Connections Consult (CC) celebrates 20 years with a new brand identity: #TechHumanityForward

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Connections Consult, a company listed on the BVB and a model of best practices in the Romanian digital transformation market, announces the launch of its new corporate identity, reflected through the vision #TechHumanityForward, and a new name: Connections.

The new brand identity marks the first 20 years of continuous activity in the tech industry in Romania and was developed in collaboration with the creative team New Moon, the full-service digital agency within the GRF+ ecosystem of companies, and with the support of Syzygy Communication, an agency specialized in Investors Relations & Corporate Communication.

Along with the new brand symbolism, the company is redesigning its service architecture, a strategic reconfiguration that focuses on key directions that respond to both current customer requirements and future trends: AI & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Big Data Analysis & Cloud Infrastructure or end-2-end Digital Transformation.

These services, already integrated by Connections in projects designed for critical industries – such as research, the public sector or the business environment -, allow accelerating the development of technologies with a significant impact on communities, in an economic period in which digitalization and automation come to complement people and their daily lives.
#TechHumanityForward reinforces the Connections team’s commitment to creating solutions that actively contribute to the progress of society and the digital evolution of the business environment.

“The Connections rebranding is a reaffirmation of our identity and the strategic direction we are on today, after 20 years of continuous innovation in Romania. In a technological world in constant evolution, we want to be perceived as a trusted partner, with proven expertise in creating innovative solutions with real impact in society. It is a step meant to support our growth and better align us with the market needs in the coming years”, says Anca Maria Călin, PR & Marketing Manager.

A brand built on innovation, responsibility and commitment to people.

The new Connections identity reflects the brand’s mission to inspire and support people, partners and societies, contributing to a more connected future through technology.

“The stock exchange listing (2021) represented a public commitment to transparent and continuous growth, as a partner in major digitalization projects in Romania. 3 years later, we have a consistent and relevant portfolio, and today’s rebranding brings a new public confirmation of the path we are on: we want to accelerate the journey towards a future where technology amplifies human potential and evolves with it, inspiring every community to live better and more authentically”, says Bogdan Florea, founder and co-CEO of Connections.

Sustained growth and care for the team

A key pillar in Connections’ growth vision has always been people – both those who work on developing technological solutions and those who contribute to the company’s story, through their trust, as investors and customers.

“We put people at the center of everything we do. Our projects are developed by talented people, who build them to increase the collective power of the communities that use them. Technology is at the service of people, not the other way around, and people are a significant part of our long-term success,” explains Radu Marcu, co-CEO of the company.

Also as a confirmation of the way it relates to people, Connections has the status of Transparent Company on the Undelucram.ro platform, and the team’s core values ​​include Innovation inspired by people, Transparency and Continuous Learning. The company builds value for its partners through products and services that have as pillars Anti-fragility, Trust and Entrepreneurship, these representing the Connections “footprint”.

New identity: a connection between technology and social impact

“Connections puts technological innovation at the service of people. We were thus inspired from the first interactions by the way the company amplifies its entrepreneurial spirit and the antifragility with which it treats each challenge, all through the lens of valorizing human potential. The new identity places the brand story in a perceptual system that truly reflects what makes the company unique: developing networks of balance between technological advancement and positive impact on communities. The slogan “Tech Humanity Forward” was a natural choice: developing cutting-edge technology, always at the service of humanity, to amplify the potential of each of us. Our thought process was guided by the desire to express this mission in every visual element of the identity, to convey that technology is not an absolute imperative, but a tool to create a better future for all,” says Andreea Gavrilă, Creative Partner and co-founder of New Moon, an agency with top skills in the area of ​​digital communication, part of the GRF+ communication group and Connections’ rebranding partner.

From now on, Connections will be publicly known under the simplified name: Connections, while the legal name Connections Consult will remain unchanged in official documents. The stock symbol (CC) is retained and the company’s new website is available here www.connections.tech

Connections | Investor’s Day | Wednesday, May 21st, 2025| 11:00 AM

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Connections (CC), a company listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, AeRO market, organizes on May 21, 2025, starting at 11:00, a teleconference dedicated to investors and financial analysts, during which the audited financial results of 2024 (session 1), respectively the results of the first quarter of the current year (session 2), will be presented.

