Experienced executive Andrzej Malinowski moved to Tashkent after several years of working in Tbilisi. In an interview for our publication, he shared his impressions of life in Uzbekistan.
About himself
I was born in Poland, in the suburbs of Wroclaw, which was then a military town with a Soviet army base. In school, officers' wives, who didn't speak Polish, were our teachers. At the age of seven, I learned the Russian language, which still helps me today.
I've worked in various industries, primarily in FMCG companies. From 2009 to 2017, I launched Ukraine's largest online clothing store, Lamoda. Afterward, I moved to Tbilisi, where I managed the Beeline Georgia for four years.
The transition from e-commerce to the telecom sector happened unexpectedly. My surname is popular in Poland and Russia. When I received an offer to join the telecom industry, I thought there was a mistake. It turned out that the company deliberately sought someone from a different field. Digital operations were already being tested in Georgia, and they wanted to hire someone not from the telecom sector. I liked this approach, so I accepted the offer. It was challenging initially, as telecom is a unique field, but interesting. I enjoy working in this industry because communication brings people together.
About the move
I received the offer to move to Central Asia on March 8, 2021. My boss called and said, "You have two hours to make a decision." I called my wife. She thought I wanted to congratulate her. The news was not the most pleasant surprise for her, as she loved Tbilisi.
I knew more about Uzbekistan from a geographical perspective. From school, I remembered where the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers were located. I immediately started studying the country's features: its economy, culture, and other aspects. In reality, many things turned out to be different. Textbooks and sources of information don't account for some peculiarities. To understand the country, you need to come, live, and experience it yourself. It's not the easiest path, but it provides valuable experience.
My entire family fell in love with Tashkent. Even though I'm the only one who can enjoy temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius. I derive great pleasure from it. While my family closes windows, turns on the air conditioner, and stays indoors until the heat subsides.
I came to Uzbekistan for work. The company was not in the best condition at that time. So, in the first year, I almost didn't leave the office. Gradually, a team was formed. I understood the people who make up middle management, stakeholders, and their agenda. I began to develop my path, which turned out to be successful.
About responsibilities
As the CEO of Beeline Uzbekistan, I am responsible for 1600-1700 employees, their well-being, salaries, and working conditions. I ensure they are comfortable in our offices in Tashkent, Karshi, and other cities where we are present.
Everything else is a result of this responsibility. I can't say I have specific duties, and others do everything else. I am responsible for everything and try to delegate authority so that people clearly understand the boundaries of their responsibilities.
I am responsible for the cleanliness outside the office, cleaning windows, and refueling cars. And if people walk sadly through the corridors, stare at the ceiling, and are not interested in what they do, that's also my responsibility.
I worked as a General Manager in Ukraine and CEO in Georgia. All companies had similar principles and values. The main approach is based on dealing with like-minded people. The only difference is in the external environment. It's more challenging in Uzbekistan than in Georgia; the competition is stronger.
About Uzbekistan
The most noticeable difficulty is engaging employees at any level in an open conversation. For Uzbekistan's residents, critically addressing leadership and telling them they are doing something wrong means violating cultural values. I try to tackle this when possible.
I was most surprised by the "Chilla" period when it's +40 degrees Celsius outside. For me, it's not even interesting, but it's a great pleasure.
A couple of times, local friends invited me to a wedding plov early in the morning. It's an amazing tradition, and I was pleased to receive an invitation. Unfortunately, I wasn't in the country on those days, so I'm still waiting for my first wedding plov.
My favorite dish from traditional cuisine is Kokand plov. It's simply fantastic. I like it even more than Tashkent plov.
I think Europe wouldn't mind adopting the respectful approach characteristic of Central Asian culture. I like this approach and culture. The main thing is not to have extremes like "the boss is always right." No one is always right, regardless of who they are or what status they hold. Respect can coexist with a critical approach. If we're working towards a common goal, the path to it should be sought through open dialogue. It's a fire where everything boils and various emotions surface. But they contribute to making all participants more experienced and open. The difference in viewpoints becomes visible, helping find the optimal solution. This is lacking here, not only in the company but in society.
About people in Uzbekistan
People in Uzbekistan are hospitable. I experienced this when I moved from a hotel to an apartment. Then, neighbors came to congratulate me on my new home. And on Kurban Bayram, they invited me to celebrate in the yard. And it was wonderful. When later I showed photos to European friends, they couldn't believe such things were happening.
People in every region have their peculiarities. I like that residents of different parts of the country maintain a "small homeland" with their traditions and dialects.
Future plans
There are many professional plans. Most of them are currently confidential. But, like any commercial organization, we have a desire to increase revenue, profit, and other indicators while making customers happy.
Our mission is not only to be leaders today but to shape the future of the telecom industry, introduce innovative technologies, and provide customers with unique solutions. Leadership is not only a privilege but also a responsibility to customers and future generations of Uzbekistan.
