By Andreea Manoiu
Corporate Development Manager, Daikin UK
One conversation, one lesson or one mentor can change the course of a career.
When people ask me how I started my career in HVAC, I always think of one person: Stefan Lazar.
Fresh out of university, I joined Romstal in Romania as a junior estimator. Like many graduates entering the workforce for the first time, I was enthusiastic but had virtually no practical experience. The world of HVAC felt vast and complex, and I quickly realised how much there was to learn.
Fortunately, I had a manager who believed that knowledge should be shared.
Stefan was the Head of the Technical Department at Romstal at that time, and one of the best teachers I have ever met. Whenever an interesting enquiry came into the technical pre-sales department, he would gather the whole team around him and take us through it step by step. He never simply gave us the answer. Instead, he helped us understand the reasoning behind it. The more challenging the project was, the more enthusiastic Stefan became. What could have been just another quotation turned into a learning opportunity for everyone in the room.
Over those years, I learned how to size heat pumps, steam boilers and their accessories, heating systems, circulation pumps, irrigation systems, water treatment equipment and many other technical solutions. More importantly, I learned how to approach a problem, ask the right questions and think critically about the solution.
Stefan had a remarkable ability to make complex engineering concepts understandable. He encouraged curiosity and welcomed questions. No one was made to feel inexperienced for not knowing something. Instead, he created an environment where learning was expected, encouraged and celebrated.
Looking back, I realise that what he gave me was much more valuable than technical knowledge alone. He gave me confidence.
As a young professional at the beginning of my journey, having someone invest their time and energy in my development made an enormous difference. His willingness to teach helped me build the foundation on which I have continued to develop my career over the years.
Today, as I work in the HVAC industry, I still draw on many of those lessons. Technical knowledge evolves, products change and technologies advance, but the importance of sharing knowledge remains constant. Our industry is built on experience, and that experience becomes even more valuable when it is passed on to others.
One of the themes of Global HVACR Women Week is the power of connection, and when I think about that, I think about mentors like Stefan.
Connections are not only about expanding our networks. They are about people who take the time to help others grow, who share what they know and who create opportunities for learning.
I often wish that everyone starting their HVAC career could have someone like Stefan alongside them. Someone who is willing to teach, explain and answer the question “why?”. Someone who sees potential rather than inexperience. Someone who understands that investing in people is one of the most important contributions we can make to our industry.
The knowledge Stefan shared with me continues to influence the way I work today. It also reminds me of the responsibility we all have to support the next generation of professionals entering our industry.
After all, one conversation, one lesson or one mentor can change the course of a career.
Local voices. Global connections. One HVACR community.
This article was contributed by Andreea Manoiu for Global HVACR Women Week 2026, taking place from 25–31 October.
It forms part of our Local Voices series, in which women share their experiences of working in HVACR and the connections that have made a difference along the way. By sharing these stories, we hope to help others find people they can learn from, exchange ideas with and support.
What connection has made a difference to you? We welcome contributions from women across HVACR, wherever you work and whatever stage of your career you have reached. Your story does not need to be long or polished—a simple experience could help someone else take their next step.
To share your story or find ways to take part, visit globalhvacrwomenweek.com.
