International career paths in JYSK: Michał Jasłowski – From Poland to Slovenia

Michał Jasłowski began his journey at JYSK three years ago, when he was appointed District Manager in Poland. 

 He has extensive retail experience, having worked himself up from sales assistant in the Danish discount chain Netto to being District Manager, before he opted to seek new opportunities at JYSK.

Now he has sought out further challenges and moved to Slovenia to work as Retail Manager for West Balkan.

What are the biggest differences in moving from Poland to Slovenia? 

“The biggest difference is the culture and the customs. There are many differences and many similarities. We are not as different as the Chinese and the Americans, but there are still many things that are different from those in Poland. They have some very different customs here in Slovenia than we have in Poland. For example, they like to drink a coffee at a café before work here in West Balkan, and this was a surprise to me, because it isn’t normal in Poland.”

What are the greatest challenges with your new job?

“In my job the biggest challenge is communication, but everyone I meet is good at English, so I have got far with that. I have also discovered that there are many words that are similar in Polish and Slovenian, and then I am also receiving language tuition, so it’s slowly becoming easier to communicate.” 

What did your family say about you getting a new job in a new country? 

“I have a wife and two sons of 15 and 17. Before I applied for the job of Retail Manager in Slovenia we had talked about how it was time for me to try something new, so they have been very supportive. Of course it’s not easy to have such a long distance between each other, but it gives us the opportunity to experience some of the countries in the West Balkan region together.”

What does it take for a person to move to another country to work

“It is a great opportunity to develop yourself personally and to get to know other cultures. Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone in order to develop. In the start it might not be so pleasant, but after a month you slowly begin to fall into place.” 

What are your plans for the future? 

“The plan is to work in Slovenia as Retail Manager for all the stores in the West Balkan region for one year, as it states in my contract. Then I plan to return to Poland, where we will see what exciting things the future has to offer.” 

What is your advice if other JYSK colleagues dream of going to a new JYSK country to work? 

“Don’t wait to try something new. It’s when you are out of your comfort zone and in unknown territory that you really have the chance to develop.”

What is your greatest personal achievement up until now, which you have gained by moving to another country to work? 

“Up until now my greatest personal achievement is definitely the language. I have been forced to talk only in English as well as to learn Slovenian. I am also meeting many helpful and interesting people, who are very creative and inspiring. Even though I still work in the same organisation, I also think that I am getting experience in the different cultures that exist from country to country within the JYSK organisation.”