Mentor Spotlight: Iulia Ivan on Opening Doors of Possibility

Meet Iulia

Based in Bucharest, Romania, Iulia Ivan is a multi-faceted professional whose work centers on transforming complexity into simplicity. As an author, business transformation consultant, and creator of mentorship experiential programs, Iulia helps leaders navigate challenging patriarchal paradigms to achieve performance in harmony.

Her book, "How to thrive as a woman leader in a patriarchal society," available on Amazon, stands as her recommended resource for women in tech. As Iulia describes it: "It is more than just a personal project—it's a toolkit designed specifically for women aiming to thrive, regardless of their job title or position. It addresses the modern-day challenges women face, from societal roadblocks to subtle forms of violence, and offers practical solutions to navigate them. Inside, you'll find strategies for identifying harmful behaviors, protecting yourself, and cultivating two powerful pillars of authority: self-leadership and teamship. I wrote this to empower, equip, and elevate women—because leadership isn't a title, it's a mindset."

The Path to Mentorship

Iulia's journey to becoming a mentor stems from her own early career experiences. For over a decade, she navigated her professional path without mentorship, facing numerous obstacles along the way.

"I became a mentor out of two things: for over 10 years of my career I didn't have one and I struggled a lot to grow my career and when I started having mentors my career exploded. I wanted for other women a much less hurdle in their career. I think it is hard enough for women in societies today."

"The second reason was because in almost all my leadership positions was at least one woman who came to me and said 'Thank you for being my mentor'. Since then I realized that I could do this for women worldwide not only on my job or company."

Her motivation strengthened when she noticed a pattern in her leadership roles—women would approach her saying, "Thank you for being my mentor." This recognition inspired her to extend her mentorship beyond her immediate workplace to women worldwide.

Making an Impact

When asked about a memorable mentorship moment, Iulia shared a powerful success story:

"One of my mentees, a brilliant team leader recently returning from parental leave, struggled with self-doubt. After a few strategy sessions on positioning her value and reframing her story, she landed a manager role at a major tech company. Her message—'You helped me conquer myself'—was a beautiful moment of impact."

This story exemplifies the transformative power of mentorship, particularly for women navigating career transitions while balancing family responsibilities.

Growing Through Giving

Mentorship has been a two-way street for Iulia, offering her opportunities for personal and professional growth.

"Mentoring has deepened my empathy and strengthened my leadership skills. It challenged me to communicate complex ideas simply, listen more actively, and continuously reflect on my own path. It's helped me evolve from a leader who drives change to one who also nurtures growth."

Advice for New Mentors

To those considering becoming a mentor, Iulia offers straightforward encouragement:

"Just start. You don't need to have all the answers—you just need to listen, be present, and share what you know. You'll be surprised how much you grow in the process and how much your experience can mean to someone else."

The Value of Mentorship

At its core, Iulia believes mentorship creates essential pathways for development:

"Mentorship is about opening doors—of possibility, confidence, and community. It empowers the next wave of leaders and creates a ripple effect of growth, especially for underrepresented voices in industries like tech. We rise by lifting others."

You can follow and connect with Iulia on LinkedIn and purchase a copy of her book, How to thrive as a woman leader in a still patriarchal society, on Amazon here.

Are you inspired by Iulia's story? Consider becoming a mentor or mentee in our Women In Tech mentorship program. Your journey could be the next one we feature!

Iulia Ivan is a distinguished leader in the tech industry, currently serving as the Head of Product at Aurora, a leading blockchain technology company. With over 15 years of experience in product management and technology leadership, Iulia has established herself as a prominent figure in the blockchain and fintech sectors. Her expertise spans across product strategy, innovation, and digital transformation, making her a sought-after mentor and speaker in the tech community.

Connect with Iulia on LinkedIn and explore her insights on leadership in her book, "How to Thrive as a Woman Leader in a Still Patriarchal Society".