1. What is your current occupation and responsibilities?
I am the owner of the company orocz.com and the president of the sports club TKKF Pionier. I also provide consulting services for several large companies in Poland, acting as a management board representative. My responsibilities range from leading business strategy initiatives to optimizing processes, with a focus on integrating technology into organizational workflows. Additionally, I manage operations at TKKF Pionier, where I focus on leadership development and community engagement.
2. What was your first occupation in the field you currently work in, and how did you obtain the position?
I have been running my own business for 18 years. It was a conscious decision to work independently and on my own terms. From the beginning, I wanted to have the freedom to shape my career in a way that aligned with my values and vision. I sought to leverage my skills and experiences to create meaningful impact, not just for myself but for the businesses and communities I work with.
3. What does it mean to consult for a company?
Consulting for a company means providing expert advice to improve the company’s efficiency, solve problems, or introduce new processes. It involves analyzing the company’s operations, understanding its goals, and offering solutions to help it achieve those objectives more effectively. As a consultant, I support management teams in decision-making processes and provide guidance on strategy and optimization. But it’s more than just giving advice—it’s about partnering with a company to implement real change and driving sustainable improvements that add value.
4. What are some common challenges you face in your role?
A major challenge is working with diverse individuals with varying temperaments and personalities, resolving disputes, mediating conflicts, and managing people’s motivation. I call this process “tempering,” which I described in my article A Thin Red Line by Marcin Orocz. Balancing different views while keeping teams aligned toward a common goal is always a challenge, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of my role. The key is understanding people’s motivations, building trust, and fostering a collaborative environment.
5. What skills do you think are essential for someone looking to succeed in this industry?
According to the Gallup CliftonStrengths test, I have strong predispositions for this (joke). My top strengths are Maximizer, Empathy, Strategic, Achiever, and Intellection. This combination of traits allows me to work effectively with people because each strength serves a key function. Maximizer helps me focus on improving and developing the potential of both individuals and teams. Empathy enables me to understand the emotions and motivations of others, which is crucial for resolving conflicts and building trust. The Strategic trait helps me see patterns in complex situations and find solutions that might not be immediately obvious. Achiever drives me to continuously set and reach new goals, ensuring that projects move forward efficiently. Finally, Intellection allows me to engage in deep thinking and analysis, which supports better decision-making and problem-solving. Together, these strengths create a balance of leadership, emotional intelligence, and analytical skills that are essential for helping people and organizations thrive.
6. Are there any particular certifications or qualifications that you would recommend?
Strong analytical skills are crucial to better understand processes, and I recommend BABOK certification or training. Additionally, problem-solving skills are essential, and ITIL training is helpful here. Another valuable skill to learn is the art of storytelling—both StorySeeking and StoryTelling. Since I work at the intersection of business and technology, I need to continuously develop in both disciplines, understanding machine learning and AI while also knowing the difference between CAPEX and OPEX. This broad base of knowledge allows me to offer clients comprehensive solutions that drive innovation and efficiency.
7. How do you approach problem-solving in your role, especially when faced with complex challenges?
I approach problem-solving through a combination of analytical thinking, a deep understanding of people, and a strong sense of self-awareness. I recognize my own limitations and ensure I build inclusive teams that complement my skill set, fostering trust and collaboration. It’s important to understand that I don’t have to do everything myself—delegating to capable team members allows me to focus on strategic tasks while empowering others to grow. Maintaining emotional stability and mental health is critical in such a demanding role, and I prioritize my well-being to stay effective. I also apply the concept of “work-fun balance,” where work must bring joy and fulfillment. Without that, it becomes hard to stay motivated and driven. This balance is essential for sustained success in business.
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that while technical skills and strategic thinking are crucial, even more important is understanding that people need recognition and humane management. A leader cannot simply be a manager—they must show the team how to work effectively and also demand high performance. People thrive when challenged slightly beyond their current capabilities, and a great leader raises the bar as the team improves, all while celebrating successes and acknowledging achievements. This human touch, combined with high standards, drives engagement and growth in any team.
