Pierwiastek K! is a unique event in the calendar of events organized by RIG in Katowice. The seventh edition of the event, which took place on March 6, emphatically confirmed this, gathering more than a hundred female entrepreneurs, politicians, local government activists and representatives of science and art.
The Chamber’s historic 100-year-old headquarters was filled to the brim. Attendees of the event could listen to inspiring speeches, take part in a quiz to test their knowledge or workshops combining psychology, art and body awareness, visit partner booths to learn about health and beauty tips or services for your business, and above all, talk, exchange knowledge and experiences, and just have a nice time in a ladies’ group over refreshments.
This time – the theme of the meeting was CHANGE. Invited guest speakers talked about those changes that have occurred in our lives, but also about those that we are waiting for. They stressed to start implementing them immediately and not to postpone dreams. Even if we feel that we are in the place where we always wanted to be, there is no escaping from changes: changes in the family, the appearance or adolescence of children, a new job, technological changes… CHANGE, expected but also the inevitable one, is an opportunity – this is what the participants of Pierwiastek K were convinced of!
The event’s opening power speech: Renata Polak-Gardaś, the 2023 Champion of Central and Eastern Poland in Humorous Speech – “From Struggle to Victory. The Triumph of the Women’s Revolution” reminded us not to forget herstory. About our great-grandmothers and grandmothers, whose determination and courage opened the doors of modern women to a better future and rights that were once not taken for granted. “Life is not easy for us, but so what,” said Maria Skłodowska-Curie, an exceptional woman, breaking many barriers and conventions to become a strong and unique woman who is one of the most important Poles in our history.
As the Chamber’s Vice President Marlena Miasko emphasized in officially opening the event:
– It is the privilege of women to choose who we want to be and what we want to do. I wish us all this right to choose. I am glad that we are meeting again at the RIG in Katowice, celebrating Women’s Day. We want to especially support and inspire each other today.
She was echoed by Aleksandra Wanat, the Chamber’s Vice President and Development Director:
– Today we will talk about change. This topic may seem trite, but we can’t escape from change – as a component of our lives. Change is such a short, and what a capacious word. We want to look at it from many perspectives. To extract from this discussion what is most valuable and valuable.
Each agenda item referred to the leitmotiv of the meeting. The presentation of Special Partner: BNP Paribas Bank was titled “Women at BNP Paribas Bank – changing themselves and the world”. Representatives of the bank presented a personalized offer for women, as well as the mamGO leasing platform and investment advisory services. At the bank’s stand, as usual, an unusual riddle awaited. This time you had to guess the number of pearls in the jar!
Other tasks awaited the participants of an interactive quiz on, of course… women, the history of their achievements and rights and the current situation in the world, as well as the history of the Regional Chamber of Commerce, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.
A representative of another Special Partner, the WSB Academy – Dr. Edyta Nowak-Żółty, Dean of the Cieszyn Branch Faculty, coach and personal development trainer – talked about “Woman and change – from fear to freedom.” In her speech she emphasized that on the way to freedom, which is disturbed by the culture of insatiability, information overload, we cannot allow our happiness to depend on external factors.
– We live in constant anxiety, achieve goals, but have a constant feeling of guilt that we are not good enough. We feel lonely in marriage, often tired. We are surrounded by a culture of comparing ourselves, of not enjoying the little things. Happiness and freedom should be our attribute, by changing the way we think, limiting the influx of unnecessary information, and betting on emotions and reflection – explained Dr. Edyta Nowak-Żółty.
The fact that change is an integral part of every woman’s life was told by the participants of the panel discussion, based on the example of their own experiences: “Change – the only constant in our lives”. Joanna Bojczuk – Member of the Board of Directors of the Silesian Province, Aneta Luboń-Stysiak – Deputy Mayor of the City of Tychy and attorney Justyna Orlinska, and Aleksandra Gajda – Secretary of the City of Tarnowskie Góry, who led the discussion. Changes in professional and family life have taught the discussants to be resilient to change, which they can be a part of, motivating rather than hindering or depressing.
– Change happens on its own. We are so multi-tasking and empathetic, we notice so many things, we care about making the world around us better. We are ready for change, it is important to have someone next to us who will support us – said Aneta Luboń-Stysiak.
– Let’s surround ourselves with women who don’t drag us down, but up. Let’s blow each other’s wings, inspire each other and build good relationships – added Justyna Orlinska.
Dr. Anna Syrek-Kosowska, a professor at the University of WSB, spoke about the need for women leaders to lead and have an impact on the increasingly uncertain and complex reality of the WUKA era in her talk “Leadership Update in a Turbulent World – Don’t Sleep Through Your Time!”. The lecturer pointed out that we live in an economy of attentiveness, with technology companies vying for power over our minds. Information stimulus is the most accessible drug, it sets off dopamine, it’s addictive, it gives temporary pleasure, but it can also drive us into a trap of fear of change.
– We should ask ourselves: what are we focusing on in our lives? Because energy and action follow. We are stuck in a celebrity culture that offers digital narcissism and an adulterated reality. Let’s not be Alice in Wonderland when it comes to leadership! – summarized Dr. Anna Syrek-Kosowska.
The last official highlight of Pierwiastek K! was a conversation under the theme “Strength as a driver of success” with special guest of the event – Sonia Draga. The founder of the Sonia Draga publishing house, a businesswoman who was on the Forbes Women 2024 List of Women of the Year, a leader of international book organizations and publishers, talked about how to build a career and take on new challenges.
The event, of course, did not lack a charity component. Funds were collected for the charges of the Silesian Angels Foundation, which is one of the member companies of the RIG in Katowice.
Without a doubt, the seventh edition of the event that allows you to celebrate femininity, find your value and strength, in addition to an exceptionally pleasant afternoon and evening was a success.
