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Let’s Get to Know Our Long-term Employee and COO, Jurga

We are delighted to present another exclusive interview, this time featuring Jurga, one of the cornerstones of the Metasite team, with a remarkable tenure of 16 years. As our Chief Operating Officer (COO), she stands as the guiding force and strategic mind behind our software engineering teams.

What was your journey to becoming a COO at Metasite?

I joined Metasite in 2008 as a project manager. After a few years, I transitioned to the role of a Key Account Manager. Following a change in the organisational structure, I was offered the opportunity to lead the Project Management Department. Subsequently, with another restructuring that introduced a team-based approach, I assumed the responsibility of overseeing several software development teams, and since July 2022 I have overseen all of them.

Why do you do what you do – in other words, why does being a COO and guiding team leads at a software engineering company tickle your fancy?

This role is about combining strategic thinking and creative problem-solving. I have to navigate the diverse interests at play, anticipate future outcomes, and make the best possible decisions given the constraints and unknowns. When my efforts lead to positive results for the business and the people involved (who are an essential part of it), it brings me a great sense of joy.

What are the things you dislike the most in your work?

One aspect of my work I find particularly challenging occurs when numerous tasks, often small yet crucial, require simultaneous attention, leaving scant time to address them all. Balancing priorities at such times can be quite strenuous.

Over the years, I have become more adept at managing my focus. It goes without saying, as Peter Drucker remarked, ‘There is nothing quite so useless as doing with great efficiency something that should not be done at all’.

Is there a project you have worked on at Metasite that you’ve found particularly interesting, challenging, or satisfying? Why?

I enjoyed the Metasite reorganisation project, where the organisational structure shifted from matrix to one based on cross-functional teams. This change involved the entire company, making it an interesting learning experience for all of us.

What have you gained from working at Metasite?

An understanding that a truly good business can only be achieved through partnership with your clients and employees.

Any recommendations for books, movies, or professionals in our field?

First of all, I find it challenging to recommend things to others because the meaning and relevance of the topic can change within a matter of minutes.

In the context of my professional field, I have recently been reading and listening to Roger Martin, Richard P. Rumelt, Henry Mintzberg, David Farley, Martin Fowler, and Nicole Forsgren. I appreciate their perspectives and therefore recommend looking them up.

What’s next on your “to-learn” bucket list?

My “to-learn” bucket list is constantly evolving, encompassing a wide range of subjects. It includes everything from new developments in the technology field to neuroscience, human behaviour, history, current affairs etc.

How do you see our field evolving in the next 5-10 years?

I anticipate new tools simplifying tasks but hope for a sustained demand for deep, creative thinking. In general, the human brain is one of the best tools that people can use today and in the future.

What is your favourite way to unwind?

In my free time, I cherish simple pleasures like family time, yoga, reading, and gastronomic delights. Travelling is a passion too – it teaches so much about the world and the concept of ‘normal’. Also, the powers of nature keep me inspired.

Do you have a favourite quote?

I have several:

‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder’, meaning that all is deeply subjective and depends upon the context and one’s personal beliefs.

‘Question everything’ analysing information, events, yourself and the behaviour of other helps to get a more comprehensive understanding of the world.

‘It is wrong to suppose that if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it – a costly myth.’ – W. Edwards Deming. This resonates from a leadership perspective, as I firmly agree that you don’t necessarily have to measure everything to lead effectively.

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