What you would learn about Karolina if she had you over for a dinner party

How do you pronounce your last name?

Peeye-tree-ñ-chak

Pie-try-n zack?

Sure, we’ll go with that.

Where are you from?

Poland.

Cool, I love pierogi!

…Okay.

What are you doing so far from home?

I make corporate America beautiful and human.

Huh?

I lead a part of the design team at White & Case, one of the biggest law firms in the world. I create user-friendly websites, apps and all kinds of ad campaigns for all media.

Do you like it?

Yeah, I enjoy developing and supporting my team, I lead with empathy, but I’m also focused on business goals. I think that’s what makes me an effective leader. We’re the best creative team in the industry and that feels good.

A little competitive, are we?

Maybe …at work, I’m super collaborative, but it’s also satisfying to outthink, outdesign and outperform the competition, right?

Do you have a life outside of all this?

I Do! I mentor an Afghan student in Bangladesh, love dance, arts, film, theater and all kinds of arts… But my true passion? Exploring the world and climbing mountains. My lifelong goal? Completing the Explorer’s Grand Slam.

What's that?

Climbing the Seven Summits and reaching both the North and South Poles.

That sounds dangerous. What does your family think?

They’re equally excited when I bring home design awards and climbing permits.

(sound of smoke alarm)

Ugh, one sec, the risotto is burning.