Cristian Dina’s inclusion in the annual list of Forbes 30 Under 30 was more than a line in a profile. It marked the moment when a quiet, determined path stepped into full view. In October 2025, Forbes România named him one of the country’s most promising young leaders, recognizing both his role in Tekpon’s rapid rise and the persistence behind it.
What began as a sketch in a garage grew, within four years, into a global software platform with serious backing and clients few would have imagined possible at the start.
For Cristian, the Forbes distinction isn’t a finishing point. It is a signal that the vision he carried since high school, the one shaped by nights spent reading and learning what makes ideas endure, has reached a stage where others can see it too.
The journey continues, but this moment stands as a clear acknowledgment of how far it has already come.
Everything started from reading one book…
Maria Stanciuc: You became the CEO of Tekpon Awards at such a young age. What is the secret?
Cristian Dina: There’s really no secret formula or shortcut; it all comes down to having fire in your heart and unwavering clarity about your mission. From the moment I started as an intern at 19, I made a choice: I wasn’t going to wait for someone else to give me permission or a title.
I showed up every day ready to do the work nobody else wanted to do, to say yes when others hesitated, and to give generously before asking for anything in return. People often mistake this kind of relentless hustle for luck, but it’s the result of countless late nights, rejections, and a deep belief in something bigger than myself.
Age was never a barrier for me; it was an advantage because I wasn’t weighed down by the “rules” or expectations others felt bound by. That allowed me to reinvent what leadership could look like. So, the “secret” isn’t a secret: it’s clarity, courage, and a willingness to lead with authenticity and purpose.
Maria Stanciuc: What inspired you to create an event that brings together over 1,000 saas and AI executives?
Cristian Dina: I was honestly tired of the typical industry events that felt soulless, where the main agenda was pitching, branding, and superficial networking without real connection.
I saw a gap: a need for a space that felt human, inclusive, and inspiring. The Tekpon Awards came from a simple but powerful idea: what if we created an environment where people actually wanted to talk, to share their journeys, to build relationships beyond just logos and titles?
I wanted it to be more than just an awards show; I wanted it to be a celebration of what tech truly should be, a people-first ecosystem built on collaboration, empathy, and real impact.
Community is not just a buzzword for us; it’s the foundation of everything we do. Bringing together over 1,000 saas and AI leaders is about creating a global family where trust, mentorship, and growth happen naturally. That inspiration keeps driving me every day.
Maria: You’ve interviewed over 300 saas leaders on your podcast. Any standout moments or lessons?
Cristian: Each conversation on the podcast has been a treasure trove of wisdom, but if I had to sum it up, one lesson stands out: the best founders and leaders aren’t the loudest voices in the room, they’re the clearest. They have a profound understanding of who they are and what they stand for, and they show up with humility and confidence in equal measure.
One guest said something that stuck with me deeply: “If your product disappeared tomorrow, would your customers fight to get it back?” That question cuts through the noise and highlights the importance of real customer love and loyalty. I’ve also learned that people remember far more how you make them feel than what you say or sell, even in a b2b context.
Authenticity, empathy, and vulnerability create the strongest bonds.
The podcast has taught me that leadership is less about ego and more about service. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Maria: Organizing such a significant event must have its challenges. Can you share some?
Cristian: Absolutely, there are many layers of challenges behind the scenes. Managing logistics for hundreds of international VIPs, dealing with last-minute technical glitches, and juggling countless moving parts can feel like chaos.
But beyond logistics, the toughest challenge is energy management, not just mine, but the entire team’s.
When the pressure is on, everyone looks to you for calm and clarity. I’ve learned leadership isn’t about controlling every detail; it’s about holding the vision steady while embracing imperfection.
We don’t chase flawless; we chase impact. Another layer of complexity is navigating cultural differences and expectations, because we bring together people from diverse industries, geographies, and backgrounds.
Creating a space where everyone feels equally valued requires emotional intelligence and intentionality.
Despite all this, the real fuel that keeps me going is knowing the difference we make in building genuine human connections. Every standing ovation, every meaningful conversation after the event, reminds me why the challenges are worth it.