The event will be held live and will be broadcast on the company’s official pages: from LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/connections-consult) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/connections.consult).

Time Agenda Speaker
11:00- 11:05 Welcome  
11:05– 11:10

(Session 1)

 Audited Financial Results 2024. Presentation of key performance indicators and results drivers. Radu Marcu, Co-CEO
11:10–11:20 Conclusions 2024 and income-expense budget (BVC) 2025.
Strategic moments in 2024 and the main lines of the 2025 budget.		 Bogdan Florea, Founder & Co-CEO
11:20–11:30

Q&A

 Q&A Session. Questions received in advance (until May 19, 5:00 PM) or addressed live.

 

 Bogdan Florea & Radu Marcu
11:30–11:35

(Session 2)

 2025. Financial results for Q1/2025. Radu Marcu, Co-CEO
11:35–11:45 2025. Q1 Key Events and Year-to-Date Outlook.
Initiatives and achievements from Q1 and the strategic vision for the full year.		 Bogdan Florea, Founder & Co-CEO
11:45–12:00

Q&A

 Q&A session & event closure. Additional answers and conclusions of the teleconference. Bogdan Florea & Radu Marcu

Event attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions in advance (until May 20, 2025, 5:00 PM, at investors@connections.tech) and live, via comments on social media pages.

The full recording of the event will be available later on the Connections YouTube channel.

We are glad to have you with us at the meeting on May 21, where we will present the detailed financial results for 2024, Q1 2025, as well as the strategic directions of Connections for the current year.

Connections: 2024 audited results and 2025 growth ambitions – targeting a 20% revenue increase through AI and Cybersecurity

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Connections, a technology company listed on the AeRo market of the Bucharest Stock Exchange (symbol CC), announces the publication of its audited financial results for 2024, confirming a gross profit margin of 10%, the highest level since the company’s listing.

The group’s consolidated revenues amounted to 106 million RON, with a gross profit of 10.22 million RON and a net profit of 8.83 million RON.

The company’s revenue structure highlights a well-balanced diversification across sectors, with 38% coming from the public sector, followed by FMCG (26%) and financial services (17%). This strategic approach significantly reduces the vulnerabilities associated with reliance on a single sector, thereby strengthening the company’s long-term resilience and adaptability in a dynamic economic environment.

“In 2024, we strengthened our position by increasing the share of the private sector in total revenue, thus confirming the transition to a more resilient and predictable business structure. We invested in artificial intelligence projects with significant public impact and, in partnership with two Romanian companies, are developing two innovative cybersecurity products with an investment of over 4 million RON. We managed to deliver strong performance in a complex year, and for 2025, we aim to increase revenue by expanding our client portfolio and leveraging the growing demand for our innovative solutions,” said Bogdan Florea, Founder and Co-CEO of Connections.

The year 2024 marked the delivery of a major AI project in the United Arab Emirates, based on Large Language Model (LLM) technology, aimed at increasing operational efficiency for clients by up to 15%. In parallel, the company completed the development of two proprietary cybersecurity products and strengthened its presence in the Middle Eastern and Central European markets.

“2024 was the year we tested our technological maturity and confirmed that we can deliver complex international projects. The delivery of the LLM-based AI system in the UAE is clear evidence of our technical capabilities and the trust we are building with each partnership. Beyond innovation, we have increased operational predictability and strengthened our internal infrastructure to support scaling in the coming years. In 2025, we are focused on expanding this successful trajectory, enhancing our international presence, and continuing to deliver innovative solutions in AI and cybersecurity, supporting sustainable financial growth and ongoing optimization of operational processes,” said Radu Marcu, Co-CEO of Connections.

PERSPECTIVES FOR 2025

For 2025, Connections aims for a sustainable 20% revenue growth, supported by the expansion of its enterprise client base and strong demand for solutions based on artificial intelligence, automation, and cybersecurity. This objective will be pursued with strict cost control and an estimated net margin of 9%.

With a planned gross margin of 12.4% for the current year, the company is strengthening its financial position, increasing its self-financing capacity, and creating solid foundations for recurring and predictable revenues.

