Learning goes
both ways
Paulina Stefańczyk and Maurycy Sota reflect on their mentor-mentee relationship
Paulina Stefańczyk
Maurycy Sota
Paulina joined Netcompany in March 2018 as a senior consultant. She still remembers the interview that convinced her this was the right place. »It wasn’t the usual kind of interview,« she recalls. »It felt more like an honest conversation – about the case, our experiences, and our view on different technologies. That really stood out to me. I could already sense how people here think and work together.«
Since then, her role has evolved steadily – from hands-on development as a senior consultant to team lead, and eventually into management. Today, she works as a managing architect, balancing deep technical knowledge with leadership responsibilities. »I still stay close to the technical side,« she explains. »My job is to design the foundation of a solution so that it holds together. Like choosing the right Lego base so the rest doesn’t fall apart later. Then I guide the team in how to build on top of it, so everything fits and makes sense.«
Maurycy, on the other hand, joined Netcompany on the first day of 2020, thanks to a recommendation from one of his best friends. »A friend working at Netcompany recommended I apply.« he explains. »At first, I wasn’t even sure if I did that well in the interviews, but I loved the open-ended questions and the overall atmosphere. And then I ended up on the same project as my friend. Just three desks apart. It was the perfect start.«
Over the last five years, he’s stayed on that same long-running project, evolving from DevOps consultant to team lead of nine-people. »I’m not building the final product directly, but I build the tools that help others do it better. And as a team lead, I also help people grow – figuring out what they need, what interests them, and how to align that with the project.«
Maurycy, on the other hand, joined Netcompany on the first day of 2020, thanks to a recommendation from one of his best friends. »A friend working at Netcompany recommended I apply.« he explains. »At first, I wasn’t even sure if I did that well in the interviews, but I loved the open-ended questions and the overall atmosphere. And then I ended up on the same project as my friend. Just three desks apart. It was the perfect start.«
Over the last five years, he’s stayed on that same long-running project, evolving from DevOps consultant to team lead of nine-people. »I’m not building the final product directly, but I build the tools that help others do it better. And as a team lead, I also help people grow – figuring out what they need, what interests them, and how to align that with the project.«
Building confidence from day one
Paulina still remembers her early days at Netcompany. »I was quite reserved and more introverted at the beginning,« she recalls. »But over time, I realised that being a mentor pushes you to open up, to talk more, and to take an active interest in someone else’s growth.«
One of the key lessons she shares with her mentees, including Maurycy, is the importance of speaking up. »At Netcompany, we really encourage new employees to be open from day one and to communicate freely with colleagues at all levels,« she explains. »I keep repeating: “speak up”, especially with people in more senior roles. It helps new joiners integrate faster into the team and the projects. The sooner they open up, the sooner they can really thrive.«
Maurycy took that lesson to heart. Thanks to a friend who introduced him to Netcompany, he was already familiar with the open and collaborative culture. However, having a mentor gave him something more. »It’s great to have that one person you can always turn to, no matter what project you’re on,« he says. »That kind of stability helps shape your career in ways you don’t always see right away.«
The mutual wins of mentorship
While mentorship is often seen as a way to support others, Paulina quickly discovered that she was gaining just as much from the experience herself. »Watching Maurycy grow, taking on more responsibility and staying committed to his own development, it’s genuinely inspiring,« she says. »It motivates me to keep improving, too.«
Beyond inspiration, mentorship has helped Paulina sharpen her soft skills. »Netcompany offers great resources, like courses in presentation and conflict resolution,« she explains. »But real growth often happens in the everyday conversations – including those with your mentee. You learn patience, adaptability, and even how to advocate for someone else.«
From mentee to mentor
Now a mentor himself, Maurycy supports four colleagues, drawing on the lessons he once learned from Paulina to shape his own approach. »I try to apply what I’ve observed from Paulina – being proactive, suggesting new learning paths, and making sure my mentees feel supported in their growth.«
He’s also clear about the importance of personal ownership.
»Netcompany offers plenty of opportunities and resources, but it’s up to you to take charge of your own development,« Maurycy explains. »Having a mentor helps you navigate that journey, but you have to be willing to put in the effort. In the end, it’s something you have to do for yourself.«
Stronger teams start with open communication
Both Paulina and Maurycy agree: open communication is the foundation of any successful team.
»It’s all about talking – formally and informally,« Paulina explains. »We make sure to have our regular Teams calls, but also enjoy the small things. Like Friday jokes or channels for sharing pet pictures. It helps break down barriers and creates a sense of belonging.«
For Maurycy, working in an international team has made the value of open communication even more clear. »Sometimes people hesitate to ask for help because they want to prove they can handle things on their own,« he says. »But encouraging open dialogue makes a huge difference. And nothing beats meeting in person. After a face-to-face conversation, collaboration just flows more naturally.«
Paulina and Maurycy’s
advice for new starters
For those just beginning their journey at Netcompany, Maurycy offers a simple piece of advice: »Don’t be afraid. Everyone here is friendly and willing to help – you just have to start the conversation.«
Paulina agrees on the importance of encouraging new employees to dive in from the start. »Take advantage of every opportunity. Whether it’s a training course or a casual team meetup. The sooner you immerse yourself in the culture, the sooner you’ll feel you’re in the right place.«
Their mentoring journey shows that mentorship is more than just guidance – it’s a shared experience that helps both people grow.
»Maurycy has really made the role his own,« Paulina says with a smile. »Sometimes I hear how he’s handled a situation and think, “Hey, I wouldn’t have thought of that.” It’s amazing to see your mentee become someone you can learn from.«
