Joanna Woźniakowska, Managing Partner

From the very beginning of early school years, an atmosphere of "great momentum" accompanied Joanna Woźniakowska: when laughing, it was resounding; when arguing, it was with cannons going off; passing exams, spectacular; failing, with a bang. Semitones, half-measures and understatement were never an option. And just as the fact that a person who as a teenager dreamed of working as an archaeologist became a co-owner of a translation agency might surprise someone (and surprises herself), the fact that she became a huge success is no longer surprising. Because this success stems from who she is and the principles to which she has always been faithful.

No compromises

There are two things that count in translations: to deliver the content of a translation and to do it on time. To manage the work of translators you need much more - to understand people, to match the assignment with the right translator, to understand the client needs, to know people, to listen and respect them. These last three conditions fall victim very easily to the dynamic situation that accompanies the development of any company. Cost-cutting, tight deadlines, struggle for clients, rush, stress, chaos... at some point the boss - for the sake of his employees, the company and himself - has to say no, and to say it loudly. Joanna is exactly such a boss. Perhaps that is why, after 19 years of business, Bireta, a translation agency with 70 employees, is one of the leading translation companies in Poland and is bound to continue its spectacular growth.

Protect what matters

From a vacation photo, a person with a gentle expression gazes at you, dressed in an airy outfit against a background of romantic palm trees. Those palms are in Thailand where Joanna has been thirteen times already. And if you look in the "hobbies" column, you will find skiing, ceramics, and making hats on long winter evenings. Favorite vehicle? A bicycle. Well, sometimes a convertible. Favorite prop? Flowers.

It's hard to believe that Joanna can be such an organized, effective and uncompromising businesswoman in such a difficult market as translations. "What is beautiful and valuable can often be fragile and delicate. To keep it, you have to fight and know how to manage it" - replies Joanna with a laugh - sincere and resounding, as usual.