Women in technology - Interview with Anna

Anna Klimek: Yes, that's true, I've been with the RBI Group for many years. It all started with my first position in the bank. I was  responsible for products in the capital markets area and for the Support Team in the Market & Investment Banking Division.
That was years ago. Then, after the bank merged with BNP, my former boss, now a Member of the RBI Management Board, came up with the idea of ​​creating a special unit responsible for project implementation and new product deployment within the Group. It was quickly decided that this unit should be established in Poland to leverage the knowledge and experience of our experts. I received a call with this proposal and a question if I would like to join in creating such a unit. And that's how our adventure began. From a 10-person company, we created a well-functioning company employing over 200 specialists.

Anna: It has indeed changed significantly. My scope of duties has never been constant. It's just the way it is when you're building a company practically from scratch, relying on your best knowledge and experience. The first technological hub of the Group was established in Poland, so we had no blueprint. So, both for me and my colleagues, it required trying our hand in various fields.

Anna: Currently, my main focus is on co-creating the organizational and business structure of Raiffeisen Tech, both locally and at the group level. I manage diverse processes and collaborate on shaping processes in HR, branding, as well as demand management, requiring collaboration with analysts, scrum masters, and other internal resources. Another area is strictly business cooperation with clients in the Polish capital markets.

Anna: I have many very positive memories and situations I could recall. But the most recent, extremely positive surprise I can mention is the joint workshops with managers. It was probably the first time in many years in such a format where we could calmly discuss key areas, directions, but also simply spend time together. After two days of such workshops, I returned with a sense of fulfillment. I really recharged my batteries positively because I spent really nice time with very interesting people.

Anna: Actually, I always have the feeling that I need to educate myself. There's always something new that needs exploring. I feel like new information constantly surrounds us, on the other hand, we need to keep up with current trends, broaden our horizons. I don't have one form of learning and development. I like attending conferences, training sessions. I participate in various webinars, but also listen to podcasts and read books. In various ways, I try to constantly expand my substantive and technological knowledge, as well as strengthen my leadership and management skills.

Anna: I do have such moments. To be completely honest, sometimes it varies. It depends on what is currently happening. There are days when tasks pile up, and I have to spend more time on them. But I also find time to restore balance, attend training, and rest. I try to maintain balance because it provides me with energy.

Anna: At work, I particularly enjoy new things, creating, structuring, and implementing new ideas and topics. But what I value most are the people and relationships with coworkers. Relationships are one of the fundamental company values ​​for me. Great contacts, lots of inspiration from diverse areas. For the past 5 years, I have not lacked this, and it is something that certainly gives me a lot, a lot of energy.

I'm also very happy that more and more women are entering the world of technology and joining our organization. This is especially visible in the younger generations. They bring a lot of positive energy, warm, great relationships, care, and focus on the other person.

Recently, we conducted internal surveys - the Voice of Employee. Once again, they showed and confirmed to us that relationships at work, practically since the beginning of our company's existence, are something that distinguishes us and something we all appreciate. We also spend a lot of time together outside of work hours. We have many trips and integration outings. It happens, and I can boldly say that we simply all like each other.

Anna: I have the impression that fewer and fewer women are afraid of technology, especially the younger generation. I remember when I started working at the bank, there were very few girls in the IT department. But now, many women choose the technology industry. I am very happy that more and more women are studying in this direction, penetrating the world of technology, and are genuinely interested in it.

Anna: I think the most important advice would be not to be afraid to take the first step. It's not difficult, especially in today's times and with such great access to information, knowledge. I think an interesting idea to start with is developmental internships in technological organizations, foundations, which allow for a broad overview of the market and checking what we can see ourselves doing in the future. Technology offers a lot of development opportunities. Development is crucial here, and it is very important not to fall behind the current trends. But we also cannot go to extremes. By developing my work-life balance, I realized that there are situations where the company will do just fine without me. As women, we don't have to be afraid that during a temporary "drop-out" caused by various situations, such as maternity leave, we won't be able to keep up with the trends. This is entirely possible.

Anna: First of all, to open-minded, curious people. Technology is constantly changing, so we have to keep up with it by constantly improving our skills. But we're not left to our own devices in this. At Raiffeisen Tech, we support development. We offer various forms of education in various areas. We constantly expand our structures, so everyone will certainly find something for themselves with us.

Anna: Of course, the key are substantive competencies assigned to a specific position. We try to confirm this during the recruitment process, whether the candidate fits into this package of traits and competencies. Personality is also very important to me because we value the right organizational culture. I appreciate people who want to broaden their horizons, are not afraid of challenges, acquire new skills, and want to develop. I also value teamwork and collaboration.