This month, we had the pleasure of catching up with Neculai, our dedicated Account Manager, to dive into his inspiring career journey, his passions outside of work, and his experience at XWiki so far. Let's uncover what drives his work in the Client team, explore the open-source values that resonate with him, and take a nostalgic look at his most cherished XWiki memory.
- Favorite artist: Dan Dinu
- Best book ever read: Planet of the Apes
- Dream destination: Japan
- Quote you live by: Work hard, play harder!
- At the office or remote? Obviously both
Tell us about yourself
My name is Neculai Dăscălița, and I’m a 34-year-old travel and photography enthusiast with a deep love for the outdoors. Trekking and camping are some of my favorite ways to connect with nature, and I’m always looking for my next adventure. In my spare time, I enjoy taking long walks with my dog and keeping up with the latest trends in technology. Whether I’m exploring a new destination or discovering the newest tech innovations, I love immersing myself in the things that inspire me most.
🌄 The journey to XWiki
What were you doing before XWiki? Did you change careers when joining our team?
Before joining XWiki, I spent several years at GfK, where I developed my expertise in managing international market research projects for some of the world’s most renowned corporations. I began my journey at GfK in an entry-level role, focusing on data categorization and organization, which laid the groundwork for my understanding of the market research field.
Over time, I advanced to more complex responsibilities, including process optimization and team leadership. In one role, I helped in setting up a global service center, where I improved internal processes, managed recruitment and training programs, and ensured operational excellence for a site with over 600 employees. My efforts enhanced efficiency, built high-performing teams, and drove significant improvements in quality and delivery.
In my most senior position at GfK, I managed international market research projects end-to-end. This included defining project scope, timelines, and budgets while coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver insights tailored to client needs. I worked closely with stakeholders to ensure seamless communication and provided strategic solutions to address challenges, consistently exceeding client expectations.
Joining XWiki as an Account Manager allowed me to transition from executing large-scale projects to focusing on strategic client relationship management and business development. This role enables me to build on my experience in managing high-impact projects while cultivating long-term partnerships and identifying opportunities that align with XWiki's goals in the open-source software industry.
What is it like to be working in the Client team at XWiki?
Working in the Client Team at XWiki is an exciting and fulfilling experience. It’s all about building strong, lasting relationships with our clients and truly understanding their needs so we can offer solutions that make a real impact. The atmosphere is collaborative, and you get to work alongside a diverse group of talented people, from developers to product experts, all with the shared goal of delivering exceptional results.
What I enjoy most is the chance to be part of something bigger — contributing to the open-source community and seeing how our solutions support not just individual clients but also a global network of users. It’s rewarding to know that what we’re doing is not just business as usual, but it’s advancing open-source technology and making a difference.
The role keeps you on your toes with a nice balance of strategic thinking, project management, and problem-solving. Every day is a bit different — whether you're finding new opportunities, managing project timelines, or ensuring everything stays on track for the client, there's always something to challenge you and help you grow. And the best part? The teamwork. There’s a real sense of camaraderie within the Client Team, and everyone is always willing to lend a hand or share insights.
Plus, you get to represent XWiki at industry events, which is a great way to stay connected with the community and expand your network. All in all, it’s a dynamic and supportive environment that makes you feel like you’re truly contributing to something meaningful while growing professionally.
🔎 Open-source impressions
Was open source something you had an interest in prior to XWiki?
Yes, I’ve always been interested in open-source software. I used open-source tools as much as possible and admired how they bring people together to create something bigger than any one company. However, I wasn’t really in a position to contribute directly. Since joining XWiki, that’s completely changed. Now, my work actually allows me to help fund and support open-source projects like XWiki and CryptPad, as well as other smaller projects sponsored by XWiki SAS. It feels great to not only use these tools but to actively be part of supporting and growing them.
What's the open-source value you identify with most?
The aspect of open source I most identify with is the spirit of collaboration and transparency. I truly believe that when people come together to share knowledge and contribute to a common goal, it leads to stronger, more innovative solutions. Open source fosters a sense of community, where everyone has a voice, and the focus is on collective progress rather than individual gain. This openness not only accelerates innovation but also creates a more inclusive and supportive environment for learning and growth. It’s this collaborative mindset that I find most inspiring and valuable.
⌛ Being an XWikier
How was the integration process at XWiki for you?
The integration process at XWiki was smooth and welcoming. From the moment I joined, I felt supported by my colleagues, who were always ready to help and share insights. The onboarding process was well-organized, and I quickly understood the company's culture of collaboration, transparency, and open-source values.
It was also great to see how quickly I could dive into meaningful work, contributing to projects and engaging with clients. XWiki’s hybrid working model allowed me to balance flexibility with the opportunity to connect with the team, making the transition feel natural and seamless. Overall, I’ve felt very much at home and part of a supportive, forward-thinking community from day one.
What were the biggest ways in which XWiki changed during the time you've been around?
During my time at XWiki, the company has made remarkable progress, especially with ongoing projects like Cristal and WAISE (Wiki AI Search Engine). Cristal is aimed at providing a modern, flexible knowledge base front-end that can integrate with multiple content backends, enhancing user interaction. WAISE is working on bringing AI-powered search and natural language interaction to XWiki, while ensuring privacy and access control. These projects represent the company's continuous evolution and its drive to innovate within the open-source ecosystem.
What would you say is the most valuable lesson you learned during your time at XWiki?
The most valuable lesson I've learned at XWiki is that it's possible to run an ethical business while keeping a strong emphasis on the well-being of employees. XWiki truly values its people, and it's clear that fostering a supportive and respectful work environment leads to long-term success. This focus on ethics and employee well-being has shaped how I approach my work, showing me that a company can thrive while prioritizing integrity, transparency, and collaboration.
What has kept you at XWiki so far?
What has kept me at XWiki is the company's strong focus on both ethical business practices and fostering a positive, employee-centered culture. The rewarding company goals, a friendly team, and a relaxed work environment have made it a pleasure to be part of this organization. The flexibility in my schedule, the ability to work remotely, along with the 4-day work week every two weeks have been major benefits. I also appreciate the opportunity to take part in unique team activities and team-building events. Overall it has been incredibly fulfilling, and it’s the combination of these factors that makes me proud to continue growing at XWiki.
If you could describe XWiki's culture in one word, what would it be?
Empowering
Favorite memory up until now at XWiki?
My favorite memory at XWiki so far has to be the 20th anniversary celebration in Paris. During the event, I had the honor of presenting the HLS Client Story alongside Stéphanie Summermatter, HLS's Head of Digital Services. It was a special moment to share our journey with such an engaged audience. This summit was also the first opportunity for me to meet face-to-face many of our clients and collaborators, which made the experience even more meaningful.
The seminar that followed was equally memorable. It was the first time I had the chance to meet most of the XWiki team in person. We spent the week participating in team-building activities, brainstorming new ideas, and strengthening our bonds as a team. The energy and collaboration were incredible, and I left the seminar with renewed motivation and excitement for the future of XWiki. The mix of professional growth and fun made it an unforgettable experience.
