5 minutes with Aastra's Gosia Luszpinska

What was your first job?

It was with a local TV station while I was at uni. I was assisting in the local news section, which was interesting and challenging. They didn’t pay me though . . . My first paid job was with an advertising agency, while still at uni. Quite boring but the money was good – it got me my first tattoo. 

Why emigrate to Australia?

Curiosity and the weather. I thought it is always sunny and hot here. Australia is so far from Europe so I guess we didn’t know much about it.  I remember I was quite surprised with my first winter in Sydney. I can’t remember being that cold in Poland. 

How did you end up working in IT?

I started my first IT job while I was doing my Masters thesis in Poland. A few colleagues of mine started an IT company offering e-services to SMBs. It was quite a new adventure for the Polish market. I was designing websites and the e-shop and then marketing the project. 

When I came to Australia 8 years ago I was given an opportunity to work for Unixpac, a niche IT security products distributor. IT security was new for me and I needed to learn everything from the scratch. I have learnt not only about IT security but also about the channel in A/NZ. It was a crash course. I worked for them for 4 and a half years.

How would you compare living in Australia to living in Poland?

Life here is much slower. Everything is a rush in Europe; people run and they haven’t got much time to enjoy themselves and live. Australia is easygoing. I think people still enjoy little things here. You still work but you’ve got life after work if you want it – it’s your choice. This is such a beautiful country with many wonderful places to see. I still miss Europe, it’s much easier to travel around, but home is here now. I’m Aussie by choice.

What’s the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you?

I have 2 golden rules: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! And actions speak louder than words. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Being better, stronger, with a more established brand. Maybe somewhere in APAC. I would love to travel and maybe move to another country.

What technology can’t you do without?

My mobile and my iPod. It’s funny how easily people can get attached to technology and let it rule their lives but also it’s quite powerful how much you can achieve by using it. Basically your mobile is all you need to do business these days. At Aastra we say: Your office is where you are.

What’s the toughest call you’ve ever had to make in your job?

My decision to move to Australia. In 2004 I decided to close my PR/ marketing business in Poland, finish all projects and leave my career in Europe. From a career perspective it was a very tough call as I needed to start everything again, learn about this market, learn about IT and the local channel, learn the rules and how to survive, and . . . I couldn’t speak English, so I needed to learn how to communicate too. Risky, but worth it. 

What would you change if you had your time over?

Nothing. I try to live and make choices to make sure I will never regret anything. Life is too short.