From Pit Lanes to People Power: Jennifer Wawrzyniak on Modern Leadership

From the fast-paced world of motorsport to the dynamic arena of business leadership, Jennifer Wawrzyniak has learned what truly drives success — people. With a background in Economics and years spent leading teams across industries from electronics to events, she combines German precision with global insight. Now based in the UK, Jennifer is helping companies refocus on what matters most — empowering leaders to steer their teams with clarity, empathy, and purpose.

You were born and educated in Germany before working around the world. How has that journey shaped the person and professional you are today?

Luckily my education was from the start very international orientated as I took part in school exchange programs from the EU to Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia and France. From that time onwards I was always interested in different cultures and travelling. From my point it gave me an open mind towards other cultures but also to understand why my priorities are as they are. Be direct and open. The typical German attributes are true for me: efficient, direct, honest, on time. Professionally I understand that different countries have different ways of working but what I also took from this is that humans are in the middle of it all and that should be our priority in any kind of business = human rights and living standards.

You’ve worked in so many different industries — from motorsport to electronics and events. What’s one big lesson you’ve learned about how businesses really work?

A lot of the jobs are handed out through contacts so networking is important. It is also important to stand up as a woman for your rights and for worker rights and stay true to your values.

You’ve spent a lot of time in operations and HR. What do you think are the biggest struggles small and medium-sized companies face?

From my view the needs of staff development and customer support are limited due to cost effectiveness but that is exactly a point that needs to be looked at as it can make a big difference for the company. Skilled, well trained and happy staff is the best outcome you can have to support your customers. In small teams it can be a struggle but it can also have advantages as the solution finding is normally a lot quicker than in bigger companies.

Working in mostly male-dominated environments, what challenges did you face as a woman — and what helped you push through?

There was or even is sometimes a gender discrimination as I have heard several times. Motorsport – Electronics – typical male dominated areas. Be brave, stay strong, believe in yourself and don’t listen to some men. Strong, intelligent men will support a woman on her way. Behaving badly and trying to demotivate is only the fear of them being less important.

You’ve said that having the right manager makes all the difference. What does a good leader look like to you?

A good leader makes room for growth and development of the team and its participants. Lead with example and stay true to the company values. Support your team members where possible. Emotional intelligence and Empathy stay for a strong leader and grow success.

After living in both Germany and the UK, what differences have you noticed in how people work and lead?

I didn’t think at the start that the systems could be so different but they are. It is difficult to compare. German companies are very bureaucratic but also very clear and detailed. The workers rights, social systems and the education system are very different. From my experience German companies were more structured but sometimes slower in decision making. In the UK they seemed quicker in making decisions but it always felt less caring about the staff. In comparison it felt that in German companies staff identified more with their roles which I think comes from the education system. In the UK it feels like people do one job one day and another completely different tomorrow as long as it pays their bills. I think leader style doesn’t depend on countries, it depends on the quality and emotional intelligence of each leader.

You’ve now built your own business model to help companies refocus. What inspired you to start it, and what makes your approach different?

I started my own business because I want to support companies, managers, leaders to work more efficiently, effectively but be happier at the same time and this all goes easier with the right tools. I saw a lot of great, hardworking, intelligent people in teams that didn’t get the support of either the company or the leader which could have turned the business towards a more positive place and turnover if these people had the right leader or manager. The approach I prefer is thinking about long-term goals and not short-term savings. Your business can only be successful if it develops over time and that could mean growth or versatility.

You’ve also been a professional tennis player and worked in motorsport. How have sports shaped your mindset in business and life?

I wouldn’t call it professional in tennis as I was 14-21 going to school and university and playing 6 days a week. I did drive a few race cars but never professionally either but I worked in teams for several years. Sport has an impact on your level of goal orientation and good preparation. Never give up – find a way that works for you.

Between your work, family, and hobbies, how do you keep balance and make time for yourself?

That is the hardest bit of it all. As a single mum even though my son is now 17 it was never easy to support everything financially and give my son all possibilities to follow his dreams. All my hobbies get only a small amount of time so I can just sit down and read a book once in a while. Otherwise, I have moved to Audible to still get my amount of book knowledge upgraded. Luckily my mum has always supported me while working as a political scientist full time and now at 79 she still supports us daily. The dogs get the love from all three of us and we also take time to travel together.

What’s the main message you hope to share with women who want to succeed in male-dominated industries?

Be part of a women network to build your confidence even if you hear bad comments from men along the way. Never give up and believe in your capabilities.