The scaling strategy focuses on increasing volumes in profitable segments, consolidating its presence in international markets, and optimizing operational costs. Connections continues to invest in the development of proprietary cybersecurity products, explores strategic technology partnerships, and leverages its experience in large-scale regional projects.

The full report on Connections’ 2024 results can be accessed HERE.

Connections sells its Service Delivery division and continues investments in technology and cybersecurity

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Connections, a technology company listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, AeRo market (symbol CC), announces the separation of its “Service Delivery” division and its transfer to Outsourcing Support Services S.R.L. (OSSR). As part of this process, OSSR, including its subsidiaries in Bulgaria and Serbia, will be fully sold in a €4.5 million transaction, subject to certain Closing conditions.  

The division provides comprehensive Back Office Services, with a proven track record in serving global leaders across the FMCG, industrial, consulting, and logistics sectors. In recent years, it has accounted for approximately 20% of Connections’ revenue. The transaction will be pending the receipt of regulatory approvals and the fulfillment of certain Closing conditions.

This move is part of Connections’ strategy to optimize its portfolio and strengthen its market position by redirecting the capital generated towards the development of advanced technology and cybersecurity solutions – two strategic areas in which Connections aims to accelerate investments in the coming years.

The transaction, effective as of the Closing date – will transfer the division to IGT Solutions, a company headquartered in India with operations in 13 countries, including Europe and Romania (Bucharest). The deal ensures operational continuity and retains the existing team of over 140 employees. Under its new structure, the division will contribute to scaling operations and strengthening the company’s competitive advantage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bogdan Florea, Founder & Co-CEO of Connections: “This transaction marks a strategic step in Connections’ evolution, allowing us to focus on developing high-value solutions in key areas such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. The sale of Outsourcing Support Services S.R.L. (OSSR) provides us with additional resources for innovation investments, further strengthening our position as a trusted partner in the digital transformation of companies.”

“This acquisition marks a significant milestone in expanding our expertise in core back-office services, as OSSR’s capabilities and talented team are an excellent fit for us. We look forward to embarking on the next phase of growth and innovation.” said Katie Stein, CEO of IGT Solutions.

The decision comes at a time of market consolidation for Connections, following a landmark year in 2024, during which the company recorded, for the first time since its stock market listing in 2021, a gross profit margin of 10%.

Connections marks the most successful year in its history, with a record profit margin and strategic investments in AI and Cybersecurity

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Connections, a technology company listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, AeRo market, under the ticker symbol CC, ends the year 2024 with solid financial results, strengthening its market position with a double-digit gross profit margin and significant investments in technology and cybersecurity.

The year 2024 marked a milestone for the company, with a gross profit margin of 10% for the first time since its listing on the stock exchange in 2021. Gross profit reached 10.2 million RON, while net profit amounted to 8.8 million RON.

Revenues for 2024 amounted to 106 million RON, below the initial estimate of 129 million RON. This difference was influenced by the withdrawal of three projects from the pipeline, however, the group’s operational efficiency and swift responsiveness ensured the maintenance of robust profitability.

“Our financial results confirm the company’s ability to navigate a volatile economic environment and quickly adapt to market challenges. The increase in profit margin reflects our balanced strategy of investment and cost optimization. Despite some shortfalls compared to the projected revenues for 2024, we managed to achieve our profitability targets and strengthen our position for the future,” said Bogdan Florea, founder and co-CEO of Connections.

Investments and technological development

The company made significant progress in AI, fintech, and cybersecurity, adapting its solutions to market demands and optimizing internal software development. In 2024, a project based on a Large Language Model (LLM) was initiated, which, once completed, is expected to generate a 15% increase in operational efficiency and reduce response times to customer requests by up to 40%.

Additionally, the company delivered open banking solutions in the Middle East, thus expanding its international presence and strengthening its expertise in the fintech sector.

“Technology and innovation remain the pillars of our growth. We have made significant investments in AI-based solutions and cybersecurity, and the results will be reflected in increased efficiency and an improved customer experience. In this way, we are strengthening our position as a key player in our industry,” added Radu Marcu, co-CEO Connections.

Organizational culture and impact on the team

The financial performance was also supported by a strong organizational culture, reflected in a 25% increase in internal initiatives proposed by employees and a retention rate of 92%. The company’s values and objectives were clearly defined, fostering team engagement and contributing to an innovative work environment.

