Where Diplomacy Meets Passion: An Interview with Marta Szewczyk of the Finnish Embassy

For nearly eight years, Marta Szewczyk has successfully combined her professional responsibilities with a passion for Finnish culture and language. In a conversation with Maja Korniłowicz, she shares her experiences from her studies and work in Finland, as well as her time at the embassy, discussing the cultural differences and what she has learned about working in a Finnish and Polish environment.

Working at the Finnish Embassy is an important part of your career. Could you tell us what personally attracted you to diplomacy?

The Finnish language and culture have been my passion for years, and studying them has only deepened my commitment to this path. When the opportunity to work at the Finnish Embassy came up, it felt like the perfect fit. It’s a job where I can share my passion, speak Finnish, promote Finland to Poles, and discuss Finland’s innovative solutions.

What aspects of the Finnish approach to diplomacy do you find most refreshing, considering your experience working with Finns? 

I think Finns stand out for their honesty - they are not afraid to admit mistakes and openly share both successes and failures, which is very valuable. I also appreciate their stability; the strategies they develop are long-term and independent of political divisions. This ensures that the established partnerships will be strong and endure, which is very important to me.

What do you find most satisfying about working in a Finnish environment?

Like anyone, I need to feel my voice matters. Finnish workplaces have flat hierarchies that foster trust.  I value openness, inclusiveness and respect for work life balance, as well as an understanding that this aids wellbeing and helps good performance.

You had the opportunity to study in Helsinki. What was the biggest challenge related to moving there?

Moving to Finland for my studies wasn’t difficult, as I had already spent some time living there. The real challenge came during my first trip, when I joined a student summer program after two years of studying. I found myself in the Finnish countryside, looking after four children in a household where no one spoke English. I only spoke a little Finnish and I had no experience with childcare. To add to the challenge, I had to cook for eight people, using a Finnish cookbook I could barely understand. After that, moving to the capital for my studies felt much easier.

Do you notice any differences in work-life balance between Finland and Poland?

My experience with Finns has shown me that they place a high value on work-life balance. We often joke that everything needs to be wrapped up before July, as that’s when the Finns head to their summer cottages to unwind, enjoying saunas and nature without their work phones. I also try to implement this balance in my own life. In Poland, I have noticed that the younger generations are increasingly placing greater emphasis on work-life balance as well.

Is there a project from the past year that particularly stood out to you? 

Among this year's (2024) projects, one that stands out for me is the Embassy's participation in the Book and Media Fair Vivelo, held at the PGE Narodowy (National Stadium), where Finland was the guest of honor. I believe it was a significant success for our entire team. We were also fortunate to invite former ski jumper Janne Ahonen, who was pleasantly surprised by how much recognition he enjoys in Poland.”