Anna Jablonska is a dynamic leader with extensive experience in IT, team management, and strategic business leadership. Currently, as Country Head at Lingaro in Poland, she leads large teams and oversees strategic areas like BI reporting, reflecting her expertise in both technology and business leadership. Learn more about her in this exclusive interview.

Interviewed by Tracy Soueidy

You have over 18 years of experience working with diverse technologies focused on business intelligence, data management and automation solutions. In this constantly evolving sector, how do you stay ahead of industry trends in data and analytics (D&A) to ensure that Lingaro continues to deliver innovative solutions to clients?

Staying ahead of rapidly evolving technologies is challenging, but we focus on continuous learning, ensuring proper certifications, and investing in the right technologies. Understanding customer needs through data is key for thought leadership and providing tailored recommendations.

We stay informed by attending conferences, connecting with industry leaders, and sharing knowledge via platforms like LinkedIn. Internally, we adopt agile methodologies to adapt quickly to changes in technology and market needs. While staying ahead isn't always easy, we are focused on quickly catching up and continuously improving.

While staying ahead isn't always easy, we are focused on quickly catching up and continuously improving.

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation continue to advance, how do you see the role of human expertise evolving in data analytics and business intelligence? How should professionals in the field adapt to these changes?

Professionals like me and my team at Lingaro understand and reflect on the need to embrace changes in technology, particularly AI, and we know that some people were, and still are, apprehensive about robotic process automation. While AI may raise concerns about job displacement, it is crucial to view AI as a tool that can enhance productivity. Regardless of age, professionals can and should learn to collaborate with AI to make better decisions and resolve complex problems.

Although AI excels in repetitive tasks and data analysis, human input is essential for creative, context-driven decisions, especially in addressing ethical considerations like data privacy. The user emphasises that AI won't replace human decision-making, but will complement it, to speed up work while still requiring humans to make critical choices.

Regardless of age, professionals can and should learn to collaborate with AI to make better decisions and resolve complex problems.

Your career has spanned various roles, from Technical Consultant to Country Head. How has your leadership style evolved to meet the diverse challenges of these roles?

Effective leadership today requires adaptability and an appreciation for diversity. Unlike leading a team 15 years ago, current leadership must navigate evolving communication styles and diverse perspectives. Embracing these differences allows for a holistic view of problem solving, which is crucial in making informed decisions. As a leader, I believe it’s important to act more as a coach than as a demanding figure, giving team members the space to make conscious choices about their development and tasks.

My leadership style has always emphasised trust, transparency, and partnership. In a company’s culture, it’s vital to ensure every voice is heard and considered, as diverse input enriches the company’s strategy and decision-making. Despite the changes in team dynamics and responsibilities, maintaining an open, supportive environment and fostering clear communication have remained central to my approach.

In a company’s culture, it’s vital to ensure every voice is heard and considered, as diverse input enriches the company’s strategy and decision-making.

What advice would you offer to aspiring leaders, particularly women, looking to advance in the technology sector?

Don’tbe afraid to embrace your power and potential. Often, people hesitate to act due to fear or self-doubt, worrying their skills might not match the challenge. However, taking risks is part of growth, and making mistakes is a chance to learn. Women, in particular, have the tendency to take smaller steps or even a step back, but it's important to dream big and set ambitious goals.

Invest in yourself if you feel unprepared—seek mentorship, training, or other resources to build your skills. Don’t be discouraged by being in predominantly male environments; you have the same level of capability and leadership potential. Overcome the internal voices that hold you back, be vocal and visible. Remember, there are no foolish questions or topics, and through open dialogue, we can learn and receive valuable feedback.

Don’t be afraid to embrace your power and potential.

In a demanding role like yours, how do you manage work-life integration? What practices or habits have you developed to maintain balance and well-being?

Balancing leadership and well-being can be tough, but daily exercise helps me clear my mind and plan my day. I value my morning gym time because it helps me reflect and relieve stress. Taking short walks during work breaks also helps me manage stress after hard meetings and refocus.

Though I have limited personal time due to family responsibilities, I make time in the evening to read and listen to podcasts, which relax and educate me. Support from loved ones and delegating tasks both at home and work are key to keeping a good balance and staying focused on what’s important. This allows me to handle both work and family life more easily.

Here’s a fun question to wrap up! If you could swap jobs with anyone in the world for a week, who would it be and why? And how do you think your team at Lingaro would handle things while you were off on this adventure?

I always wanted to work at NASA, perhaps as a scientist or part of a space crew. I have always found astronomy fascinating, especially looking at the stars, and when I was younger, I hoped to become a scientist someday. It would be amazing to be part of NASA’s team, knowing they have access to cutting-edge technologies, likely years ahead of others.

Video Edited by Morgan Rachel Geyer