🎙️ From a Start-Up Idea to a Global Concept – The Story of Strong Women in IT
Another inspiring episode from the Strong Women in IT series takes us behind the scenes of our global community. For the first time ever, we share our story — how Strong Women in IT started, how it grew, and how it became a global movement connecting women in IT-Tech from 30 countries around the world.
In this special episode, Anita Kijanka, President & Founder of Strong Women in IT, and Małgorzata Gryz, VP & Partner, share how it all began in 2019, what challenges they faced, and what it truly means to stay true to your values while growing globally.
They discuss:💡 What stood behind Anita’s decision to create SWIT?💡 How did Małgorzata join the journey?💡 What truly matters to them – and why it’s worth never compromising on values and principles?💡 What does “No exclusion & Stronger Together” really mean in practice?
🎤 The episode is hosted by Anita Kijanka and Małgorzata Gryz.
💬 Listen to the conversation and discover how a bold idea turned into a global concept — and how purpose, connection, and values continue to drive Strong Women in IT. 🔥
🎙️ The Official Premiere of the Strong Women in IT 2025 – Global Edition Report!
After months of analyzing stories, processing data, and engaging in meaningful conversations, we invite you to listen to the official premiere of the Strong Women in IT 2025 – Global Edition Report!
This episode focuses on the theme “The Power of Connection: Strong Women in IT – Have an Impact!”, celebrating inspiring Leaders who shape the global tech landscape.
In the program:
🔷 Why It Matters? – Advisory Board PerspectivesSpeakers: Monika Kordowska – Europe Operational Resilience Leader at Marsh McLennan; Izabela Tworzydło – Director of the Corporate Communications Department at BNP Paribas Bank Polska; Paweł Jakubik – Microsoft Alliance Lead at EY
🔷 Keynote Speech: Inclusive Leadership – The Shaper’s Mind and Equality in PracticeSpeaker: Przemek Gdański – CEO & President of the Management Board of BNP Paribas Bank Polska
🔷 Inspirational Speech I: Connected LeadershipSpeaker: Andreea Baciu – Chief Culture Officer at UiPath
🔷 Inspirational Speech II: Why Is Feminism Paying Back?Speaker: Aleksandra Karasińska – Director RASP Foundation, Journalist & Podcaster
🔷 Panel Discussion: Inclusion in the Tech World – Jury’s InsightsPanelists: Kinga Piecuch – Managing Director at Hewlett Packard Enterprise Poland; Michelle Tower – Senior Director, IT Business Transformation Analytics at Procter & Gamble; Karol Mazurek – Managing Director – Financial Services at Accenture Poland
🔷 Panel Discussion: The Power of Connection – Strong Women in IT PerspectivePanelists: Sylwia Bilska – Managing Director at Edenred; Katarzyna Jóźwik – CEO at SMARTNEY; Natalia Melniciuc – IT Delivery Manager at Orange Moldova
🔷 Closing Session & Official Launch of the Strong Women in IT 2025 Report
The event is hosted by Anita Kijanka and Małgorzata Gryz.
💬 Tune in to explore fresh insights, powerful perspectives, and key findings from the Strong Women in IT 2025 Report — and celebrate the stories of remarkable women driving innovation and connection in the tech industry.
🎙️ The Lifecycle of Technology: How to Manage Aging Tech
This time, as part of the SWIT podcast series, we dive into a fascinating and often overlooked topic — how technologies evolve, age, and what organizations can do to manage this process wisely.
In this episode, our guests discuss:💡 The benefits and risks of the natural lifecycle of technology.💡 How ageing tech impacts innovation, security, and competitive advantage.💡 The key signals that show it’s time to modernize or change direction.
You’ll hear insights from three remarkable leaders representing the corporate, startup, and VC worlds:
🔹 Nono Bokete – CEO at Data Sentinels
🔹 Iwona Cymerman – Managing Partner at FundingBox Deep Tech Fund
🔹 Aleksander Kania – Regional Vice President & Country Manager Poland at UiPath
The conversation is hosted by Anita Kijanka.