A key pillar of the team motivation and retention strategy was the expansion of the Stock Option Plan (SOP). The Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (EGMS) on 27.09.2023 approved raising the SOP cap from 3% to 13%, allowing shares resulting from capital increases or purchased from the market to be granted to employees based on annual performance, without additional formalities in the future.

In 2024, over 20 team members signed option contracts, bringing the number of employee shareholders to nearly 30. The actual transfer of shares is set for 2025, further strengthening the ownership culture, with positive effects on direct involvement in the company’s success.

PERSPECTIVES

Looking ahead, Connections expects a 20% revenue growth in 2025, driven by the increasing demand for its innovative solutions. In the second quarter of the year, the company will celebrate its 20th anniversary, during which it will launch its new corporate identity.

“Our success is the direct result of a dedicated team, strategic partnerships, and the trust of our investors. We are ready to seize future opportunities and continue delivering value to all our stakeholders,” concluded Bogdan Florea, Founder & co-CEO of Connections.

Starting in 2025, the company will transition from two annual reports to four quarterly reporting sessions as part of its preparations for a potential move to the regulated market of the Bucharest Stock Exchange, which the issuer is considering in the medium term. The full report on Connections’ preliminary results for 2024 can be accessed here.

2025 PRIORITIES for DIGITAL ROMANIA: Where we stand and what needs to be done in the Private Sector

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Digitalization is a vital direction for Romania’s future, but implementing this complex process brings both challenges and opportunities—not just for the state but also for private companies. Businesses must quickly adjust their strategies to remain competitive in an increasingly digital global landscape. 

At the start of the year, as part of the CEO Talks series, Bogdan Florea, Founder and Co-CEO of Connections, shares a series of recommendations to help companies approach digitalization effectively and create a positive impact on their business. 

ANALYSIS and PRIORITIZATION – key words for achieving impact 

Bogdan advises Romanian companies to approach digitalization not just as an opportunity but as a strategic necessity. In an increasingly competitive economic environment, implementing innovative technologies is essential to remain relevant and efficient. To achieve the fastest and most visible results, companies must prioritize key areas in the initial phase that can transform internal processes, customer relationships, and financial performance. Here are three fundamental directions: 

1. Automating internal processes 

Digitalization is no longer an option but a necessity. Bogdan considers investments in the automation of internal workflows, software robots, and process management applications essential to remain competitive in the global market. 

2. Digital interaction with government institutions Time is money, and companies need to be prepared to enhance their digital interactions with government institutions. Connections with the tax authority (ANAF) and banks can—and must—be faster and more efficient. Adopting digital solutions for data exchange will reduce bureaucracy and give companies more time to focus on their business. 

3. Investing in Digital Marketing 

Digital marketing is another critical area for the long-term success of companies. Investments in digital marketing not only boost visibility but also help build a strong brand presence in the global market. 

An adaptable and bold private sector: implementation remains a challenge 

Romania’s private sector has demonstrated remarkable merit in adopting digital technologies, a trait closely tied to the innovative spirit and openness of certain segments that position us as “early adopters.” We are eager and curious to embrace new technologies, with genuine interest in their utility and applicability to business. This curiosity goes beyond the surface, reflecting a deep exploration of technological potential, despite the risks and constraints that may arise. 

However, where the private sector must invest further is in continuing the digitalization process, particularly in scaling up the implementation and adoption of these technologies. 

 

The challenges are evident, but the opportunities are immense. In a country where innovation is within reach, why haven’t we fully unlocked our digital potential? How much longer can we risk staying on the sidelines instead of embracing the transformation that could position us among Europe’s most advanced players? 

 The questions are many, and the answers need to come now—because Romania’s digital future cannot wait, concludes Bogdan Florea, Founder of Connections. 

2025 PRIORITIES for DIGITAL ROMANIA: Where we stand and what needs to be done in the Public Sector

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Digitalizing public administration is a critical direction for Romania’s future—an urgent necessity with a direct impact on the efficiency and transparency of public services. To accelerate this process and maximize its benefits, the state must adopt clear and well-coordinated measures. 

At the start of the year, as part of the CEO Talks series, Bogdan Florea, Founder and Co-CEO of Connections, shares his professional perspective on what the state should do to accelerate the digitalization process in 2025—both in terms of mindset and concrete, result-oriented actions. 

