Adam Szymański’s path to project management

Adam Szymański joined FairWind with no wind industry or construction experience. Today, he’s helping shape major offshore projects and developing the next generation of leaders.  Adam’s journey shows just what’s possible at FairWind.

When did you first join FairWind?

I joined FairWind in April 2018 after leaving a role at a technical solutions provider for Microsoft in Poland. That job gave me a solid business foundation and helped build my commercial awareness, but I knew it wasn’t the long‑term direction I wanted. I was looking for a career path where my decisions would have real operational impact, something more dynamic and business‑oriented.

My ex‑wife’s brother, who worked as a site manager in the wind industry, recommended the sector. When I started looking, FairWind stood out. The industry was already exciting back in 2018, and I felt drawn to its potential, so I applied for a Project Coordinator position. Because I didn’t yet have construction experience, I joined as a Project Assistant, with a clear path to grow.

What did your early role involve?

As a Project Assistant, I effectively learned the ropes of both project coordination and site administration. I worked closely with my first coordinator,  who guided me through the fundamentals before I started handling tasks independently.

After a couple of months, I started joining technicians on site. I wanted to see the work firsthand, to understand their challenges, the workflow, and the consequences of day‑to‑day decisions. I’ve always believed that everyone working on a construction site should spend time with the technicians. It builds team understanding, respect, and ultimately improves decision‑making.

Being present on site also helped me build strong relationships. Instead of being seen as someone working “in the back office,” I became part of the team.

Were there any key turning points or people who shaped your career?

There have been so many people who had a major influence on my development that it’s impossible to name names.

There was my first mentor in the organisation who helped build my confidence during the early days of my career and also of note was one of my earliest client-side project managers who had a leadership style that completely changed how I understood people management.

One particularly significant turning point came during a highly challenging. During this time, a senior colleague recognised my capability and encouraged me to step into an informal site manager role. That trust played a key role in shaping my confidence in decision-making.

Another invited me to support offshore execution on a major project and his belief in my strategic ability, and the mentorship he provided over several years, played an important role in my development into my current project management responsibilities.

Each of these individuals taught me something different: leadership, technical understanding, strategic thinking, and the importance of pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone.

What skills have been most important in your growth?

Ninety percent of what I’ve learned has come from experience, not textbooks. Formal frameworks are useful, but real development happens on site, solving problems as they arise, and learning to work with people.

Human skills like communication, leadership, emotional awareness are what truly matter. Technical knowledge can be taught, but the ability to adapt, motivate, and collaborate comes only from lived experience.

What makes you proudest in your career so far?

I can’t pinpoint just one moment. My proudest achievements all relate to seeing others grow.

Developing people like technicians who became site managers or coordinators who have progressed under my guidance is what fulfils me the most. Recently my team surprised me with a small gift, thanking me for always supporting their wellbeing. That meant a lot.

If I had to summarise: my proudest moments are when the people around me succeed.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

Two things stand out:

The team’s success – Seeing my team progress and thrive motivates me every day.

The fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment – No two days are the same in this industry. There’s always a new challenge waiting, and that constant movement keeps me energised and engaged.

How would you describe FairWind’s team culture?

FairWind’s culture varies across regions and departments, but one thing is consistent: we support each other. Many strong friendships have formed here, and the organisation genuinely tries to encourage collaboration and ensure people feel heard.

As we grow globally, communication becomes more complex, but there’s an ongoing effort to improve. There’s no one style that works for everyone, but we’re learning and striving to be better.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in the wind industry?

Stop thinking and just do it.

This industry is fast‑paced, constantly evolving, and full of opportunity. Its biggest growth is still ahead. There is room for all types of personalities and backgrounds as the industry genuinely gives people chances to develop.

There will be challenges, but the potential for growth for technicians, coordinators, managers, anyone, is tremendous. It’s a beautiful industry to be part of.