🎧 Tune in and get inspired to rethink how your organization approaches aging technology — from spotting warning signs to planning for the future.
🔔 Together with our Strategic Legal Partner – GESSEL Attorneys at Law, we’re excited to continue our special webinar series: "Legal Insights for Modern Leaders by GESSEL."This time, we're diving into one of the most important and fast-moving topics shaping the future of business: "AI as the New Legal Frontier – Present and Future"!During the conversation we discuss topics such as:👉 What are the best practices companies should adopt when implementing AI?👉 Is it possible - and desirable - to regulate AI-driven businesses on a global scale?👉 How should we address critical issues like data usage by AI models – i.e. is Elton John right when it comes to copyright?These topics are discussed by experienced experts:🔹 Karolina Mitraszewska – President of the Management Board at PFR Ventures.;🔹 Dota Szymborska, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor of Ethics at WSB Merito University in Warsaw.The discussion is moderated by Anna Ziewalicz - Advocate, Managing Associate at GESSEL Attorneys at law.Listen this insightful discussion on navigating the evolving legal landscape of artificial intelligence.
📢 We’re thrilled to invite you to listen our next Strong Women in IT discussion: “Scaling Your Business - Does Sense of Purpose Matter?".
🚀Scaling a business is more than just rapid growth: it’s about strategy, resilience, and purpose. But what does it really take to scale successfully in today’s dynamic world?
During this session, we are discussing:
👉 Growth strategies in turbulent times – how to navigate uncertainty and stay ahead.
👉 Beyond standard scaling methods – what truly drives sustainable expansion?
👉 Key challenges in scaling – from corporate giants to SMEs - coexistence or a mission impossible? Win-win - worth investing your efforts and energy?What distinguishes this podcast? 🤔
A blend of corporate and entrepreneurial perspectives. Our speakers bring hands-on experience from both global enterprises and fast-growing SMEs, giving you a 360-degree view of scaling.
Experts share their knowledge with us:
🔹Myladie Stoumbou – Regional Director at Microsoft;
🔹Paulina Skrzypińska – Chief Innovation Officer at BNP Paribas Bank Polska; Co-founder & Board Member at Endeavor Poland; Leadership Academy for Poland Alumna;
🔹Maciej Wilczyński – Founder & Managing Partner at Valueships.
The discussion is moderating by Małgorzata Gryz, Partner & VP of Strong Women in IT and an experienced entrepreneur who brings two perspectives: knowledge of the corporate environment combined with an entrepreneurial mission.
Listen an intensive, knowledge-packed session that will help you scale your business with confidence.
📢 We’re excited to invite you to watch our first Strong Women in IT podcast this year. Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way businesses operate, but where does innovation end and ethical concerns begin? 🤔 During the discussion, we covered the following issues:👉 How companies implement Artificial Intelligence in business processes – where AI truly boosts efficiency and where it’s just a "buzzword."👉 Ethical boundaries – when automation becomes a problem for customers and whether it impacts their purchasing decisions.👉Transparency in customer communication – should they know when they’re interacting with AI versus a human?👉The role of AI in customer service and sales – can too much automation harm business relationships?Our guests are Top Technology Leaders: 🔹 Heather Barton-Jones – Area Vice President, Strategic Transformation Office at UiPath International🔹 Magdalena Kasiewicz – Director of Cloud Services Sales at HPE🔹 Kasia Gruszka – Partner at Nomtek.The discussion is led by Anita Kijanka, founder of Strong Women in IT. Listen and gain expert insight into the AI ethical dilemmas in business that impact the future. 🔥🔥
Get ready for another inspiring discussion of the Strong Women in IT series! This time, we’re diving into the vital topic of resilience - "Organizational & Personal Resilience: Adapting and Thriving Through Challenges". With many years of experience in the field of IT-Tech & organizational health, 2 panelists will be with us: 🔹 Magda Taczanowska – CEO at Świecąc 🔹 Maciej Żylewicz – HR Consultant in Tech, Owner of Zylewicz.com. The discussion is led by our VP - Małgorzata Gryz. During this session, we uncover: 👉 What does resilience truly mean, both individually and for organizations? 👉 How can individuals develop the ability to manage stress, overcome trauma, and minimize personal impact? 👉 How to build a strong & resilient company, giving people & external ecosystem a reason to believe? Listen and gain powerful insights into resilience - a skill more essential than ever in today’s rapidly changing world. 🌍
🎙️ Discover the Power of Meaningful Partnerships in Driving Change!