Essential steps for modernizing the state 

 

Here are three essential directions authorities must address to turn digitalization into a functional reality:

1. Completing the governmental cloud 

Data represents the strategic resource of the future, and the Romanian government must place significant emphasis on completing the implementation of the governmental cloud. This will provide a unified technological framework for managing public services and facilitate communication between institutions. 

2. Investing in data analysis for informed decisions 

Romania has access to a significant volume of data, whether administrative, economic, or social. However, leveraging this data strategically remains an unmet objective. While the government has made major investments in digital infrastructure, the processing and analysis of data to guide political and economic decisions have not been systematically addressed. 

Currently, data is often collected in fragmented ways, and the lack of a centralized vision leads to its inefficient use. To transform this information into valuable insights, a coherent governmental framework is needed, including integrated policies and platforms for data analysis. 

Such measures would not only support the government in crafting more precise public strategies but also enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public administration. Investment in data analysis could lead to more informed decisions tailored to the current economic and social realities. 

3. Digital literacy for Public Sector employees 

Even with expanding digital infrastructure, the success of digitalization depends on the skills of those who manage it. “There are digital education projects for public officials, but it is essential to intensify efforts to ensure adaptation to new requirements.” adds Bogdan Florea. 

What is Romania doing well in terms of digitalization? 

Despite challenges, Romania has made significant progress in building digital infrastructure. Bogdan emphasizes this, stating that the Romanian government has made considerable IT infrastructure investments. “These investments are comparable, if not superior, to those of many other European Union countries,” he says.  

This is a strong point for digitalization in Romania. 

How AI re/configured the world in 2024: Innovation and continuous change

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In 2024, artificial intelligence was not just a technology – it was a global catalyst, a transformative force that challenged industries, rewrote rules, and redefined the boundaries of what we consider possible. It captivated, divided, inspired, and frightened. Over the past 12 months, AI became more than a topic of discussion: it became the battleground for our ideas, hopes, and fears.

A mirror in which society saw its own aspirations, fears, and contradictions

On the front of innovation, AI reached impressive heights. An algorithm shortened the process of discovering a vaccine from years to months, saving lives in a race against time. In education, AI-powered platforms provided lessons tailored to individual levels, opening doors for millions. In art, artificial intelligence created masterpieces that sparked admiration but also fierce controversy.

While the EU imposes rules through the AI Act, limiting risky uses, in Asia, we find giants accelerating the pace, betting on innovation without limits, all in an environment that is still unregulated. America, caught in between, has oscillated between regulation and the “greed” of the free market. The result? A fragmented world where each region plays by its own rules in the race for technological dominance.

But the challenges didn’t stop at laws and regulations. 2024 brought a historic first in healthcare: AI co-authored a vaccine for a new strain of the flu virus. Hospitals adopted predictive models for resource management, and AI robots performed complex surgeries, reducing error rates to record levels.

But what happens when AI makes a mistake? One of the controversies of the year, a medical diagnostic algorithm, failed. Incidents like this fueled the debate about the limits and responsibilities of using AI in healthcare.

Moreover, deepfakes reached new heights of manipulation, undermining trust in information and putting democracies under siege.

Despite the controversies, AI brought hope. In the fight against climate change, algorithms optimized energy networks and reduced food waste, offering tangible solutions to a global problem. In space exploration, artificial intelligence took the lead where humans cannot reach, redefining the boundaries of exploration.

The generative world: creativity at its peak or digital decadence?

Generative AI was the star of the show in 2024. ChatGPT 5 and Bard AI pushed the boundaries of dialogue, offering integrated solutions for coding, design, and business strategy. Surprisingly, the arts field benefited massively: AI-generated music reached the charts, and Hollywood embraced artificial intelligence for scripts and visual effects.

However, a new problem emerged: authenticity. Writers, artists, and creators worldwide protested against the use of AI models that learned from their works without consent. So, who owns creativity in the era of algorithms?

How AI is shaping the local landscape: Romania facing a technological transformation

Artificial intelligence is no longer just an abstract concept. It is now a reality that has gained ground and is shaping the local business environment. The #Connections experts take a deep look and analyze its impact on the local business landscape and developments in this field that will undoubtedly influence the future.

