IWD 2025 - an interview with: Agata Mamrocha

Tell us a little about your career journey leading to where you are now.

I came to the UK and started my career in the events industry, where I gained valuable experience and a strong foundation in hospitality. 

I later joined the contract catering world, starting as an assistant manager before progressing to managing sites. My career really flourished when I took on the responsibility of managing contracts for a marketing company. It was a role where I could truly implement my ideas and see the impact, they had on creating a vibrant and successful service.

After taking a maternity break, I returned to BM Caterers as a Talent and Recruitment Manager. This role has been especially rewarding, as it allows me to focus on identifying and nurturing talent while helping shape the future of BM.

What does the International Women’s Day slogan “accelerate action” mean for you?

To me, “accelerate action” is about pushing for real progress—not just talking about change but actually making it happen. It’s about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities so women can succeed and thrive in all areas of life, especially in leadership roles.

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

It’s so important! When women support one another, we create a ripple effect that benefits everyone. For me, it’s about sharing advice, supporting each other, celebrating successes, and being there for one another, whether that’s through mentoring, offering encouragement, or just showing up for someone.

How important is diversity across senior leadership teams? 

Diversity in leadership isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. It brings different ideas, perspectives, and experiences to the table, which leads to better decisions and stronger results. Plus, it sets an example for others and shows that leadership is truly open to everyone.

Senior leadership: 26%, C-suite: 19%, 1 in 4: Chief-level. These are the percentages and numbers of female leaders in our industry. What do these numbers represent to you?

While we’ve made some progress, it’s clear there’s still a long way to go when it comes to women in leadership. They remind me of the barrier’s women continue to face—like biases and a lack of access to growth opportunities. At the same time, these stats push us to act faster. It’s about creating supportive workplaces where women feel empowered, and leadership reflects the diversity we see in the world. 

As a successful leader, how do you think (business) leaders can accelerate action toward closing the gender gap and ensuring equal opportunities in the workplace?

Business leaders have the power to make meaningful change by being intentional and proactive. Transparent hiring and promotion processes are important to ensure fairness, and mentorship/ development programs can help open doors for women to access leadership opportunities. Flexible work policies are also key to supporting work-life balance. Leaders should set clear diversity goals, track progress, and hold themselves accountable.

At BM Caterers, we’re fortunate to have a very diverse leadership board, which makes me incredibly proud. It’s a testament to the fact that we truly care about fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. When businesses prioritise diversity, it not only benefits the company but also sends a strong message about what we stand for.

Can you share your top tips for entrepreneurial/managerial/leadership success?

• Stay curious and keep learning—you never stop growing.
• Build strong, supportive relationships; networking is key.
• Communicate clearly and confidently; people need to understand your vision.
• Empower your team by trusting them and helping them grow. Don’t micromanage.
• Don’t be afraid to fail—every mistake is a chance to learn.

What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting a career at leadership level?

Go for it! Believe in yourself and don’t wait until you feel 100% ready—nobody ever does. Most importantly, know your worth and don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself.

Have there been any role models through your life (work or professional) who have helped shape you as a leader?

Absolutely. I’ve been lucky to have mentors and role models who’ve and are guiding me along the way—and not just women but mostly men! They’ve supported me, challenged me, and inspired me with their resilience, empathy, and vision. However, I was never shy about speaking up about my aspirations and sharing my vision for my development. If you want to be developed as a leader, it starts with you—your courage, your willingness, and your determination to grow.