Lift others wings

Katarzyna Mazur spoke with Beata Drzazga, an entrepreneur, mentor, and philanthropist.

Which character traits and beliefs were the most helpful to you in your professional journey?
I think one belief was key – that business has no gender. I always say that neither in life nor at work should gender define or limit anyone. What also helped me greatly was the fact that I was – and still am – positively rebellious.

I did not agree with the patterns that society tries to impose on us. Already in elementary school, I tried to change the reality around me. I believed it was possible to talk to teachers differently, in a more partnership-based way. Later, it was similar in my professional life. That rebellion gave me courage. And courage combined with vision and a powerful need to create is an explosive mix. Creating gives me immense joy. It is what drives me.

You often meet with young entrepreneurs. What role does mentoring play today, in your opinion?
At the beginning of my business journey, I felt very lonely. I had no partners; everything rested on my shoulders. I did not want to burden my employees with my fears or uncertainty, so I experienced many things on my own. Conferences and industry meetings turned out to be a huge support. Networking, backstage conversations, exchanging experiences – all of this gave me energy and allowed me to look at problems from a different perspective. Today, entrepreneurs are increasingly willing to share knowledge. We understand that exchanging experiences accelerates growth. When I appear on panels or at conferences and hear people say that something helped them, that thanks to one conversation they made a good decision, I know that mentoring makes sense.

Do women handle pressure in business better?
Women are better prepared for difficulties. Men are more often surprised by a crisis. In addition, women tend to think more long-term. They invest and build a safety cushion. That brings peace of mind.Running a company is not a bed of roses. It is constant bumps, changes, and problems. I very early adjusted to the idea that difficulties are the norm. Thanks to that, they do not paralyze me.

Today, more and more of your activities have a social dimension.
I have always had a need to help. Entrepreneurs, women, animals. After selling my company, when I realized that my children do not have to take over the business I built – that they have the right to their own dreams – I created space for new activities.

Today, I am involved in the Entrepreneurship Club, economic missions, supporting young companies, as well as helping animals. It gives me a tremendous sense of purpose.

I have a great deal of energy for action within me. Maybe one day I will slow down, start painting more, playing the piano. But for now, I still want to lift others’ wings.