In this episode of our Strong Women in IT podcast, "Making a Difference", dive into an engaging discussion on how partnerships fuel impactful change and scale missions for real results. 🌍💡
In this episode:
🔹 Michelle Tower: “My Journey and Leadership Reflections”
Michelle Tower, Senior Director at Procter & Gamble and Gender Development & Equality Advocate, shares her career journey. Learn how lifelong learning can amplify personal growth and positively impact others.
🔹 Dariusz Mazurkiewicz: “The Story of BLIK & Leadership That Matters”
Discover how BLIK revolutionized Poland’s payment market under the leadership of CEO Dariusz Mazurkiewicz, showcasing the pivotal role of innovation-driven leadership.
🔹 Panel: “Making a Difference - Stronger Together”
A dynamic panel of industry leaders explores how shared purpose leads to tangible results. Our speakers are:
🔸 Monika Kordowska - Tribe Leader of Operational Excellence Tribe, BNP Paribas Polska;
🔸 Anna Rawska-Kupczyńska - Regional Marketing Director for Central Eastern Europe and Turkey at Hewlett Packard Enterprise;
🔸 Mateusz Majewski - Area Vice President South East Europe at UiPath;
🔸 Anna Ziewalicz - Advocate, Managing Associate at GESSEL.
✨ Hosted by Anita Kijanka and Małgorzata Gryz, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories of collaboration across sectors.
🎧 Listen now and get inspired!
🎙️ Listen to the inspirational Legal Insights for Modern Leaders by GESSEL podcast! In this episode, we focus on a crucial topic: "Women on Supervisory Boards – Best Practices."
This discussion explores key legal aspects of serving on supervisory boards, covering essential questions like: 👉 What should you know and what skills should you have before becoming a supervisory board member? 👉 What are the core legal duties and responsibilities of supervisory board members and the role of an independent board member? 👉 What best practices can help mitigate risk and ensure effective oversight? 👉 What is the women’s supervisory board member's perspective on the core board members' duties?
The episode features insights from experienced supervisory board members: 🔹 Małgorzata Chruściak - Independent Member of the Supervisory Board of BNP Paribas Bank Polska; 🔹 Anna Podkowińska-Tretyn - Country Director Too Good To Go, Chairwoman of the Mindgram Supervisory Board, Independent Member of the Vivid Games Supervisory Board.
The discussion is moderated by Maria Dudzińska, Attorney at Law and Managing Associate at GESSEL.
This podcast is an invaluable resource, blending legal expertise and practical experiences from leading women in supervisory roles. Tune in and expand your understanding of this vital topic!
🎙️ Społeczność Strong Women in IT zaprasza na wyjątkowy odcinek podcastu pt. "Lifelong Learning: Droga do silnego przywództwa" – tym razem w języku polskim!
Naszymi gośćmi są uznani edukatorzy:
🔹 Jowita Michalska – Założycielka i CEO Digital University
🔹 Jacek Santorski –
Dyrektor Programowy Akademii Psychologii Przywództwa, Values; psycholog społeczny i biznesu.
Rozmowę prowadzi Anita Kijanka, założycielka Strong Women in IT.
W tym odcinku omawiamy:
👉 Jak menedżerowie IT mogą rozwijać kluczowe kompetencje w obliczu dynamicznych zmian technologicznych?
👉 W jaki sposób kształtować kulturę ciągłego uczenia się w zespole?
👉 Dlaczego elastyczne podejście do nowych technologii jest tak istotne?
👉 Jak rozwijać umiejętności liderskie, nie pomijając strategicznych wyzwań?
