, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability will be crucial for our sustained growth and success in the future.
Is there any part of your experience with Access or more generally in your career that you would like to highlight?
As part of the Employee Spotlight series, I'd be keen to discuss the transformative power of effective team leadership and the role it has played in my career, especially during my time with Access. Leading the RO GOC marketing team through a period of significant scaling and diversification has been a highlight for me. This experience underscored the importance of adaptive leadership, clear communication, and fostering a culture of innovation and resilience. Sharing insights on navigating these challenges, the strategies employed to keep the team aligned and motivated, and the lessons learned along the way could provide valuable perspectives for current and future leaders within Access.
What was your dream job when you were a child?
As a kid, my dream job was to become a teacher. Back then, I might not have grasped the full depth of education's impact, but I was incredibly lucky to have teachers who were not just good at their jobs—they were superheroes without capes. They had this magical ability to make even the most mundane topics come alive, and their passion for teaching was downright contagious. Looking back, it's clear they were my early inspiration, showing me how education can truly shape the future, one lesson at a time. While I didn't end up in a classroom, I still carry that love for teaching and learning into everything I do. And who knows? Maybe there's a parallel universe where I'm Professor Cucos, captivating young minds with the art of marketing instead of the ABCs.