The article features an interview with the Chancellor of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN), who compares her role to that of a Chief Operating Officer in a private company, emphasizing her aim to modernize the institution. She acknowledges the challenges that come with managing an organization traditionally viewed through a bureaucratic lens, expressing a desire to shift perceptions about public service roles in Poland, which currently hold negative connotations.

The Chancellor reflects on her background in the private sector, suggesting that her experience informs her approach to leading PAN towards a future-oriented model. She aims to transform PAN into a modern organization that addresses the challenges of the 21st century, distancing it from outdated bureaucratic practices. This modernization is not only seen as a professional desire but also as a personal mission to contribute meaningfully to the state and society.

In her vision, the Chancellor emphasizes the importance of overcoming hierarchical and caste-like structures within the organization and highlights the need to confront societal fears surrounding strong female leadership. Her initiative speaks to broader themes of gender equality in leadership roles and reflects an ongoing challenge in Polish society regarding the embrace of women in powerful positions.