From Antarctica to Honeywell a Journey Across Science, Space and Business
48 ǀ POSITIV WOMAN
medicine, mechanical engineering, political science). I can
only speak from my own experience.
Personally, I perceived greater barriers within academia
than outside it. Perhaps I was also very lucky — I found
a good position at the right time. But I think proactive
opportunity-seeking helped me a great deal. From
the very beginning of my university studies, I tried to look
for different opportunities and thus diversified my skills
and experiences.
Of course, not all efforts paid off immediately, and I’m
not currently using every piece of knowledge
or experience I gained. Every success is accompanied
by dozens of rejections and hours lost in unproductive
collaborations. In some cases, I was professionally
exploited and deceived.
That said, precisely thanks to this variety of experience
from side projects, I accumulated enough relevant
skills for my current position. And I believe they would
make me employable in other areas and roles as well.
Which period of your journey was the biggest
challenge? What did you gain from it? Was there
anything that “saved” you?
At every stage of life, I faced different challenges that
were crucial at that time. Some were deeply personal,
others were demands placed on me by various people
from the outside. Without going into detail, the most
important thing for me were my closest ones, with
whom I could find stability and support.
Now, when I’m confronted with a challenge, I tell
myself: “I’ve already handled so many situations in life
that I thought were mad and awful. I got through all
of them — and I’ll get through what I’m facing now,
too.” That gives me strength.
You’ve become an ambassador for the The ŽENY
project. What message would you like to send
to women who hesitate to set out on their own
path — whether in science, business, or personal
development?
Don’t hesitate. Whether you have a concrete idea
or simply the desire to try, go for it. Give yourself
the chance to fulfil your potential. Opportunities
and space often have to be created by ourselves —
the best ones aren’t simply handed out.
I’d also recommend surrounding yourself with people
who will support you, or with whom you can turn to for
advice. Social capital and healthy relationships are key
to maximising your potential.
No less important, in my view, is resilience. Your own
path can be long, gruelling and sometimes lonely. You
will very likely encounter disappointments, losses,
rejections — and at times even gossip and betrayal.
From my own experiences, and from what I’ve heard
from others with more experience, this is a completely
normal part of the journey. Don’t let it put you off.
Every rejection and criticism can redirect you towards
a better path. And don’t be afraid to speak up if you feel
something wrong is happening to you. As the saying
goes, the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil
is for good people to do nothing. Share strategically
what needs to be said.
Finally — act in every situation to the best of your
knowledge and conscience. That way you’ll have
nothing to reproach yourself for, because you couldn’t
have done it better.
All that remains is to wish you good luck. Fortune
favours the prepared — the preparation is up to you.
Thank you for the interview.
Every success is accompanied
by dozens of rejecons and hours lost
in unproducve collaboraons.
Foto: Hope Byrd