Conversation with Beata Drzazga, president of many companies in Poland and around the world. About stereotypes, the power of women, raising children and the fact that a company – like a child – requires constant care.

Was it more difficult for you in business, because you are a woman?
Beata Drzazga: Stereotypes made it harder for me. At first, many people, especially men, didn’t take me seriously. To this day, some people believe that a woman’s place is with the children and at home. Patterns from old magazines suggested that a wife should make dinner and give her husband a massage when he came home from work, rather than talk to him… and discuss problems. There was no mention of what a man should do for a woman.

Did that annoy you?
Beata Drzazga: It caused rebellion. A woman could have a flower shop at most, but not a large business. In addition, it was believed that a man had to earn more because he was the “breadwinner.” When I was developing my company, people were bothered by the fact that I was elegant and had blonde hair. A feminine, elegant appearance was seen as provocative.

But it seems that didn’t stop you.
Beata Drzazga: No. I worked quietly, without looking for praise. After 12 years, I had my own clinic and a company with 91 branches in 11 provinces. When building my 8,000 m2 private hospital, I gave the name of a substitute investor so that no one would know that it was my investment. Thanks to this, I was able to work in peace.

Women often blame their lack of a career on their children. This woman has three.
Beata Drzazga: A child should not be an excuse. Many things hurt me, sometimes I cried, but I always got back on my feet. Every obstacle gave me strength. I understood that change is natural. Raising my children on my own, I felt like Superman. I wanted them to be happy. I had a good relationship with my ex-husbands, but I was always strong and independent.

Do you assist other women in business?
Beata Drzazga: Of course. I have been telling my story at panels and conferences for 15 years. I want to inspire both men and women. Being a businessperson does not depend on gender! When someone tells me they have a problem, I immediately look for a solution. Even flight attendants say after a flight together that they want to change their lives. I also support women privately—when someone gets divorced, I tell them: this is not the end, it’s a new chapter.

Who has impressed you professionally?
Beata Drzazga: A professor at the University of Upper Silesia. She entered the classroom wearing beautiful high heels and a stunning suit, exuding class. She boasted about how many schools she had graduated from and how many universities she worked at! She made us realize that it is possible to be an elegant, independent, and enterprising woman. She taught me that you have to be able to talk about your achievements and believe in yourself.

How do you perceive young women in business?
Beata Drzazga: It is definitely easier for them today. They have access to knowledge, they travel, they are more confident. But they often judge themselves too much, analyze themselves too much, and block themselves. Especially women who combine business with motherhood. I tell them that one does not exclude the other. One day, their children will be proud of their mother, who had the courage to take action instead of sitting at home and wasting her talents.

What is the most important advice you would give to those starting their first business?
Beata Drzazga: Don’t listen to everyone around you. Only listen to those who have experience. Many people project their fears onto others. When you start a business, just do it. A business, like a child, requires dedication and attention. And it’s never finished—it’s constantly changing.

Was it the same with your company?
Beata Drzazga : Of course. I started with a one-room office, in which I planned to administer ozone to patients. I had a list of 300 potential patients – only 15 came. It turned out that, that I should develop myself in another part of the medical industry. Ultimately I created the largest company in Poland providing care for adults and children on ventilators and medical care at home at the patient’s a44> on the National Health Fund. In business, when something doesn’t work out, you have to change direction and look at what people need.

Passion, courage, and consistency are the most important things on the road to success. Regardless of who we are, what matters is hard work, honesty, and belief in what we do. We must listen to ourselves, not be afraid of change, and act despite adversity. Because every success begins with the decision to try.

Beata Drzazga

Entrepreneur and Philanthropist.
Founder of BetaMed S.A., the largest company in the medical sector in Poland in terms of long-term care long-term care in the patient’s home and other areas of medicine. Creator, owner and president of many companies in Poland and abroad, expert in management, respected speaker at conferences economic and medical conferences, author of texts on business for entrepreneurs. For years, she has been inspiring and advising others on running businesses, is involved in charitable activities as well. Co-author of scientific works in the field of health protection. He holds the position of dean of. development of the Academy of Upper Silesia named after. Wojciech Korfanty in Katowice. Co-owner of Klub Przedsiębiorczości (Entrepreneurship Club). He owns companies in Miami and Spain. He also provides business consulting and mentoring services, particularly in the area of business strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Source: Manager Report