In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of how Mihaela Pleșca, the Founder and CEO of Neurodesign, embarked on her path to success in the world of design and innovation. Join us as Mihaela shares her experiences, notable accomplishments, leadership style, and the values that have guided her along the way. Discover what sets Neurodesign apart from other agencies, how Mihaela navigated the challenges of the evolving industry landscape, and her aspirations for the future. Get ready to be inspired by Mihaela’s journey as a CEO and her relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of design and business leadership.
Leadership Qualities That Contributed to Success
Mihaela Pleșca attributes her success as a leader to her unwavering integrity, empathy, creativity, and discipline. She believes that being humble and a good listener are essential traits of a great leader. She respects every team member at all professional levels and emphasizes that leadership is about fostering mutual respect and trust within an organization. These qualities have helped her build a strong foundation for her leadership style and guide her in making impactful decisions.
Key Trends and Challenges in the Industry for 2025 and Beyond
Mihaela foresees significant growth in the fields of Neurodesign, Resonance design, and Onou style, with many agencies eager to adapt these innovative approaches. Additionally, she has introduced a new and advanced design methodology, the Mihaela Pleșca style, which requires in-depth knowledge and ethical application. The challenge, she explains, lies in mastering these complex styles. This is precisely why she founded Neurodesign—to bridge the gap for businesses that wish to incorporate these techniques without extensive preparation. Through legal B2B collaborations, companies can integrate these styles seamlessly and effectively.
Adapting and Thriving in a Changing Business Landscape
Mihaela continuously seeks self-improvement and actively communicates her brand and mission to prospective business partners. By engaging with new opportunities and embracing change, she ensures that Neurodesign remains at the forefront of innovation. She believes in proactive adaptation and strategic communication as key factors in maintaining a thriving business.
Overcoming Major Obstacles and Failures
Mihaela has learned to embrace resilience and eliminate excuses as she navigates challenges. She believes that setbacks are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth. By facing obstacles head-on and staying committed to her professional goals, she has built a career defined by perseverance and determination.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
Neurodesign is an innovation-driven company, built on Mihaela’s childhood vision of a revolutionary design style. Innovation is at the core of her business, with the development of four original design styles and a groundbreaking cancer treatment. She strongly believes that continuous learning is the foundation of a culture that fosters innovation.
Resources and Learning Experiences That Shaped Leadership
Mihaela credits her studies in Engineering and Management in the Tourism Industry for providing a diverse knowledge base that aligns with her personal and professional aspirations. She has also gained valuable insights from business conferences, competitions, and incubators, where she engaged with leaders from various fields. Books in philosophy, business, and marketing have had a profound impact on her, particularly one that influenced her decision to pursue higher education.
Building and Nurturing a Strong Team
Mihaela believes that communication and integrity are essential in building a strong team. Clearly defining expectations and maintaining transparency help sustain professional relationships. She emphasizes the importance of humility, as people are more likely to follow a leader who is kind, supportive, and appreciative of their contributions. Trust and respect are the cornerstones of a successful team dynamic.
Incorporating Social and Environmental Responsibility
Social and environmental responsibility are deeply ingrained in Neurodesign’s identity. Mihaela has actively contributed to these causes through her creative work, such as a short film that was nominated at the International Emmy Awards in the JCSI Young Creatives category and her music video “Brighter Skies.”
The Importance of Digital Transformation in 2025
Mihaela views digital transformation as an essential aspect of business success in 2025. She actively incorporates technology and software to enhance her company’s operations while maintaining a cautious approach. She warns against over-reliance on AI for simple tasks, as it can lead to intellectual complacency. Instead, she leverages digital tools responsibly, ensuring that technology complements her skills rather than replaces them.
Essential Skills and Qualities for Business Success
Mihaela believes that ethics, integrity, humility, honesty, and empathy are fundamental qualities for success in the business world. Regardless of one’s personality, these traits are crucial for establishing credibility, fostering meaningful connections, and making ethical business decisions.
The Significance of Following Mihaela Pleșca’s Leadership Journey
Mihaela’s leadership journey is one of resilience and determination, offering valuable lessons for aspiring business professionals. Her path demonstrates the importance of perseverance, ethical leadership, and continuous learning. Following her journey provides insights into the challenges and triumphs that shape a leader’s long-term success.
Influencing the Business Landscape in the Future
Mihaela is committed to promoting her four distinct design styles and applying them with integrity to benefit her clients. She remains dedicated to refining these methodologies, staying informed about the latest advancements, and adapting to industry changes to ensure their continued relevance and effectiveness.
Significant Achievements and Career Milestones
Mihaela has received numerous accolades throughout her career. She won the golden trophy at the MUSE Hotel Awards, received the cover story title of “The Inspiring Female Founders Redefining Success in 2025” by The Enterprise World, and was featured as a cover story in “The Most Outstanding Healthcare Leaders to Watch in 2025” by The CIO Times.
She has been a juror for A’Design Award and Competition for eight years, contributing to seven World Design Yearbooks, and has written a book in Romanian on Neurodesign.
She also won the “Ten Outstanding Young Person” trophy in Medical Innovation in Entrepreneurship from JCI Romania in 2024 and received a Runner-Up award for her licensed medical facemask during the pandemic. Additionally, she has been a juror for various global design contests, won the Business Elite Under 30 trophy in Canada, and was recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 Romania. Her artistic achievements include international awards in music, fine arts, and performance arts.
Education and Expertise
Beyond her bachelor’s degree, Mihaela has also completed a master’s degree in Economic Sciences and Business Administration, focusing on Politics and Strategies in Marketing. She has attended two music schools and studied acting for four years. Her diverse educational background and experiences have played a vital role in shaping her leadership style and innovative approach to business.
In conclusion, Mihaela Pleșca’s journey is a testament to visionary leadership, perseverance, and continuous innovation. Through her groundbreaking contributions to design, business, and medical innovation, she has redefined industry standards and created lasting impact. Her ability to merge creativity with strategic execution sets her apart as a leader who inspires and empowers others. As she continues to drive change and shape the future of Neurodesign, her story serves as a guiding light for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders worldwide.
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