Leaders of CGM: Irina Mihaela Costache – The Balance Between Grit and Heart

Irina Mihaela Costache’s story doesn’t begin in a corporate office or a computer lab. It begins in a small, picturesque village in Botoșani, nestled between hills, fields, and dreams. She grew up in a modest home, one of six siblings - three girls and three boys - where the only things more abundant than chores were love, laughter, and determination. 

At the heart of her upbringing, stood a remarkable woman — her mother. A woman of resilience, of vision, and of iron will, who firmly believed in the power of education. Even when the path was rocky, even when resources were scarce, she never gave up on her mission: to see all her children educated, working, and happy. That mission meant sacrifice, tireless work, and an unwavering belief in a better future. Irina never forgot that. “My mother never regretted a single effort,” Irina tells us, with a smile. “She always knew why she was doing it. She had a purpose — and so did we.” 

Irina’s academic journey took a bold turn in the 10th grade, when she moved to Iași. Not alone, though — she brought with her someone very precious: her 7-year-old sister, whom she had in her care. While most teenagers were busy navigating high school drama, Irina was juggling school and responsibility like a seasoned pro. 

A passionate lover of mathematics, she was the kind of student who didn’t just attend math contests — she chased them. If there was a competition, Irina was there, solving equations with the fire of someone who truly loved the craft. With the guidance of her older brother — her first career mentor — she applied to the Faculty of Automation and Computer Science and got in with a scholarship. Her mission was clear from day one: she had to succeed. Not because someone told her to, but because she made that promise to herself. 

“Failure was not an option,” she says. And when Irina says that, it doesn’t sound cliché. It sounds like a vow made in silence, to a little girl with big dreams, a rented apartment in Iași, and a whole life ahead. 

Irina still remembers the moment she entered the university’s computer labs. It was like stepping into a new world — one filled with logic, creativity, problem-solving, and endless possibilities. “The first time I started exploring the secrets of computer science, I fell in love instantly,” she recalls. 

It was, once again, her brother who pointed her in this direction, telling her that IT was a profession of the future. She didn’t know exactly what it entailed back then, but she knew one thing with absolute clarity: she liked it. And if she liked it, she would do everything in her power to master it. 

“I’ve had a hard life, with many obstacles,” Irina confesses. “But all those experiences made me want to become better and better. They shaped me.” 

University brought Irina more than technical knowledge and future career prospects. It brought her the man who would later become her husband. With calm eyes and a heart full of gratitude, she describes meeting him as one of the most defining moments of her life. “He gave me something I was missing,” she says. “Balance.” 

Together, they started from scratch. They built everything side by side — their life, their home, their dreams. And today, after years of love, effort, and shared vision, their family is complete with two beautiful daughters, the sunshine of their lives. 

“I get emotional every time I talk about him,” Irina admits, her voice softening. “He’s my rock. The one who’s always understood me and kept me grounded.” 

Becoming a mother was both a gift and a challenge. Irina quickly learned how to balance the roles of developer, team leader, wife, and mom. For her, family is the source of emotional energy and strength. But work — work is that fulfilling spark that keeps her engaged, growing, and proud. 

“For me, it’s extremely important to spend time with my children,” she shares. “To listen to them, to do silly and fun things together, to go to a pastry shop, to have moments both one-on-one and as a whole family. I want them to grow up emotionally healthy and happy.” 

And where did she learn that resilience? From the very family that taught her, growing up, that no hardship is too big when you have unity. “I was taught as a child — and my family proved it again and again — that you can get through anything when your family is united.” 

After graduation, Irina began applying for jobs like any other graduate. But reality hit hard — over and over again, she was asked the same question: “How many years of experience do you have?” 

She didn’t let that discourage her. Instead, she sought out internships: first on Android, then on Java. It was during those internships that she discovered her passion for Java — a language that just “clicked” with her. She knew, from day one, that this was what she wanted to do. Forever, if possible. 

Eventually, she landed her first job as a Java Developer. It wasn’t easy, but she never expected it to be. 

Irina joined CGM in 2019 as a Backend Developer, and she describes the move as one of the best career decisions she ever made. “At CGM, I found the empathy and the human touch that were missing in other workplaces,” she says. “I’ve grown so much in a beautiful environment, surrounded by excellent people. I love challenges — and I can face any of them as long as I’m in a healthy, supportive space.” 

Six years in, and Irina is still here — still learning, still leading, still loving her work. “I feel like I’ve found that balance between personal and professional life. I’ve always had exceptional people around me who listened and guided me.” 

Among those who played an important role in her CGM journey, Irina mentions Adrian Cristea and Adrian Barna — VPs of Software Development — as key figures who helped her flourish. 

After three years of development work at CGM, Irina started feeling a new fire inside. It wasn’t just that she wanted more — she knew she could do more. And so, she took the leap and became Team Lead for the Smart Update and License Management projects. 

Her leadership skills? They weren’t learned overnight. They were molded in childhood — when she acted as a role model and peacemaker for her siblings. Leadership, for Irina, comes naturally — from team communication and motivation to task optimization and delivering results. 

Still, she’s honest: the biggest challenge remains people. “Not because I’ve ever had difficult colleagues,” she clarifies. “But because being a TL requires a different kind of attention and energy. You have to deliver results with the resources you have, do your own work perfectly, and still make time to help others when they get stuck.” 

Her focus? A healthy, positive team atmosphere. Just like home. “I was raised in an environment where harmony mattered, and I try to recreate that in my team. I’m flexible, understanding, and I give people space when they need it - because I know they’ll come back grateful and give their best.” 

Another challenge? Constantly switching between team lead and developer mode. “But I like it,” she smiles. “It keeps me sharp.” 

“Leadership is a complex area, full of challenges,” Irina says. “You have to deliver, meet deadlines, and do it all perfectly. But the most important part? Keeping the human connection. Listening to people’s stories. Being the engine that keeps the team moving - for both the people and the company`s benefit.” 

Outside of work, Irina’s greatest personal challenge is teaching her daughters the value of money. Having grown up with financial limitations, she often feels the urge to give them everything she never had — and she’s learning how to balance that. 

“To keep a team motivated at the office and two little girls happy at home — now that’s a challenge,” she says, laughing. 

Her current passion? Traveling with her husband and daughters — even if it’s not always budget-friendly. “I sometimes regret that, before we had kids, I didn’t travel more with just my husband. I focused so much on working and saving money... I wish I had made more memories with him during those early years.” 

When asked what advice she would give to young people entering the workforce — especially those pursuing IT — Irina doesn’t hesitate: 

• “Before anything else: work, work, work.” 
• “It’s vital to like what you do. Money will follow when passion leads.” 
• “Always want to grow. Always want to evolve. Do everything you can to make your dreams come true.” 

And then, she adds, with quiet pride: 

Irina’s story is not just about code or career milestones. It’s about becoming. About facing a life full of hurdles and choosing not just to survive — but to rise. Her determination to escape poverty, her hunger to learn, and the people who walked beside her — from her mother and brother to her husband and colleagues — all shaped the woman she is today. 

She is a living reminder that resilience is built, not inherited. That success is not a matter of luck, but of relentless, unwavering effort. 

At CGM, we are proud to have people like Irina. People who carry within them not just technical brilliance, but heart, compassion, and fierce determination. People who lead with both strength and kindness. 

Irina Mihaela Costache is more than a Team Lead. She is a role model. A constant reminder that success is earned — and that you can reach the top, if you’re ready to put in the work. 

Also… if you ever see her name appear as “Mihaela” on Teams, don’t worry — it’s an inside joke between her and the sys admin who created her account years ago. Just one more reason we love her.