Anna Masłoń – Oracz

is a business oriented researcher who did analysis on how clusters influence regional development competitiveness from smart specialisation perspective. Her PhD title was „The development of clusters and competitiveness of the regions in terms of smart specialization”.  She is also involved in international projects in Rwanda, Kenya and Zambia concerning regional innovation system to enhance the role and importance of regional innovation systems (RIS) in economic development and growth which has attracted considerable attention in recent years.
She’s senior manager for over 12 years with extensive experience in global organisation in managing various areas of business operations in Poland/CEE/Africa region and partnering with business stakeholders on all people related initiatives. Good understanding of the business and the commercial environment, combined with a deep and broad knowledge across the range of Business Operations issues, tax and employment regulations as well as excellent negotiations skills enable her to provide business focused solutions to Clients, to work effectively in a matrix and virtual environments, to ensure that the business has no exposure to operational risk, and to build strong relationships with different stakeholders.
She’s vice-President of Polish European Community Study Association (belonging to an international network of ECSA-World), a member of the International Women’s Forum. Completed postgraduate studies in Human Resources Management (University of Warsaw) and Project Management (Warsaw School of Economics), with a master’s degree in the field of International Relations (University of Warsaw). PRINCE 2 Certificate.
Former Chairman of Supervisory Board of Centrum Edukacji S.A. and a President of the Management Board of Technology and Industrial Park S.A. (with its majority of shares owned by the PKN ORLEN SA the biggest petroleum company in Europe). PPP-T which it is a platform for enterprise incubator and start- up communities.
She has been a successful manager of few innovation start up’s through her own consulting-advisory company since 2009. She is an author of many publications in the field of economics, also conducted over 1000 training-advisory hours in areas: project management, personnel management, team management, motivation, business processes modeling, organizational management, effective communication. She is a lecturer of the post-graduate studies at Warsaw University and at Warsaw School of Economics. She participated in projects among others for: Johnson & Johnson, Oriflame, Money Expert, AXA, PKN Orlen, District Office in Płońsk, Expander.

In her job she was responsible for formulating and executing growth strategies for the many start-up organizations as well as for the public institutions (www.pppt.pl). In an era in which technology is allegedly dissolving locational constraints and material needs, geographic clusters and relational space, comprising both physical and more intangible characteristics – including institutions – appear still to be of central importance to innovation and development (see, for example, Porter, Scott, Storper, Schoenberger). She’s involved in regional innovation system which link a wide range of players in the research and innovation community at regional level.
She has a track record in promoting entrepreneurial education and support academic programs, as well as in leadership, entrepreneurship, international operations, developing partnership alliances, and attracting “best in class” minds, and interpersonal skills to relate to a wide diversity of faculty, staff, students, business leaders and community members.
She has an experience in launching and managing entrepreneurial education programs within an academic institution such as Warsaw School of Economics (Warsaw School of Economics Rector’s 1st degree award for involvement in EUINTEGRATO project within 7th Framework Programme) as well as experience in grant funding management or technology investment in a university or accelerator environment.

Grair Magakian

Experience in managing the Association (planning and implementing projects, elaborating project workbooks, building rapport, forming alliances, negotiating, analyzing / forecasting political and economic situations / problems etc.)  Author and lecturer of training program “Entrepreneur of the EU” in the field of acquiring and managing pre-accession funds for micro / small enterprises, socialist mentality’s transformation into capitalist realities (including Business English / Français des Affaires / Деловой Pусский).

He was involved in 165 seminars and workshops for 800 participants about EU, the importance of languages in the Community and EU assistance in the period of socio-economic transformation.

Kamil Zajączkowski

Ph.D. in political science, works at Centre for Europe (University of Warsaw) where he is responsible for coordination of research and international cooperation.

His research interests include EU external relations (particularly with developing countries), development and humanitarian aid, development economics and North-South international relations.

Author of numerous papers. Visiting professor at universities in Europe and Asia.

Winner of the competition for the best young Ph.D. at University of Warsaw (2011) and “Innovative Young Scholar” of Mazowieckie Voivodeship (2009)

Agnieszka Juszczyk

• 20 years of experience in international HR management and talent development, gained in quality-driven environments (last position: HR Director, UCB Pharma England)
• A highly effective HR Leader with a proven track record of delivering efficiency programmes, raising standards of HR Service delivery, managing significant change projects and driving HR policy.
• Co-Active Coach: unique coaching methodology which catapults individuals and organizations into both higher achievement and deeper connection and fulfillment.
• Graduate of Academy of Leadership’s Psychology – well known in Poland 1 year post-graduate program organized by Business School of Technical Warsaw University
• Certified HBDI Practicioner – The world’s leading thinking styles assessment tool.

