Renata Kabas–Komorniczak, Managing Partner, Rödl & Partner

In 1976 Warsaw, the atmosphere was thick with a paradoxical blend of hope and anxiety as a new era of “socialism with a human face” dawned upon the city of Poland under Edward Gierek’s administration. The heart of Central Eastern Europe, buzzing with life, yet burdened by the echoes of political unrest was strangled behind the ‘Iron Curtain.’ 

Born against the backdrop of political upheaval and social unrest, Renata grew up in an environment filled with a sense of cautious optimism and stark realities. The declaration of Martial Law in 1981, shattered the fragile sense of stability across Poland and Renata’s simple joys of childhood slowly faded away with a growing alertness of economic turbulence and scarcity of resources.

Breaking Walls, Chasing Dreams: Navigating the Adversities

Renata’s childhood was marked by constant change, adaptation, and a thirst for knowledge. Born to a family that faced adversity, she embraced the winds of transformation when communism collapsed in Poland in 1989. Her upbringing amidst political changes, multi-generational family values, and a commitment to education paved the way for an entrepreneurial spirit that defied the status quo. 

Born into a family marginalized by the system, and the sister to a brother with a Down Syndrome, Renata, found herself at the crossroads of family expectations and societal shift. She had to forge her path navigating through the metaphorical “Iron Curtain” with a spirit of defiance, resolute, and unyielding grit representing the spirit of bold womanhood of her age. 

“I have always wanted to make an impact on the world, to leave my mark. If anything, new appeared, I wanted to have it and wanted to be the first to use it,” Renata reminisces, echoing the spirit of an adventurer, much like the hero she admired the most as a child.

From Dreams to Reality: A Journey of Change

Renata Kabas-Komorniczak’s journey from a turbulent political era to the visionary helm of Rödl & Partner, a global force in tax advisory and management consulting, is an extraordinary tale of fortitude and resilience.

From tickling the piano keys to mastering languages, her childhood laid the foundation for an entrepreneur ready to ride the waves of change and innovation. Renata’s early dreams of becoming an archaeologist shifted gears as she ventured into law. The transformational journey led her to tax law, a discipline that mirrored the dynamic changes in her own life. Little did she know that this choice would pave the way for her digital transformation expertise in 2024. “I love changes because my life has been a journey of change. Ever since I was born, there has never been a moment in my life when I would just accept the status quo,” she reflects.

From Telemarketing to Leading Rödl & Partner

Renata’s early career saw her wearing various hats – from telemarketing to writing articles as a ghostwriter. However, two mentors, Professor Witold Modzelewski as her first boss and Liliane Preusser, as her first boss at Rödl & Partner, imparted invaluable entrepreneurial skills. Their influence became the bedrock for Renata’s future endeavors, leading her to Rödl & Partner in 2004, where she initially led the Business Process Outsourcing Department. Over the years, she ascended to become one of the eight managing partners globally, demonstrating her commitment to continual growth and enhancement.

“To achieve success, one must consistently enhance their qualifications. Each day should bring something new,” Renata emphasizes.

Her leadership principles prioritize fostering a positive work culture, exemplified by a team that has stood together for years. Renata’s emphasis on continuous education and training has propelled her team members towards significant professional development, creating a testament to the strength of teamwork and success.

Leading Change: The BPE Initiative

As the Head of Business Process Outsourcing at Rödl & Partner, Renata spearheaded the Business Process Excellence (BPE) initiative. Inspired by lean management practices, BPE evolved as a breakthrough innovation in the legal and consulting services, redefining the space of client service and team management methods. Central to the BPE philosophy was a culture of empowerment and critical thinking. Renata emphasizes, “We encouraged employees at all levels to question the status quo and apply the ‘5 why’ principle, instead of blindly following orders and expectations.”

The impact of BPE reverberated far beyond the confines of Rödl & Partner’s offices. What began as a localized initiative in Poland quickly gained traction, spreading to six project countries before ultimately being adopted in 30 nations worldwide. Renata’s pioneering spirit and commitment to excellence set a new benchmark for team management and customer service in the legal and consulting spheres across the globe. As Rödl & Partner continues to chart new territories, the legacy of the BPE initiative serves as a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership and collaborative teamwork.

Leadership Grounded in Empathy, Equality, and Entrepreneurship

In the dynamic world of global business, Rödl & Partner stands out as an “agile caring partner for Mittelstand-shaped world market leaders.” Renata’s leadership mantra harmonizes entrepreneurship with empathy, manifested in fostering a familial work culture motivated towards gaining employees’ trust and loyalty. “The people involved are what ultimately determine the success of any project,” she asserts. Her commitment to colleagues’ well-being extends beyond professional realms, evident in the psychological support program implemented at Rödl & Partner.

At the core of Rödl & Partner’s success is the KÜMMERER-PRINZIP principle, a testament to their dedication to personalized client service. Renata Kabas–Komorniczak embodies this ethos, emphasizing entrepreneurship, empathy, and care in her leadership. With a client-focused mindset, she ensures that each client is assigned a dedicated caretaker who understands the intricacies of their business, providing unparalleled support. This unique approach sets Rödl & Partner apart in the market, underlining the effectiveness of their business model.

A trailblazer in women empowerment and gender equality, Renata Kabas–Komorniczak promotes a balanced employment structure at Rödl & Partner, encouraging gender equality globally and within managerial positions. In Poland, the firm is predominantly managed by women, challenging the prevailing gender stereotypes in the legal and business advisory sectors. Renata acknowledges the existing challenges, such as the glass ceiling and pay gap, but remains optimistic about the increasing presence of women in higher positions, signaling positive change.

Future Visions: AI and ESG

Looking ahead, Renata envisions the future of business shaped by AI and ESG. As Artificial Intelligence waltzes into daily lives, Rödl & Partner is poised to leverage its full potential. AI offers opportunities for cost minimization, increased competitiveness, and innovative business processes. However, she emphasizes the need for legal frameworks to reconcile the ethical dimension of AI, such as addressing data privacy and cybersecurity concerns associated with it.

Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) are integral to Rödl & Partner’s future goals. Kabas–Komorniczak foresees Polish companies adopting ESG reporting, highlighting the importance of sustainable development and social responsibility. She encourages organizations to proactively implement ESG strategies, as they not only contribute to societal well-being but also serve as evaluation criteria for investors.

Sharing Entrepreneurial Pearls: A Guiding Light 

Sharing her insights with aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals in law, tax advisory, and consulting, Renata Kabas–Komorniczak imparts invaluable advice. Embracing change, challenging norms, advocating gender equality, and enhancing team competencies sum up her unique leadership strategy. “Continual growth, understanding people – keys to success,” the entrepreneur leaves off in her parting wisdom. 

Renata’s concise guidance serves as a compass for navigating the complexities of the legal and consulting industry, offering practical advice for success in a rapidly changing world. Renata Kabas–Komorniczak’s life is not just a story; it’s a symphony of change, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to leaving an indelible mark on the stage of global business.