Jan Grabowiecki is a management consultant helping governments and investors build sustainable transport and power infrastructure projects across Africa.
In one sentence, tell us what you do!
As a management consultant, I help governments and investors develop sustainable transport and power infrastructure projects in Africa.
How did you get started in this field, and what inspired you?
I had never traveled to Africa and was interested in discovering the continent. I enjoy management consulting because you support decision-makers in making important choices regarding the development of infrastructure and because of the variety of the assignments that you are able to work on.
What is the biggest impact you hope your work will have on the world?
Developing sustainable infrastructure projects is critical to supporting economic growth, especially in poorer countries, and this is what we are all about. Sub-Saharan Africa is impacted significantly by climate change; so it is also important to help develop projects that reduce carbon emissions and also help countries adapt to the adverse effects from climate change.
Tell us about a recent project or achievement you are proud of!
We recently studied the deployment of electrical motorcycle taxis in Kinshasa.
The Impact Hub Athens & You
What brought you to Impact Hub Athens, and what does this community mean to you?
We like working downtown, enjoy the working environment of the impact hub, and the opportunity to connect with a variety of people from across the globe. We also appreciate the excellent team from the Impact Hub and the group lunches and activities that they organize,
Is there someone or something within Impact Hub that has inspired or supported you?
At a high level, we are inspired by the overall mission of the Impact Hub, which is very much in line with the purpose of our company – which is to have a positive and sustainable impact on the world.
We appreciate the support from the Impact Hub team – Tonia, Margarita, Nia, Maria and others – who helped us when we forget our power cords, needed a conference room, and generally help foster a fun and collaborative work environment.
How can the community support or connect with you?
We should organize a party on the roof ! Joking aside, we already receive excellent support.
Fun Facts & Inspiration
A fun fact about you that we might not know!
While I understand that most people cannot relate to this, I enjoy listening to baseball on the radio. I also enjoy training for triathlons – recently completed my first race in Greece (Spetses)!
A quote that inspires you!
When things are difficult: “whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” (Nietzsche)
One piece of advice you’d give to someone starting their own impact-driven project!
Find something that you are deeply passionate about and surround yourself with people that succeed.
