Michal Polanowski, Founder, Green Capital S.A.

Some people are drawn to nature for its beauty. Others are inspired by its power. But for a rare few, nature becomes both muse and mission — a force that shapes not only their worldview but the very direction of their lives. In a world racing toward industrialization and instant gratification, holding onto that quiet reverence for the natural world feels almost radical. Yet for those who truly listen, nature offers more than an escape — it becomes a guide, a wellspring of wisdom, and a source of endless inspiration. For Michal Polanowski, this connection runs deep, leading him to not only seek the forces of nature but to harness them, channeling their power into a mission of sustainability and innovation.

Michal always had a deep and unwavering love for nature. The wind rustling through the trees, the waves crashing on the shore, and the golden blaze of the sun across the water always filled him with a sense of awe and connection. He would spend countless hours exploring the beach, listening to the rhythmic pounding of the surf, and feeling the sand beneath his feet as the wind whipped through the air. This connection to nature only deepened over time, eventually leading him to find his true calling in windsurfing. As a professional windsurfer, he spent years riding the waves, forging an even stronger connection with the raw forces of nature that had so fascinated him from the beginning. As his passion for windsurfing grew, so did his curiosity about how these very forces could be used in more impactful ways.

That thought lingered in his mind until one day, after wrapping up a session on the waves, he passed a wind farm on his drive home. The sight of those turbines, quietly harnessing the wind’s power, hit him with a surge of clarity. “This is what I want to do,” he thought— to develop energy solutions that use the power of nature in a sustainable, environmentally respectful way. This led to the founding of Green Capital S.A., where Michal now channels his deep respect for nature into developing clean energy solutions to help build a more sustainable future. 

Turning Windsurfing Lessons into Business Innovation

Before founding Green Capital S.A., Michal had already ventured into several business initiatives, but it was the renewable energy sector that truly sparked his passion. He knew that true success could only come from pursuing something he genuinely enjoys, something that has a deeper purpose. Interestingly, his years as a professional windsurfer had already prepared him in unexpected ways. “Developing renewable energy projects in different parts of the world—in places with excellent wind and solar conditions has more in common with professional windsurfing than one might think,”  elucidates Michal. 

“As athletes, we often traveled to the very same locations, and much like in business, we were responsible for organizing many aspects of those trips ourselves. It taught us independence and adaptability, and opened doors to new cultures and fascinating people,” he reflects. Those early experiences of self-reliance, adaptability, and building connections across different cultures later became invaluable assets on his entrepreneurial journey, shaping how he approached opportunities in the renewable energy space.

A Bold Leap into Africa’s Green Future

Green Capital is a capital group that has been co-creating the renewable energy market in Europe for years, consisting of several dozen companies with share capital exceeding 185 million PLN. As one of Poland’s photovoltaic pioneers—building some of the country’s first solar farms in 2015—the company is now bringing its proven expertise to Africa’s growing renewable energy market. “Africa is by far my favorite continent, and Cape Town feels like home to me,” he shares. This personal bond with the continent, paired with a growing recognition of the vast potential for renewable energy, fueled his decision to move forward with this ambitious expansion. While the African market presents unique challenges, from varying energy needs to different regulatory frameworks, Michal is confident that Green Capital’s team, armed with over 15 years of experience, is well-equipped to navigate these differences. By fostering close collaboration with local authorities, legal experts, and market stakeholders, he aims to build not just successful projects but lasting partnerships that will power a more sustainable and prosperous future across the continent.

Rising Above the Challenges with Resilience and Respect

Stepping into the South African renewable energy market wasn’t without its hurdles, but Michal embraced each challenge with the same determination that once carried him across waves. One of the most significant lessons he learned early on was that success in a new region demands more than just technical expertise — it requires cultural sensitivity, patience, and a genuine willingness to listen. “I believe that adapting to local conditions—with respect for the culture and a deep understanding of the market—is the foundation of success. The next step is the consistent, dedicated work of our team and strong collaboration with local authorities, companies, and other market participants. This is exactly how we aim to operate,” he explains.

This mindset has not only shaped the company’s operations in South Africa but continues to influence how they approach expansion into new markets worldwide, with respect, resilience, and a readiness to grow through every experience. 

Leading With Humility, Respect, and Shared Purpose

At the heart of Green Capital’s success lies a leadership philosophy rooted in humility, respect, and shared purpose. Michal believes that true leadership isn’t about hierarchy, but about creating an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to thrive. “At Green Capital, mutual respect within the team is of paramount importance—regardless of job title, everyone is equally valuable to the organization,” he opines.

Just as the company respects the natural world it aims to preserve, it extends the same respect to its people — nurturing their growth, celebrating their ideas, and recognizing their unique contributions. Within the organization, they place a strong emphasis on process efficiency, results, teamwork, and ensuring that everyone is in the right position. But Michal also encourages his team to explore their full potential — to shift into new roles, build new skills, and pursue paths that align with both personal ambition and company goals. It’s this blend of purpose, progress, and people-first thinking that defines Green Capital’s culture — and fuels its vision for a sustainable, thriving future.

Paving the Path for Africa’s Clean Energy Future

Looking ahead, Green Capital is firmly focused on playing a leading role in South Africa’s clean energy transformation. With nearly 70 projects in the pipeline—including solar farms, energy storage systems, and the company’s first wind farms—Michal is committed to boosting the installed capacity within the national energy system and contributing to a more stable, reliable energy supply. “Together with energy storage, these projects have the potential to transform the energy market within just a few years. Decentralized energy sources built close to end users are not only the fastest to construct, but also the most cost-effective solution for electricity generation,” affirms Michal. By combining cutting-edge infrastructure with local insights and strategic partnerships, Green Capital is poised to redefine how renewable energy is produced and delivered across the region. 

Sharing Strategic Insights for Entrepreneurial Success

For Michal, the entrepreneurial path has been as demanding as it has been rewarding. Reflecting on his journey, he says, “Perseverance, belief, and an inner confidence in achieving your goal—combined with a genuine passion for what you do—are the true recipe for success.” He believes that for those looking to create meaningful impact, especially in sectors like renewable energy—the key lies in perseverance and unwavering confidence. Success, he emphasizes, isn’t just about having a great idea or a well-timed opportunity. “It’s about being genuinely passionate about what you do, pushing through the tough moments, and staying grounded in your purpose.” That combination of heart, grit, and clarity of vision has powered Michal’s journey—and it’s the same energy he hopes to pass on to the next generation of changemakers.