Joanna Mnich – head of the W Ochronie Zdrowia group of companies, expert in hospital restructuring, mother. Nominated for the title of Charismatic Woman. She talks on long-term activity in one of the most difficult areas of business, without giving up on femininity, mindfulness and values.
How did this all come about?
A bit by accident… Although, I believe life brings nothing by accidents. I ended up working as a controlling specialist at a hospital right after graduation. Excel, tables, numbers. But reality quickly verified my plan: payment problems, bailiffs, trade unions, outdated structure. I had to act, learn quite quickly and take responsibility. The director and the receiver both made me their right-hand. It truly was a school of hard knocks – and real business.
How did a young woman cope in such a challenging environment?
I was lucky with people. My first boss was a strict but brilliant mentor. Demanding on the one hand, but on the other hand he taught me that business is about relationships, not just numbers. At the time, I was pregnant, working 12–16 hours a day, participating in negotiations with trade unions, and after work I switched into a mother-mode. It was difficult, but I learned that facing any crisis, you mustn’t forget what’s really important. Thus, my children’s performances at nursery school were always a priority.
Today, I support young women taking first career steps – because I know what it’s like.
Where did the idea for launching a business come from?
Again, my first boss inspired me. I started a company and – as a prime example of a lucky beginner – I got two huge projects: transformation of a hospital in Tarnowskie Góry and audit of the Bielański Hospital in Warsaw. The latter was quite a challenge. I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. I did all step by step – like an almost blind driver getting to the seaside at night seeing no more than 5 metres ahead of the bonnet. But I got there.
What was your biggest challenge?
Change. Not just diagnosing the problem, not just the numbers. But convincing people that something was worth changing. You have to talk, listen, understand – and then look for a common path. I used to say that restructuring requires toughness. Today, I know it requires empathy, soft skills – and femininity. These allow me to work effectively today.
Public vs private. What’s the difference?
Private healthcare is fast-paced, decisions are made in five minutes, whereas in public healthcare it may all take two years. I used to be the chief operating officer of Uzdrowisko Ustroń (for the American Heart of Poland group) for over five years, and then at Helimed and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Katowice. Each place taught me something different and each gave me space to experiment with new, unconventional solutions. That’s what I love the most.
You are a team leader. How do you handle it?
I have an in-house team, but for larger projects I outsource consultants. I’m not into rigid patterns – each project is different in terms of dynamics and needs. Flexibility and trust are essential.
What made you feel truly fulfilled?
When in charge of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, I organised a CT scan using equipment from another facility. Two months later, the pandemic broke out. The hospital, although small, became one of the main COVID centres in Katowice. Good organisational decisions make reality meaningful and significantly influence people’s health.
And privately?
My greatest pride are my children, Wanda and Konrad, both athletic and already independent. I share a beautiful feminine bond with my daughter. My son and I are passionate about the gym. This motivates me. After work, I focus on sports: the gym, running, swimming, and recently also dancing. Dancing teaches me a new language of self-expression and feminine energy. After a whole day in the world of decisions, dancing is my way of returning to myself.
What’s next?
I want to develop our outsourcing companies in the areas of human resources, accounting and management accounting. This is the basis of each and every good decision – in a company and in a hospital. Today, the majority of services can be provided online which I’ve already practised and found enormous potential in it.
How do you find balance?
I travel and reset through trekking trips with my team. I brought gratitude from Nepal. Peace from Kazakhstan and the simplicity of happiness from Thailand. That’s what recharges me.
But on a daily basis, sport and personal development are true helpers. I believe future competencies are not only knowledge and technology. They’re also flexibility, calmness, the ability to learn and… unlearn.
The last question to answer is how to be a woman in a world of tough decisions?
Be yourself. Don’t pretend to be a man. Listen. Feel. Realise that femininity and sensitivity are not obstacles, but tools for change. And this system – it can be changed.
Kira Dorlan
