As an experienced professional in operational excellence and transformation, Andra Mirela Stamate joined the Executive Double Degree DBA in Strategic Management to deepen her understanding of leadership, strategy, and organisational change. In this testimonial, she reflects on how the programme helps her question assumptions, apply new perspectives, and grow as a more thoughtful decision-maker.
Could you briefly introduce yourself and share your professional background?
I am Andra Stamate. I currently work as the Operational Excellence & Projects Leader for Europe at Bureau Veritas, where I lead strategic transformation initiatives across multiple countries, focusing on operational excellence, organisational development and large-scale business improvement.
Over the past fifteen years I’ve had the privilege of leading complex international programs across different industries. Throughout my career I’ve discovered that my greatest passion is building organisations through people. I enjoy bringing clarity to complexity, developing leaders, strengthening teams and helping organisations become more capable than they were yesterday.
Beyond my professional role, I’m deeply passionate about continuous learning because I believe leadership is never finished, it’s continually refined.
What motivated you to begin the Executive Double Degree DBA in Strategic Management?
I’ve always believed that experience teaches us what works, but education helps us understand why it works. Also, in loving memory of my grandparents who were both professors; they helped shape my early years, instilling me in a love of learning that I cultivated throughout my entire life.
As my career has evolved, I’ve become increasingly interested in executive leadership, not only running projects, but helping shape organisations, strategy and culture. I wanted to move beyond operational excellence into strategic excellence. After two bachelors and a masters, a doctorate was a natural next step for me because it combines rigorous academic thinking with practical application. Every module challenges me to question assumptions, explore different perspectives and make better leadership decisions.
For me, this experience is about becoming the kind of executive who can lead sustainable transformation while developing the people around me.
Have you had an opportunity to apply your learning in a real work situation?
Absolutely, and that’s probably the aspect I’ve valued most. The concepts rarely stay in the classroom. Whether I’m studying strategic marketing, organisational behaviour, innovation, change management or leadership, I find myself applying those ideas almost immediately in my day-to-day work.
For example, several modules have influenced how I look at organisational change, communicate with stakeholders, develop leadership capability and approach transformation. Rather than simply asking, “How do we complete this project?”, I’m increasingly asking, “How do we build an organisation that’s stronger after this project than before it?” That shift in perspective has been incredibly valuable.
What do you enjoy most about being a PSM student?
The diversity of perspectives, quality of learning materials and the fact that it is self-paced. I can learn when I can, when I have time and I’m not pressured by deadlines. The courses bring together experienced professionals from different industries, countries and cultures. That creates perspectives that go far beyond textbooks. I also appreciate that the programme challenges us to think critically rather than accept ideas at face value. The professors encourage debate, reflection and evidence-based decision-making, which mirrors the complexity executives face every day.
Perhaps most importantly, the program constantly reminds me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers but about asking better questions.
What would you say to someone considering studying at PSM?
I’d say come with curiosity and come prepared to challenge yourself. This isn’t a programme where you simply collect knowledge. It’s a programme that changes the way you think. If you’re looking for practical tools that you can immediately apply in your organisation while also developing a more strategic mindset, you’ll find tremendous value here.
For me, studying at PSM + SSBM has become much more than academic development. It’s part of my journey toward becoming a more thoughtful leader, a better decision-maker and someone who can create lasting value for organisations and for the people within them.
I believe with all my being that leadership isn’t measured by how many people follow you. It’s measured by how many people become leaders because of you. That’s the kind of executive I’m working to become, and PSM & SSBM have become an important part of this journey.