Anca Mihalache, Vice President Engine Trading & Leasing at APOC Aviation, is an experienced Sales Director with over 11 years of sales, marketing, and operational experience in the aviation industry. She is goal-oriented in business, uses an integrated strategy to accomplish the organization’s objectives, is an expert in the A320 and B737 markets, and has particular experience in the negotiation of international business contracts. Anca possesses strong interpersonal communication skills, strong networking in the aerospace industry at a global level, and excellence in customer service provided to both customers and suppliers. These skills were developed as a result of her practical experience in concluding commercial contracts in a high tech field.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and Anca Mihalache:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace.
I have known I wanted to be a businesswoman since I was just five years old, and I worked hard in my early career to ensure I reached this goal. My job is part of me; I like what I do, and I do it with passion. I think this is essential to being not only successful but also happy in your work and life. I am a very open and sincere person, and I think it is important to get the right balance between working hard and enjoying your leisure time.
Describe your background and what did you do before you joined the company?
My father is an aircraft engineer, so aviation has always been part of my life. After leaving school, I studied at two different universities, both in my hometown of Bucharest, and I graduated with qualifications in international trading and marketing and public relations.
After graduating, I worked for a media trust, holding the position of brand manager. I then joined my father’s company before moving to a leasing company based in Luxembourg.
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start?
I joined APOC in 2019, three years after our CEO, Max Lutje Wooldrik, founded the business. I was responsible for establishing APOC’s Engine Division, and I continue to manage this part of the business with the support of my team. We specialize in engine trading, leasing, and piece parts sales.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
I think my success is the culmination of a good upbringing, hard work, and luck. I am very organized, and I also like to take risks. I believe these attributes are essential to being successful in business.
Which are the major services of the company and how do the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
At APOC, we really care about our employees, and we like to have fun. We believe that it is important to enjoy ourselves while working hard. I think this is a critical detail that many employers forget. Having a good team that is happy and feels valued is essential to the success of the company. In terms of our customers, they receive excellent customer service and support from our teams across the globe, which ensures they remain loyal to us.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture?
We believe in making money in an ethical way, and that includes ensuring that our employees are rewarded fairly. We are a very innovative business, driven by technology and data, which we use to continually develop and improve our service offering. But, most importantly, we are very customer- centric and focused on anticipating and meeting our customers’ needs.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
Aviation is a fast-paced industry, and it is very important to be innovative. This is precisely why we developed and continue to invest in our own in- house software program, which allows our customers to access real- time data and availability of the part (or asset) they wish to purchase.
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes?
I think that when a company is small, it’s often a few individuals that are relied upon. But once a business grows, it is essential to build and train strong teams to take the company forward. I believe that if there is good communication within a team, everything runs more smoothly and mistakes are identified and corrected faster.
What are your responsibilities as the VP Engine Trading & Leasing of the company?
I am responsible for identifying the best engines to purchase and for negotiating the terms of the transaction. I work with our airline customers on engine lease agreements. But it is all very much a team effort, and I am supported by very good people who I can always rely on.
What is the happiest part of your daily routine?
The part I love most is when I close a sale, and for that to happen, I need to be in constant communication with my customers. This is the part of my job I enjoy the most, connecting with people and ensuring that the work I do is mutually beneficial for all parties.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Be prepared for failure, as it happens to us all at some point, and we can learn so much from our mistakes. Also, it is important to be empathetic and a “people’s person” as far as possible, but don’t be afraid to ask for the rules to be respected.
