The virtue of simplicity is a major component in Marek Niedzwiedz’ drive to improve industry.
What’s your story?
I was born in a small village, deep in the heart of a communist country, where opportunities were scarce. From a young age, I always believed there had to be something more. That early environment gave me an unshakable drive, an inner voice constantly pushing me to work harder, learn more, and never settle. That restless energy led me to launch and scale multiple businesses. Along the way, I gained a broad understanding of various business areas, from finance to marketing, all driven by a simple desire: to keep moving forward.
What excites you most about your industry?
I’m currently deeply involved in blue-collar industries, primarily in manufacturing. What excites me most is the abundance of hidden value and untapped potential in this space. There’s a misconception that blue-collar work is stagnant, but I see it as a goldmine for innovation. We’re witnessing a shift back to an industrial-focused world, but this time, it’s different – more sustainable, more responsible, and more tech-driven. I believe the future lies in blending traditional industries with modern solutions, creating new opportunities that not only transform businesses but also contribute positively to society and the environment.
What drives you in your career to push beyond what other people consider normal?
What drives me is the constant desire to improve – not just for myself, but for the people and projects I’m involved with. I’ve never been comfortable with “normal” because I believe true growth happens when you challenge the status quo. That early hunger for a better life, shaped by my upbringing, still fuels me today. Whether it’s solving complex problems or finding opportunities others might overlook, I’m driven by curiosity and the belief that there’s always a better way. I’m not content with just getting things done; I want to make an impact and leave something lasting behind.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
The most valuable skills I’ve learned are adaptability and problem-solving. In business, nothing ever goes exactly as planned, and being able to pivot quickly has been essential. I’ve also mastered the ability to learn fast, whether it’s diving into finance, marketing, or operations; because I believe knowledge is key to making smart decisions. Communication has been equally important. Leading teams and scaling businesses requires clear, honest dialogue to keep everyone aligned. Lastly, resilience has been crucial. When things get tough, knowing how to persevere has helped me overcome challenges and push forward.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best piece of advice I ever received came from my father. He told me, “If you want to break out of poverty, you have two paths: education or sport.” That stuck with me. While I wasn’t destined for the football field, I knew education would be my way out. This mindset has shaped my journey – constantly learning, always improving. It’s not just about formal education but more importantly self-education through experience, failure, and growth. My father’s words taught me that no matter where you start, you have the power to change your circumstances by investing in yourself.
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by people who make things happen. Those who push the boundaries and turn dreams into reality. Whether it’s sports professionals who dedicate their lives to mastering their craft, business owners who take risks and build something from the ground up, or actors who bring stories to life with passion and creativity, they all share a common trait: relentless drive. These individuals remind me that success isn’t about luck, it’s about hard work, discipline, and the courage to keep going even when the odds are against you.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
One thing that recently blew me away is how much power there is in simplifying. We often think that success comes from doing more, adding complexity, or chasing the latest trends. But what I’ve learned is that cutting away the unnecessary and focusing on the essentials can lead to incredible breakthroughs. Whether in business or life, simplicity has an amazing ability to create clarity and drive results. It’s a lesson in how “less” can lead to “more”.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
If I had my time again, I’d change almost everything, really. In business, I’d take more calculated risks earlier and focus more on building strong networks. With family and friends, I’d invest more time in nurturing those relationships. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but looking back, balance is key.
How do you unwind?
Unwinding has always been a challenge for me. My mind is constantly racing with ideas, plans, and things I need to do, so switching off doesn’t come naturally. But I’ve learned the importance of finding moments to slow down. Lately, I’ve been trying to carve out time for simple things like going for walks, spending time with family, or just disconnecting from work. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m realising that unwinding is essential not only for recharging but also for staying sharp and focused when it matters most.
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your career?
A major mindset shift for me was realising that failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s part of the journey. Over time, I’ve learned that every setback brings valuable lessons. My biggest “ah ha” moment was understanding that growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the challenges.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“60 Minute CFO” T. Bech, D. Duryee
Shameless plug for your business or career:
If you’re looking for someone who thrives on turning challenges into opportunities, I’m your guy. Over the years, I’ve built and scaled multiple businesses. Along the way, I’ve experienced my fair share of failures; each one taught me valuable lessons that made me better and more resilient. My experience spans everything from finance to marketing, and I’m passionate about finding smarter, more sustainable solutions for the future. Whether you’re looking to optimise your operations or take your business to the next level, I bring the knowledge, drive, and hard-earned experience to make things happen.
How can people connect with you?
Feel free to connect with me through my social media channels! I’m always open to conversations, collaborations, and sharing ideas. Whether you have a question, want to discuss business, or just want to network, reach out and let’s connect!
Social Media Links?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marekniedzwiedz/
https://x.com/MarekNiedzwiedz
https://www.instagram.com/real.marek.niedzwiedz/2
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.