DINCOLO DE BALAURI

Dincolo de balauri – Be the hero of your own life! Every person has their own "dragons". What sets people apart is the courage to face them. I loved Cristian Nicolae's book for the authenticity with which he tells of his battles with his dragons: failures, losses, challenges, suffering and the moments when life put him to the test. I especially appreciate how, after every encounter with the "dragons", he comes back with an extremely valuable life lesson. I believe the message of the book is that we cannot control life's trials, but we can choose how we respond to them. With faith, optimism, hard work and gratitude, the dragons in our minds can become steps of lasting growth. I particularly love the way Cristian keeps alive in his heart the example of his parents, his roots, the holy "icons" and his sources of personal strength. I would have loved to meet them in person - I grew so attached to them just by reading about them! For me, Dincolo de balauri is much more than a simple life story. It is a true handbook of maturity and authentic leadership: about how not to turn suffering into resentment, but into growth, courage and the power to reinvent yourself. It is worth reading because it reminds you that true victory is not never falling, but choosing, every time, to rise with dignity and keep going. Cristian, congratulations on having the courage to turn your life experiences into lessons full of wisdom for others!

Mihaela Stroe, PhD

Business Profiler, International Trainer & Speaker, Author

You know the kind of book you read with a pen in hand?

That is how you challenged me, Cristian, to discover your journey from the early days in the "trenches" of entrepreneurship all the way to success and leadership. In fact, your book is not even about that.

It is, above all, about what remains of a person after victories and defeats, after inspired choices and closed roads, after the moments when life forces them to look for a new direction.

Written from experience, not from theory - which is also why I read it with my eyes, my mind and my soul - the book speaks about the courage of small beginnings, about patience, resilience and adaptation, about the power of building trust before trying to convince, and about one essential lesson: success is not born from spectacular moments, but from hundreds of small problems, solved one by one, without giving up.

Because "the most important construction in a person's life is their own character".

Beyond the world of business, you, Cristian Nicolae, lead your reader toward far more personal questions:

What are you afraid of?

What would you do if fear no longer held you back? (And yes, this is where you got me completely)

Who are you when you are no longer playing any role?

And, perhaps, toward the hardest confrontation of all.

Because each of us has a dragon. Sometimes we defeat it through the power of the mind, other times with the help of those who hold our hand, and always by keeping hope alive.

"Before the body can win a battle, the mind must refuse to lose it."

At the end of the book remains a simple invitation that is hard to refuse: look your own dragon in the eye, raise your sword and keep moving forward.

Be the hero of your own life!

Andrada Cojocaru

Author, TV Show Producer and Host at TVR Craiova

It would have been easy to say this book moved me because the author is my brother. The truth, however, is that it moved me because, beyond the events I already knew, I discovered a man who had the courage to speak honestly about successes and failures, about love and separation, about fear, faith and the strength to always start over. "Dincolo de balauri" is not the story of a fearless hero, but of a man who learned to move forward in spite of fear. It is a warm, deeply human book, written with humor, vulnerability and optimism. A book in which every reader can recognize, in one form or another, their own dragons and find the courage to face them. I read it not only with a brother's emotion, but also with the joy of a reader who closes the last page feeling a little more confident in life and in their own power to keep going.

Dr. Ciprian Nicolae

Physician, Author, Health Educator alias Doctor Cip

Cristian combines business expertise, life experience and a rare sense of clarity. He is pragmatic, results-focused and, at the same time, deeply empathetic and easy to engage with. His positive relational energy builds trust and openness, making his coaching sessions both impactful and inspiring.

Monica Grigoriu

Master Certified Coach ICF, Managing Partner @Coachingdipity

Cristian Nicolae is one of the longest-standing and most valuable members of the Maxwell Leadership Romania community. He is an extremely dynamic, friendly and engaged person, with a natural ability to connect people and build authentic relationships. He brings a rare positive energy, a contagious passion for life and a genuine desire to help and add value to those around him. Throughout the years I have known him, Cristian has always been close to people - present, dedicated and willing to contribute. I confidently recommend him as a coach and mentor, not just for his professional qualities, but above all for his character and authenticity.

Sorin Popa

President, Maxwell Leadership Romania

I had the opportunity to work with Cristian, and I can honestly say it was one of the most valuable experiences of my professional journey. During a period when I had many questions, unclear ideas and blurred directions, he not only managed to give me clarity, but also inspired me deeply. I am deeply grateful for the professionalism, patience and openness with which he guided me. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who wants not only to learn business, but to become a better version of themselves in this field. Thank you, Cristian!

Mădălina Pop

Co-founder, Mommy's Help

Cristian, you were top-notch!