Maria: How do you approach building genuine relationships in the tech industry?
Cristian: For me, building genuine relationships starts with humility and curiosity, not trying to impress but to understand. I listen far more than I speak and ask, “How can I help you?” without expecting anything immediate in return. It’s about real, respectful curiosity, no fake smiles or transactional handshakes.
I believe every person holds value, whether it’s a junior marketer or a Fortune 500 CEO, because opportunities and insights come from unexpected places.
Relationships aren’t just about adding LinkedIn connections; they’re built in moments of trust, vulnerability, and consistent follow-through. My mindset is generosity, showing up to offer value first.
Over time, people remember what you do more than what you say. And that’s how authentic networks and communities grow, through real human moments, patience, and consistency.
Maria: When you’re not organizing events or networking, who is Cristian Dina?
Cristian: Outside of work, I’m constantly curious and driven to grow. I dedicate time to reading personal development books and refining my mindset. I focus on clarity and purposeful action, always looking for ways to improve and push forward. I value meaningful conversations and believe in steady, consistent growth every day.
My life is about balancing ambition with intentionality, always striving to lead by example and make a positive impact. I show up fully in everything I do, because I know that discipline and focus are the keys to long-term success.
Maria: What advice would you give to young professionals aiming to make a mark in the tech event space?
Cristian: My biggest advice is to start before you feel ready. You don’t need anyone’s permission to create. Host a small meetup, interview someone you admire, or launch a podcast episode. Learn by doing, don’t get stuck in overplanning or waiting for the perfect moment.
Focus on who you bring together, not just what you build. The energy of an event comes from the people in the room, so invest in relationships like your reputation depends on it, because it does. Also, find a mentor who has walked this path before.
“A mentor will provide guidance, open doors, and help you avoid common pitfalls.”
Maria: How important is community building in the success of the Tekpon Awards, and how do you foster it?
Cristian: Community is absolutely everything to us. Without it, Tekpon Awards would just be a fancy room with a stage and lights. What brings it to life is the shared energy, the trust, and the belief that we’re here to lift each other.
I foster this community by showing up year-round, not just at the gala night, through LinkedIn engagement, local meetups, podcasts, and, of course, my book. Giving people a consistent reason to trust me creates the foundation for something bigger.
Community is a two-way street; it’s about giving and receiving.
The connections and trust built throughout the year are what fuel the event’s success. We invest in authentic engagement, spotlight voices often overlooked, and create spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued.
It’s about creating ripple effects of connection and collaboration that last long after the event ends.
Maria: What are your aspirations for the future of Tekpon Awards and its impact on the saas and AI communities?
Cristian: My vision for the Tekpon Awards is to evolve far beyond an annual event. I want it to be the place where meaningful connections in saas and AI are born, nurtured, and scaled, a global movement that inspires and empowers.
We’re actively working on expanding Tekpon Awards internationally, with the next edition planned for Dubai, a vibrant tech hub that aligns perfectly with our mission. I want founders, investors, and leaders to say, “We met at Tekpon Awards, and it changed the trajectory of our company.”
Beyond recognition, I see it as a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and pushing the industry toward being more human. Less ego, more empathy. Less “look at me,” and more “how can we help each other grow?”
I want tekpon to lead by example, showing that success is measured not just by metrics or deals but by the positive impact we have on each other’s journeys and communities.
Maria: Looking back at the first edition of the Tekpon Awards, what moment stands out as the most memorable?
The moment that stays with me most vividly is standing backstage just minutes before opening the show, looking out at a packed auditorium filled with people who once felt unreachable — executives, founders, VCs, all in the same room, not because they had to be there, but because they genuinely wanted to be.
I felt a wave of peace and fire at the same time, calm in knowing we pulled this off, and fierce passion for what was to come. That moment wasn’t just about seeing a crowd; it was witnessing a vision come alive.
It was proof that when you lead with purpose and heart, people show up authentically. Every handshake, every smile, every conversation that night felt like a seed planted.
It reminded me that this journey is about more than an event; it’s about creating a lasting legacy and a thriving community. And I knew then: this is just the beginning.
