5 Questions with Publicis Groupe CEE Lioness: Marta Wojtaszko

As part of Publicis Groupe Central & Eastern Europe (CEE)’s 'Embrace Gender Equity' initiative that was launched during this year’s International Women’s Day on March 8th, the company created a special series 'Publicis Groupe CEE Lioness' designed to showcase and spotlight its many female talent and leaders across the CEE region, celebrating their experiences and important roles they play within the company. Get to know the Publicis Groupe CEE Lionesses through their stories in this series.

1. Can you share your story with us, how have you gotten to where you are today in your profession? 

Marta> Having only been in the advertising world for about seven years, I’m certainly no veteran compared to many others. My main focus? Project management.  

I always felt comfortable with organizing tasks, helping things run smoothly and facilitating in general. Being a people’s person, I’m naturally drawn to human resources, which is also where I began my journey (as part of the talent team). It quickly became obvious to me that my interest lies not in interviewing candidates, but in managing and overseeing the recruitment process. 

Recognising this, I shifted my focus and joined a newly launched online bookstore, marking my first foray into the world of e-commerce. Working at the start up, I was tasked with a variety of duties, from collaborating with editors and managing the CMS to organising our booth at the Book Fairies event. After a while, I moved on to the coin minting industry and managed coin projects, with at least 30 coins minted under my supervision (all of which are still available on the market). However, I yearned for a dynamic environment and challenging assessments. This led me to join Publicis Groupe as a project manager for e-commerce projects - a decision that proved to be spot-on.

Today, I continue my journey as the project management director at Publicis Le Pont in Poland, where I'm currently tasked with building a project management office with the team.

I’m always on the lookout for new skills to unlock or new chapters to open. At Publicis, there's always something new on the horizon, which is a good fit for me.

2. What has been your most memorable experience in your career so far?

Marta> 2019 was a landmark in my professional life. It was when we had to quickly put together a team and start working with a new, big client at the same time. We went from a small to a larger team fast, and we had to get everyone on board while also delivering content to the client. It was back then when every day felt like a test of endurance and adaptability. It wasn't just about managing the project - it was about rapidly learning the nuances of effective leadership, refining our production process for efficiency, and undergoing a transformation to meet the demands of the situation, all at the same time.  It was hell of a ride for majority of us, but it was worth it. Impossible was nothing back then. This was when I recognised my boundaries and learnt how to choose my battles wisely.

3. Similarly, what was the most challenging moment and how did you overcome it?

Marta> Dealing with the Covid pandemic as a manager was tough. Keeping everyone united and on the same page became a real struggle during the abrupt change to a remote environment. To make things trickier, our business was growing hence we had the challenge of having to scale up quickly. We had to hire more people and get them onboarded without ever meeting face-to-face. It was a mix of regular online chats, virtual team meetings, and using some good collaboration tools that helped us push through.

However, overcoming the challenges of Covid wasn't something I did on my own. I was lucky to have an incredible team backing me up. Their support was invaluable in these crazy months. Through this experience, I realised the true power of teamwork. Working together made all the difference. We made it and we are still making it happen!

4. What are your most important tips on achieving success?

Marta> Most importantly, find joy and satisfaction in your work. Focus on mastering your craft. Collaborate effectively with those around you and genuinely value their contributions. Surround yourself with motivating individuals. Stand by your decisions and always be ready to accept the consequences, as accountability is key. Learn from your mistakes and don't be afraid to admit you were wrong. Stay persistent and continuously network to open new opportunities. It's crucial to show respect to others and their work, even if their perspectives differ from yours.

5. What are your tips for younger female talent embarking on the journey you’re already on?

Marta> Stay committed to your goals, even when faced with challenges. Tackle problems head-on and learn from every experience. Every encounter, whether positive or negative, is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Beyond staying open-minded, do take the lessons from each experience and use them to better yourself and navigate future challenges. Don't be afraid to work with more experienced people and always appreciate constructive feedback.