Posłuchaj i dowiedz się, jak koncepcja Lifelong Learning może wspierać Twoje przywództwo i pomóc Ci sprostać współczesnym wyzwaniom.
We're excited to bring back our Strong Women in IT series - "Partnership Strategies to Scale Your Mission". This time, our VP, Małgorzata Gryz host a discussion with three leaders with impressive knowledge about building successful partnerships: 🔹 Urszula Leciejewska - Channel Director, LT Member at Hewlett Packard Enterprise; 🔹 Mateusz Majewski - Area Vice President South East Europe at UiPath; 🔹 Paweł Jakubik - Technology & Consulting Sales Leader at EY. During the session, our speakers cover: 👉 Defining effective partnership strategies; 👉 Practical insights and real-world examples from leaders with extensive experience in global partnerships; 👉 Building trust across borders, taking partners' feedback and insights for business growth, and scaling their missions. Listen and learn from these experienced professionals, who agreed to share their knowledge with us!
📣 Listen to the inspirational Strong Women in IT podcast from the special series: "Legal Insights for Modern Leaders by GESSEL." This time, the main topic of discussion for our legal expert and invited leaders is: “Women on Management Boards – The Journey.” 🔥🔥
👉 What was your path to becoming a management board member?
👉 Are the responsibilities of a management board member different depending on the character and size of the company?
👉 What challenges did you face in this role and how did you manage them?
👉 What do you know now, as a management board member, that you did not know before assuming this position?
The above questions are answered by experienced board members:
🔹 Beata Stelmach - currently i.a. Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of the Polish Association of Listed Companies, in the past i.a. President of the Management Board of General Electric Poland and President of the Management Board of “PZL-ŚWIDNIK”;
🔹 Olga Malinkiewicz - Co-founder, Member of the Management Board, and CTO of Saule Technologies.
🔹 The discussion is moderated by Anna Ziewalicz - Advocate, Managing Associate at GESSEL.
This podcast is an incredibly useful compendium of practical knowledge, combining both legal issues and personal experiences of women related to their participation in management boards.
Check it out! 🔥
📣 Listen to the inspirational discussion, based on the path of experienced leaders and mentors representing different sectors with their strong footprints in IT-Tech and Edu. 🔥🔥 During the conversation, our speakers answer the above questions; 👉What did you gain thanks to your own mentoring experience? 👉What are your do's and don'ts in your intensive mentorship journeys? 👉Why do we need career sponsors in business? 👉What is your most important lesson or discovery from a mentor's perspective? This time the guests of Małgorzata Gryz will be Top Tech & Edu Leaders: 🔹Michelle Tower - Senior Director, Data Management Office, Gender Development & Equality Advocate at Procter & Gamble 🔹Ela Bonda - Head of DEI & Productivity at NatWest Group Poland 🔹Małgorzata Sztejter - Executive & team coach, mentor. Enjoy listening!
The IT industry is a hybrid world. Listen to the Strong Women in IT podcast and find out how to effectively build Employer Branding in hybrid work! 🔥 👉What are the biggest challenges in employing people in a hybrid work system?
👉How to support team building and a sense of belonging to the hybrid organization?
👉How is the future of Employer Branding in a hybrid work? Find out the answers to these questions in our podcast! Anita Kijanka's guests were Top Technology Leaders: 🔹Sylwia Bilska - Managing Director at Edenred Poland, 🔹Frida Saberian - Sustainability Manager at Ework Group,
🔹Róża Szafranek - Founder & CEO HR Hints, Owner & CEO Culturivy® Institute.
Enjoy listening!
We invite you to listen to the next podcast from the Strong Women in IT series! This time our experts talking about: "Technology Trends and Challenges 2024". 👉 What does the future of Artificial Intelligence look like and what impact will it have on the industry and everyday life? 👉What are the latest cybersecurity strategies that enable companies to strengthen their defenses? 👉What opportunities and challenges does 5G present in different sectors? 👉What are the essential skills you need to develop in the ever-evolving tech industry? Find out the answers to these questions in our podcast! Anita Kijanka's guests were Top Technology Leaders:
🔹Magdalena Kasiewicz - Director of Cloud Services Sales - Leadership Team Member at Hewlett Packard Enterprise Poland, 🔹Zora Holla - Power Technical Sales Leader, NCEE Global Sales – Cloud Platform Sales IBM Quantum Ambassador, 🔹Mateusz Majewski - Area Vice President South East Europe at UiPath.
