Simona Bodnărescu
What do you do at OPSWAT?
As a CSM, I’m here to make sure our customers crush their goals while using the wide range of products and services we can offer.
I focus mostly on building strong connections with our key customers, helping them explore and use our portfolio, tackling pain points and challenges head-on, and keeping them happy and coming back for more. My role is to ensure they love working with us as much as we love delivering for them!
When did you join OPSWAT?
March 2021.
If you could describe OPSWAT in one word, what would it be and why?
One word to describe OPSWAT would be game-changing. I’ve seen OPSWAT grow through some of its most intense and transformative stages. Even during massive changes in how we expand, we’ve stayed driven to make an impact—redefining what’s possible with our technology and operations. Along the way, we continually set new and higher standards for ourselves, always pushing boundaries and I wouldn’t settle for anything less.
Your time at OPSWAT
How did you begin your career in the cybersecurity industry?
The CSM role chose me, not the other way around and it has now become the hottest, most promising job in every major company.
I’ve transitioned to cybersecurity from a background in project management for several digital companies. Joining OPSWAT was a game-changer—the opportunity to define the EMEA CSM role from the ground up was irresistible. It allowed me to craft the role with my own vision, set new standards, and truly make it my own. Looking back, it couldn’t have been a better fit!
What do you like the most about OPSWAT?
While I love OPSWAT’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in cybersecurity innovation - it is inspiring! - what truly excites me is how responsive we are to our customers’ needs. We have the ability (a luxury event) to adapt quickly to customer requests and tailor our solutions to meet the unique challenges of critical industries.
In today’s fast-paced, 'always-on' environment, customers expect swift, impactful results—and we can effectively and consistently deliver that.
On a personal level, I also love the fact that I have the space to work effectively across all our departments, providing the best outcomes I can for our customers.
How has the company changed since you first started?
OPSWAT has grown rapidly since I joined three and a half years ago, and with that growth came a strong need for better internal processes. As our product portfolio expanded and the company scaled significantly, especially in Europe, it became clear that we needed more structured workflows and strategic planning to keep up.
In our fast-paced industry, it’s simple: you grow fast, or you die slow!
What is the best career lesson you've learned so far?
The best career lesson I’ve learned is that adaptability is everything. Changes in structure, processes and direction are inevitable, and the faster you embrace them, the more you thrive—both in work and in life.
As a CSM, my role is deeply human at its Core (pun intended, George P.!). Even in a world driven by automation and innovation, every customer engagement involves a REAL person behind the keyboard. Recognizing this and staying ready to handle any scenario not only makes the job more meaningful but also builds stronger, more authentic connections.
It's this balance of adaptability and human connection that keeps me passionate about what I do here.
What do you like most about the office where you work?
Our office is just over a year and a half old, and its truly state-of-the-art. The open plan has completely transformed how we work—we finally get to interact with all the other departments without playing hide-and-seek across 3 different floors!
It’s also a fantastic space for teamwork. I’ve got some legendary early morning routines with the Support and HR teams—and our CIP lab is proof that cybersecurity can have serious style, and we should get a design award for it already!
What do you enjoy most about the OPSWAT culture?
It’s the resilience and adaptability of the team. OPSWATERS must be highly adaptive and driven individuals, resourceful and with the correct mindset needed to navigate amidst constant challenges, all while delivering to an ever-demanding market.
We seem to foster a unique strength and determination to succeed!
What word would you choose to describe yourself?
I’ll go double or nothing: Vivacious and Resourceful. One of them is for how I feel about myself and the other is for how the closest to me seem to regard me as.
Tell us a bit about your family.
I have an 11 year old son obsessed with football and a partner who was a former swimming national champion who recently got me into downhill mountain biking. There’s hardly ever any downtime with them in my life.
What keeps you motivated and focused?
A mix of things—the fear of missing out, my next booked trip, and most importantly, my son. Honestly, if it weren’t for him, I’d probably be working as a hipster barista in some charming beach town in Italy. But here we are, and I’m surely making the absolute most of it!
