IRINA MANOLESCU, WEB SUMMIT, PORTFOLIOYVR, HELEN SIWAK, MIV ADVISORY, VANCOUVER, BC, YVR

Irina Manolescu: Shaping Business Futures with MIV Advisory

Irina Manolescu is the founder and principal of MIV Advisory, a Vancouver-based consultancy that is setting a new benchmark for excellence in IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). With over a decade of experience across Europe and North America, Irina is recognized as one of the most strategic and pragmatic voices in the cybersecurity and compliance sector. Her journey from Bucharest to Vancouver, from auditor to entrepreneur, is rooted in the values that define her leadership—resilience, precision, and uncompromising integrity.

IRINA MANOLESCU, WEB SUMMIT, PORTFOLIOYVR, HELEN SIWAK, MIV ADVISORY, VANCOUVER, BC, YVR

MIV Advisory is a mission-driven firm that transforms complex compliance requirements into strategic business assets.

Under Irina’s guidance, the firm has supported clients in both the public and private sectors in advancing their GRC objectives with efficiency and clarity. Services include implementation and auditing of ISO 27001, ISO 42001, ISO 9001, and ISO 20000, NIST CSF 2.0 risk assessments, HITRUST and SOC 2 compliance, vendor and physical security assessments, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery planning, fractional compliance officer services, and security awareness training.

What distinguishes MIV Advisory is its commitment to human-centred, business-aligned solutions. Clients consistently praise the firm for bringing a refreshing sense of purpose and precision to a field often burdened by complexity and rigidity.

Irina Manolescu is a distinguished leader in IT governance, risk, and compliance whose journey reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence, purpose, and global citizenship. Born and raised in Romania, Irina began her academic pursuits with unwavering focus. She holds a Master’s degree in Management from the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, as well as dual Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Industrial Engineering and Management from the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest. Her education was further enriched by international studies at Technische Universität Dresden in Germany, which contributed to her refined worldview and cultural fluency.

Her professional journey has spanned roles with global companies such as Honeywell, Xerox, Atos, Appnovation, and Ntirety. At Atos, she oversaw regional quality and audit programs across Central and Eastern Europe. At Ntirety, she excelled as an IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager, mastering multi-framework integration and leading with operational resilience. With each role, she built a reputation for strategic thinking, pragmatic execution, and fostering trust across diverse teams and industries.

Now based in Vancouver, Irina is the founder and Managing Director of MIV Advisory, a boutique consultancy delivering world-class GRC solutions.

IRINA MANOLESCU, WEB SUMMIT, PORTFOLIOYVR, HELEN SIWAK, MIV ADVISORY, VANCOUVER, BC, YVR

She also serves as a Cybersecurity GRC Instructor at Vancouver Community College, where she is regarded as a transformative educator. Her ability to bring clarity to complexity and empower emerging professionals reflects her deep commitment to cultivating ethical, secure, and high-performing environments.

Through her teaching at Post-Degree Diploma level, Irina is not only delivering knowledge, she is actively shaping the next generation of cybersecurity GRC professionals. With a focus on critical thinking, ethics, and real-world application, she equips her students to lead with responsibility in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

A recognized thought leader in multi-stakeholder governance, Irina speaks Romanian, English, German, and Spanish. Her multilingualism underscores her inclusive communication style and ability to connect with global audiences.

Outside her professional sphere, Irina is a devoted mother and wife. Her ten-year-old son and husband—her constant source of inspiration and support—are the centre of her world.

She finds joy in family life, global travel, and cultural discovery. Her culinary talents shine in her home kitchen, where she crafts refined meals with the same care and elegance she brings to every client engagement.

Irina leads with strategy and soul. Her legacy is one of trust, transformation, and meaningful impact in every sphere she touches.

IRINA MANOLESCU, WEB SUMMIT, PORTFOLIOYVR, HELEN SIWAK, MIV ADVISORY, VANCOUVER, BC, YVR

IN HER WORDS.

“My entrepreneurial spirit did not arrive with a grand announcement. It appeared quietly—between scraps of paper, dots of glue, and the desire to make people feel something real. In high school, I discovered a creative spark through handmade greeting cards. Not store-bought, but deeply personal, each one was a story—folded, written, and tied with care.