We invite you to listen to the special Strong Women in IT podcast - Leader With Social Impact! 🔥🔥
👉Why is social responsibility so important, especially nowadays? 👉Where does our passion for social responsibility come from? 👉How to inspire others to also get involved in important ideas? 👉Is the role of a leader in taking socially responsible actions unique today?
We asked these and other questions to our extraordinary speakers whose DNA is full of social accountability strategies and giving to others.
Małgorzata Gryz's guests are experienced top leaders: Izabela Tworzydło – Director of the Corporate Communication Department at the BNP Paribas Bank, Katarzyna Rozenfeld – Partner at Roseweald, Non-Executive Director at Grantham, initiator of the Kobiety na Wybory campaign, and Nicola Whitehead – General Manager of the European Network of Women in Leadership.
Listen to our podcast from the Strong Women in IT series! Anita Kijanka and her guests are discussing how women support each other. During the session, our speakers discuss topics such as: 👉The Power of Mentorship and Networking 👉Overcoming Gender Stereotypes and Biases in business and everyday life 👉 How can we foster a Culture of Inclusivity? This time Anita Kijanka hosts engaging female leaders from the Strong Women in IT community: 🔹Izabela Duiwe - Senior Customer Experience Program Manager at Microsoft, 🔹 Dorota Zaremba - Vice President, MidMarket Sales Director at SAP Poland.
Enjoy the listening!
We encourage you to listen to a special podcast related to the launch of the Strong Women in IT 2023 report! 🔥🔥 After dozens of hours spent analyzing the data and preparing the content, we can finally officially present the results of our work.
The event consists of two thematic panels based on the report's results and an inspiring Keynote speech. Below you will find the agenda: 🔷 “Welcome of participants and a short introduction” 🔷 Keynote speech: "My journey to the Executive level": Brigette McInnis-Day - Chief People Officer at UiPath
🔷 PANEL I: “Business & Technology Trends Through the eyes of Strong Women in IT.” Host: Anita Kijanka,
Speakers: Eva Blaisdell Lady Rocket - Founder at Copernic Space, Monika Kordowska - Tribe Leader of Operational Excellence Tribe in BNP Paribas Bank Polska, Nina Nourafrouz - Managing Director of Billennium GmbH.
🔷 PANEL II: “Leadership dilemmas in the turbulent times.” Host: Małgorzata Gryz,
Speakers: Tina Sobocińska - Founder & HR Strategic Advisor at HR4future, and Myladie Stoumbou - Regional Director at Microsoft.
Listen to another podcast from the Strong Women in IT series! This time, leaders from our community will talk about: "The Future of Business with AI".
👉 How to use AI to grow your business?
👉 How will artificial intelligence affect interactions with customers and the personalization of services and products?
👉 How to successfully create AI and Human Workforce Collaboration?
Find out the answers to these questions in our webinar! Anita Kijanka's guests will be experienced leaders who work with AI daily: Margie Gniech - AI Lead, Business Development Manager at TD SYNNEX, and Raluca Tătărușanu - Vice President of Sales at DRUID AI.
The unique podcast from the Strong Women in IT series! For the first time, our speakers will be Men Leaders who have achieved amazing and sustainable business results over the years. At the same time, they have shaped fair, respectful, and diverse cultures and practices.
During the session, we will cover topics around:
The above aspects are discussed by inspiring Top Men Leaders: Vahe Torossian - Global Tech Executive, Bartosz Łopiński - CEO at Billennium, Eric Magdato – Country Head, Lingaro Philippines. The podcast will be hosted by the VP of Strong Women in IT - Małgorzata Gryz.