8. What opportunities for advancement exist in this field, and how can someone position themselves for growth?
The business consulting and management fields offer many opportunities for advancement, especially for those who can effectively combine business strategy with technological insights. In addition to continuous learning and skill development, self-awareness plays a critical role in growth. Understanding your strengths and areas for improvement helps you make strategic decisions about your career and team building. To position oneself for growth, it’s also important to cultivate emotional resilience and embrace a “work-fun balance,” which ensures long-term motivation and mental health. Networking and building relationships based on trust and inclusion are also key factors in career advancement.
9. What role does networking play in your industry, and how do you approach it?
Networking is crucial in my industry, as it helps build relationships that can lead to new opportunities, partnerships, and insights. I approach networking with authenticity and a long-term mindset, focusing on adding value to the people I connect with rather than just seeking short-term benefits. Whether it’s through LinkedIn, professional conferences, or industry events, my goal is to foster meaningful connections that can lead to collaboration and shared success. It’s not just about knowing people, but about truly understanding how to help each other grow.
10. How do you manage not only projects and strategies but also the human aspect of your work?
Managing people is as important, if not more, than managing projects or strategies. I believe that understanding and observing the dynamics within a team is critical for success. It’s not just about task allocation or process optimization; it’s about recognizing the individual strengths, motivations, and challenges each person faces. I make a conscious effort to create an environment where people feel heard, valued, and supported. This involves actively listening, providing feedback, and fostering a culture where trust and collaboration are central.
By observing team interactions and individual behaviors, I can better anticipate potential issues and mediate conflicts before they escalate. Building strong relationships based on trust allows me to lead more effectively, as people are more likely to follow a leader they respect and believe in. It’s about guiding the team, setting high expectations, and giving them the tools and support they need to reach their goals while also celebrating their successes. In the end, it’s the human connections that drive the success of any project.
11. What advice would you give someone who is just starting out in this field?
My advice would be to focus on continuous learning and development, especially in both technical and interpersonal skills. Understanding business processes, data analysis, and the latest technological advancements like AI and machine learning will give you a competitive edge. Equally important is developing strong communication and leadership skills to work effectively with teams. Don’t be afraid to take initiative and seek out mentors who can guide you through the challenges. Building a strong personal network and creating a reputation for reliability and innovation will help you succeed in this field.
12. Can you share an experience that significantly influenced your career path?
One pivotal moment in my career was the decision to focus on integrating business strategy with technology. Early in my consulting career, I recognized the growing importance of digital transformation and began to deepen my knowledge in AI and machine learning. This decision not only expanded my expertise but also allowed me to offer more comprehensive solutions to my clients, combining technological tools with business insights. It was a defining moment that shifted my approach and opened up new opportunities for growth.
However, an even more important realization was understanding that people need recognition and human-centered leadership. Over time, I learned that being an effective leader is not about being a manager but a guide who shows the team how to work effectively while demanding high performance. People respond well when they are challenged to do slightly more than they think they can, and a great leader helps them achieve that by continuously raising the bar as they improve. At the same time, it’s crucial to acknowledge achievements and celebrate successes, as this recognition fosters motivation and growth. This balance between challenge and appreciation has become central to my leadership style, and it has significantly shaped the way I work with teams.
13. Are there any misconceptions about your field that you would like to clarify?
One common misconception about consulting is that it’s all about offering advice from a distance or strictly following predefined business processes and key performance indicators (KPIs). In reality, while structured processes and KPIs are important, the human factor plays an even more significant role. Engagement and trust within the team are far more valuable than a perfectly documented process. When people trust one another, they build strong, cohesive teams that are open to making mistakes, which in turn lays the foundation for innovation. This openness encourages experimentation and trying new approaches, fostering a culture where something truly groundbreaking can emerge.
For me, consulting is about finding that spark within an organization—something worth nurturing with experience and knowledge so it can ignite the flame of change. The goal is not just optimization but enabling the organization to create something unique and revolutionary, something that sets it apart from the competition. A consultant’s role is to recognize and fuel that potential, helping the organization transform in a meaningful and sustainable way.