My academic journey began at the Warsaw School of Economics and the University of Warsaw Law School. After high school, I was admitted to both institutions but felt confined by the idea of focusing solely on either law or business. I craved a comprehensive understanding, fearing that dedicating myself to one discipline would mean missing essential insights from the other. Each time I heard a businessperson claim, "I am not a lawyer," or a lawyer confess, "This is not my expertise," I felt a part of me wither for their unwillingness to go the extra mile to explain and further my understanding of “why?”. This frustration drove me to pursue dual degrees, integrating the analytical depth of economics with the structured reasoning of law so that in the future I could operate in international relations, business or law with a more comprehensive perspective.

At the Warsaw School of Economics, I immersed myself in international business and economics, learning how markets and laws influence each other and drive global business decisions. Classes and projects on international mergers and the impacts of European Union laws on trade sharpened my understanding of how markets and laws influence each other and drive business decisions globally. Under the guidance of some of the country's most knowledgeable professors, I explored how different countries manage economic policies and legal frameworks. These studies didn't just fill my days with facts and theories but thanks to people and projects they made possible also taught me how to think and act strategically . This hands-on approach allowed to gain fundamental skills that are crucial, indeed indispensable, in the fast-paced world of international business.

This blog post is for anyone developing their educational or professional path, looking for insights into the intersection of economics and law and practical applications of this knowledge. I hope to share the lessons I've learned about viewing challenges through multiple lenses and approaching problems with creativity and discipline. Join me to explore how an open-minded approach to education can lead to a meaningful career and a richer, more informed way of engaging with the world. I aim to show how staying curious and embracing diverse educational experiences can shape us into better thinkers, leaders, and innovators.

My initial interest in international business and economic relations stemmed from a desire to engage with the world beyond foundational economic theories and narrow specialized fields like quantitative methods or corporate finance. These choices at the Warsaw School of Economics (SGH) seemed too restrictive and disconnected from the broader dynamics of the global market. Similarly, a sole focus on management appeared to concentrate only on methods without exploring the substantive reasons behind economic phenomena—the "why" and "what" I was eager to understand.

Entering my undergraduate studies, I aimed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between countries and companies within European economies. I wanted to learn how to analyze international competitiveness and understand the mechanisms and strategies underlying corporate and international finance. My goal was to grasp real-life international business transactions, international marketing and management specifics, and the economic integration process within the EU. I sought an education that would equip me to engage with international organizations, understand public international law, and recognize the factors influencing countries' and companies' positions globally.

Transitioning into university life involved managing an intensive schedule across two universities, which often left me physically and emotionally drained. The first two years were particularly daunting, filled with foundational and mandatory courses with little overlap between economics and law. This forced me to find creative ways to connect these subjects, making it both a challenge and an invigorating academic exercise.

During this period, I encountered Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber's "The American Challenge," a compelling analysis of the technological and economic advancements of the United States during the 1960s and their impact on Europe. The book argues that America's dominance in technology and business could potentially stifle European development unless significant policy and industrial reforms were undertaken. This thesis struck a chord with me, highlighting the urgent need for Europe to foster innovation and strengthen its industries to maintain competitiveness.

Servan-Schreiber's call for a unified European response, including greater investment in technology and education, resonated with my academic interests in economics and law. The book’s perspective on the power dynamics between the U.S. and Europe inspired me to explore how European entities could adapt to and compete within this challenging environment. This led to a transformative moment in my International Business Transactions course, which integrated theoretical knowledge with real-life business cases. Driven by my fascination with America and its challenge for the EU, I chose to focus my bachelor’s thesis on the Vivendi-Universal merger.

The merger, explored in my thesis, involved integrating Vivendi's centralized French business culture with Universal Music Group's decentralized American style. This cultural clash and strategic disagreements underscored the importance of adaptable leadership and strategic communication in managing international mergers. The insights gleaned from "The American Challenge" were instrumental in framing these issues, offering a broader understanding of the nuances involved in cross-cultural management and the significance of responsive, strategic decision-making in a global context.

Along with some friends from both universities, I helped start a youth organization called "Stowarzyszenie Inicjatywa Młodych." This group gave us a chance to work together on various projects, improving our teamwork and planning skills. It was through this group that I met my future wife, which made the whole experience even more meaningful.

Juggling studies at two universities was challenging, but it helped me learn a lot and grow stronger. I became more determined and better at managing my time and resources. These skills have ever since been very useful in my career.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I pursued graduate studies in international economic relations at the Warsaw School of Economics, driven by a desire to forge a career in public institutions, international organizations, or diplomacy. My undergraduate experiences blending economic theories with legal frameworks strongly influenced this decision. I was particularly intrigued by the role of economic law in Europe, prompting me to explore these interactions more deeply at both SGH and the University of Warsaw Law School.

