Kate Matysniak » Career path-en

Fourteen years ago is when it all began. It was unexpected, unplanned at the time, obscure, and an unconventional path for my career that didn’t fit into any known career-building strategy. Fourteen years ago, as a high school graduate, I landed a job at the Italian corporation brand. Just three months later, at 19 years old, I was promoted to a cro (cavaliero) department manager. That marked my fourth job; the three previous ones were as a waitress or kitchen assistant in local pubs and restaurants, starting when I was 15.

One day, while working at Inditex, I woke up and decided I no longer wanted that job. There was no reason, no explanation, no plan for the future—just a silly, immature decision from a young girl who lived with her parents and could rely on them. At that time, I had just begun studying Automation and Robotics at the Silesian University of Technology. I began searching for other job opportunities and came across a role as a “”Business Partner”” at a Polish coffee chain. I knew I lacked the basics required for such a role. I had never been a manager, never operated any business, nor studied anything relevant to gain such experience. But I’ve always believed in myself, remained humble, and was a fast learner. I had nothing to lose.

So, despite lacking experience and education, I decided to craft my application for this role. It took some time, even a few weeks, and I was still uncertain if it made sense to send it, possibly wasting the recruiter’s time. Eventually, when I decided to send it, the job offer had already expired. Driven and extremely stubborn (not much has changed), I began searching for team members of Empik Cafe on GoldenLine. I found a few, but one stood out as the most friendly—Karol Przesmycki, who was a trainer of baristas. I messaged him with my highly appealing application and a brief message, something along the lines of: “”Hey, I know I lack experience and I’m very young, but I’m cool.”” Karol, who is now one of my closest friends, kindly forwarded my CV to the recruiter.

I had to undergo three stages of recruitment—first with the recruiter, then with the General Director, Krzysztof Kaliciński, and finally, with the Area Manager, Grzegorz Łyczak. Anything good that happened in my life primarily started in my mind. During this lengthy recruitment process, every night before falling asleep, I envisioned myself in my own coffee shop, where my friends and family would spend time. After a few weeks, I was managing my own coffee shop situated in Sfera shopping mall in Bielsko Biała. I established my own company and became a Business Partner of Empik Cafe.

Even after these 14 years, I continue to reflect and remain grateful and amazed at what Krzysztof and Grzegorz saw in this young, ambitious, and wayward girl. I was earning the same amount that current gastronomy managers in Poland make today—13 years later. Many Business Partners complained about the conditions of this cooperation, but there was only one clue: stay focused and don’t get used to results. In this business, nothing lasts forever. Work on it, check it, seek solutions, stay engaged. The former Empik Cafe, now So!Coffe by Lagardere Travel Retail, provided me with the most crucial experience in my life, and Krzysztof gave me a chance. One shot, one opportunity. That young girl, a visionary and dreamer, knew that someday she would change the lives of many people in her career and never stopped pursuing her dreams.

Today, I’m an expert in the HoReCa industry and a highly experienced operational manager, an auditor who has the pleasure of collaborating with various clients in Poland and the United Kingdom. I’m an unconventional strategies creator, producer of indicators, and breaker of KPIs. I’m a big fan of technology and digital implementations in the gastronomy industry—a pragmatic visionary. Karol, Krzysztof, Grzegorz, thank you. The most important conclusion seems to be: it’s up to you what you do with your decisions, dreams, and the knowledge you gain from your experiences. Even if you’re not currently the master of your life, don’t give up on pursuing it. Imagine your own coffee shop around the corner—it’s right there.