“Adopting AI-based technologies represents a huge opportunity for the business environment in Romania. In 2024, we observed a significant increase in demand for solutions that optimize costs and enhance operational efficiency,” says Ionuț Stănescu, AI Expert & Data Scientist at Connections.

Innovation with impact: AI and ML solutions implemented by Connections

Connections, a top player in the IT solutions industry, continues to strengthen its leadership position in innovation by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies into its portfolio of products and services. Among the notable achievements are Scanner ID and QuickMerlin, solutions that address critical needs for automation and process optimization for various types of companies.

These solutions are just the beginning. Many of the complex projects undertaken by Connections in various industries include AI and ML components, demonstrating our commitment to the digital transformation of our clients.

The Interest of the Romanian Business Environment in AI: Present and Future

Currently, the business environment in Romania is showing an increasing interest in adopting AI and ML-based solutions. Companies understand that technology can be a key competitive advantage, allowing them to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive business landscape.“In the next 1-3 years, we expect this interest to grow exponentially, especially in industries such as retail, financial-banking, manufacturing, and logistics. For example, organizations in the financial sector are exploring AI technologies to improve transaction security and customer experience, while the manufacturing sector is investing in intelligent automation solutions to optimize costs and resources,” mentions Ionuț.

As technology becomes more accessible and companies begin to see concrete results, it is expected that small and medium-sized companies will also adopt these innovative solutions, accelerating the transition to a digitalized future.

Trends and changes we anticipate locally

The adoption of AI in Romania will be influenced by several factors:

  1. Increased investment in technology – Large companies with significant budgets will accelerate the implementation of AI technologies.
  2. Pro-technology regulations and policies – The government and public institutions will begin to support digitalization initiatives.
  3. Education and accessibility – Educational programs will focus on digital skills.
  4. Focus on sustainability and efficiency – AI will become a key tool in companies’ sustainability strategies.

What role will we choose to give it in our collective story?

Yet, amidst this dizzying progress, an uncomfortable truth has become evident: AI is a reflection of us – of human values, biases, and intentions. In 2024, we have seen not only what technology can achieve but also how it can amplify both the best and the worst in us.This year has been a test – of technological limits, of our capacity to adapt, and of our collective ethics. AI has been the chameleon that took the shape of the society that created it.
Now, at the end of this tumultuous year, the lingering question is not what AI can do, but what we choose to do with it. Because the true story of artificial intelligence is not written by algorithms, bots, or virtual assistants. It is written by us and by our decisions.

Digital transformation always starts with people

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“Today, it is no longer enough for industry professionals to simply know technology. It is vital to deeply understand the needs of the client and deliver solutions that create real value for them,” says Bogdan Florea, founder of Connections.

In the CEO TALKS dialogue, he defines the pathway through which technology’s impact can grow in our lives and in every community we live in.

Digital education tailored to each generation

 The relationship between people and technology should be one where technology empowers rather than overwhelms.

Understanding concepts like Digital Finance, Cybersecurity, or Smart City requires more than just access to technology – it demands education and cultural adaptation. To build a strong connection between communities and technology, Bogdan emphasizes that digital education must be tailored to each age group and their existing knowledge levels.

“In schools, it is essential to introduce courses on cybersecurity, online payments, and the risks associated with online presence. These can provide young people not only with technical skills but also with a level of awareness that helps them navigate the digital world safely,” says Bogdan Florea.

For adults and seniors, the challenges are different. For those already shaped by a different paradigm, adapting digital skills is more difficult. “But this is where European programs, including those under the PNRR, play a very important role. They offer courses that do not aim for technological excellence but instead create basic literacy, a digital literacy necessary to navigate the digital world,” Bogdan continues.

For seniors, these initiatives can even become a bridge toward social inclusion.

A Vision for better-prepared communities

 A major issue identified in recent years is that technological implementations in communities, whether local or governmental, have not always been the most successful.

On the one hand, the solutions provided have sometimes been cumbersome, and on the other hand, the public has not always benefited from the necessary support to use them effectively or to request them in an informed manner.

In this context, digital literacy becomes essential—not only to use technology but also to demand more from it.

