There are 9 women in the company’s 14-member management team. – We are a phenomenon, not only in the transport industry – traditionally called a male sector – says Izabela Jochym, HR Director at TNT Express Poland.
At TNT, women are responsible for: quality, safety, customer service, strategic projects, human resources, finance, corporate social responsibility projects, administration, and the purchasing department. Moreover, out of the managers heading the four separate territorial structures, as many as three are women – they are responsible for the central, southern, and western regions.
Women make up 42 percent of TNT employees, and among those with higher education, as many as 62 percent. The women employed at TNT are dynamic managers, sales representatives, employees of many other departments, and even… couriers. After work, they do not stop being active: they have their own interests, which they pursue with enthusiasm. Below, we present three women whose passions are: horses, building houses, and music.
Iwona Skwarska is the Finance Director and a member of the board of TNT Express Poland. She owes her great passion – horse riding – to her thirteen-year-old son. – I ride regularly, usually three times a week, in the English style, which impresses me with its elegance and subtlety. I most often ride a teenage mare named Tawerna – says Iwona Skwarska. – Why horse riding? It is a unique, vibrant sport. I love contact with horses – wonderful, gentle, and friendly animals. Equestrianism is a comprehensive sport, but above all, it is a school of character. There is no room for making a good impression when determination and technique are lacking. It is a confrontation with nature, with reality here and now. Horses are gentle, but large and skittish animals that are not aware of their strength. The art lies in the horse accepting and respecting us in the role of leader. However, one must be prepared for an immediate reaction while maintaining full composure and keeping a cool head. In Iwona Skwarska’s office, there are two horse figurines – this is only a small part of her collection of equestrian accessories.
The passion of Barbara Tomżyńska, a manager responsible for strategic projects at TNT, is… building houses. She has already completed two such projects – she was the investor in both. – Professionally, I deal with management, and every project is a kind of creation – she explains – What is the condition for success? The basic thing is to organize the funds, choose the right design, and obtain the required permits. Then it’s just a pleasure – the greater, the better the teams you manage to select and the work proceeds without friction. The greatest fun is the finishing and furnishing stage – I think all women like that.
Barbara Tomżyńska was also able to pursue her passion at work – she became the “chief architect” of the new TNT headquarters. But privately, she also has further plans: – They say the first house is built for an enemy, the second for a friend, and the third for yourself… So maybe another house? – wonders Barbara Tomżyńska.
Violetta Sierla is a regional sales representative at the TNT branch in Gdańsk and… a qualified vocalist. – I graduated from the Music School with a degree in vocals. Musically, I fulfilled myself in the Polish Chamber Choir, where I was a first soprano. Now I sing mainly with my gospel friends: for me, it is the music of the soul, forgetting about oneself, calming down, but also immense joy – says Violetta Sierla – Currently, I happen to perform, among others, at meetings of the Pomeranian Women’s Forum. And on a daily basis, I sing along in the car: I turn on a CD and sing at the top of my lungs. Violetta Sierla’s favorite composers include Mozart and Bach, as well as… Kayah, and from the gospel genre – Kirk Franklin. – How do my coworkers react when I happen to hum at work? They cover their ears! (At this point, the manager of the TNT Gdańsk branch, Rafał Żaboklicki, protests: – We had the opportunity to discover Violetta’s talent during the Christmas wafer meeting – her singing is amazing!).