Name: Justyna Kopycinska
Title: Head of Global IT Support
Company: Coloplast
Please introduce yourself
My name is Justyna Kopycinska, and last year at the age of 40, I embraced the adventure of relocating from Poland to Denmark with my husband, daughter, and our beloved cat. My academic journey has taken me from a MSc in Biotechnology at the Università degli Studi di Milano in Italy, to a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences at the Pomeranian Medical University in Poland.
A fun fact about me? I am a polyglot with an enthusiasm for learning, currently working on hard to add Danish to my language repertoire of Polish, English, Italian, and German.
How did you imagine your career when you were around 20 years old?
At 20, I was certain that my future lay in the realm of science, using technology to make meaningful contributions to touch lives and foster progress. My moral compass has always guided me towards acts of service that help individuals and communities alike. While I was convinced that my path was in science, life had other plans, and my curiosity led me to join Coloplast, a MedTech company, at the age of 30, marking the start of my journey in the dynamic world of IT.
What does a day in your life look like in your current role?
Change is the only constant in my work, and I thrive on it. Every day brings a blend of planned strategies and agile responses. Leading a global team across various locations, I foster an environment where respect, partnership, and open communication are not just ideals, but the principles I live by every day. I strongly believe that achieving excellence in my team can be possible only by ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to the collective success.
What motivates and excites you the most about your career path and the leadership position you hold?
What excites me the most is leading a diverse team of talented individuals at Coloplast and driving initiatives that enhance our IT deliveries. As someone who always harboured a medical scientist’s soul, I take immense pride in praising Coloplast products for their quality. The thrill of knowing that our products significantly improve the lives of people with intimate healthcare needs is what energizes me after even the busiest days at work. The intersection of technology and leadership empowers me to support and see the dynamic career paths of my employees unfold. Seeing them pursue their professional development is the ultimate source of motivation for me.
Share with us the biggest lessons you learned on your journey to where you are today.
Life has taught me that being resilient and adaptable while still being humble, and empathetic is key. Whether it is navigating the twists and turns of my career or balancing the demands of my personal life, these qualities have been my compass. They have helped me lead with heart and drive change with confidence.
Tell us about a role model who inspired you to become the leader you are today.
On my journey, I have met remarkable women who have each, in their own way, inspired me to view the world differently, to remain determined, and to never give up. My mother has been a fundamental role model, proving through her everyday actions that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. In the professional realm, I have been influenced by my recent female leader at Coloplast who embodies authenticity, straightforwardness, and achievement. Her example has shown me the importance of being true to oneself while striving for excellence.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, or to students today, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to be confident in her abilities, to seek out mentors, and to never shy away from challenging opportunities. To other young students, I would say: Stay true to your values. Let your moral compass guide you, and never underestimate the power of respect and humility. Believe in your potential and know that your unique perspective is your superpower.
How do you see STEM education shaping the future?
STEM is more than just an education; it is a toolkit for the future. It prepares us to innovate, solve complex problems, and be critical thinkers. As we step into an AI-driven era, these skills are invaluable. They are the kind that will always be in demand, no matter how much the world changes. So, to all the young women out there, I encourage you to dive into STEM. It is not just a field of study; it is a pathway to making a real impact in the world. Your creativity, your ideas, and your passion are needed. Let us shape the future together!
Why is it important for you to promote diversity and inclusion within STEM?
Diversity and inclusion are the secret ingredients to creativity. They are what make our ideas stronger, our products better, and our solutions more impactful. If we want to get as close to excellence as we can, we must drop the biases and blind spots. The only way to do that is by creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse backgrounds and profiles can thrive.