MAEM FEMALE LEADER

At MAEM, regardless of gender and position, everyone is equal. This is confirmed by statistics showing that 35% of all management positions in our company are occupied by women - says Quality Director at MAEM, Katarzyna Brodecka.

Why did you decide to work for MAEM?

Successively gaining skills and developing the ones I have, is something that has accompanied me for a very long time - for most of us, it is natural. Yes, and at some point in my life, the time has come to change and take a new direction, to develop professional wings. Potentially, the work at MAEM seemed to be a very developing one: the maritime industry - where I hadn't had the opportunity to work before, the team of young professionals (as advertised) and the possibility of realizing my own ideas - were something that encouraged me to apply. The recruitment interview itself was surprising - I did not expect such a high level as for a Polish company which is not a corporation. Additional advantages were also a noticeable pro approach to the quality of the interviewer, as well as a visible in the company attaching great importance to the aesthetic values of the equipment. After the first days of work, I have already known that the feeling and positive impression did not mislead me. After a few years, I can confidently say that to this day, this initial fondness has not passed. At least for me.

What is the greatest value to you while working at MAEM?

It probably sounds trivial, but people. The people who create this organization, its culture and atmosphere. Mutual support and trust - also in the workplace (where I spend a lot of time) is something I cannot function without.

Has the promotion to a director's position at MAEM changed anything in you?

Of course. It changed my meeting calendar to a more dynamic one Seriously, I think my awareness of the fact that every day can bring something completely different has changed. The plans from yesterday and the proverbial ‘today’ may be diametrically different. And I do not consider it in negative categories.

What do you think makes it so difficult for women to take up managerial positions?

Little self-confidence, fear of failure and discrimination are the first things that come to my mind. I myself have encountered many times during my career that men treat women ‘from above’. It also affected me personally. One of my first employers, he hired only women and spoke openly about the fact that it is very profitable for him in business (the clients were mainly men - presidents, company owners). Our cooperation did not last long. I also heard more than once that I managed to achieve something by the proverb ‘pretty eyes’ - where in practice, achieving the goal was associated with hard work and many sacrifices but also a lot of stubbornness and faith that it will succeed. Behaviour as above does not encourage further development and openness to business opportunities. Do women have it easier in business? I don't think so.

Does being a woman in a managerial position present you with any challenges, or does gender not play a role here?

Of course, a change of position always poses great challenges, especially in terms of new duties or responsibilities. However, I do not have the impres sion that gender matters in MAEM. 35% of all management positions at the MAEM are held by women. Looking at an industry that is much more suited to men, it seems to be quite a decent result. However, this area can be further improved.

I am proud to take on a new role in the organization, so I think the biggest challenge for me may be to encourage other women to believe in themselves and not be afraid to reach out to their professional dreams - of course if it is something they want.

What do you think are the strong points of women in business? What distinguishes them from the opposite sex and what are their advantages over it?

It seems to me that women are inherently more sensitive than men, which makes them experience certain things more emotionally - it has its pros and cons. From my observations, also problem solving and showing openness to cooperation, in a business environment - it comes easier for women.

What is your favourite tool to help you at work?

I don't think it's ever been made yet. It seems to me that this is not a tool but a sum of small things that make the day enjoyable and allow you to spend it effectively: morning coffee, the opportunity to share or consult with colleagues or simply team solidarity.

What do you like most about your work?

That it's very unusual. On a daily basis, I deal with issues related not only to ensuring the quality of the system and product, meeting the requirements of interested parties, but also the development of the organizational culture (headed by Corporate Social Responsibility), human resources management, as well as environmental and Health and Safety activities. I also like the fact that everyone at MAEM is equal - regardless of their gender and position.

What motivates you the most in your work and continuous professional development?

Aiming to head towards the office and turn on the computer every day, with a smile on your face that does not come from a sense of duty, but above all, from professional curiosity and openness to challenges in life.

What was the most difficult decision you made in your career? How do you rate it today?

I think it was a decision to change the industry. Initially, my professional plans were to be exclusively related to quality in the medical field. And that's what happened at first. The first years of work was an adventure with companies mainly in the field of biomedical engineering and health care units. Then, basically by coincidence, the time for industry has come - research laboratory, railway, aviation, military, and now marine. In the meantime, I have also managed to carry out several private projects for service and training companies. Nevertheless, this is one of those decisions that I do not regret taking The experience gained in various industries and companies is still very useful to me and I often use it.

What feature do you value most in other people?

The ability to listen - treating the other person as a potential source of inspiration and learning something new.

Your favourite quote is?

‘Don't go where the path leads. Instead, go where it doesn't exist and mark the trail...’ – Emerson

‘To travel is to live’ – Andersen

What are your further plans? How will you surprise us in the future?

Maybe I'll finally find a balance b e t w e e n w o rk an d p ri v a te li f e . Unfortunately, I am a workaholic, and by the way, a perfectionist. I spend a lot of my free time working or studying. I find no other explanation for this than that I just like it. The perfect manager? - I don't think such a manager exists.

What, outside of work, do you do with passion?

What I always find time for is to make traveling dreams come true. So far, I have managed to visit almost thirty countries. This passion, however, makes my schedule tight to the limit. It happens that during a weekend extended by one day, I visit two countries. Planning such trips is not easy. They are also often physically exhausting, but on the other hand, they provide mental relaxation and a dose of pleasure that recharges me for weeks to come, with positive energy. I always come back from a journey with a large collection of memories, captured, among other things, in photographs. During my travels, I am accompanied by a package of books on criminal topics - I absorb several dozen items of this kind every year.

Katarzyna Brodecka - Quality Director at MAEM. Master of Quality Management at the Jagiellonian University. Graduate of postgraduate studies at the Cracow University of Technology and AGH University of Science and Technology. For over 10 years professionally connected with management and quality assurance, among others, in the following industries: medical, railway, aviation, military and maritime. In her free time she is an explorer of the world and a lover of book crime riddles.