“Having this conversation really was one of the defining moments of my career journey. He said that the role would potentially be a succession to his. He also promised me that he would do his best to prepare me to be a good CFO in ISS. So, I took the chance. And I must say he truly did his job. He greatly supported me in my progression and transformation to take over his role four years later”, Joanna says.
Business partner at heart
‘People’ is a recurring theme when unfolding Joanna’s journey. Coming from a world focusing more on the ‘technical’ aspects of finance as well as ‘here and now’ results, she now found herself in a large enterprise where business acumen and people skills were vital to succeed. She explains:
“At ISS, people are at the center and core. It’s through the dedicated efforts of our on-site colleagues, ‘placemakers’, that we deliver direct value to our customers. At the office based-level, teamwork and leveraging each other’s skills are crucial for business development and long-term value creation. Initially, I had to learn this - I had to figure out how I could contribute in the best way to this people-oriented organisation.
I realised that what’s paramount in my professional area is being a ‘business partner’. It’s when I understand the needs of others and support them with my professional knowledge and hard work that I can make a true impact. This is not just a role, I adapt to; it has become a fundamental value for me. And I strongly believe that evolving a business partner mindset and approach has brought me to where I am today.”
Conflict led to a close relationship
The partner mindset has also kept Joanna’s focus on the enterprise’s benefits rather than just her own. She is not necessarily the ‘loudest’ individual in the room, and she argues that it’s through the continued support from managers and colleagues who have spotted and nurtured her potential that she has realised what she’s capable of. Two events were significant in this regard:
“Around 2020, I was involved in a business issue with an external stakeholder of ISS in Poland. It ended up involving our Group CEO, Kasper Fangel, who was Group CFO at the time. I had never worked with him before. I remember that Kasper and I did not agree on the call and I really had to stand up for my arguments. At the end of the call, Kasper said: ‘I like you. I like your attitude’. This marked the beginning of our relationship, and I have greatly benefitted from Kasper’s support throughout the years”.
Learning patience as a new skill
The second event was a skills assessment conducted among the ISS country CFOs in 2021. Joanna’s profile and strengths were outlined, and she received direct feedback that she had the skills to take on an even bigger responsibility as CFO in a larger country. Now, three years later, she has recently assumed the role as CFO of ISS in Indonesia. A big change that requires Joanna to adapt in multiple ways:
“Everything has been new to me, from using gestures to communicate while shopping due to not speaking the language, to understanding a different culture and different ways of working. The key learning for me has been patience, in all regards. Those who know me might say that patience isn’t my strongest trait, but I’m learning and utilising the great support from people surrounding me. This is truly an exciting adventure, and I am enjoying every single day.”
Staying true to yourself while adapting to change
As an experienced leader herself now, and drawing from her own career experiences, Joanna offers clear advice to colleagues, including young professionals entering the job market:
“You need to stay true to yourself and never be afraid of change. The world is evolving faster than ever, and we all need to adapt. However, this presents numerous opportunities if you stay open, curious, and focused on where your unique skills can add value. Don’t view your career as a ‘one-way only’ journey. It can take many twists and turns, all contributing to your development.
Finally, let’s all stay alert to the potential in all of us. If others had not spotted and nurtured mine, I would not be embarking on this adventure in Indonesia right now.”
