Employee Spotlight: Krzysztof Ptak
In the latest installment of our #TalentedTeamwork series, we talk to Krzysztof Ptak, Senior Technical Consultant here at Delmec. He tells us all about his exciting work on European streetworks projects, his passion for hiking, and his plan to become an accomplished accordion-player in his spare time.
Since our very earliest days in the 1970s, we’ve understood the importance of building a talented team: we know that it’s people who power success. For this staff spotlight, we talk to Senior Technical Consultant Krzysztof Ptak, to learn more about his busy and varied role with Delmec.
A graduate of construction and structural engineering, Krzysztof found himself drawn to the telecommunications industry more than eight years ago. For him, it represented a stable but dynamic future, with the opportunity to develop new services and lead innovative projects.
“I love that my work is never boring,” he says from his office in Katowice, Poland. “Our industry is constantly growing, changing and even transforming. I really enjoy finding fresh solutions every day.” The last two tumultuous years have brought plenty of new challenges, but Krzysztof believes that Delmec and our industry as a whole adapted quickly, realising new opportunities for growth in the process. “I believe it’s important to be flexible and prepared to tackle unexpected changes,” he says. “The companies that are able to survive and thrive in ever-evolving environments will fare best.”
Over the last half century of operations, Delmec has proved itself more resilient than most, growing from a small family business into an industry-leading global company. Our services are designed to meet our clients’ current needs while also supporting their future requirements. One key part of this goal is the development of urban streetworks, an ongoing project Krzysztof works with every day. “I try to use my experience in various areas of our business,” he says, pointing out that every new project brings fresh findings and generates additional plans. “For example, following the implementation of our Cellnex streetworks programme in Ireland, we’re now seeking to replicate its success across Europe.”
In his downtime, Krzysztof likes to get out into the fresh air, enjoying the beautiful Polish landscape. “After spending eight hours at the desk I really need to do some activities like jogging or cycling,” he says. “On weekends I also like to take my family hiking in the Beskidy mountains.”
He’s able to build this passion for the natural world into his work at Delmec, helping to connect communities while reducing the impact on the environment. “I’m working to optimise power usage and introduce renewable sources to decrease carbon footprint,” he says. “On another 5G project we’re planning to redesign our streetwork poles to be more flexible, with minimal visual impact on the surroundings.”
For those who are looking to develop their career in telecommunications, Krzysztof says that Delmec offers the opportunity for real personal and professional growth. “There are real benefits to working with a global company like ours,” he says. “There’s such a diverse range of skills and services, that you could find yourself involved in project management, rigging, design, consultancy and many other departments – everyone can find a spot that suits them in Delmec.”
Not content to play his part in reimagining the future of global telecommunications, Krzysztof is also learning to play the accordion. “It’s definitely a difficult instrument to master,” he laughs. “But if ordinary people could learn it 50 years ago I hope I’ll be able to manage it with the help of online lessons and YouTube videos.” Krzysztof has fond memories of a 2016 team-building week at our HQ in Carlow, Ireland when people travelled from all over the world to meet in person. “We had a soccer tournament, a bowling competition and lots of other activities,” he recalls. “It was great fun, a brilliant opportunity to put faces to names, and hear from my colleagues about the interesting work they’re doing.” Next time, we’ll ask him to pack his accordion in his hand luggage, and organise a Delmec sing-song session!
