What do you do and how long have you been in your current role?
I’m one of the founding members of Pictures Experience, a tech company that amplifies brand events via social media. We started three and a half years ago and, since then, I’ve been responsible for marketing and sales. It’s been the journey of my life, from the first tentative steps to our expansion through other countries in Europe.
Where was your first job? What was the most important thing you learnt there?
I remember starting in account assistance at Lowe in Warsaw, responsible for co-ordinating 13 countries in the central and eastern European region for Unilever’s dental care business. I learnt how to work with people from various cultural backgrounds, different ideas on running a business, and different approaches to work. That’s a skill I still use every single day.
How did you get from there to where you are now?
I got to where I am now gradually, being promoted from one job to another. Nine years ago, I was offered a job as account director for the London office of Draft FCB, running the SC Johnson UK account. That was a big milestone for me – a new challenge and a change in my professional and personal life. But it was an exciting opportunity so I accepted the position and started developing my professional skills.
Looking back, did you expect your career path to take the course it has?
Not at all. I had a clear goal, which was to run an office for a network advertising agency in Poland. But that’s another important thing I’ve learnt – you can’t let your goals distract you from incredible opportunities. So when the offer from London came in, I knew it was something I couldn’t miss.
Would you do anything differently?
Not a thing. I’ve enjoyed my career, the experiences thrown at me, and even the unexpected challenges. They’ve all made me who I am today.
Who has inspired you along the way?
I’ve taken inspiration from companies more than individuals. Right at the start of my career, I was lucky enough to be offered four advertising agency jobs at the same time. I compared them and ultimately picked the one that paid less, but was the best in terms of work experience, standards and quality. I find a passion for excellence very inspiring, and that decision allowed me to grow quickly and develop skills that were valuable to the industry later on.
Have you ever had a job interview that went particularly well or spectacularly wrong?
I’ve been headhunted a few times, so I haven’t done many interviews. But there was still one that seemed to go wrong, and I couldn’t figure out why. The interviewer said I was "too intellectual", which sounded bizarre to me. Surely they want someone intellectual? But then I realised it wasn’t about aptitude, it was about character. Even if you bring the right skills to a team, you might not bring the right chemistry. Looking back, I don’t think I was the right ingredient.
Although the interview was unsuccessful, I took a valuable lesson away. Interviewing can be like a lottery and, whatever the competition, you should put yourself in the running. There are times when you will bring the characteristics no other candidate can deliver.
Is there a piece of career advice you’ve ever been told that has stuck with you?
Always appreciate other people’s work, their time, and their effort. I think that’s excellent advice for life as well as work. And I think about it all the time now, running a company that requires a lot of passion and patience.
What career advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
Never give up on your dreams. It sounds trite, but it’s true. In the early days of your career path, you need to stick to your plan and control your destiny. That’s how you become motivated, passionate, and satisfied in work. Then, the only thing you need to do to make your dreams a reality is to watch for opportunities and grab them.
How do you wind down and relax after a hectic day?
I’m a mum to Olivia, who is two and a half, and Emilia, who is five months old. So sometimes home life can be hectic too. But going home to their smiles is the best way to end a busy day at work.
Want to share your career story with us as part of the ? Email associate editor Rachel Bull to feature in a future How I Got Here.
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