Bibliophile, Star Trek fan and CFO extraordinaire – meet Gosia Golebiewska, the administrative powerhouse behind the Accord Group / AltoPartners Poland. Armed with an MA in Finance and Banking from Kozminski University, Gosia combines a passion for finance and accounting with strong soft skills, making her a pillar of strength, efficiency and calm. She is frequently asked to join in candidate assessments as the team values her quiet powers of observation and her keen intuition. When she’s not ensuring the smooth and seamless running of the Accord Group and its sister companies, Nuvadis Talents, Nuvadis Interim and Nuvadis Outsourcing, you will find her in a Zumba class or baking up a storm.

Where were you born?

I am from Warsaw. I was born here… some time ago [laughs], and while I’ve lived in different parts of the city, I have never left it and have no plans to. I am definitely a “city person” who loves to go away for a while but always comes back to the city, the people, and the constant movement.

What was your childhood career dream?

Vet. I was going to be a vet. My dream was to heal animals. From an early age, I would bring home strays. Wherever I went, I found one, especially dogs. It’s as though they were waiting for me

But you opted for a financial career instead?

Yes, I studied economics in college, and then finance and banking at university.

What was your first job?

During my studies, I worked part-time at the American embassy as an assistant on the school bus that took the children of the embassy employees home from school. It was a good job for me as a student because I could practise my English, and I was also paid in US dollars, which was quite something back then. And then, on Saturdays, I would clean house for a lovely elderly couple, which I really enjoyed. They had travelled a lot, so the house was full of souvenirs.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Actually, I like the path I followed – the good and the bad; it has all contributed to the person I am now. I am still curious about what life holds for me, and I wouldn’t want to change or spoil it. I am sure my younger self would agree.

As finance and administration partner, you manage a busy practice with three subsidiaries and many moving parts. How do you relax and unwind?

The smell of vanilla and chocolate is wonderfully soothing, it relaxes me instantly, which is why I spend so much time baking; cakes, muffins, cookies, cupcakes, buns, you name it. I am also very active. I cycle to and from work, regardless of the weather, and do a Zumba class at least three times a week. I also love to take long walks with my dog, Luni – a rescue pup that I found abandoned in the woods. She has very short legs, but she does her best.

Do you have a superpower?

Not sure if it’s a superpower, but I make a point of seeing the good in everyone. And I am very tenacious. I never give up. There is always something which can be done to solve a problem.

Tell us one thing about yourself that not many people know.

I am an introvert by nature, and very private, so people generally don’t know a lot about me, but I can share this: my husband and I are both big fans of Star Trek. We love it.

Name one thing you love about the work you do.

Only one? Hmmm… it’s never boring. I’ve been in the executive recruitment and talent management industry since 1999, and there are always new challenges.

What are you currently reading?

Honestly, there is never just one – I usually have several on the go at any one time. In the morning, I read the Bible, then I listen to audiobooks while cycling to work. I like to immerse myself in a writer’s world and work before moving on to the next one. Currently, it’s all things H.G. Wells. I’ve done The War of the Worlds, The Wonderful Visit, and have just completed Men Like Gods. He was a prolific writer, so fortunately, Mr Wells will be my companion on the cycle path for some time. And then, before bed, I read again. Currently, I am switching between Fire in the Deep by Vernon Vinge, and Five Years in Concentration Camps by Stanisław Grzesiuk.