In today’s fast-paced world, stories of resilience and passion stand out and inspire. One such story is that of Maciej Markowski, an entrepreneur who has gone through the trials and tribulations of pursuing multiple careers, from writing novels to launching startups and working in corporate consulting. We had the pleasure of having Maciej on our Warsaw Confidential podcast, where he shared his rich experiences and the valuable lessons he learned along the way.
Finding Home
Maciej started by revealing his discomfort living in London despite its opportunities. “I never felt super at home in London. Poland is a good thing; you’re like, look at the last 20 years. What country grew the most in the world? China. Second. What do you think? Indonesia? No. Poland,” he said. This profound connection to his homeland paved the way for his journey back to Poland after a significant stint in the UK.
Flashbacks of Struggles
From living as an expatriate to contemplating fatherhood, Maciej’s story is one of significant personal and professional battles. During the podcast, he recalled a time when he was incredibly happy but equally broke. “I was doing something I loved. I was extremely happy. I was extremely broke. I had 20 zlotys in my wallet,” he recounted, reflecting on his journey of being an aspiring novelist against the backdrop of a “golden cage” where his family wanted him to pursue more traditional careers.
The Value of Friendship and Loyalty
Over the years, Maciej formed deep connections that helped him navigate his journey. Kamal, the podcast host, fondly shared moments where Maciej’s steadfast friendship helped him through trying times. Maciej reciprocated the sentiment, emphasizing the deep loyalty that characterized his Polish upbringing: “If you’re down, we will always help you.”
Entrepreneurial Undertakings and Startup Life
After establishing a career in consulting, Maciej took a leap of faith into the startup world. “Everybody’s like, yeah, but how did you make this decision to leave consulting? It’s such a risky decision. I was like, no, it’s not,” he said. He joined SpaceOS, a venture focused on workplace strategy and technology. Despite facing enormous stress and challenges, such as funding issues and personal grief, Maciej persevered. His startup was eventually acquired by an Australian company, marking a significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey.
Fundraising Tips
While discussing his experiences, Maciej offered valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasized the importance of casting a wide net when pitching to investors: “When I was first fundraising, we pitched 80 investors before we finished the round.” His practical experience demonstrated that persistence and broad outreach are crucial.
Embracing Parenthood
Another transformative experience for Maciej was becoming a father. He reflected on the profound love and purpose that fatherhood brought into his life, saying, “The amount of love is just indescribable. It’s very hard to explain to somebody who doesn’t have kids.” Though the initial phase was tough due to the lack of sleep and free time, Maciej found that fatherhood enriched his life in ways unimaginable.
The Essence of Warsaw
Living in Warsaw brought a sense of contentment and belonging. “I never felt like super at home in London,” Maciej said, juxtaposing his life in Warsaw against his time in the UK. He voiced his fondness for the city’s growth and development over the years, making it a fantastic place to live and work.
A Lesson in Resilience
Towards the end of the podcast, the conversation circled back to what keeps Maciej going amid adversity. His resilience shone through as he shared strategies for dealing with life’s uncertainties. By imagining the worst that could happen and preparing a plan to counteract it, he managed to stay focused and productive even in the direst of circumstances.
CONCLUSION
Maciej’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the value of genuine connections, and the importance of following one’s passion despite the odds. Whether navigating the stress of startup life, embracing fatherhood, or returning to one’s roots, his story inspires us to look beyond challenges and find purpose and joy in our pursuits.
If you enjoyed Maciej’s story and valuable insights, make sure to subscribe to our Warsaw Confidential podcast for more inspiring stories. Also, take advantage of our exclusive offer with Meknes, where craftsmanship meets modern luxury. Use code Warsaw15 at checkout on Meqnes.com for a 15 percent discount on exquisite leather goods. Thank you for your support, and stay tuned for more incredible journeys!