What began as a passion quickly became something more. I set up a small display in the school library, and to my surprise, it resonated. Classmates, teachers, parents—they paused, connected, and brought my cards into their most meaningful moments.

Every dollar I earned went back into better supplies. This is how I learned to reinvest my profit. The success gave me proof that creativity has value. That beauty can be functional. That heart belongs in business. That moment behind the table, watching someone light up holding my work, was the beginning. This was not just a hobby. It was a calling—to create, to lead, to make meaning. And from that moment on, I knew: I was already an entrepreneur.

BRANDING BREAKTHROUGH

One of my most cherished entrepreneurial moments was just before winter break, I created a limited-edition holiday card series—miniature works of art with origami trees, hand-drawn snowflakes, and a pinch of real cinnamon. Within hours, the school library smelled like a bakery. It was hilarious, enchanting—and a total sell-out.

That moment taught me branding is more than visual; it is emotional, sensory, and authentic. The cinnamon card was a creative risk that became a breakthrough. Proof that joy sells, and mistakes can become magic.

MIV Advisory was not born overnight. It was built at the intersection of creativity and compliance, intuition and intelligence, risk and responsibility.

Today, it is more than a consultancy—it is a reflection of everything I have learned along the way; that authenticity is scalable, that trust is the true currency of business, and that small beginnings often hold the seeds of something far greater.

From handmade cards to organizational transformations, within more than 20 years, the journey has always been about creating meaning—intentionality, ethically, and boldly.

JOURNEY EVOLVES

More than 15 years ago, I stepped into the corporate world, where I would spend my time sharpening the skills that would later shape the foundation of MIV Advisory. Working within large organizations taught me discipline, strategy, and systems thinking. I learned how to navigate complexity, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver value under pressure. I studied how strong governance, smart risk management, and ethical leadership create resilient businesses. I observed both what works—and what doesn’t— when it comes to aligning compliance with culture.

Launching MIV Advisory was a defining milestone. I had no safety net-only a calling to build something with both operational brilliance and human depth. Another turning point came in the classroom, teaching Cybersecurity GRC This chapter is not just about technical knowledge, audits and frameworks; it is about lighting fires in future leaders and it sparks joy every day, with every topic being taught.

SCALING IMPACT

Scaling MIV Advisory was never about chasing numbers. It was a deliberate, values-driven evolution—rooted in integrity, guided by impact, and built with care. From the beginning, I knew meaningful growth could not be rushed. It had to be earned—through excellence, clarity, and trust.

Once confident in our value proposition, I focused on credibility. I completed advanced certifications, promoted thought leadership, and built a results-driven portfolio. Every case study became proof, not promise.

Strategic partnerships expanded our perspective and impact. Collaborating with industry leaders, academic institutions, and consultants helped grow both depth and reach.

Teaching Cybersecurity allowed me to not only nurture the next generation, but to stay sharp myself. At the client level, every engagement is tailored and human. That premium experience drives word-of-mouth and long-term relationships. I also immersed myself in learning ecosystems—conferences, forums, roundtables—choosing every room with intention.

Scaling, for me, has never been about doing more. It has always been about becoming more—more connected, more intentional, more human.

Because in today’s fast-moving world, it is not just about showing up—it is about showing up ready to lead, listen, and leave a lasting impact.

IRINA MANOLESCU, WEB SUMMIT, PORTFOLIOYVR, HELEN SIWAK, MIV ADVISORY, VANCOUVER, BC, YVR

DEFINING SUCCESS

Success came quietly—through one sentence from a returning client: “You are not just a consultant—you are a catalyst.” That moment shifted everything. It was not about volume; it was about impact. I realized then that MIV Advisory was not built for survival. It was built to create legacy through transformation.”

LEADING DIFFERENTLY

Mentorship, in my experience, has never arrived with a title or a formal framework.
It has been something quieter, more profound—a steady, sacred thread woven through the relationships, challenges, and moments that have shaped me.

I did not learn from a single, all-knowing guide. Instead, I was formed by a constellation of remarkable people: colleagues whose dedication moved me, professors who believed in me before I believed in myself, clients who pushed me to rise higher, and friends who stood beside me in both silence and storm. These individuals became my mirrors, my catalysts, and often, my quiet muses.

