Meet Merix: Radek - Project Manager

Yes, all those flattering words are also due to Radek, our Project Manager who turns into Scrum Master or Product Owner from time to time. For those who are out of the loop, he has written a great article about differences between project managers and product owners - must read! Radek is a certified Scrum Master, so it's no surprise that he doesn’t find any difficulties in working with agile. But what my little birds told me about Radek? He's the first, enthusiastic sailor in Merixstudio! Can't wait when he take us all for some cruise! Radek is a real sportsman, but you'll read more about it in the following interview. He's also a really helpful guy, especially when you're run of milk, and there's no possibility that you forgo your coffee. Then, you can secretly pilfer his milk and even then Radek won't be angry about it. Meet Radek!

• Tell us something about yourself.
  I'm Radek from Bydgoszcz, Poland. I talk too fast, smile a lot, and like helping people. I'm a big fan of my hometown, and I will always stand up for Bydgoszcz.
• What are your main responsibilities at Merxistudio?
  I'm a Project Manager, a Scrum Master, and a Product Owner from time to time. It's a lot of titles, but my role comes down to me trying convert team's effort into best results and best digital products. Different ways, various functions but the same goal.
• How do you work? What is important to you while working?
  I will start with the end; I am guided by two principles. The first says that relationships are more important than everyday work. You have to remember that you will be working with your folks longer than any project will be lasting. Mutual respect and propriety are crucial. You have to keep calm and do your job. The second rule is about improvement. I think that there's always something we can do better, and the one thing we have to do is to figure out how. I like working with teams - I'm a team player.
• Tell us something about your beginnings in the company.
  To be honest, I'm a newbie at Merixstudio. This is why I remember very well my first day here. I spent it in... a clinic. I was waiting for medical check-ups [they are needed for starting work in Poland - ed.]. The next day was completely different - I felt at home. It was very warm welcome and one that I was not expecting. Especially, Bartek has turned out to be helpful.
• What have you learned while working in Merixstudio?
  Before, I was working mainly on in-house projects. In Merixstudio I have the opportunity to contact with clients every day. It's quite a big challenge, and I'm still learning something new.
• What do you like about working at Merixstudio?
  The variety of projects! I can work on completely different stuff with people from around the world. I feel that I gain more and more knowledge and broaden my mind. Challenges I face every day are really refreshing.
• What was the biggest challenge you faced while working at the Merixstudio?
  I think, despite feeling the improvement of my skills, working with foreign clients is one of the greatest challenges for me. The cooperation with my first client from The Middle East has taught me a lot! Communicating with each other was hard. I think it was because of quite a big culture gap. This project was supposed to be short and as easy as pie, but I've gained a huge experience during the development process.
• What cool things have you worked on at Merixstudio?
  The project we've developed for Studybee, which was a powerful add-on for Google Classroom. I was working as a Scrum Master during this project. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to work with the great team and open-minded client. This project was challenging for all people engaged, but together we gained our goal. It brought results and lot of satisfaction.
• When did you make a decision that you want to work in IT?
  A few years ago I decided to change the line (and the industry I was working in) and chose IT. I saw how fast this market is growing, and I had to try, I could not help it. I started with learning how to code, gaining more and more knowledge about new technologies and project management. And here I am ;)
• What do you think is most difficult (and most interesting) in your work as a Project Manager?
  The fact that people are unpredictable is the most tricky part of my job. When you are a Project Manager, you have to be watchful all the time. The most delightful part of being Project Manger (for me of course) is dynamics of this role. I love to be in a game and do my job. I'm very irrepressible, and it's hard for me to sit in front of the monitor for a long time. I feel then that my life is slipping away from me. Being a PM means having a good balance between working with a team, a client and alone. It's perfect!
• The first thing you do when you arrive at the office.
  I check my calendar and a to-do list I usually prepare the day before. Mornings aren't good for planning because I have to meet the most challenging tasks.
• iOS or Android?
  Android (greeting to Kamil! ;)). I'm not convinced about the Apple's world. Probably it's not my time.
• What do you do in your free time?
  I have a bad habit of having too many irons in the fire. I like sports, and I have been training Capoeira for some years now. Besides, I sail and play basketball. I'm an avid reader. However, I have more and more books to read on my shelf. Moreover, I love hanging out with my friends, especially outdoors for example on the volleyball field.
• The best hero from your childhood is...
  Indiana Jones, Yoda, Asterix... ;) not necessarily in this order.
• Where is your favorite place in Poznań?
  I'm not telling you :)
• Beer or vodka?
  It depends.
• Sports?
  Like I said before, just love it.
• Dog or cat?
  Dogs are the best! I had few dogs during whole my childhood. At this moment one of them is living whit me. Once again, dogs! ;)
• Which website do you visit the most?
  I'm afraid that I spend too much time reading e-mails.
• Favorite app.
  Elevate - a brain training app designed to improve focus, speaking skills, processing speed, etc.
• The light or dark side?
  I have not decided yet. I'll let you know.
• If you could only visit one website for the rest of your life, what site would that be?
  Golly! Hard question! But I would like to vote on Youtube. It's suffused with content.
• If you could have your dream job, what it would be?
  I've heard that being a surfer is quite awesome. It can be my alternative career path :)

Check out 'people & events' section and read others Merix folks' interviews.