We spoke with our Polish team about their holiday plans.

On Christmas Eve in Poland, many families share oplatek (an unleavened religious wafer), each person breaking off a piece as they wish each other Merry Christmas.

Similarly, at Easter we share boiled eggs that are sprinkled with holy water by the priest.

It used to be that Wigilia (Christmas Eve) dinner could not begin until the first star appeared in the night sky, but now in many in cities we can't see many stars! Traditionally, an extra setting is still left at the table - just in case someone shows up uninvited.

There is also a tradition to put a handful of hay under the tablecloth to commemorate the fact that Jesus was born in a stable.

How do people in Poland usually spend the holidays? 

Many people visit their families. We Poles ski a lot, so many people go skiing during the Christmas holidays in Poland, but also in the Alps.

What’s your favourite holiday tradition? 

Well, most kids (and some adults!) would say getting presents! There is a lovely tradition of organising kolędowanie (singing carols). Many families throw a big party just for singing carols all evening (if you don’t sing, you don’t get a dessert!). In Poland, people spend Christmas holidays with their family, but our kolędowanie tradition enables us to also celebrate Christmas with friends.

Looking back on 2021, was it a good year?

Our unemployment rate is the lowest in the past 30 years. The mean salary also increased in 2021. For the 2020/2021 academic year there are 1.2 million students in Poland - so it seems that, against all odds, 2021 was a good year!

What are you most looking forward to in 2022? 

That the pandemic will stop and everything will go back to normal.

Cats or dogs?

Definitely dogs.
I rescue animals so I have a menagerie with 4 horses, 3 big dogs and 2 cats.
Dogs are the best pals to have on a hike.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee - usually latte.

Red or white?

Red.

3 interesting facts about you?

Grew up the oldest with 4 brothers and we all raced skiing.
I avoid technology and keep my phones forever.
A little bit of an adrenaline junkie as I challenge myself to do what I am afraid of - like: getting my scuba certification; I piloted a plane; and jumped off Victoria Falls (never again!).

How's WFH?

I miss being in NYC especially around this time of the year.
I find I work more hours at home versus going into the office.

Covid-19?

So sad that so many people have needlessly died.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I love the human story behind every career and this business has allowed me to meet some pretty fantastic people like Eileen Murray ex-CEO of Bridgewater who I introduced to Warburg Pincus and she recently accepted an Executive in Residence position. She has had remarkable career and she is a fantastic person.

Why Friisberg?

Our clients expect us to have a worldwide reach when we conduct searches.
They generally want the best candidate for the position and often that individual is in a different geography.
Our Partners have the same high standards and we are comfortable putting clients in their care.

You in three words?

Determined.
Resilient.
Curious.

On Santa's list this Christmas?

A new dressage saddle.

Cats or dogs?

Well my kids would have it otherwise but no cats or dogs (at the moment anyway). You see, they make the summer boating habit more challenging...

Tea or coffee?

Espresso or Cappuccino  - depends on the time of day. No tea thank you. Unless perhaps if I’m in the UK. “When in Rome” they say (or is it London in this case?).

Red or white?

Typically red. Full-bodied.

3 interesting facts about you?

I love to cook.
I'm an avid sailor.
I actually enjoy what I do for a living.

How's WFH?

I’ve been working remote for the better part of 20-years so no challenges really.
The fact that everyone else is home-working or schooling presents the challenge.

Covid-19?

Certainly a pain in the...

What do you enjoy most about your work?

Helping companies grow.
Positioning people for mutual success in their business and career.

Why Friisberg?

Every part of the business has ownership mentality.

You in three words?

Savvy. Aware. Honest.

On Santa's list this Christmas?

A Mercedes GL 550 or better yet a G-Wagon.
There’s plenty of parking space available.
Of course, some day an electric version of the same would suit me just fine.