From the lecture halls of Poland to the laboratories of Cogent Breeding, Agnieszka (Aga) Waliczek-Pieczka's journey exemplifies how diverse experiences can create exceptional leadership. As Sorting Lab Team Leader, Aga’s spent over eight years transforming struggling teams into high-performing units whilst maintaining the exacting standards required for world-class genetic products.

An International Foundation

Armed with a Master of Science from the University of Mining and Metallurgy in Poland, Aga's career began in education. After studying English at the London Study Centre for two years, she returned to Poland to teach a diverse range of subjects (from English and Chemistry to IT and Hospitality) whilst gaining qualifications in educational management.

"After returning to the UK, I saw an opportunity to pursue a career which offered new challenges and prospects," Aga explains. "I wanted to become part of a team that makes a difference now and for future generations."

Growing Through Transformation

Starting as a Laboratory Technician before STgenetics' acquisition of Cogent, Aga witnessed and welcomed the company's evolution firsthand. "I embraced all the changes and improvements which were implemented, moving to using more advanced technology, equipment and processes which leads to extreme quality and purity products."

Her progression through the ranks, from Lab Technician to Health and Safety Lead, then Deputy Team Leader before her promotion to Team Leader in October 2021, reflects both her adaptability and leadership potential.

Turning Challenges into Triumphs

What sets Aga apart is her ability to revitalise underperforming teams. "My biggest achievement became my biggest challenge," she reflects. "I have been moved to different teams that were struggling with performance which I was expected to improve."

Rather than viewing this as a burden, she embraces the opportunity. "Starting building a team from the beginning is the most challenging, but I would also say the most satisfying. Being able to have an input in the process and seeing the teams and individuals develop is the most rewarding part of the job."

Her teaching background proves invaluable in these situations. "My previous experience as a teacher helped me in training people and executing procedures," she says. Combined with strong organisational skills and her ability to work independently, these qualities enable her to implement beneficial changes whilst maintaining team morale.

A Personal Touch to Professional Excellence

Beyond her professional achievements, Aga brings a uniquely personal perspective to her work. Her interests in metabolic health and baking might seem unrelated to laboratory management, but they reflect her commitment to understanding complex processes and attention to detail, qualities that translate directly to her leadership style.

"Try to be the best version of yourself all the time," she advises those considering a career at Cogent. "Your personal behaviour and attitude have tremendous impact on how the team feels, performs and represents the business inside and outside the company."

Building Lasting Impact

What drives Aga isn't just meeting production targets, it's developing people. "I think making people believe that they can do better all the time" is what she's most proud of. Her ultimate goal is deeply personal: "At the end of the day, I would like to think that during people's career paths they would think of this one Polish Team Leader who not only taught them but also provided them with the skills, knowledge and tools to help them succeed and progress their careers in the future."

Finding Purpose in Variety

The dynamic nature of laboratory work suits Aga perfectly. "The best part of the job is that more often than not, no two days are the same," she says. "The impact of different factors such as media, animals, production demands and humans provide various challenges, and you are never bored."

Her philosophy towards workplace challenges is refreshingly optimistic: "People we work with make our place of work a home away from home. Even on challenging days, there's always sunshine ahead, and working together makes everything brighter."

Aligned Values

Cogent's core values of Integrity, Commitment, We Care, and Collaboration resonate deeply with Aga's personal values, creating an environment where she can thrive whilst helping others do the same.

Through her dedication to continuous improvement, team development, and maintaining the highest standards, Aga demonstrates that exceptional leadership comes not just from technical expertise, but from a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. Her journey from Polish classrooms to British laboratories proves that with the right attitude and determination, any challenge can become an opportunity for growth.