Raluca Niculae

Group HR Manager UK, VN, LTK, MD and RO at Alison Hayes UK

This year we worked with Cristian on two remarkable projects for us: "SMC Romania Day" in Bucharest and Timișoara. He was the MC and a speaker on motivation and leadership. All I can say is: professional and dedicated. Well done!

Victor Dahnovici

General Manager, SMC Romania

Cristian, you did an excellent job at the training. The feedback was great. We look forward to new projects in 2025!

Nacho Escobar

Regional Sales Director, USANA Health Sciences

Honestly, I shouldn't have to write anything about Cristian Nicolae! He is a brand in himself! A unique personality, a wonderful HUMAN BEING... We know this, those of us who have worked with Cristian, and so do the hundreds of high school and university students who changed their outlook on life after meeting him through the Romania Hub government program. The man who gave dozens of motivational talks to young people at the start of their journey… And he did it for free, just to make a difference in society! Well done, Cristian!

Andreea-Maria Severa

Head of the Romania HUB Office, General Directorate for Entrepreneurial Policies

Because his name is Inspiration. Energy. Because from him you learn to Hope. To be Optimistic. To Survive. No matter how many Hardships you face. To Find Solutions to seemingly Impossible Problems. To Live with everything life brings you, enjoying it.

Ioan Nicuț

Coach, CPCC, CSC

I got to know Cristian Nicolae as a businessman, but also as a speaker and trainer. He is authentic, open, communicative, charismatic and has a great desire to share his ideas and experiences. In short, I would say he is a man gifted with the art of speaking. He knows how to capture your attention, delivering interesting and motivating messages. His training sessions are true experiences in which you learn new things, find answers and discover ideas.

Adriana Alionte

Founder, Shakespeare School

I met Cristian during a JCI Bucharest event in 2013. We exchanged ideas and I knew he was someone you could build with. Since then we have collaborated on JCI Bucharest events, the launch of the Female Leadership Organisation, The Alpha Group and Meet the Mentor, as a speaker and trainer. As a speaker, he is absolutely motivational and inspirational. As a trainer, he helps you work with your skills and develop them. As a person, he will surely infect you with energy and positive thoughts.

Bianca Tudor

Managing Partner, More Solutions and Founder, Elite Business Women

I discovered Cristian at a presentation, and I should have guessed from the first moment that he was from Oltenia. One of those Oltenians who, in the interwar period, were known as the most hardworking and skilful merchants in the kingdom. Once you get to know him better, you can't help but love his authenticity, humor, courage and entrepreneurial spirit in everything he does. If you need inspiration and energy in entrepreneurship, don't hesitate - connect with Cristian.

Dragoș Nicolaescu

Business Angel | Executive Coach | Change Facilitator

I had the chance to meet Cristian in 2014 at the 11even experiences Conference in Craiova. And I say chance because I rarely meet people I can immediately define with a single word… In Cristian's case, that word is INSPIRATION! An extraordinary speaker, a successful entrepreneur, a man who inspires and motivates! Cristian inspires young people and entrepreneurs looking for the key to success, and he always finds time to personalize every process and bring authentic stories. He is definitely the expert you need to motivate your team, streamline work processes and understand the importance of community involvement!

Adina Marina Calafățeanu, Dr.

President, Centre for Sustainable Community Development; Senior Trainer, Youth Partnership Expert - Pool of European Youth Researchers (Council of Europe - European Commission)

Cristian Nicolae is one of the most compelling motivational speakers in our country; more than that, he is also a talented trainer. Although he has read many books in the field, his business stories have substance and charm because they come from real experience as a Serial Entrepreneur - together with his whole family - with ups and downs, lessons learned and a winning spirit.

Radu Limpede

Managing Partner EU Advisory

From his training sessions you can learn the human values that guide Cristian Nicolae: respect for partners and clients, dynamism and passion, the desire to share relevant business experiences with others. One of the recommendations that stuck with me, applicable to service-based businesses: "you have to be obsessed with after-sales service."

Cristian Tudorescu

Managing Partner, Explore Asset Management and Executive Vice President, JCI Bucharest 2015

I have learned a lot from Cristian. He is a man with a wealth of experience and a truly unique energy. I recommend him wholeheartedly.

Dragoș Voinea

Co-founder, Marsilian

The SSG team, made up of members of Toastmasters clubs in Romania, has decided: Cristian Nicolae, speaker at "Conference 3 - Perseverance, the guarantee of success over time", receives the top rating "Excellent", based on the scores obtained for the criteria: delivery, effectiveness, value, appearance, voice, timing, appropriateness and coherence.

Călin Iepure

Coordinator, Speaker Support Group, Business Days Cluj 2014

Thank you, Cristian, for all your support, you are an inspiration to us. The fact that you spoke to us from books but also gave us examples from your own experience convinced us. See you soon for the next level of coaching :)

Hulya Suliman

Franchisee, 5 to Go