And as if all that wasn’t enough, you’re also a big supporter of animal rights?

That’s right; I grew up in an animal-loving family and have been vegan for more than 10 years. These days, I like to help out with an organization called “Otwarte Klatki,” or “Open Cages.” This is a Polish organization established in 2012 – and within a few years, it had also opened branches in other European countries: Lithuania, Ukraine, Estonia, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Belarus. Since 2018, Open Cages has been part of Anima International, an international organization that in 2019 was recognized by Animal Charity Evaluators as one of the four most effective pro-animal organizations in the world. I really admire Dobrosława Gogłoza (co-founder and CEO) for her methodical approach to changing the fate of farm animals; she was responsible, for example, for helping to make Warsaw a vegan-friendly place. I try to volunteer and donate whenever I can, so, over the years, I’ve written articles, walked dogs, and even helped to develop a water-heating system for horses! What’s more, as with all my interests, volunteering helps me get to know and bond with a wide range of people with shared passions. Interestingly, focusing on animals can provide some great insights into the ever-changing landscape of human habits and behaviors – which of course have an enormous impact on investor sentiments and even entire industries.

You have a very analytical role in the workplace, but otherwise you seem to enjoy more humanistic pursuits – so, thinking about the theme of this issue of Values, do you consider yourself to be more rational or intuitive as a person?

Clearly, a bit of both! There’s that word ‘balance’ again – I’ve certainly found my intuition to be extremely helpful in the workplace, especially when it comes to understanding the people around me and how they behave. I think that’s one of the main lessons I’ve learned during my career so far: even in a very rational, numbers-focused industry, it’s important to trust your instincts.

Something for us all to keep in mind. Many thanks for sharing a glimpse into your life beyond Eight!

A great way to switch off, indeed – but you also have a rather more peaceful passion?

Yes: I’ve been interested in art since I was a teenager (in fact, I almost studied history of art instead of economics at university) and now I have more artworks than space to hang them! For me, art is all about enjoyment. My husband and I love to take trips to visit galleries and I try to learn as I go, but I don’t put pressure on myself to remember everything. My favorite periods are probably the Renaissance and Late Gothic (Florentine School), but I’m increasingly exploring the growing contemporary art scene here in Poland, where we have lots of exciting young artists. One of the best things about collecting art is that I can look back and see how my tastes have changed over the years.

Now we can’t wait to hear about them …

Well, I’ve been boxing for more than five years. I’ve tried a few different sports, and this is the one that really works for me. It’s great exercise, it engages all your muscles, and I can tell you that going six rounds with a heavy punching bag is a very effective stress release!

Speaking of individuality, you have a unique range of hobbies and passions! How do you make sure you strike the right balance between work and free time?

It wasn’t completely effortless: I definitely had to work to set up my personal life, in the same way that I had to work to set up my career. At the foundation of both is a strong, equal partnership with my husband, which means there has never been any chance of me putting his career or interests before my own. Something else that really helps is the fact that my interests are a world away from my day job – so I can always turn to something completely different, engage my other senses, and take pleasure in new experiences. Certainly, fully switching off from work has the side-effect of making me a better worker – it means I come back refreshed on a Monday morning! – but that’s not why I do it. I’m a firm believer that my hobbies should be about simply doing what makes me happy.

Even in a very rational, numbers-focused industry, it’s important to trust your instincts.

Iwona Penwarden is a Director in JP Weber’s Transaction Advisory department, where she is responsible for carrying out due diligence projects, obtaining public and private financing, and handling M&A. She has coordinated more than 50 transactions – both domestic and international – across industries ranging from IT and e-commerce to manufacturing and food. Among other things, Iwona is closely involved in attracting strategic and capital investors and building companies’ business development strategies. She is a graduate of the University of Economics in Poznań and the University of Economics in Katowice (both in Poland).

That’s good to hear. Do you think that’s important for creating an inclusive environment?

Absolutely: I think the culture is a big part of the reason why we have a good gender balance at JP Weber. I’ve never encountered any problems or felt that I’ve been treated differently because I’m a woman. In fact, working with so many different people from all kinds of backgrounds has proved to me time and again that it’s our individual characteristics, and not gender stereotypes, that matter.  Our differences create space where the best new ideas can grow.

Great to meet you, Iwona! Tell us about your experience of the Eight International group.

I joined JP Weber a couple of years ago – it was hard to resist a role that came with so many interesting international clients, dynamic cross-border projects, and wonderful team members! I love that our Transaction Advisory department is growing fast, and I really appreciate the openness of the culture here at JP Weber and, more broadly, across Eight. Being able to voice your opinion knowing it will be welcomed and respected is not something you can take for granted when you work in an industry like ours, but my experience is that it’s truly part of the entrepreneurial DNA that you can find throughout the entire Eight organization.