“An informed demand from communities, based on an understanding of fundamental concepts, must meet an improved supply from the administration. This is the only way we can turn technology into a catalyst for progress,” says Bogdan.

BeyondWork: with an open heart. That’s the only way to connect with a book

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For those who believe that digital natives navigate and discover exclusively through technology, our colleague Delia Pangrate brings a retro challenge.

The newest member of the Connections team, having joined Connections a month ago right after graduating in Communication and Public Relations from SNSPA, Delia is an avid reader and collector of vinyl and old tapes (a short history here, for those who may have forgotten what they’re used for).

Booktube and Goodreads bring her as much joy as physically flipping through the pages of a book, and although she’s the newest member of the team, Delia has integrated quickly and is open to sharing the story of her passions.

A Multicultural exploration that helps you grow

“I’ve only just started at Connections, but I quickly learned the essential tasks specific to a Front Office job: my role involves facilitating communication and collaboration between the company and its partners—clients, suppliers, and collaborators—which contributes to maintaining strong relationships,” she says.

In her free time, she loves reading, and collecting old tapes, and plans to add more vinyls to her personal collection.

“Reading has greatly helped me in personal development, and I’ve tried to learn new things from each book. The Life of a Stupid Man by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, for example, inspired me to research Japanese history, and I discovered important historical periods like the Edo and Meiji eras, which I tried to understand through additional study. I was also fascinated by the religions practiced there, especially Buddhism, the belief in Buddha (originally from India), and Shintoism, Japan’s traditional religion, which involves the worship of various deities and spirits (kami),” shares Delia.

A Family Legacy Carried Forward and Shared Digitally

Her passion for literature was instilled by her mother, who recommended fiction books. She later discovered the Booktube community, which further increased her appetite for reading.

“Although I started reading when I was quite young, four years ago I became a dedicated reader. I simply fell in love with how a book can transport you to a completely different world.”

“I set a goal to read 20 books this year, but so far, I’ve only managed to read six, one of which is The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami. A bizarre but addictive book. It’s the longest book I’ve read in English so far (600 pages). I can say it was a challenge, especially since I was also busy with my thesis, but I tried not to put pressure on myself, reading purely for pleasure when I had the time and energy.”

Delia feels she has taken something from each book she’s read and has found a way to pass on her inspiration through reviews.

“When I read, I like to use post-it notes, markers, and jot down my favorite passages in a notebook to revisit over time. I also enjoy writing book reviews on Goodreads.”

Blues. Soul. Jazz. Alternative Rock. Lofi Rap. An authentic exploration of favorite artists.

In her free time, when she doesn’t have a book in hand, you can find Delia at vintage fairs—the most authentic way to discover rare copies of good music. For her collection, she often strolls through bazaars or fairs, and if she finds an album she likes at a good price, she’s quick to add it to her collection.

“Collecting CDs and tapes started spontaneously a few years ago, from my love of listening to music. The classic way of playing music on a cassette player or CD gives me a special satisfaction when I pick out the album I want to listen to,” shares Delia, who also has a few recommendations for diverse musical tastes.

“When it comes to music, I recommend Frank, Amy Winehouse’s debut album, perfect for blues, soul, or jazz lovers. I also like Nothing But Thieves by the band Nothing But Thieves—some of my favorites and ideal for those into alternative rock, and Circles by Mac Miller, for fans of jazz rap/lofi rap.”

Her favorite album?

🎶 “It’s always hard for me to choose between Lust For Life by Lana Del Rey and IGOR by Tyler, The Creator.” 😊

Tips for Beginner Readers

Don’t force yourself to read something that doesn’t interest you; look for books that spark your curiosity.

Start with a short story collection, a poetry book, or a short novel. Everything should be gradual, without pressure, and only with an open heart.

Starter Titles

📖 Desire by Haruki Murakami—a short story collection I’ve recommended to many people, especially those who want to read something brief.

📖 Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng—a great book that highlights family dynamics in a respectable suburb.

📖 If you like poetry, I suggest The Gardener: Poems about Love and Life.

📖 Finally, my favorite series is a three-book set called A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson, which falls into the mystery and crime genres. It centers around a young woman who, for her graduation project, chooses to investigate a real, unsolved murder case in her town.