A bit about me

Hi, I'm Andreea Ciocirlan

I've always been an avid reader, starting with the kids' book Biscuit by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and quickly graduating to the many adventures of Santa Paws by Nicholas Edwards, which I had to put down after my teacher called my mom because I was crying too much while reading them. But while I put down Santa Paws, I kept reading everything I could get my hands on, and I started loving to create my own stories.

In high school, my English literature teacher taught us how to annotate by making notes in the margins, highlighting passages, and scattering Post-it notes throughout our books. That practice completely transformed how I read. Instead of just enjoying a story, I started actively engaging with the text, sitting back to think more deeply about what I was reading and how it was shaping me. It's still how I read today. Every book becomes a reflection, a professor, a space where I can challenge my own thinking or discover something entirely new.

But all those margin notes and highlights have mostly lived in my own head, swirling around while I walk, shower, or rewatch Frasier for the millionth time. I've never really had anyone to discuss them with or to the depth that I would like, so I wanted to change that. That's where this blog comes in. As I read, I want to share the lessons that stick with me, the perspectives that challenge me, and the ideas that won't let me go. I hope that in the process, at least one person learns something new or shifts their thinking for the better. Even if it's just me, but I hope it's not.

Outside of reading and writing, I currently work in product marketing. Before this, I spent years in market research, leading studies for clients like Meta, Google, Pfizer, Fitbit, JP Morgan, and more, mainly on product strategy ranging from AI product strategy to product development, innovation, and marketing. I also worked as a therapist-in-training with patients that had serious mental illnesses while earning my Masters in Clinical Psychology. While there are plenty of valid concerns about our emerging technologies, I still really enjoy working in tech, especially when it empowers us to be more creative and connect on a deeper level.

So if you ever want to chat about tech, psychology, books, leadership, or anything else, scribble me a little note at andreeaciocir [at] gmail or on Linkedin.