Beata Drzazga, entrepreneur, visionary and founder of BetaMed S.A. and several international companies, shares her experiences on the role of the European Union in shaping Polish business. In the interview, she outlines how EU funds have supported her investments, how an innovative approach to ESG is changing standards in healthcare and what initiatives it is implementing through its foundation.
What was the background of your meeting with Ursula von der Leyen?
Beata Drzazga: Our meeting took place on May 7 at the European Economic Congress in Katowice. Ursula von der Leyen made a great impression on me as a politician and as a mother of seven children. Her speech was extremely inspiring. I am glad that I had the opportunity to personally congratulate her. Ursula von der Leyen’s success in Brussels is proof of how one can function perfectly in the male-dominated world of politics, which is a great inspiration to me.
How has Poland ‘ s membership in the European Union affected the development of your business?
Beata Drzazga: EU membership has brought huge benefits, which are also evident in my business. For example, when building the BetaMed S.A. clinic in Chorzow, I was able to take advantage of the Jessica loan, which was subsidized by European funds and had a very favorable interest rate. This support enabled me to implement this project. In addition, my studies in European integration at the Warsaw School of Management, where I was taught by Professor Jerzy Buzek and Danuta Hübner, strengthened my convictions about the green transformation supported by the EU and made me one of the leading ESG figures in Poland.
Please tell us about your approach to ESG.
Beata Drzazg: When I founded my company 23 years ago, my goal was to prove that health care could look even better. I set out to show that innovation could bring significant changes to the way services were delivered – starting with better treatment of patients to a new approach to employee relations. Although I wasn’t familiar with the concept of ESG at the time, I was aware of the importance of environmental issues, caring for the employed team and local pro-social initiatives. During the construction of the clinic, I focused on providing patients with an elegant environment that would make them feel at home. Empathy and care for patients have always been a priority for me. Building lasting and authentic relationships with the team is also key.
What specific actions contributed to BetaMed S.A. being recognized as a top employer?
Beata Drzazga: I am proud that BetaMed S.A. has won first place in the Forbes Best Employers ranking in the health and social care category. Our success is due to the introduction of several key initiatives. For example, we have introduced a policy that every employee ‘ s birthday is a full day off with pay. In addition, we have reduced working hours by two hours on Fridays, and each employee is entitled to two days off per year for preventive examinations. At BetaMed S.A., I also try to create a friendly and family atmosphere at work. I organize regular team-building meetings, including Christmas Eve meetings with drawing of valuable gifts. I believe that the people I work with are the company ‘ s greatest asset. Our activities do not end with internal initiatives. We engage in the life of the local community, By organizing events such as Mother ‘s Day and Children’s Day and creating space for seniors through the BetaMed Senior Club. OWe also hold open training sessions on health promotion, so that our neighbors have better contact with our clinic. We must not forget our assistance in the face of humanitarian crises. When the war in Ukraine broke out, I was in Florida, but immediately after hearing about the Russian attack, I immediately returned to Poland. Together with the staff, we organized humanitarian aid, buying needed items and packing packages. We established cooperation with convoy organizers, which was a sad but hopeful experience. These activities are part of our commitment to ESG and show how important it is for us to both care for employees as well as community support and assistance in crisis situations.
How can your experience inspire other entrepreneurs?
Beata Drzazga: I regularly share my experiences at conferences and panels, such as those organized by Dziennik Zachodni or Forbes. I often emphasize that in today’s dynamic world, where new technologies and changes are the order of the day, continuous improvement and competence development play a key role. For entrepreneurs and business leaders, openness to learning and readiness to develop are no longer just additional values, but an absolute necessity. What we knew yesterday may be obsolete tomorrow. That’s why constantly expanding our horizons and developing our skills are the foundation not only for staying competitive, but also for innovation and growth.
What are your current projects and initiatives?
Beata Drzazga: I currently head the Beata Drzazga Foundation, which supports young entrepreneurs who have no complexes and want to make a name for themselves in Europe and the world. I share my own experiences with them, persuade them to bravely take on new challenges. I engage in charitable activities. I continue to actively develop business relations between Poland and the US and other countries such as Puerto Rico and Azerbaijan. I have also become an ambassador for the Swiss School of Business and Management in Geneva, where I am completing my doctorate. My activities are aimed at supporting innovative ventures and sharing my experience with young leaders. Thank you for the interview. Source: biznes-time.pl