Joanna Olejnik

Graduate of the University of Warsaw and the Polish-Japanese Institute of Information Technology.

Manager of projects co-financed with EU funds. Collaborates with many firms in the area of training projects, institutes of higher learning and local governments.

Organiser of programmes and conferences related to development and promotion of entrepreneurship. Since 2010, Councillor of the city of Płock.

Her latest passion is motorcycling.

Zbigniew Czachór

A professor of Adam Mickiewicz University at the Faculty of Political Science and Journalism (he conducts and supervises classes at the department of European Integration Research). A professor of The Jacob of Paradyż University of Applied Sciences in Gorzów Wielkopolski at the department of Administration and National Security.

He is an expert of European Union law, public international law, and international political relations. He specializes in inspection, detection and prevention of errors and irregularities in projects financed from European Union funds. He monitors research development of postgraduate studies at the Adam Mickiewicz University.

Since 1993 he is a Chairman of the Center of European Research and Education.

Since 2007 he is an advisor of Foreign Affairs Committee and lecturer of National School of Public Administration.

Wojciech Jasiński

Polish representative of several Agendas organized by United Nations. A specialist of international economic relations, customs unions and free trade zones.

From 1994 to 1999 he was an advisor of Polish Embassy in Nairobi. From 2002 to 2007 he held an office of Polish Ambassador in Kenya (also accredited to the following countries: Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles).

A member of: Reflection Group, Kenyan- Polish Forum, Friends of Four Continents Society, African Europe Faith and Justice Network (Antenna AEFJN Polska). He is a Chairman of the Institute of African Studies.

A consultant of National School of Public Administration in Warsaw.

A graduate of Diplomatic and Consular Department at the University of Public Administration in Warsaw and Institute of International Studies.

Igor Herma

A PhD student of Collegium of Management and Finance at the Warsaw School of Economics. Financial Director of K&R Enterprises Sp.z.o.o. and financial advisor of the Management Board of Astro S.A. Since July 2012 a Chairman of Supervisory Board of Biomass Energy Projects S.A.

In the years 2008-2009 a Financial Director of Karen Notebook S.A., Euro Marketing Group Sp.z.o.o/X3M Digital S.A. and a President of the Management Board of Airport Village Sp.zo.o. (with its majority of shares owned by the State Treasury).

Between April 2011 and September 2012 a member of Supervisory Board of Venti S.A. In 2012 a consultant of Energa-Obrót S.A. in the scope of equity transactions.

He is an authorized advisor of Alternative Trading System. He has been awarded title of Master of Science at the Warsaw School of Economics.

Piotr Bien

With more than 15 years of experience working in international companies, Piotr Bien has held key leadership positions in franchise network development working throughout Central and Eastern Europe for Peugeot and General Motors. He managed these «green- field» projects from start to operational supporting the entire process from legal structuring, construction, hiring, training, and start-up operations.

Since 2004, Piotr has worked in managerial and executive positions in FranklinCovey CEE, building the network throughout Eastern Europe. He led the development of international franchise organisation in professional training, building the organisation from scratch to be present in 11 countries, and generating millions in revenue based on the programs of FranklinCovey and other IP providers.

As a managing partner at Innovate+Grow Group, Piotr leads network development activity, identifying, recruiting, signing and developing network partners to bring I+G and licensed methodologies to their local markets. In addition, he is trainer and facilitator for core programs in sales, negotiation, and organisational alignment.

Piotr works with a variety of organisations leading them through a transformation process, defining the strategy and creating a Roadmap that he then helps them implement. Using a variety of methodologies and tools, Piotr facilitates organisational alignment and sales performance improvement

Paulina Koperska

I am a leader acting as a manager, coach, team coach and consultant. I have diverse experience working in multinational as well as Polish companies, ranging from FMCG sector in area of finance and general management as well as consultant, coach, trainer for individuals and to enterprises operating in multiple sectors.

I am an accomplished professional with a versatile skill set in leadership, management, coaching, teambuilding, training, processes improvement and customer experience management. My passion and the recipe for the success at the same time, is to create the space for people to develop themselves and bring out their highest potential.

I am International Co-Active Coach basing on the methodology of the oldest American coaching school – CTI (Coaches Training Institute). I completed one year training in the CTI office in Paris. I’m also a Team Coach working with ORSC™ (Organization and Relationship Systems Coaching ) methodology.

