To learn more about the daily lives of our Team8s working in different parts of the business, we created this blog series featuring some special guests. In this latest entry we sit down with Monica Cacina, Senior Product Manager at 8x8, located in Târgu Mureș, Romania.

8x8: Monica, first off, thank you for accepting the invitation. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Monica Cacina (MC): Of course! I would start by saying that I'm a very dynamic person, always hustling to get things done. I love hiking and traveling, often combining the two. Cross-functional training is my way to start the day, even though it feels like torture sometimes!

While I’ve delved into various hobbies over the years, I enjoy the variety and never stick to just one. My favorite food category is anything SPICY—so bring on the heat. Oh, and I also have a lively three-year-old Jack Russell that keeps me active and brings a lot of joy with her spirited personality.

8x8: What about your role, what does being a Product Manager at 8x8 look like?

MC: Indeed, I joined 8x8 as a Product Manager and I've been here for a little over two years. My role is focused on bringing new products to life, from the initial idea to the final launch. This involves a lot of collaboration with teams across Engineering, Design, User Research, and Marketing to ensure that our products meet the needs of our customers.

I think, for me, the best way to describe what the experience of being a Product Manager feels like, is to look at it as a mix of strategy, creativity, and execution that keeps things exciting.

8x8: Did you always know that you wanted to pursue a career in this field?

MC: Yes and no. I’ve always loved solving problems and being innovative, but it took some time to find the right fit. My background is in economics, marketing, and public relations. This gave me a good grasp of market dynamics and consumer behavior, and it organically led me to product management. The role allows me to blend my skills with creativity and strategic thinking, keeping me constantly engaged and motivated to learn and grow.

8x8: What do you most like about working at 8x8?

MC: Working here is great because of the collaborative culture and innovative environment. My role lets me work with diverse teams, each bringing unique perspectives that add to the product development process.

The people at 8x8 are passionate and talented, ready to tackle new challenges. I value flexibility and work-life balance, which is crucial for staying productive and healthy. For me, this place is where ideas come to life and everyone’s contributions are valued.

8x8: What methods or tools do you use to stay on top of your work?

MC: I'm a bit obsessed with lists! Whether it's Excel, Notepad, or good old-fashioned paper, lists help me stay organized. I rely on Notes, Google Docs, and Google Calendar for scheduling, and tools like FigJam and Miro for brainstorming and planning.

“I've always been intrigued by how the mind works. Back in high school, I even considered becoming a psychologist. In a way I guess I did, just in a different field!” - Monica Cacina

8x8: What are your thoughts on hybrid work?

MC: Personally, I have been used to working remotely, at least partially, since well before the pandemic came and changed everything for everyone. For me, hybrid work offers the perfect balance—it allows me to work from home, which boosts my productivity and helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance, while at the same time giving me the chance to collaborate with colleagues in person and build stronger team connections. This approach accommodates different working styles and leads to greater job satisfaction.

8x8: What’s the most challenging thing for you about working from home?

MC: For me, the biggest challenge is keeping work and personal life separate. It's easy to let my work spill over into my personal time. I often find that I need to make a very conscious effort to maintain better boundaries, and it doesn’t always go as planned in practice!

8x8: What is your morning routine for a good day?

MC: I start with an intense workout, then I take my Jack Russell out for a short walk or run. After a nutritious breakfast and a cup of coffee, I'm ready to dive into my tasks.

8x8: What about after work, how do you recharge?

MC: After work, there's nothing better than taking my dog for a long walk to clear my head and enjoy the outdoors. It's my little escape. Some days, I spend time preparing my meals for the week, catching up with friends, or getting lost in a TV show marathon. My tastes range from "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" to gripping psychological crime series—I've always been intrigued by how the mind works. Back in high school, I even considered becoming a psychologist. In a way I guess I did, just in a different field!

8x8: What’s something surprising that not many people know about you?

MC: I used to be into extreme sports. I've tried paragliding, skydiving, bungee jumping, tackling challenging hiking trails, via ferrata—anything that got my adrenaline pumping!

I was also heavily involved in my community, organizing Startup Weekend events and hackathons, STEM fun learning programs for kids, and opening the first coworking space in my city.

In recent years, especially with the pandemic, I've slowed down a bit, focusing more on balance and enjoying life at a more sustainable pace.

8x8: What would be one piece of advice that you would give to anyone interested in joining our team?

MC: Product Management can come from any background, and having worn various hats before this role is beneficial. My advice is to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. The tech industry is fast-paced and always changing, so being open to new ideas and challenges is key.

8x8 values innovative thinking and a problem-solving mindset. Be proactive, take initiative, and don’t be afraid to share your ideas. It’s a supportive environment where everyone’s contributions matter, so bring your unique perspective and be ready to collaborate with a talented team.

Learn more about working at 8x8

8x8 is made up of a diverse bunch of more than 2,000 highly driven Team8s determined to shape how businesses communicate and work in today's rapidly changing world.

To learn more, check us out on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Interested in becoming a Team8? See all available opportunities and apply on our career page.

Read more in 8x8’s A Day in the Life series: