Living TEAM’s values: Adaptable

Whether moving to a new country, stepping into additional responsibilities during a colleague’s absence or navigating new legal frameworks as the business evolves, she leans into unfamiliar territory proactively and with determination.

“I’m naturally curious,” she says. “Change can be daunting, but it’s also exhilarating.”

That mindset embodies TEAM’s value of Adaptable: an understanding that growth happens by being open and ready to evolve.

Curiosity as a constant

Originally from Romania, Ioana set her sights abroad early. Determined to study in the UK, she invested heavily in mastering English and shaping an academic path that strengthened her analytical thinking.

Law became the natural fit, not only for its structure and logic, but for the debate, argumentation and perspective it offered. Pursing her law degree in the UK, alongside exchange experiences across Europe and beyond, deepened her interest in working in diverse, international environments.

But what defines her story is how she approached each transition: willingly, strategically and with curiosity.

Trust from day one

Joining TEAM as a paralegal in 2021, Ioana entered the sports industry with no prior sector experience. It could have been overwhelming. Instead, she found structure and trust.

She supported across Marketing Rights, Media Rights and Corporate law - the only member of the legal team actively working across all three areas.

“My biggest concern was that my role might be limited to administrative or routine tasks,” she admits. “But from the beginning, I was given real autonomy and a tremendous opportunity to learn by doing.”

Colleagues invested time in her development, walking through complex agreements, letting her listen in on negotiations and making space for questions. Adaptability, in this environment, wasn’t about coping alone, but rather being supported while stretching.

Evolving with the business

During her interview, Ioana had shared her ambition to qualify as a lawyer early in her career; a process that she knew would be time-consuming and demanding.

TEAM was fully supportive. She was given study days. Workloads were adjusted. Colleagues regularly checked in.

“It never felt like I was doing it alone,” she reflects. “There was genuine interest in helping me succeed.”

Following multiple full-day theoretical exams followed by extensive practical assessments, she received her certification as a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales, a milestone that reflected not only personal discipline, but an employer invested in long-term development.

Today, Ioana focuses primarily on Marketing Rights, taking full responsibility for drafting contracts and advising on agreements with UC3’s sponsors and licensees.

Adapting confidently

Collaboration within the Legal Department remains central. She describes it as an environment where questions are encouraged and support is immediate, a culture that allows individuals to adapt confidently.

In December 2025, Ioana was nominated by her peers for the TEAM Player Award for embodying the value ‘Adaptable’. Colleagues highlighted her resilience and composure, particularly during periods of increased responsibility.

Adaptability at TEAM means being supported to grow through change. And as the business evolves, so do the people within it. And individuals like Ioana, who are curious, resilient and willing to step forward, ensure that progress continues.