EXPAT WOMEN 

Thriving in The UK

is a Talent Acquisition Manager and Interview Coach specialising in helping job seekers land their dream roles, secure promotions, and negotiate higher compensation. With nearly two decades of experience recruiting for global tech giants and high-growth startups—including Expedia, VMware, Typeform, Cisco, King, Box, and Mixmax—she has successfully hired top talent across EMEA and the USA.

Since 2006, she has coached thousands of professionals worldwide to navigate the competitive job market and advance their careers. Her expertise has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Financial Times, FoxBusiness, CIO Magazine, Management Today, and GOBanking Rates, solidifying her reputation as a trusted voice in career development and recruitment.

Find out more at www.Interview-Coach.co.uk

Background and Arrival

When did you arrive in the UK? – 

I first came to the UK for a couple of weeks during my university holidays as a student and immediately loved the atmosphere. I thought it would be amazing to spend a bit more time here to improve my English and experience life in an English-speaking country. After completing my Bachelor's degree, I came back for six months, then returned to Poland to finish my Master’s. In 2000, I moved to the UK more permanently—and what started as a short-term plan turned into a long-term adventure.

What was the main reason for your move to the UK? 

My original goal was simply to improve my English and immerse myself in a new culture. I’d always been curious about living abroad and thought it would be a great way to challenge myself, grow professionally, and gain international experience. At the time, I didn’t have a long-term plan—it was more about trying something new and seeing where it might lead.

Were you planning to stay here forever or were you planning to come back after a while? 

Not at all! I planned to stay for just one year, and then head back to Poland. But after that first year, I thought, “Maybe I’ll stay for one more.” That “one more year” mindset kept repeating—and now, here I am over 25 years later! It’s funny how life works out sometimes, but the opportunities and personal growth I’ve experienced in the UK made me want to stay and build my life and career here.

Employment and Career

What was your first job in the UK? –

How has your career progressed since you arrived?

After transitioning into recruitment, I quickly found my stride and started working with both global tech companies and startups. A few months into my first recruiting role, I was also looking for something meaningful to do on the side. Around that time, a friend of a friend reached out—he’d been unemployed for 8 months and was struggling to get past interviews. We had a few coaching conversations, and I helped him build confidence, refine his interview technique, and improve how he talked about his experience. Not only did he land a great job shortly after, but he’s been successfully interviewing ever since.

That moment made me realise there must be so many others who could benefit from similar guidance. With nearly two years of hands-on recruitment experience under my belt at that point, I decided to launch an interview coaching business. I later went on to earn formal coaching qualifications, but honestly, my real-world recruiting experience has been my most valuable asset.

I built my first website myself using templates, wrote all the content in a week, and a friend helped me set up some basic Google Ads. In the very first week, I got two paying clients—and that’s how it all began. Since then, coaching has remained a fulfilling part of my professional life, running alongside my full-time recruitment work. The two complement each other beautifully and have allowed me to support thousands of professionals in securing jobs they love.

Education and Qualifications

How have these qualifications helped you in your career?

Yes, I’ve completed two formal coaching qualifications here in the UK: a Diploma in Personal Performance Coaching and a Diploma in Executive Coaching through The Coaching Academy. Over the years, I’ve also taken part in a wide range of professional development courses, including workshops on career transition, interview psychology, and leadership coaching. While not all of these come with certifications, the knowledge and tools I gained from them have been incredibly valuable. That said, nothing beats what you learn on the job—especially after nearly two decades in recruitment.

Career and Business

What do you do now? 

I currently wear a few hats professionally, all of which align closely with my passion for helping people grow in their careers. I run my own UK-based practice as a Career Strategist and Interview Coach, supporting clients internationally—from entry-level professionals to senior executives—helping them land roles they’re excited about and negotiate higher compensation. 

I also work as a Career Success Manager at Kadima Careers, a New York-based career coaching company, where I support mostly US-based clients through one-on-one and group coaching programs.

