On the lighter side of things, we ask Amy Bajer, Managing Director for Poland & CEE, RETN, what makes her tick.
What would you describe as your most memorable achievement?
My most memorable achievement was leading a large-scale fibre connectivity project that spanned multiple continents. This initiative was not just a technical challenge but also a business one, as it required solving various cross-border obstacles, from regulatory compliance to logistical coordination. The customer, a major Japanese multinational, needed advanced networking solutions to unify their operations globally, demanding seamless connectivity across Asia, Europe and North America. What made this project particularly rewarding was the collaboration involved – RETN teams from different regions and specialisations came together to solve intricate issues, designing resilient, high-availability routes. Successfully delivering this project reaffirmed the importance of perseverance, innovation and teamwork. It was a testament to our ability and the transformative power of connectivity in enabling businesses to achieve global goals.
What first made you think of a career in technology?
My interest in IT was originally due to my fascination with Japan. After obtaining a degree in Japanese, I began exploring career opportunities that combined my language skills with innovation which led me to IT. At the time, a Japanese educational institution offering advanced IT courses in Poland caught my attention. The curriculum included an introduction to data centres, computer networks and system infrastructure which sparked my interest in the field. It felt like a natural extension of my curiosity about how global interconnections work, not just culturally but technologically. Working in this field allowed me to bridge my passion for Japan with the universal language of technology, making it a unique and fulfilling career choice. Which is how it all started.
What style of management philosophy do you employ in your current position?
As a Managing Director in a very multi-cultural environment, I have to handle many different challenging situations – various languages, cultures and expectations. My philosophy is to listen, understand and stay calm when making decisions. Each day presents a dynamic blend of encounters.
I strive to ensure my team feels heard and valued, even when perspectives differ. For me, communication is paramount. I believe that when team members truly understand the rationale behind decisions, they are more engaged and collaborative, even if we have a different view on things. Staying calm in high-pressure situations is another cornerstone of my leadership approach, as it sets the tone for the entire team to remain focused and solution-oriented. Ultimately, I aim to foster an environment of mutual respect, where diverse ideas are not just accommodated but celebrated as contributors to our collective success.
What do you think is the current hot talking point within the data centre space?
A very hot issue is IT security. Recent years have proved that we have entered a new era of global interconnection and mutual dependencies, where IT security is absolutely crucial. Data breaches, hacker attacks and even terrorist IT attacks on infrastructure force raise security solutions and safety measures to a new level. This trend forces operators, like RETN, to continually innovate and invest in security and mitigation platforms to protect sensitive information and maintain operational integrity. Beyond conventional measures, organisations are adopting advanced solutions like AI-driven threat detection. We believe that providing protection for our customers should be expected – a commodity, not a luxury.
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside the office?
Balancing a demanding role with personal well-being is essential. I try to relax by actively spending time with my children and family, playing the piano, reading Japanese books and leaving town to relax in the forest.
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry?
Expansion into Middle East and Asian markets and enlarging the global network connectivity. These regions present enormous opportunities due to their growing demand for high-speed connectivity and digital infrastructure. Cybersecurity is another critical investment area. As networks expand, so do vulnerabilities, requiring robust security measures to safeguard against evolving threats.
What are the region-specific challenges you encounter in your role?
Operating in Central and Eastern Europe comes with its own set of challenges, many of which are tied to the geopolitical situation. The on-going war in Ukraine, for instance, has significantly impacted regional infrastructure, causing disruptions that ripple across the supply chain and network operations. Thankfully, RETN has had very strong support from across the organisation, a dedicated team on the ground and excellent local partnerships that have enabled us to help keep Ukraine connected with a high degree of availability in the most challenging of circumstances.
What changes to your job role have you seen in the last year and how do you see these developing in the coming months?
From an operational standpoint, the past year has brought an increasing focus on regulatory compliance and adapting to evolving legal requirements. Within the European Union, new policies have introduced stricter standards for data protection, energy efficiency and cross-border connectivity. EU policy requirements are often not in line with non-EU countries, so we have to adapt both our formal procedures and equipment setup to make sure we remain a truly global and smooth-working network. For RETN, complying with Poland’s updated laws on dark fibre has been crucial, as the country aims to align its telecom sector with EU-wide directives.
