Corneliu Bodea, Adrem CEO & REC President

What measures have you taken to protect your business during this period?

The outbreak of coronavirus disease COVID-19 has created a context of global unpredictability both at the economic level and at human level. Adrem, the group of companies that I have been running for 28 years, as well as all the Romanian entrepreneurs and the multinational companies operating in Romania are struggling during this period to adapt to the new context following the recommendations issued by the competent authorities for the health of people and the companies.

As the main priority is to protect our people, we have implemented a series of preventive measures recommended by the authorities. For the office activities, we switched to work from home procedure after an internal communication process and training of people about how they should protect themselves and their families. Regarding the field employees, they have a continuous training about prevention, being equipped with disinfectant products and protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and hand sanitiser products.

We also set up the crisis management team for the close monitoring of the activity of our company in relation to the evolution of the situation in the country and for identifying the business tactics that will contribute to ensure the safety of our employees and the recovery of the business.

What is your advice for business leaders for this crisis?

Leadership is the most important attitude and skill that is needed as people needs firm decisions and leaders to follow.

I believe there has never been a greater need for entrepreneurs than now. Romanian economy needs our resilience and skills for the reconstruction we have. In this period, we must be resilient, solution-oriented and vigilant. I know is difficult in the context we do not have a strong plan of actions from government, but the thing we need most is solidarity!

We will have to rebuild the dying businesses, the airlines that took us on so many vacations, the restaurants and hotels, the producers and businesses like our that support the Romanian energy infrastructure. Moreover, we will have to understand that we are only inhabitants of this planet along with other forms of life. We will have to rely on what made us so powerful: love and solidarity!

What is the most positive business news you have read today and want to share it?

The most enjoying news nowadays are about how people, NGOs, companies and entrepreneurs get together to help those in need – doctors, hospitals, old people. Moreover, is inspiring to see how some companies are taking actions by adapting their strategy in the actual context, applying a strategic reorientation and business turnaround. For example, I read today about some cosmetic and alcohol companies (Farmec, Beiersdorf, Absolut) which left the business figures and future predictions aside and started to produce hand sanitizer products that will be delivered in different countries.

Interview published in www.business-review.eu