In the latest episode of the Women Wise Podcast, we dive into the career of Lina Mikolajczyk, a dynamic leader with a fascinating story of reinvention. Currently the Director of Data Science and Engineering at Bumble, Lina’s journey is a testament to the power of taking risks, embracing change, and continuously striving for growth. 

A Journey of Reinvention 

Lina’s path to data science is anything but conventional. Originally from Poland, she moved to the U.S. at the age of 10, where she first pursued a degree in biology and later, medicine. However, after a couple of years in medical school, she realised that her passion lay elsewhere. A pivotal moment came when she worked as an analyst in a medical insurance company, where she quickly discovered her love for data analysis and optimisation. 

“I had studied biology and stats all my life, but being in an insurance company made me realise how much I enjoyed analysing data and finding ways to optimise processes,” Lina shared. This realisation led her to pivot into the field of data science. A bold move that eventually brought her to London, where she worked in a start-up and gradually grew into leadership roles, managing entire data teams. 

The Importance of Risk-Taking 

Lina’s career is a prime example of how embracing risk can open doors to new opportunities. “I love taking risks because it means learning something completely new. It’s the chance to grow and contribute in ways I never thought possible,” she explained. 

This fearless approach to risk-taking has shaped her career and leadership style. In fact, Lina encourages others, especially women, to push past their comfort zones. “There’s a statistic that says women only apply for jobs when they meet 80% of the requirements, whereas men will apply even if they meet only 60%. Women need to be more bold in taking chances, whether it’s applying for a role or stepping up to lead.” 

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 

One of the key challenges that many women in tech face is imposter syndrome — the feeling that they don’t belong or are not qualified enough to be in certain roles. Lina acknowledges this but stresses the importance of overcoming these self-doubts. “We tell ourselves negative stories that shape our decision-making. Once you stop telling yourself those stories, you start being more confident and bullish about your decisions.” 

She encourages women to embrace their accomplishments and not shy away from advocating for themselves. “It’s important to link what you do to the impact it creates. That’s what makes your achievements powerful.” 

Leading with Transparency and Communication 

As a leader in data science, Lina has come to value transparency and communication as crucial components of successful leadership. “In data, it’s easy to work in silos, just focusing on tasks and moving on to the next. But the real impact comes from socialising your work, talking about it, and getting others involved.” 

She emphasises the need to over-communicate and collaborate, especially in a technical field where different teams need to align to achieve broader goals. “I tell my junior managers to socialise their team’s work, make it known across the company. This is what sparks innovation and drives change.” 

Building Strong Teams and Advocating for Women 

Lina believes that the future of women in tech lies in building strong, supportive teams where women can thrive. “We need more awards recognising strong leadership and influence, particularly for those who manage teams effectively. Women often juggle multiple responsibilities, and we need to celebrate those who excel at managing people while balancing various roles.” 

She also advocates for women to be more confident in their career progression and to take ownership of their achievements. “You have to own your accomplishments. The more you talk about them, the easier it becomes.” 

Empowering the Next Generation 

Looking ahead, Lina is optimistic about the future of women in tech. She envisions a world where gender bias fades into the background, and individuals are valued for their skills rather than their gender. “With advancements in technology, the future is about matching people’s skills with the right roles. Everyone should have the opportunity to contribute and feel empowered in their environment.” 

She encourages young women entering the tech field to take creative risks, think outside the box, and leverage their unique strengths. “Think about the soft skills you have—communication, organisation, and creativity. These are skills that not everyone possesses, and they can be just as valuable as technical expertise.” 

Final Thoughts 

Lina’s story is a powerful reminder that career paths are rarely linear, and the willingness to take risks and pivot when necessary can lead to incredible opportunities. For women in tech, her message is clear: embrace the journey, advocate for yourself, and never stop learning.