After running its course, the original Call for Leaders – 3Q was completed successfully, achieving its intended purpose of bringing a positive, insightful, or otherwise constructive view of the Romanian business scene in the context of the current crisis. Now, Business Review followed up with some of Romania’s top professionals and entrepreneurs for #Call4Leaders part II – Back in Business, to see how they mapped out the long-awaited return to normality.

Current conversation: Marina Popescu, GM Floria.ro

How do you define the new normal that everyone should submit to?
I think the new normal is defined by pragmatism and precaution, in both business and personal decisions. The last few months have shown that there are few things we can actually control in times of crisis, so we should always remain flexible and work with multiple scenarios in order to be prepared. Also, the importance of contingency planning is more obvious than ever.

Has this crisis altered your optimism or hopes for your business plans in this calendar year?
Yes. Our business was affected on multiple levels, we had some tough months, and we expect some tough months to follow. As flowers are not a first priority buy, events were cancelled, corporate contracts were suspended and the general mood is tense and oriented to self preservation of resources, I think the floristry market went to its lowest levels in years.
Some of the offline flower customers went online and used flowers delivery services such as Floria.ro to colour their social distancing and staying inside days, but online remains a small part of the industry that can not uphold the whole market.

What’s next for the industry you are currently representing?
The digital presence and high standard online services will be somehow advantaged, as flowers can help build connection and send messages in times of physical distancing. However, given the uncertainty remains at a high level, I think this year will be a dark year for flower businesses worldwide. We expect to see some signs of revival with the holiday season, when hopefully the corporate and events will restart their specific lines of business.