Meet Doina. She’s changing the
lives of others, one mission-critical
project at a time.

Doina Lepadatu, Wind River^® director of project management in Engineering, has always wanted to change lives. At an early age, she imagined that she would do so by becoming a doctor, but a growing love of math, problem-solving, and the allure of algorithms eventually led her to adjust her plans. Inspired by her passions, Doina earned her bachelor’s degree in computer science from Polytechnic University of Bucharest and has spent the past 20 years in the tech industry.

In her current role, Doina regularly faces challenges that come with managing intricate, complex, mission-critical projects involving cutting-edge technologies such as Wind River Studio Developer. In this environment, her skills — strategic thinking, adaptability, effective communication, and analysis — act as her compass. Committed to cultivating a growth mindset, Doina builds her skills by seeking out mentorship, reflecting on her performance, engaging in cross-functional discussions to understand how technology is evolving within projects, and engaging in continuous learning through courses and webinars.

Doina also attributes much of her growth to the Wind River culture of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. “Teamwork here is critical. Everyone is very supportive, willing to help and work together,” she says. “We have a collaborative environment where trust and transparency are the norm.”

This collaborative approach to problem-solving is as strategic as it is inclusive. Doina relishes uniting relevant stakeholders, diving into their perspectives, and utilizing their expertise to arrive at a solution. This act of juggling priorities and stakeholders isn’t just about delivering on metrics but also builds strong relationships where communication is key.

The art of conveying complex information clearly, prioritizing tasks, and fostering positive team relationships can make or break a project. She personally addresses any potential gaps by making herself available and accessible, providing context and setting clear objectives. In doing so, she fosters an environment where questions and discussions aren’t just welcomed; they’re encouraged.

When she steps out of her professional realm, Doina finds solace in nature. She enjoys hiking and walking outdoors, a hobby that perhaps mirrors her daily role — consistently navigating challenges, appreciating milestones, and moving forward. Traveling is another passion; absorbing new cultures and histories offers her a broader view, which spills into her professional approach to understanding people and projects.

Looking into the future, Doina has identified a few trends set to shape program management. She strongly believes that agile methodologies are vital for managing the dynamic nature of modern tech programs. Additionally, data-driven decision-making and an increased emphasis on soft skills involving emotional intelligence and empathy will become even more crucial in rapidly changing environments.

For aspiring software engineers looking to start their careers, Doina stresses the importance of grasping project management fundamentals and honing the ability to adapt to unexpected challenges and changes. She encourages aspirants to develop the skills to convey complex information clearly; foster positive relationships; cultivate a strong network that can provide support, insights, and collaboration opportunities; be open to learning from team members; seek advice when needed; and learn to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities effectively.

In a world where technology is constantly evolving, leaders like Doina Lepadatu are at the forefront, not just setting objectives and deadlines but also shaping the very culture that allows innovation to thrive. With a mix of hard skills, soft skills, and an intrinsic passion for what she does, Doina is the embodiment of what it takes to navigate the complex world of program management in the tech industry. And although she didn’t become a doctor as she once envisioned, she’s nonetheless reached the goal she set for herself as a child — she’s changing the lives of others, one mission-critical project at a time.