The NCI Academy, run by the Agency, delivers training to civilian and military staff from NATO and Partner Nations on NATO systems that support operations and exercises. The Academy's instructors help students advance their skills in IT and communications systems, as well as ballistic missile and cyber defence.
To mark this year's International Women's Day, we spoke to Lenarczyk about her career and some of the most impactful experiences she has had, as well as what she considers to be crucial advice to other women and girls seeking a position in an international organization.
What do you do?
I have been the Acting Head of Portfolio Management at the NCI Academy since January 2021. In this role, I am involved in a wide range of activities, such as helping the Academy with its business planning for each year and reviewing its portfolio quarterly. I am directly and indirectly involved in much of the work taking place on the business side of the house, to enable Academy instructors and colleagues to provide the best training services possible. I also try to create positive relationships with our stakeholders by communicating openly and honestly with them.
In my previous position as Head of Internal Training, I gained a great awareness of the Agency's services and how staff can best contribute through training. It was impactful to be part of the team that is at the heart of the Agency's staff development and upskilling. It was always rewarding to hear positive feedback from colleagues who were happy with the training opportunities at the Agency.
Why is training so important?
Because without it, NATO would not be able to use the right capabilities for operations. It is important to be involved in operations from the very beginning and provide proper training activities to ensure the staff and the technologies we use are up to date.
Internally, training is also important. We sometimes forget about the people who are giving more than what is expected of them. As a mother of three, I know the challenges of keeping a healthy work-life balance. Through internal training, the Agency shows that staff are not just a resource – they are worth the Agency's investment.
I really care about what we do! I want to make a difference. I want the staff at the Agency to be motivated and know that their employer cares about them. And I want our customers to know the Agency is the right place to get their training.
What would you say is the most impactful experience of your career at NATO?
Since I have been at NATO for almost 14 years, I have had the opportunity to work in many different roles. What I have always enjoyed the most about all my positions was each of the challenges I was exposed to and the learning curves of every experience I went through.
Without a doubt, the most impactful experience was being deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 to Kabul and 2011 to Kandahar. I was based in a field office for the NC3A, where I was responsible for logistics and support of the colleagues working on the ground.
It was a remarkable experience because it made me realize the importance of training for operations and how we can all work together for the same mission, from our own perspectives, knowledge and skillsets. Regardless of our differences – what jobs we do, what grades or ranks we have, where we come from, whether we are military or civilian, women or men, we all contribute to the same mission of NATO and we all matter equally.
What is one piece of advice you would give to other women and young girls out there?
We live in a world where, unfortunately, we as women need to prove ourselves more than men in order to be taken seriously. When I was in Afghanistan, as one of a few females there, I had to really assert myself to be seen as equal. I adapted and thought this is how women had to act in the workplace.
Later I realized that this should not be the case. Each of us has specific characteristics that make a difference in how we do our business. We are all different, and this is our strength in the workplace. Through the diversity of our backgrounds, personalities and experiences, we bring richness to NATO. We should be proud of the qualities we have and use them for the benefit of the organization.
I don't hide my emotions anymore – I use them as my strength because they show that I care and I want to make a difference in my job. I can still be professional while showing my emotions to a certain degree. This does not mean I am weaker, it means that I am not afraid to show that I care.
My biggest piece of advice would be: don't be afraid of your emotions and challenge the obstacles you encounter. Push the boundaries, not only your own but also those of your environment. We women can make a huge impact.
Career Opportunities: The Agency takes diversity seriously and is actively seeking more women to support its work. If you would like the challenge of supporting NATO's mission to protect nearly 1 billion citizens, please bookmark our Vacancies page here. We would love to have you on board!