We like to think that people who love to travel should discover as many hidden corners of the world as possible, to feel whole and get to know themselves better. That’s how we feel about Adina Cobusceanu too, one of the #OameniidelaBanca whom we’ve always admired for the courage to venture out in search of her true self.

When she doesn’t have a travel backpack on, Adina is at her desk in Cluj, where, together with her team, she works on creating new BT products or managing those already in place: debit cards, wearables, payroll agreements and ATMs. This year marks 14 years since she joined us, and she is currently Head of Debit Card Services.

Her story began in 2006, in a summer that brought a change to her life. Even though she was in her second year of Hotel Management at the Faculty of Business, she took a job with us because the vacancy we posted piqued her interest.

She started out as a kind of data entry officer for credit card applications and thought that would be the end of it, but of course it wasn’t: “I hadn’t planned to work in banking — it happened overnight. I got really drawn into the world of product management and cards because it’s very dynamic and there are always new things to do and learn; something is always changing.”

She has stayed connected to tourism through her love of travel, without adopting the style of those drawn to Instagrammable capitals, luxury hotels and expensive spots. She’s happy to explore the world with her phone camera, the peace of nature, and a fascination for culture and people. Of all the places she has visited so far, the country closest to her heart is Iceland, “another planet, a wonder of nature.” She’s been twice, once in autumn and once in winter, especially to see the Northern Lights.

Adina has collected so many beautiful memories from her adventures that we would probably need a separate article to do them justice. Japan, the Philippines, the Azores, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Cambodia are just a few of the places that charmed her. Among other impressive things, Adina went on her own all the way to South Africa, a country that captivated her completely, and she came back with friends from all corners of the world. She’s without a doubt a travel guru. It’s no surprise that, a year ago, she teamed up with five colleagues and they went to Dubai. #girlswannahavefun

Her most recent adventure was in February, in Southeast Asia, where she visited Singapore, the Philippines, Cambodia (there she went to Siem Reap, near the temple complex where scenes from Tomb Raider were filmed) and Hong Kong: “It’s incredible, it’s such a different world. (…) There were elevated sidewalks and roads, sidewalks and roads that went through buildings, through the middle of skyscrapers.”

After so many adventures, how does Adina still find time for another hobby? Wine! She inherited this passion from her parents, with whom she stepped into the curious world of wine and started a winegrowing business. A few years ago, together with her family, she planted a vineyard in Satu Mare county, where she was born: “From the moment you plant a vineyard you have to arm yourself with a lot of patience. It’s a long-term investment, and it takes many years to reach a maturity that allows quality production. We started seven years ago; we’re still quite near the beginning.” They’re already thinking about the branding, but for now their wines carry the name Crama Cobusceanu.

Dear Adina, we hope to taste the Cobusceanu family wine very soon — of course, while you tell us about your latest adventures!

We’re keeping our fingers crossed for you, cheering you on and we thank you for being one of the #OameniidelaBanca we’re proud of! ❤

Photo credit: Vlad Cupsa