Do not duplicate yourself, but work with people who complement you

Introduce yourself in a few words…

In professional terms - a marketer and advertiser with over 25 years of experience in the field. In recent years, my focus has been on sustainable business models and women's entrepreneurship, and my personal challenge with the advent of digitalization and artificial intelligence in work processes is related to the communication of balance, both among internal and external audiences.

On a personal level – a mother of a grown and successful son, a lover of art, travel, skiing, and snowboarding. A fan of the Star Wars saga, London weather, and Depeche Mode.

How would you describe your career in a few words?

Work, a lot of work, continuous upgrading with knowledge and skills, combined with the necessary dose of luck – to find yourself in the right place at the right time. In the early years, my development mainly followed the direction of functional management – accumulating new knowledge and developing skills for process management. Subsequently - upgrading with skills related to people and resource management.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path?

At the beginning of my career, being a marketing manager, I received job offers from two companies simultaneously, and the more I tried to refuse one company, the more attractive offers they sent. In the end, I chose the other company, the position - brand manager, even though it was lower than my current one, but the career development and recognition I received, the knowledge, scale, and freedom of work, my direct supervisor and the formed team, the local and international awards won – all of this shaped my path long-term.

What would you like to know at the beginning of your career that no one told you?

I had realistic parents, each established in their work field. Thanks to their advice, and my employment in the family business while I was a student – starting an independent career, I found myself well prepared. But as they say - something can always surprise you, and you cannot prepare for surprises.

How can a person understand which profession is suitable for them?

Passion. If emotional attachment is missing – try something else.

Which skills do you think will be key in the next 10 years?

At the core of everything will be the ability to communicate.

How to build a network of useful contacts without appearing interested?

Oh, there are certainly at least 10 books by world-renowned authors that describe everything in detail. I will just add - with respect.

What is the biggest mistake you made in your career, and what did you learn from it?

In my transition from functional manager to one who builds and manages a team, my biggest mistake was the inability to delegate. This led to dissatisfaction in my team and the loss of people I had personally chosen as talents with complementary skills. The most important lesson from then – delegate, be a mentor, give freedom. Do not duplicate yourself - work with people who complement you.

How to recognize a toxic work environment and when is it time to leave?

Here I will quote my friend, whose saying is “When your job prevents you from living, it is time to change jobs”

What would you do differently if you could start over?

I would listen to my parents - to choose a profession - teacher, doctor, or accountant.

How to maintain our motivation in times of stagnation?

Stagnation is an ideal moment for upgrading with new knowledge and skills.

How to achieve balance between professional and personal life?

There is no generally accepted recipe...Maybe – be selfish, in the good sense of the word - take care of yourself. You do not need to carry the world on your shoulders - share. Seek help – it is not shameful to ask someone to help you – at work, at home.

When is it time to change our career, not just our job?

In the last few years, I have been a mentor in programs supporting women's entrepreneurship. What I see is that such a decision is made when you are confident that you have the necessary experience, resources, and support to realize your idea in the best way.

If you had to give just one piece of advice to people who are seeking success, what would it be?

Churchill said: “Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” So – don't lose enthusiasm.

What is your definition of a “successful career”?

If you have achieved balance, feel belonging and satisfaction, then you are on the right path.