It means a lot to us that you trust us! Because of this, we launched a new series of interviews called "People of DataDiggers" with lots of creative questions, so that you get to know us better!
This week's interview features Daniel, our CEO!
What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?
Most of the time, I think about how to get to my destination as fast as possible so that I can get on with my daily stuff.
What’s your favorite ‘90s jam?
Basically, everything Nirvana issued at the time, but especially “Smells like teen spirit”. I had their posters, t-shirts, and the rebel attitude. Even the hair, to some extent.
What’s the last TV show you watched?
Just finished the "Downton Abbey" series, and I’ve rewatched "30rock" from where I left it back in 2013.
What are you known for?
Being fair and obsessed with work, from time to time. And (a little) too serious type of character.
What’s the most interesting thing about you that it’s not put up in your resume?
Can I mention two things? First, we could call it a hobby, I often like to put myself in the shoes of a prime minister and really think what I would do, piece by piece, to make things work for the country and bring long-lasting prosperity for the people. I even designed government programs in detail.
Second, a long time ago I was convinced I was going to become an actor and I had a talent for it. I even signed up for classes. But you know how it goes, life got in the way.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I get my schedule organized beforehand if I want to maximize my productivity, I found that usually works and I spent my time efficiently.
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
Movies, as much and as often as possible.
What three words would your friends use to describe you? Why?
Serious, reliable, ambitious.
What’s the first concert you ever went to?
I think it was a Vama Veche concert when I was a teenager.
If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?
Perhaps “Go for it” – that’s because I’d like to have the opportunity to encourage people to take the leap of faith, find what really makes them tick, and not waste time on doing what others think it’s best for them. I personally wasted too much time on what the environment I grew up in thought I should be doing, and that’s just wrong.
What was your first job?
My first paid job was in an assistant marketing position for a trading company in Bucharest. Didn’t really like it, so I quit to become an assistant waiter on a cruise ship that sailed throughout the Mediterranean, which was so much more interesting, learnt a lot.
How do you prefer to start your day?
With a big coffee + a round of the latest news.
What’s your favorite place you’ve travelled to and why?
Hard to decide… I’m split between Bali and Corfu. Bali is all about unique nature and spirituality, a place where I feel at ease with myself. Corfu has a perfect balance between great friends, exceptional food, and beautiful nature, a place where I’d like to retire.
Who is your hero?
I have several role models I look up to, such as Elon Musk, Richard Branson, or Sheikh Mohammed of Dubai, but by far at the top of my list sits Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of Singapore. A man of exceptional wit and wisdom who built a smart prosperous nation out of a slum in the middle of the jungle in less than 3 decades, which is probably a world record in itself. What’s most amazing about his legacy is that he didn’t just teach people how to fish, as the metaphor goes, but he showed them how to build, grow and maintain the pond sustainably for the benefit of future generations.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
For business reasons I’d live in Bucharest, Singapore, and Dubai, splitting time evenly, while for leisure purposes I generally prefer seaside and warm weather, so I’d go for Corfu (or anywhere in Greece for that matter).
What’s your favorite quote from a TV show/movie/book?
“My mama always said, 'Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. '” – Forrest Gump
What’s the phone app you use the most?
Facebook, lately.
How do you take your coffee/tea?
I like coffee that tastes like coffee, so no sugar, no cream, no milk, just black.
What’s the best thing you’ve learned in your current position?
When things go south, get up, clean up and carry on as nothing happened.
What’s the most stupid thing you’ve ever bought?
A car with lots of horsepower, beautiful looks, and hidden defects, which I only discovered when I tried to sell it, despite triple-checking it in a service garage before buying it… To see the full side of the glass, that gave me a business idea.
If you could recommend me 5 movies, what would those be?
Oh, there are so many… I’d recommend the following:
Pulp fiction
Forrest Gump
American beauty
Fight club
Equilibrium
… and I’d add a few more:
The sixth sense
Requiem for a dream
The pianist
Magnolia
Fear and loathing in Las Vegas