Among them all, one constant has stood at the centre—my husband, Silviu Manolescu. He is both anchor and amplifier. A man of sharp intellect and deep emotional wisdom, Silviu is more than a world-class networker and gifted salesperson. He is a natural storyteller, a connector of people, and someone who sees the best in others before they see it in themselves. With Silviu, every conversation holds purpose. Every challenge is an opportunity to strategize. Every success is shared, celebrated, and held with gratitude.

We do not simply walk through life together—we co-create a vision. We push boundaries while staying rooted in what matters most: humility, humanity, and heart.

For me, support has never meant rescue. It has meant being reminded—gently and powerfully—of who I am, what I believe in, and how far I can go when I am surrounded by those who reflect the values I hold dearest.

In the quietest moments, and in the ones that mattered most, I have never stood alone. And that, above all, has been my greatest gift.

In the beginning, I led with precision and a relentless drive for perfection My focus was on performance—on getting everything “right.” But as MIV Advisory grew, so did I. My leadership evolved from control to connection, from intensity to intention.

Today, I lead as an Altruist—placing people at the centre, listening fully, and empowering others with purpose. My DISC Influencer nature brings vision, energy, and storytelling to every interaction. This balance of heart and structure has shaped not just a company, but a culture.

True leadership, I have learned, is a return to self—anchored in integrity, empathy, and unwavering values.

IRINA MANOLESCU, WEB SUMMIT, PORTFOLIOYVR, HELEN SIWAK, MIV ADVISORY, VANCOUVER, BC, YVR

FUTURE VISION

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is this: lead with balance. Be courageous enough to take bold steps, yet grounded enough to listen, learn, and adapt. True growth lies in mastering both.
Lead with a voice that moves rooms, and a heart that hears what others miss. Success is not a destination—it is a frequency.

Tune into the harmony between who you are and what you are creating. There is no single path. Your story is the blueprint. Write it unapologetically. Edit it often.

Fail forward. Protect your energy like it is gold. And above all, trust your intuition—it always knows the way before your logic catches up. Make it yours.

At the heart of MIV Advisory is a bold, human promise: we do not simply deliver compliance—we cultivate confidence. We help organizations not only survive complexity, but lead through it with clarity, trust, and intention. Our mission is to elevate the standard of IT governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) in a world where digital threats move faster than regulations.

We provide premium, human-centred GRC solutions that blend technical precision with emotional intelligence. From global corporations to ambitious startups and public institutions, our clients choose us not just for what we do, but for how we make them feel—seen, supported, and empowered.

Our current offerings include B2B consulting and advisory across ISO, SOC, NIST CSF, HITRUST, and other risk frameworks; executive and team training in cybersecurity and audit preparedness; and fractional leadership services, including outsourced Compliance Officer roles.

To scale our impact, we are actively seeking strategic brand partnerships, global speaking opportunities, corporate clients committed to long-term transformation, and mentorship platforms to train internal compliance teams.

We also envision a flagship headquarters—an innovation hub for workshops, executive roundtables, and leadership labs.

We welcome values-aligned investors, select franchise partners, and seasoned professionals ready to co-create the future of ethical leadership in cybersecurity.

By the end of 2026, I see MIV Advisory as a globally recognized firm and a beacon for what governance should be—ethical, emotionally intelligent, and deeply human. We will be delivering world-class services across continents, training thousands of professionals, and leading a movement that transforms compliance into culture.

This is not just about growing a company. It is about building a legacy—one where women see themselves as founders, immigrants see themselves as innovators, and working parents no longer choose between family and ambition. A world where profit and purpose coexist, and where compliance becomes a compass for bold, values-driven leadership.

We are not just ready to scale. We are ready to redefine the space we lead. Because the most secure systems are not built solely on code and controls—they are built on human values. And at MIV Advisory, we are committed to leading that future—strategically, soulfully, and together.”

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Collaborator: This story is created in collaboration between Helen Siwak and the featured subject. As the founder and publisher of Portfolio.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, Helen works closely with entrepreneurs to share their paths of innovation, resilience, and growth. Each story in this series is co-developed through interviews and first-person insights, blending authentic voices with Helen’s editorial expertise to highlight the remarkable individuals shaping British Columbia’s business landscape.