During my graduate studies, studying rulings of the European Court of Justice, I became deeply intrigued by the phenomenon of merger control, particularly how governmental agencies assess the legality of business transactions, often reaching opposite conclusions for the same merger. This was especially fascinating in a transatlantic context, where, for instance, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) or Federal Trade Commission (FTC) might approve a transaction that the European Commission could block or vice-a-versa. This discrepancies of outcomes highlighted to me that there must be a fascinating world of divergent legal norms, economic theories, and institutional frameworks that governing and have a profound impact on economic activity through merger control in different jurisdictions.

I learned that in the U.S., the antitrust review process tends to emphasize consumer welfare and market efficiency, whereas the European Commission often places greater emphasis on maintaining competitive market structures. The design of the review processes also varies, with the U.S. agencies typically relying on judicial proceedings, while the European Commission employs a more administrative approach. Additionally, the institutional set-ups reflect these differences, as the European Commission acts as both investigator and decision-maker, contrasting with the U.S. system’s separation of powers. Ultimately, politics can weigh heavily on the outcome, with geopolitical considerations and national interests sometimes influencing decisions. This complex interplay of legal, economic, and political factors which makes merger control a rich area of study, was so appealing precisely due to its interdisciplinary nature and a real life example of how different regulatory environments shape global business strategies.

My fascination with the intricacies of merger control and the divergent decisions of regulatory bodies led me to investigate institutions in a broader sense. I became particularly interested in how institutions—ranging from legal and regulatory frameworks to political and economic systems—influence the international competitiveness of countries, jurisdictions, or supra-national polities. This line of inquiry revealed that robust institutions can significantly enhance a nation's competitive edge by fostering a stable and predictable environment for business operations. Conversely, weak or inconsistent institutions can hinder economic performance and deter investment.

Driven by a desire to understand these dynamics more deeply, I embarked on academic exploration that culminated in my decision to pursue Ph.D. studies and the international Ph.D. Programme in Comparative Analysis of Institutions, Economics, and Law (IEL) in Torino, Italy, offered the ideal platform for this endeavor. Coordinated by the University of Torino and Collegio Carlo Alberto, the program is supported by a consortium of globally renowned institutions, including Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (France), University of Ghent (Belgium), Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung (WZB, Germany), and London School of Economics and Political Science (United Kingdom). This interdisciplinary program focuses on the comparative study of institutions, economics, and law, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of how these elements interact in different contexts. The curriculum addresses complex issues in global economic governance, international trade, and institutional development, providing a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights. With faculty members who are leaders in their fields and a diverse cohort of students from around the world, the IEL program fosters a vibrant academic community and encourages innovative research. The emphasis on comparative analysis and the exploration of various institutional frameworks perfectly aligned with my research interests. The program’s focus on global economic governance and the role of institutions in shaping economic policy offered the tools and intellectual environment necessary to delve into these critical issues. For a detailed account of my experiences and the insights gained from the IEL program, stay tuned for a separate blog post.

My academic journey was enriched by opportunities that extended far beyond the traditional classroom setting, offering arenas where leadership and initiative were not just encouraged but essential for success. As the first founder and elected president of the Student Club for International and European Law, I was thrust into a role that demanded more than academic knowledge; it forced me to learn how to formulate a compelling vision, act diplomatically, and the gain the ability to inspire and mobilize peers towards common goals. This position was a test for my leadership skills, challenging me while organizing events, discussions on pressing legal issues, and building a cohesive community passionate about international and European law. The experience was transformative, teaching me the delicate art of balancing diverse opinions and fostering an environment where debate and collaboration could flourish.

Throughout my graduate studies, I actively sought opportunities to apply what I was learning outside the classroom or the university setting.

One such significant stint was my internship at the New Atlantic Initiative of the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, DC, under the sponsorship of Radoslaw Sikorski where I utilized my theoretical knowledge in economics and international relations to support the Resident Fellows' research. Although my visa restrictions limited paid employment opportunities that I sought in American business, this role allowed me to apply my academic learning in a meaningful way, organizing conferences and engaging with global issues such as, war in Iraq, firsthand. More on this in a separate blogpost:

Upon returning to Poland, I tested my knowledge further by joining Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, leveraging both my academic background and practical skills in a demanding business environment. My fluency in English and German, honed during my time at Warsaw School of Economics and practiced abroad, proved invaluable in these roles.

Each phase was instrumental in shaping my approach to professional challenges in business and economics. The application of academic training to real-world situations prepared me not just for a career but for a lifelong pursuit of interdisciplinary learning.

To those navigating their educational paths or considering a future in international business and economic relations, I encourage exploring the breadth and depth of this field. Embrace interdisciplinary learning and step outside your comfort zones. The world of international relations, business, and law is vast and varied, rewarding those willing to dive deep and understand its nuances.

I invite you to share your experiences and questions in my WhatsApp community. Your insights enrich our discussion and contribute to a broader community of learners and professionals striving to make a difference in the world.