In a candid conversation, Victoria Wejchert shares her experiences of launching businesses in Poland and the United States. Her insights reveal the stark contrasts in cultural attitudes towards female entrepreneurs and highlight the unique challenges she faced in each market.

Discover the Untold Story of Entrepreneurship Across Borders

Origins of Ambition

Victoria Wejchert’s entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured from an early age. Born to Polish parents who fled communism, she grew up in Ireland before returning to Poland at seven. Her parents ran a media company, instilling in her the values of relentless dedication and hard work. Family holidays were often punctuated by board meetings, and weekends were seldom free. This upbringing laid the foundation for her future ventures.As a teenager, Victoria found herself pondering her life's direction during a drive with her father. He pulled over, looked at her intently, and declared, "Your skill is entrepreneurship." His words proved prophetic. Tragically, he passed away just a few years later when Victoria was 20, but his belief in her abilities fueled her ambition. By 35, she had successfully founded and exited two companies—one in Poland and another in the US—gaining invaluable insights into the distinct challenges faced by female founders in these markets.

Cultural Respect and Professional Recognition in Poland

In her early 20s, Victoria visited Warsaw and noticed a glaring gap in dining options. Inspired by London’s diverse lunch scene, she identified an opportunity. At that time, Starbucks was just entering Poland, and the concept of restaurant chains was relatively new. Seizing this moment, Victoria cofounded Friends — Taste Your Time, a healthy fast-food chain that expanded to 12 locations within three years before being acquired.Despite her youth and gender, Victoria earned respect through sheer determination and toughness. In Poland, there was a deep-seated reverence for leadership titles. Colleagues addressed her formally as "Ms. CEO," and once they understood her expectations and boundaries, they took her seriously. For instance, she enforced strict rules against drinking on the job, which reinforced her authority and professionalism.

The Boys' Club Mentality in the United States

When Victoria ventured into the tech industry in the US in 2019, she encountered a different landscape. The American business world felt like an exclusive boys' club where women were often overlooked. During a conference presentation, she stood next to a male colleague when another gentleman approached, assuming the man was the founder of Kinship, her wealth management software. Such incidents were not uncommon, underscoring the biases women face in the US.To overcome these challenges, Victoria worked tirelessly. Research indicated that it typically takes men 100 meetings to secure funding, while female founders need 200-300 meetings. Determined to succeed, she doubled her efforts, knowing she had to work 2-3 times harder. Fortunately, Americans were more generous with their networks, helping her secure those extra meetings quickly.

Pace and Growth Dynamics

One significant difference between Europe and the US lies in the pace of work. In Europe, it’s customary to take all of August off, whereas Victoria didn’t take a vacation for five years while building her US-based company. She thrived in America’s faster-paced environment, which facilitated quicker growth. Raised by parents who rarely took breaks, Victoria prioritized her responsibilities to employees, their families, and customers. After Kinship’s acquisition, she finally took a two-week vacation to Mongolia, her first real break in years. Reflecting on her journey, Victoria realized that her hard work had paid off, making the experience even more rewarding. Her story underscores the importance of perseverance and adaptability in navigating the global business landscape as a female entrepreneur.