In addition to coaching, I’m also a Principal Recruiter for Mixmax, a US-based SaaS company. I lead recruitment efforts across engineering, product, and marketing, which keeps me close to the hiring process and constantly updated on what companies are really looking for in candidates.

Over the years, I’ve also had the opportunity to speak at international career events and conferences, delivering workshops in London, Monaco, Athens, and Saudi Arabia. My blog has been featured in several “Best Career Blog” lists, and my job search and interview advice have appeared in publications such as the Financial Times, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Fox Business, TotalJobs, Business Insider, and Management Today. I also create content on YouTube focused on job search strategy, interviews, and LinkedIn optimization.

Have you been considering opening a business in the UK? 

I’ve actually been running my interview coaching business since 2006, alongside my full-time recruitment work. While I never intended to run it as a full-time business, it’s been a deeply rewarding part of my career. Having this side business has taught me more than any course or job ever could—especially about self-leadership, discipline, and mindset.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that personal issues become business issues. If you don’t deal with things like procrastination, fear of visibility, or self-doubt, they will absolutely affect your results and your income. That’s why I believe strongly in investing in yourself—whether that’s through coaching, mentorship, or continuous learning. And most importantly, you have to implement what you learn. Action is what brings the results.

Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Your first year is really about experimentation—figuring out your messaging, who you serve, and what works. Don’t expect perfection. Things evolve, and success often comes from your ability to adjust and keep going, even when it’s uncomfortable. Personally, combining entrepreneurship with a recruitment career has made me a much better coach, because I bring both strategic insight and real-world hiring experience to every client I work with.

Life in the UK

What made you decide to stay longer or permanently? 

Initially, I planned to stay for just a year to improve my English and gain international experience—but London quickly grew on me. I loved how international, open, and diverse the city was. It felt like a place where I could truly belong and build a meaningful career. The career opportunities, especially in recruitment and coaching, were far greater than what I would have had access to back home at the time. So, one year turned into two, and before I knew it, the UK had become home.

Advice for Others

What advice would you give to other women considering moving to the UK? 

Personal Reflections

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience in the UK?

Definitely the ability to build a career that combines purpose and impact. I've been able to help thousands of people globally secure new roles and grow their confidence while continuing to grow professionally myself. The UK gave me the freedom to experiment, to take risks, and to reinvent myself—and that's something I’ll always be grateful for.

Community and Integration

What cultural differences have you noticed and how have you adapted?
One of the biggest differences I noticed was in communication. In Poland, people tend to be quite direct, whereas in the UK, there’s often a more diplomatic, indirect way of saying things. It took me a while to understand the nuances—like how “That’s interesting” might not always mean what it sounds like! I’ve learned to read between the lines and adapt my style without losing authenticity. Also, small talk plays a big role here—and I’ve come to enjoy it as a way to connect with people.

Family and Support

Do you belong to any networking group or any women’s organization supporting them in the UK?
Over the years, I’ve been involved in several professional networks, particularly those focused on women in tech, coaching, and recruitment. I’ve also spoken at events that support women in leadership, and I actively participate in communities that provide resources and encouragement for women navigating career transitions. Being part of these groups has been incredibly fulfilling, both personally and professionally.

Final Thoughts

Is there anything you wish you had known before moving to the UK?
I wish I’d known just how important building a professional network would be. At the start, I focused only on applying for roles and improving my skills—but networking opened up far more doors than I ever expected. I also wish someone had told me that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Career growth isn’t linear, and your first job doesn’t have to define your future.

Obstacles

Have you encountered any significant obstacles since moving to the UK?
Absolutely—especially in the early days. Not having "UK experience" was a real barrier, and I often felt I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. I also didn’t have a professional network here initially, which made job searching more challenging. But I took it step by step—upskilling, building relationships, and learning the unwritten rules of the UK job market. Every obstacle became a lesson, and now those same experiences help me coach others through similar transitions with empathy and insight.