In an industry often dominated by technical degrees and engineering pedigrees, Marta Bukala stands out not because she codes, but because she leads with curiosity. As the Head of Digital at Bayer Consumer Health, Marta joined the WomenWise Podcast to share her journey from brand marketing into the world of AI, innovation, and healthtech – proving that tech careers aren’t just for coders, but for thinkers, explorers, and bridge-builders too. 

Hosted by Kalina Tomova, this episode offers a powerful look into Marta’s career path and the personal philosophies that have shaped it. 

From Brand Marketing to Digital Transformation 

Marta began her career in brand marketing, but her fascination with technology was sparked during the era when digital marketing was still considered a separate discipline. Since then, she’s moved across industries – from consulting in aerospace and defence to now leading Bayer’s digital transformation – always driven by one thing: the desire to understand what’s next. 

“I didn’t just want to observe the change. I wanted to participate in it,” she explains. 
“Curiosity is my tech superpower.” 

Growth Mindset, Not Just a Buzzword 

One of the standout themes in Marta’s conversation is her deep belief in the growth mindset – not just as a personal mantra, but as a systemic shift that organisations must embrace. 

She references The Cultures of Growth by Mary Murphy, highlighting two major takeaways: 

• Growth mindset isn’t individual – it must be embedded in team and organisational culture. 

• We move between fixed and growth mindsets depending on the situation. The trick is recognising when we’re resisting growth, and choosing to lean into discomfort. 

“When we receive feedback, we often enter a fixed mindset. The key is to pause, reflect, and ask: what can I take from this to grow?” 

She also challenges the corporate obsession with performance-based metrics – calling instead for space to unlearn old habits and reframe expertise as a starting point, not an end. 

Leading with Humility and Intuition 

Marta’s leadership philosophy has evolved radically from her early career. Initially believing leaders needed all the answers, she now sees true leadership as about listening, coaching, and empowering others. 

“You don’t need to know everything. You need to create space for others to bring their expertise.” 

In a world fuelled by AI, where data doesn’t always exist to support the next decision, Marta leans into a combination of data + instinct. It’s about recognising patterns, working collectively, and often, making the call even when the path isn’t clear. 

Designing for Humans, Not Just Tech 

One of Marta’s current missions is to embed design thinking into digital innovation – a process that prioritises real human needs over shiny tech solutions. She’s particularly focused on the challenge of moving from ideation to execution, something she notes even the most sophisticated organisations struggle with. 

“It’s not just about great ideas – it’s about making sure they reach people, create value, and solve real problems.” 

This mindset is also shaping her interest in AI’s environmental impact – a topic often overlooked in the mainstream conversation. With AI contributing to around 1% of global emissions, she’s asking bold questions about the true cost of digital advancement. 

“You’ll Never Feel Ready – Go For It Anyway” 

When asked what she’d tell someone just stepping into leadership or tech, Marta doesn’t hesitate: 

“You’ll never feel ready. Go for it anyway.” 

She credits her own Polish upbringing – rooted in discipline and hard work – as a foundation, but says it’s the people she’s met, the cultures she’s experienced, and the tough decisions she’s made that have shaped who she is as a leader. 

She leaves listeners with a message that’s both simple and powerful: 

“Trust your intuition. Take the opportunity. Don’t wait until you feel ready.” 

💻 Looking Ahead: Her Hope for Women in Tech 

Marta is optimistic about the future – but clear-eyed about the work that still needs to be done. She wants to see: 

• More women in senior leadership across tech 

• Greater investment in femtech and inclusive innovation 

• Support systems that empower women to lead, learn, and launch big ideas 

“We are half the population. There’s so much untapped potential – and we’re only just getting started.” 

Listen to the full episode of the WomenWise Podcast to hear Marta’s story in her own words – a must for anyone navigating leadership, digital innovation, or just looking for that push to believe in themselves a little more.