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In our Meet the Experts series, we talk with the people working behind the scenes every day to power confidence online.
WP Engine’s mission to power exceptional online experiences is fueled by more than just code. Our success is the result of a culture that values continuous learning and human-centric leadership. Whether supporting our customers’ needs or championing the unique perspectives of our internal teams, our experts bring purpose and passion to everything they do.
In this edition of Meet the Experts, we’re excited to introduce Iwona Nawrocka. Based in Cork, Ireland, Iwona is a dedicated people leader who balances a high-impact management role with a deep personal passion for psychology, education, and the art of professional development.
Say hello to Iwona!
Iwona is a lifelong learner, a baking enthusiast, a proud introvert, and a pillar of support for her team. Outside of work, she has just completed a master’s degree in psychology, and she’s considering pursuing a PhD. As a people manager, she views great leadership primarily as an act of service.
“Leaders should understand what their team is working on day to day, but the main role is to support and enable people to do their job well,” Iwona explains. “Effective leaders spend their days helping their teams navigate through performance challenges, optimizing processes, and setting goals and strategies, not constantly checking in on their progress.”
When she isn’t exploring the quiet beauty of Cork by visiting local beaches and green spaces, she’s likely in her kitchen. “Cork is small enough that you don’t feel overwhelmed by noise and crowds, but big enough to not need to look elsewhere for anything you might need,” she says. “I also love baking. At my previous job, I used to bring home-baked goods regularly into the office, as my household simply could not eat through it all!”
Iwona’s career journey
Iwona’s path to WP Engine, like the paths forged by many of our team members, was nontraditional. She began her career as a science teacher in a primary school before entering the world of software support, where she climbed the ranks into management.
It was WP Engine’s reputation that ultimately drew her in. “When I looked at WP Engine, I kept reading about the supportive culture,” she recalls. “I felt immediately welcomed during the interview process. All of the interviews felt like a chat with a friend.”
Her professional journey has also been one of personal discovery. For years, Iwona felt the pressure to perform a certain way to fit a specific mold of what she thought leadership looked like. “It was so relieving for me to learn that I am not an extrovert and that’s ok,” she shares. “I thought that was what’s expected of me as a leader. Now, I see that leadership doesn’t have to look one way. Introverts can lead in their own way too.”
Words of wisdom: Strength in strategic selectivity
For Iwona, giving 100% of your energy to 100% of the tasks on your plate isn’t the goal. She believes true success lies in understanding where your efforts will actually move the needle. She believes being selective with your endeavors is the key to sustainable high performance.
“Pick your battles. Don’t be afraid to change your path or take a step back,” Iwona advises. “Any choice you make can come with great learnings and experiences that will set you up for success, but that doesn’t mean you have to pour your energy into every opportunity that crosses your path.”
This philosophy of picking her battles also extends to how she approaches problem-solving and perfectionism. While many feel the pressure to find the “perfect” solution for every problem, Iwona has learned that chasing perfection can sometimes lead to diminishing returns.
“Sometimes the second-best option is actually the right one,” she explains. “I’ve spent a lot of time throughout my career advocating for what I thought was the best possible idea, even when the benefit difference was minimal, but the resource requirements—especially time—were enormous. If the second-best option provides what you need, and the cost associated with it is much less painful, it might be the best option after all.”
Being selective and choosing options that deliver great results without burning through unnecessary time and energy has helped Iwona set high professional standards while achieving a solid work-life balance.
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For Iwona, the heart of WP Engine lies in its inclusive atmosphere and the many ways employees can connect. “I love the overall atmosphere of work. It is great to see so many ERGs and activities around each of the offices that help to bring people together, even remotely.”
Interested in joining Iwona and the rest of the global team that’s powering confidence online? Explore WP Engine’s current openings and find out how you can grow your career with us.
