Monday Meets Karolina Gasiorowska - Village Operations Manager

Meet Karolina Gasiorowska , Village Operations Manager at Derwent London, whose journey at the company has spanned 14 years. Starting in a front-of-house role to overseeing buildings across our East London village, she ensures the properties are safe by maintaining the highest service standards and creates working environments that inspire and engage. In her #MondayMeets below, learn more about her progression, her passion for creating vibrant, people-focused environments, and her advice for those looking to enter the industry.

What’s keeping you busy at the moment?

Since January, I’ve taken on the exciting challenge of managing a new area of the portfolio, diving deep into understanding the assets, getting to know the teams, and engaging with our occupiers. Every building brings its own set of unique challenges, but the unwavering dedication of our on-site teams to providing top-notch service makes the collaboration truly rewarding.

How did you get into the property industry?

My journey in the property industry began in 2010 when I worked in the Front of House team at 100 George Street, which is now part of the 25 Baker St. scheme. At the time, my knowledge of the property world was pretty limited, but the daily challenges of the building environment quickly turned me into a sponge for learning about building operations. It wasn’t long before I transitioned to the Building Management team at The Buckley Building in Clerkenwell. By 2016, I was ready for a new adventure and applied for a permanent role at Derwent London as Building Manager at The White Chapel Building, and in 2021 progressed to Village Operations Manager. I have continued to expand my expertise and embrace new challenges, managing buildings across our east London portfolio – the vibrant villages of Old Street, Clerkenwell, and Angel.?

What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day, I need to be ready to deal with the unpredictable nature of my role and the areas of the portfolio I oversee. While a portion of my role involves regular meetings and process reviews, anyone in facilities management will tell you that much of our work is about reacting to the unexpected. My job is to make sure we’re always ready for those curveballs and to minimize any negative impact when they come our way. But it’s not just about putting out fires; it’s also about constantly striving to improve and ensuring that each day we’re a little better prepared than the last. Because, let’s face it, if everything went smoothly all the time, where would the fun be in that?

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy connecting with people and creating communities. For me, Derwent buildings aren’t just about the beautiful design – they are about the people and how they feel whilst they are in them. Whether they are maintenance staff or the Executive Director, I want everyone to feel special and have a memorable impression of our buildings.

What are some of the key challenges you face??

One of my current challenges is balancing multiple priorities, including re-evaluating and streamlining our current processes while introducing new ones to improve efficiency. I’m also actively involved in recruiting for roles across my villages, which requires significant time and attention. Managing these tasks alongside day-to-day responsibilities has been challenging, but it's an exciting opportunity to drive positive change and growth.

What has been your highlight at Derwent London so far?

I’ve been with Derwent for nearly 14 years, and choosing just one standout moment is no easy task. The good days have given me wonderful memories, while the challenging ones have taught me invaluable lessons. Along the way, I’ve built strong relationships, some of which have blossomed into lasting friendships. One of my proudest moments was witnessing our team rise to the occasion during a fire next door to The White Chapel Building. Not only did they seamlessly secure our building and ensure everyone’s safety, but they also went the extra mile by providing the emergency responders with support and refreshments. Each team member played a crucial role, demonstrating the integrity and community spirit we cherish. Their natural commitment and desire to contribute exemplify our core values.

Now I am looking forward to abseiling from the 17th floor of White Collar Factory next week as part of a fundraising event for UCLH Charity . Not only will it be a memorable moment, but we will also help support a fantastic charity.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into what you do?

Like many of my peers, I stumbled into this role. I started out in Front of House, but as my curiosity grew, so did my responsibilities! Now, I get to play a part in making sure buildings are safe and comfortable for everyone, which is very rewarding. My advice for anyone considering this path is to stay curious – ask questions, dig into the behind-the-scenes workings, and never stop learning. Oh, and don’t forget to rack up those qualifications, like IOSH, along the way! It’s all part of the journey.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I kick off my mornings with a solid workout and a podcast to energise me for the day. After a busy day at work, I unwind by taking my dog for a walk, diving into a book, or enjoying a good comedy. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between staying active, staying entertained, and spending quality time with my furry friend.