Fractional Expert Melbourne, Australia

Paulina - Fractional Operational & Transformation Leader

At Maestro, we know there’s more to life than work. In fact, it’s the experiences, relationships and pursuits we have outside of work that can often give us an edge in what we do each day. We host an interview series called “Meet the Maestro” where we interview our Maestros and get an insight to who they really are and what makes them tick - beyond the CV.

Meet Paulina, a transformation leader with a sharp commercial mind, a curious streak and a knack for seeing what others miss. She believes the best place to start any transformation isn’t with a shiny new strategy or another change model, but with an honest look at what’s really going on. From the hidden dynamics and unspoken rules holding organisations back to the operational cracks quietly costing them performance, Paulina connects the dots between leadership, culture, strategy and execution to turn ambitious ideas into measurable results. With a background in corporate strategy, consulting and leadership development, she thrives in complex environments where the old playbook has stopped working. She’s not one for surface-level fixes or change for change’s sake. Instead, she challenges assumptions, finds smarter ways forward and brings people along for the ride. Her superpower? Making sense of the messy, spotting the opportunity others have overlooked and turning it into change that actually sticks.

1. Tell us about a career highlight to date…

I seem to gravitate towards complex environment where things aren’t quite working as they should!

Looking back, there is a common thread throughout my career. I’ve repeatedly taken on challenges involving restoring organisational performance, shifting culture, rebuilding engagement and creating sustainable change.

And I absolutely love it.

There is something incredibly rewarding about stepping into a challenging and complex environment, questioning conventional thinking and finding opportunities that others might not immediately see.

I’ve led transformations that have delivered significant improvements in performance, employee engagement, accountability and ways of working.

What excites me most is the intersection of people, culture, strategy and commercial performance. I don’t see these as competing priorities. I see them as interconnected parts of the same system.

So my career highlight isn’t one particular turnaround, it is having repeatedly demonstrated that organisations can fundamentally change their trajectory when you bring together fresh thinking, human centred leadership and commercial discipline.

And perhaps, what I’m most proud of isn’t just the numbers, although they are impressive. The most satisfying part is watching people who once thought something couldn’t be done become the very people making it happen.

2. Talk us through an unusual career choice you’ve made along the way…

Probably leaving the legal profession after spending much of my childhood determined to become a lawyer!

I worked hard to achieve that ambition, became a lawyer and then discovered that what really excited me wasn’t necessarily practicing law. It was understanding complex problems, challenging established thinking, influencing outcomes and making things work better for organisations.

So I changed my professional direction.

I think there is something quite liberating about recognising that just because you’re good at something, or have worked incredibly hard to achieve it, doesn’t mean you have to keep doing it forever.

I’ve never been particularly motivated by following a conventional career path. I’m motivated by learning, making a difference and the possibility of creating something better.

3. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A lawyer!

And being a rather determined young girl, I actually made it happen.

I suppose I’ve always been someone who makes things happen when I set my mind to them, but who isn’t afraid to question whether what I once wanted is still what I want today.

I think my younger self would probably be proud that I achieved her dream, although, she might have a few questions about what happened next and where the journey has taken me!

4. What are your passions outside of work and how do you make time for them?

I love being active! Whether it’s strength training at the gym, long walks in nature, a game of pickleball or pretty much any team sport, I’m usually up for it.

There is something about physical activity that energises me, clears my head and brings me joy. I also love the social side of sport, a bit of friendly competition, laughter and connection.

I make time for physical activity by building it into my routine rather than trying to squeeze it in when everything else is done. And even better if I can combine it with family time. We enjoy being active together. Staying fit and spending quality time with the people I love often go hand in hand.

5. If you could instantly master any skill or hobby, what would it be and why?

If I could instantly master any skill, it would be painting. I’m learning it at the moment, and the more I paint, the more I realise how much there is to master.

I love that painting draws on a completely different part of me, creativity, expression and presence, rather than strategy and problem solving.

There is also something quite magical about being able to turn a blank canvas into something beautiful.

6. What’s a personal value or belief that guides the way you live your life?

Curiosity, and the belief that there is almost always another way of looking at things.

I’ve never been particularly good at accepting something simply because “that’s how it’s always been done.” I believe in questioning assumptions, staying open to different perspectives and recognising that we all have the capacity to grow, change and reinvent ourselves.

I also believe that we have more influence over the direction of our lives than we sometimes realise. For me, it is about living intentionally, remining open to possibilities and having the courage to follow a path that might not make immediate sense to everyone else.

7. What’s a challenge you’ve overcome outside of work that shaped you?

Moving from Poland to Australia and building a life in a different country has certainly shaped who I am.

There is something about stepping outside everything that is familiar, the language, culture, social norma and sense of belonging, that challenges you to discover what you are capable of.

It has taught me adaptability, resourcefulness, and the importance of being willing to start something without knowing exactly how it will turn out. Perhaps most importantly, it has taught me that belonging isn’t something you find, but something you create.

I think experiences like that expand your understanding of yourself, other people and what’s possible.

8. What do you think your job will look like in 10 years time?

I suspect it will look quite different from what it does today, and I find that very exciting!

I see myself working with organisations who are ready to challenge conventional thinking and fundamentally rethink how they operate.

Probably through a combination of fractional and advisory work, speaking and developing new approaches to leadership and organisational transformation. I’m particularly interested in how we create organisations that are both commercially successful and genuinely human, especially as technology continues to reshape the world around us.

I don’t necessarily see myself following a traditional career path. I’d much rather be doing meaningful, interesting work with people who are curious, courageous and willing to challenge the status quo.

And ideally, with plenty of freedom to pursue all the other things that make life interesting!

9. If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and what would you do?

I’d happily head back to Japan!

I love the idea of immersing myself in a completely different environment, wandering through beautiful natural landscapes, exploring little towns, discovering local art and enjoying amazing food. I’m not someone who needs every moment planned.

For me travel is as much about experiencing different ways of living and seeing the world as it is.

And if there’s an opportunity for a long hike somewhere spectacular, even better!

10. What does success look like to you?

Freedom, fulfillment and making a difference.

Freedom to make choices about how I spend my time, the work I do and the life I create. Fulfilment from continuing to learn, grow, challenge myself and experience everything life has to offer.

And making a difference, whether it is helping an organisation transform, supporting someone discovering their potential or simply being present for people who matter most to me.

I don’t see success as purely a title, position or financial milestone. Those things can be rewarding but they are not the destination for me. Ultimately, success is being able to look at the life I’m living and feel that it’s genuinely mine, one I’ve chosen, shaped and enjoyed along the way.

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