Why a career in tech?

It is increasingly clear that the world today requires change. Yet I am convinced that we won’t go backwards, because most people will not make sacrifices in their daily lifestyle to improve the future. In my opinion, the only solution to preserve the environment while investing in the future is sustainable development—meaning development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. In my opinion, technology is therefore essential to address tomorrow’s challenges. This is why, from the moment I began my studies, I decided to dedicate myself to it.

Your professional experience?

After completing a science-focused French Baccalauréat at the Lycée Français de Varsovie, I enrolled in a Bachelor’s, then a Master’s degree in Materials Science and Nuclear Engineering at Imperial College London. Passionate about sailing, I began competing in parallel, with the goal of one day combining sailing and engineering to innovate in the maritime world.

After my studies, I started a PhD in condensed matter physics at École Polytechnique, which I eventually decided to leave when the opportunity arose to fulfil my long-standing ambition of linking engineering and high-level sailing: I secured sponsorship to design and build an extremely innovative boat on which I raced the Mini Transat single-handed across the Atlantic. The objective was clear: to prove that the maritime world of tomorrow will rely on foils, which dramatically increase the efficiency of boats and, for motorboats, reduce their carbon emissions substantially.

Building on that experience, my partner and I launched a design office and a company dedicated to selling more efficient, faster and safer boats—our vision of the boat of the future.

Your first experience with technology?

My first professional experience with technology was during my second-year internship, when I worked on optimizing aircraft wings at Airbus in Warsaw.

My following internship was in research at CNRS in Grenoble, where I worked on semiconductors from a more fundamental perspective, with potential applications ranging from nanotechnologies to LEDs, photodetectors, solar panels, and more.

What do you do today, and why?

Today, with my partner, we have built a company that designs innovative boats, provides technical support to owners, and competes at a high level. The goal is to open a new path for the maritime world with boats that are faster, safer, and more environmentally friendly. We design sailing boats, but also motorboats that consume up to 60% less fuel thanks to optimized hulls and foils. We also offer systems to optimize existing boats and give them a second life in terms of performance. Our ambition is to accompany clients throughout the entire life cycle of their boat—and to race our own boats to inspire others and demonstrate our expertise.

Your strengths in this role?

I believe my main strength is my versatility: I am an engineer, a researcher, an athlete, and an entrepreneur all at once.

Past challenges, failures and disappointments?

One of my biggest moments of disappointment and failure was during the second leg of the race Les Sables–Les Açores–Les Sables. I led the race for seven days, only to be overtaken three minutes before the finish line. I ended up second. The frustration was immense, and I had to hold it together immediately upon arrival in front of the press and everyone present, and then find a way to bounce back afterwards. That experience taught me a lot.

Another difficult moment happened during my PhD, when the opportunity arose to start working on what I considered my dream job. The school didn’t allow me to adjust my schedule to pursue both activities in parallel. Giving up is never an option for me, and wanted to finish my PhD even if it wasn’t in the field I wanted to dedicate myself to afterwards. That’s when I realized that sometimes you need to make hard choices to move forward. I had to choose what made the most sense to bring me closer to my dream career. It was extremely difficult at the time, but it taught me a lot about decision-making.

Best moments, successes you’re proud of?

The success I am most proud of is breaking the 24-hour distance record in the Mini 6.50 class and becoming the first woman to break the 24-hour distance record across all categories. As the record was achieved on the boat we designed and built—and one that was radically different from the competition—it wasn’t just a sporting achievement but also an engineering and management success that validated our concept.

Another proud moment was being awarded “Best Engineer of the Year” during my studies at Imperial College London, after leading a student team tasked with creating an automated machine capable of sorting waste. I then won the prize for Best Research Internship when I published my first scientific paper and presented my work at an international conference during my third-year semiconductor internship.

People who helped, influenced -or made your life difficult?

The people who have most inspired and supported me throughout my life are my parents. They gave me the chance to pursue the education I wanted, and they inspire me daily through their work ethic. They showed me that with hard work, you can achieve basically anything.

Your hopes and future challenges?

In the coming years, I want to develop the company we have created and help transform the maritime world for the better. I want sailing boats to offer more pleasure and safety, and motorboats to become more efficient and environmentally friendly. My challenge is to successfully run a company while continuing to compete, so that I can inspire those who follow my journey to push themselves, progress, and pursue their dreams.

What do you do when you don’t work?

I travel as much as possible. I love discovering and studying different cultures and their history, and I remain convinced that we all have so much to learn from one another.

Your heroes -from History or fiction?

Marie Skłodowska Curie — a scientist I identify with because, like me, she had dual Polish and French nationality, and whom I admire not only for her intelligence but also for her perseverance and hard work.

Votre devise favorite ?

“They didn’t know it was impossible, so they did it.” — Mark Twain

A book to take with you on a desert island?

A selection of books by Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt — they are beautifully written, entertaining, and full of depth, encouraging reflection on the world.

A message to young female professionals?

Be ambitious and give yourself the means to succeed. When you have a goal, you must persevere and work for it, and above all, never give up. We all face difficulties and disappointments, but maintaining determination and perseverance is the key to achieving your dreams.