Marius Potorac, Hatwit

Every entrepreneur has a turning point. What was the moment or decision that truly changed your professional direction and set you on the path to building your own business? 

The decision to move from corporate leadership into entrepreneurship was not an easy one. I had spent many formative and rewarding years in a corporate environment that offered structure, strong results, continuous learning, and exposure to complex processes and governance frameworks .It was an environment that shaped my discipline, strategic thinking, and leadership approach.Professionally, things were going very well.

However, entrepreneurship had been on my mind since I finished university. As I approached a certain stage in life, I realized it was a “now or never” moment. Corporate success can sometimes create a sense of comfort, but long-term growth often requires stepping outside that comfort zone.

Entrepreneurship offered responsibility, independence, and the opportunity to create long-term value in a way that felt deeply aligned with my aspirations.

Hatwit is a distinctive and memorable name. What is the story behind it and how did you come up with it?

The name was actually Luminita’s idea. We were visiting the Charlie Chaplin Museum in Vevey, Switzerland, when the concept emerged: Hat and Wit.

“Hat” symbolizes responsibility and leadership, the visible role one assumes. “Wit” represents intelligence, sharp judgment, and clarity of thinking. In executive search and leadership consulting, both are essential. The name captures the balance between authority and insight, which defines our approach at Hatwit.

Entrepreneurship often comes with personal sacrifices. What have been the biggest trade-offs you had to accept in order to build your business?

The most significant trade-off is that, suddenly, you are fully accountable. In entrepreneurship, responsibility is no longer shared within a structured system - it sits entirely with you. There is no external structure to rely on, you are responsible for sales, operations, marketing, finance, and strategy, and ultimately with the direction of the growth, especially during the scale-up phase. 

Entrepreneurship requires wearing many hats and staying constantly connected to the business. There is rarely a complete “switch-off” moment, including weekends or vacations. 

However, that level of ownership also brings deep satisfaction. Building something from the ground up, shaping its culture, standards, and long-term vision - and then seeing it evolve. Entrepreneurship demands more, but also gives more, particularly in terms of purpose and impact. 

How would you describe yourself outside the office? What are your passions and hobbies when you are not working?

Sport has been a constant in my life. It provides balance, discipline, and mental clarity.

Outside of work, and beside spending time with my family, I dedicate my free time to physical activity: gym training, biking, running, skiing, and weekly football. I am a member of old-boys football clubs in both Romania and Luxembourg.

Sport keeps me grounded, focused and energized.It is not only a way to stay physically active, but also a way to maintain perspective and resilience.

What does a perfect weekend look like for you?

If I am in Bucharest, the perfect weekend often starts with a football match on Friday evening. It helps me disconnect from business and transition into family time.

The rest of the weekend is about simple but meaningful moments, breakfast with the family, walking through the city with the children, enjoying a dessert together, some time for the gym, and a glass of wine in the evening. Sundays are for cooking, reading, and watching a good movie.

As long as my family is around, the weekends feels complete.

Many successful entrepreneurs develop personal rules or principles that guide their decisions. Are there a few principles you always rely on when facing important choices?

The core principle that guides me is long-term thinking.

Every decision should be evaluated through the lens of its long-term impact, on people, on partnerships, and on reputation. Sustainable growth is always more valuable than short-term gains.

I also believe in consistency and integrity. Decisions may vary depending on context, but principles should not. In the long run, credibility becomes one of the most valuable assets a leader can build.

What keeps you motivated and energized after so many years in a demanding profession?

Setting objectives and maintaining pace are important, but over the years I have learned that enjoying the process matters even more.

What motivates me is the diversity of people and perspectives I encounter, different cultures, industries, leadership styles, and business models. Each interaction brings new insight.

Curiosity and continuous learning keep the profession dynamic and rewarding. No two days are ever the same.

If you were to recommend one book to the Swiss-Romanian business community, what would it be and why?

I would recommend The Snowball by Warren Buffett.

It is not simply a book about finance or investing; it is a book about character. It illustrates how early education, discipline, patience, and long-term thinking, applied consistently, can create extraordinary results.

Beyond business lessons, it reinforces the idea that reputation, values, and steady compounding matter more than quick success. In many ways, it is a reminder that sustainable achievement is built quietly, over time.