One Night Stand, Lifetime of Change

Today marks exactly 8 years since I made the wild decision to shut down my business in Poland and move to the UK. All it took was one weekend in Manchester—that’s how much damage (or magic?) a one-night stand can do, haha. That guy is long gone… but me? I’m still here—and not that easy to get rid of!

There are a couple of highlights I want to share—starting with safety and security. When you’re gay in a country like Poland, you live on constant alert. You’re always asking yourself: Am I big enough to take on these two lads, or should I pretend to be straight for my safety? That tension never leaves… until you move somewhere like Manchester. For the first time in my life, that internal guard came down. I finally understood what it means to feel safe—to be protected and seen by the state as a gay person. That’s something I would never trade. That’s why Manchester has been my home for 8 years now.

I've achieved some cool things since moving here. To start with—none of my 8 years of experience in Poland mattered. Despite being the youngest manager at the largest insurance firm in Europe, I was told I “didn’t have managerial experience.” Wild, right? But it didn’t stop me.

• Within 4 years, I became EMEA Lead, managing teams across the UK and the US.

• I broke multiple records in the oldest recruitment firm in the UK.

• I was headhunted to become a Director, supporting counterterrorism efforts in the UK.

• And I started my own business.

Where are we now?

• HQ in Manchester City Centre

• 5 amazing employees

• 17 dedicated contractors

• A satellite office in Edinburgh

• Our innovation recognised as a breakthrough by the European Innovation Council

• And just in the past 12 months, I’ve been a finalist in 10 different business awards, including 2 in the last 2 months.

I’ve met some incredible people—and I’d like to think I’ve helped a few too, in return.

Running a business in Poland was one thing—doing it here is a whole other level. At least half of the 22 people working with me today stayed onboard, unpaid, for one or even two years, simply because they believed in what we’re doing. Believed we could create real impact—for society, for people, and for the NHS.

Imagine a UK where NHS mental health services have zero diagnostic queues. That’s our mission.

And yes—we’re now gradually putting everyone on payroll. But imagine working alongside someone for two years, trusting in a vision, not knowing if it’ll pay off—and then seeing it actually happen.

The last two years, though? Easily some of the hardest I’ve ever faced. I found out about my ADHD and Dyslexia, lost a relationship, lost a friend, had a mortgage unpaid for far too long—and way too many nights crying from the pressure. But honestly? I wouldn’t change it.

Because on 13th September 2023, I had a eureka moment. Everything clicked. I realised we can help. That I can help. That we have a real solution to real problems.

And now?

• We’ve got top neuropsychiatrists on our team

• We’ve partnered with 4 universities

• We’re supported by some of the best creative producers in the world

• Surrounded by brilliant minds, including 5 PhDs—most of them way smarter than me (thank god, haha). Though it’s a bit chaotic when half your team is neurodivergent too… but hey, #WhenChaosMeetsOrder, beautiful things happen.

I’m not going to name names—there are just too many of you. But if you’re reading this, you’ll know: You called. You dragged me out of the house. You helped me buy food. You listened when I cried. You supported me through the darkest nights. You believed in me. You reminded me that what I’m doing matters.

So here’s to more years—with more stories to laugh at, more stories to cry over, and a whole lot more to be proud of.

I’m proud of who I am. I’m proud of where I live. And I’m proud to call the UK my home.

Thank you.

#EntrepreneurJourney #LGBTQInBusiness #Neurodivergent #TechForGood #StartupLife

#PrideInProgress #ADHDLife #FromPolandToUK #WhenChaosMeetsOrder #SafeToBeMe

#Innovation #MissionDriven #Resilience #SocialImpact #ManchesterMadeMe

#MentalHealthMatters #BuildInPublic #DyslexiaAwareness #ChangeMakers #Gratitude