Additionally I have competed:

• Basic & Executive Coaching Studies by GWPS Szkolenia
• Provocative coaching of Frank Farelly and generative coaching of Robert Dilts & Stephena Gilligan
• NLP practitioner course
• Psychology of Change of Attitudes and Behavior at Warsaw University
• Studies of Cooperation within Organizations based on Process Oriented Psychology.

I run and asses personality test based on Extended Disc and Facet5 systems. I carry on life and business coaching in Polish, English, French and Italian.

I have 11 years of experience working in an multinational corporation – Danone Group – where I went through the full career path from a Junior Financial Controller to Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Żywiec Zdrój.

As part of Danone Group I was working in Poland and abroad /Italy/.I co-created a joint venture of Danone-SanBenedetto – Polska Woda and participated in the acquisition negotiations from Polish owners of Żywiec Zdrój, representing Danone Group. I acted as the member of the team working on the merger, responsible for the integration of the acquired company in the Group’s financial structure and the restructuring of the financial functions, including the implementation of SAP.

Recently I acted as CEO of Polish can filler company, achieving +20% sales growth in one year and +90% Ebitda increase.

My managerial experience enriched my trainings since 2007. I‘ve conducted more than 450 days of training programs. I‘ve trained in the field of understanding the business, strategy, personal and managerial skills as well as talent and knowledge management. I trained employees of companies such as Arcelor Mittal, Kompania Piwowarska, Vatenfall, Stoen, Skanska, PTC Era, PKP PLK, Accor Group, Nivea, Robert Bosch, Telelekomunikacja Polska, Bonnier Poland, Lyreco, Herbapol, Nomi, Phoenix Pharma, Carlsberg, BGZ, Lukas Bank, Heinz, PKN Orlen, Eiffage, Hoechtief, Schenker.

Apart from training experience I have 250 hours of individual coaching experience, having coached managers from Siemens, Nomi, Carefleet, House of Skills, Megabajt, Bonduelle, Stock and 100 hours of team coaching experience ( O-I, Eurosport, Statoil, Espersen, Norma, Arteta, Macrologic, Kemira).
I complement my coaching and training practice with the consulting approach in the field of MBO, CEM , change management and talent management systems.

Ivan Shema

An International business Enthusiast. Founder and managing director of 1000 Hills Products a company based both in Poland and Rwanda.

The aim of this company is to contribute to the proper international marketing and  branding of Rwanda grown products.

He has also been involved in other projects between Rwanda and Poland e.g As the main consultant of the Documentary film on Rwanda ‘ The second sunrise’ produced by Fundacja Gospodarki i Administracji Publicznej an institute founded by Prof Jerzy Hausner.

He also facilitated the start of collaboration between University of Rwanda and Warsaw School of Economics.

Through the travel and tour concept he created called the ‘origin trip’ he has managed to contribute to the Rwandan tourism by organised several tour trips/visits  for Polish Citizens to Rwanda.

Ivan completed his Bachelor studies at Cracow University of Economics in Applied computer Science  and Earned an International Business Masters Degree at the Warsaw School of Economics.

Laurent Kamurase

Over 18 years of public and private sector experience as manager/executive and independent consultant supporting international development and public sector reforms; in-depth knowledge and expertise in recruitment, performance management, succession planning, career management, compensation, employee relations, training and development, position classification and organizational design; highly proficient in the management of programs involving complex transformations and in the development and implementation of business, human resources and transition plans, tools and interventions in support of corporate business objectives; solid experience implementing strategies in unpredictable and challenged work environments involving multiple results based projects; skilled in policy development, business process improvement, capacity building and corporate governance; extensive experience in managing change and converting capabilities into measurable benefits at the operational level; fluency in English and many other African languages.

Former Senior Director Human Resource and Finance, Rwanda Coffee Development Authority, Rwanda; former Senior Manager in charge of Human Resource and staff discipline, Rwanda Revenue Authority; former Team Leader and institutional Reform Advisor for Governance and Management Project, Adam Smith International – Office Burundais des Recettes (OBR), Burundi; former HR Senior Consultant for Adam Smith International and Crown Agents in various countries including; Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Uganda and Afghanistan.

Served on various agricultural sector affiliated boards and management committees – including the MIG limited, the Coffee Development Authority Senior Management and various farmers cooperatives advisory boards.

BBA (Finance), School of Finance and Banking, Rwanda; MBA (Leadership and Organizational Development), Oklahoma Christian University – USA.