In August, we lead the launch of the Women’s Employee Network in Europe demonstrate how much we multiply our individual strength and power we when we work together. Over the next several months, we will be talking with women across Europe about the people who have helped them get where they are today, through mentoring, allyship or advocacy, influencing or offering opportunities. 

In this post, we interview HR business partner Katarzyna (Kasia) Dobrowolska, Avanade X Lead for Italy Alberto Gemin and Group Manager Business HR Joanna (Asia) Korepta from Avanade Poland.

How did you know joining Avanade would be a good step in your career?

Kasia:

From the very beginning, Avanade has seen potential in me that I haven’t always been able to see in myself. In my first interview, I mentioned that I would need flexibility because I was taking care of my father. That did not seem to be a problem and from that moment on, I felt like everything was going to be fine here. And it’s been better than fine.

Alberto:

When Kasia joined as an executive assistant (EA), she was very much in contact with everyone because of her position. When we had a couple of employees with personal challenges, Kasia was amazing in rallying around them with support and help. She knew everything, organized fundraising and grew in my understanding of her as a human being.

Asia:

What makes Kasia special is that you don’t need to do much, just give her space. She searches for her own knowledge. You can trust that if you ask her for something, it will get done beyond expectations.

What role did mentors play in your career progression?

Kasia:

I started here an EA six years ago. Now I am an HR business partner and senior consultant, and I’ve been a corporate citizen champion for three years. There were of course challenges along the way, as they are everywhere. Both related to work and my personal family situation. However, with the support of the people around me, who fought for me, I made it, and I can continue to develop and grow.

Asia and Alberto are great listeners, always open to hearing my thoughts and needs and encouraging me to try out ideas and collaborate with my learning and development colleagues all over the world to learn more, develop myself and represent Poland. They truly give me wings and strength to be positive and energetic at work and in life.

Asia:

Kasia helped build our internal culture. If we have someone our people trust and willing to engage with, why not build the case to develop Kasia career at Avanade rather than hiring from outside? Our role was providing support and guidance and we formalized it as a business partner. Now, we’re including Kasia in discussions around succession planning and the possibility of her taking over my role in the future.

Alberto:

To transition to a new role or department mid-career can sometimes be challenging. We had to show that Kasia had the talent and capabilities to take on new responsibilities. In part because she was hired as an administrative assistant; in part because in our society, women are still expected to settle for less. We singled her out in reviews. We kept encouraging her to try new things and manage expectations. We gave this a lot of attention, so we didn’t lose someone this good to another company.

What is your advice for women looking to build a career at Avanade?

Kasia:

Get out of your comfort zone because it can open new doors. Be confident; build relationships and your own brand. By exchanging experiences with colleagues you can gain a lot of knowledge that can help you determine your next priorities.