WSB-NLU Partner of the 25th Lesser Poland Entrepreneurs Forum

The 25th Anniversary Lesser Poland Entrepreneurs Forum is now behind us - one of the region’s key events dedicated to business development, innovation, leadership, and the future of the regional economy. This year’s edition, held under the theme “The Lesser Poland Alchemy of Business” brought together individuals who actively shape the worlds of entrepreneurship, science, new technologies, and management. The Higher School of Business - National Louis University, headquartered in Nowy Sącz, was a partner of the event, underscoring its commitment to initiatives that connect academic education, business practice, and a responsible approach to the challenges of today’s labor market.

The Forum provided a platform for discussions on how bold ideas evolve into recognizable brands, how entrepreneurs’ visions and ambitions translate into tangible business projects, and why Lesser Poland continues to attract leaders, experts, and creators of innovative solutions. Participants discussed the mechanisms behind company growth, the importance of modern leadership, leaders responsibilities, and the role of technology in decision - making processes. Particular attention was given to the relationship between people and digital tools - not only in terms of efficiency, but also employee well-being, mental resilience, and the quality of teamwork.

One of the program highlights was the panel discussion “Computer Science and Psychology in the Service of Performance - How AI and Digital Tools Can Support Team Mental Well-Being and Prevent Decision-Making Errors.” The discussion was moderated by Przemysław Franczak, and the panelists included Dr. Monika Pyrczak-Piega from WSB-NLU and Dr. Eng. Daniel Grzonka, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics at Kraków University of Technology. The topic aligned perfectly with the interdisciplinary nature of the Forum, combining psychological, social, technological, and organizational perspectives.

During the discussion, the panelists addressed issues of particular importance to modern leaders and teams operating in an environment of constant change. Topics included where the line lies between being a visible, responsible leader and unnecessarily turning leadership into celebrity status; how to manage one’s own energy as well as the energy of a team; and how artificial intelligence and digital tools can support employees mental well-being. Another important theme was the use of technology to reduce decision-making errors, monitor workloads, and create more conscious, resilient, and effective work environments.

Dr. Monika Pyrczak-Piega’s participation in the panel was especially valuable due to her many years of academic, teaching, and professional experience. Dr. Monika Pyrczak-Piega holds a PhD in Social Sciences in the discipline of Sociology, a Master’s degree in Psychology, and is a FASD diagnostician, EEG Biofeedback therapist, Social Skills Training (SST) instructor, and career counselor. She has worked as an academic lecturer since 2012. She has extensive experience as a psychologist and counselor for people with disabilities, as well as in cooperation with organizations supporting development, social activation, and professional integration.

Her professional interests and practice focus on issues related to disability, family psychology, the development of social competencies, adult psychopathology, and human development across the lifespan. She conducts training sessions, workshops, and diagnostic and therapeutic activities, combining academic knowledge with professional practice. As a result, she brings to public debate a perspective grounded both in research and academic experience, as well as in direct work with individuals, teams, and institutions.

For many years, Dr. Monika Pyrczak-Piega has been involved in supporting people with disabilities, career counseling, diagnostics, and training activities. She also collaborates with organizations focused on development, social and professional activation, and accessibility. Her experience makes issues related to well-being, mental resilience, social competencies, and responsible support for human development a natural area of her expert activity.

WSB-NLU’s presence as a partner of the 25th Lesser Poland Entrepreneurs Forum and the participation of the university’s representative in the expert debate confirm the importance of cooperation between science, business, and new technologies. Today’s organizations need not only tools that increase efficiency, but also knowledge that enables a better understanding of people - their needs, limitations, and potential. In this context, the combination of computer science, psychology, and management is becoming one of the key directions in the development of modern workplaces.

The anniversary edition of the Forum demonstrated that Lesser Poland is a region open to dialogue, innovation, and responsible leadership. The discussions were substantive, practical, and future oriented both economically and socially. WSB-NLU’s participation in this event represents an important element of the university’s commitment to initiatives that strengthen relationships between the academic community and business practice, while supporting the development of competencies needed in a world of dynamic change.

Photo: Anna Kaczmarz.