Play the System

About the Author

Nora Ganescu is a distinguished coach, consultant, and trainer specializing in helping organizations maximize their potential and create exceptional workplaces. Her career began over 25 years ago as a youth activist in post-communist Romania, advocating for intercultural understanding. This experience shaped her dedication to building bridges between people and fostering positive change. Ganescu combines personal development techniques, spiritual wisdom, and insights from leading companies to inspire her clients to excel in their careers and drive meaningful organizational change.

Main Idea

"Play the System: A Corporate Rebel’s Guide to Make Your Organization Listen and Change" is a powerful guide for intrapreneurs—those who seek to innovate and implement change within existing organizations. Nora Ganescu offers practical advice and inspirational messages to help readers harness their creativity, navigate organizational challenges, and build supportive networks. The book emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and storytelling in transforming company culture and achieving professional fulfillment.

Table of Contents

• Nora’s Story
• The Life-Draining “System”
• The Jedi Art of Summoning “The Force”
• Your Start-Up Team
• Building a Movement
• Wisdom Circle: Sponsorship, Mentorship, and Resources
• Prototype
• Tell Your Story; Change the Culture

Nora’s Story

Nora Ganescu's personal journey is a narrative of overcoming obstacles and finding her true calling. She encountered numerous challenges in her early career, struggling to make meaningful contributions within rigid corporate structures. These experiences led her to question organizations that stifled employee voices and resisted internal change. Now, as a coach and consultant, Ganescu empowers others to identify their strengths and navigate the complexities of the corporate world. She encourages her clients to pursue their unique visions and make a difference, regardless of their formal positions within their companies.

“I quickly became suspicious of any organization where employees had no voice or where change from the inside was not possible.” - Nora Ganescu

The Life-Draining “System”

Many talented and engaged employees find themselves drained by the very systems they are part of. These individuals often bring innovative ideas and a deep commitment to their work, yet they encounter barriers that stifle their creativity and enthusiasm. Ganescu describes this phenomenon as the "life-draining system," where engagement is treated as a rare commodity, carefully managed and measured. However, she reassures readers that they possess untapped resources—skills, talents, and energy—that can be leveraged to overcome these challenges and create a positive impact.

“Good news—you have more resources than you think. You have your skills, your talent, and your energy.” - Nora Ganescu

Ganescu explains that the "life-draining system" is not an inherent flaw in the organization but a result of deeply ingrained structures and mindsets. She encourages individuals to look beyond the apparent obstacles and recognize the potential for change. The key is to identify these systemic barriers and devise strategies to navigate and eventually dismantle them.