Joining Civitta was exciting because of the dynamic and fast-paced environment. Coming from more structured roles, the unpredictability here was both challenging and a great opportunity for growth. In the innovation ecosystem, every day brings something new, and adapting to this energizing environment has been a rewarding experience!
Behind the scenes series – Adam Bystron
March 7, 2025
Hi Adam! How did you start your career in Civitta?
Was there a particular moment that influenced your decision to join?
I first discovered Civitta during university while researching my master’s dissertation on SMEs in Slovakia and their crisis-driven innovation strategies. A report and a LinkedIn connection, now my colleague, caught my attention and inspired me to learn more about Civitta.
Years ago, I came across Civitta, but it wasn’t until I started thinking about moving back to Slovakia from London that it popped back into my mind. While job hunting, I spotted a Civitta ad, and it instantly felt familiar. The moment I realized why, I knew I had to apply. When I got the interview invitation, I was beyond excited! I joined in March 2024, and it’s been an amazing journey ever since.
Can you tell us more about your role and how it is to work on innovation projects, as the Challenger Accelerator?
I was recently promoted to Senior Consultant! At Civitta, that means managing projects end-to-end — connecting with partners, participants, and hosts. The best part? Meeting incredible people, hearing their stories, and gaining fresh insights that shape the ecosystem we’re building.
The Challenger Accelerator pushes boundaries by inspiring innovation beyond the market’s status quo. This year, we focused on helping Slovak scientists commercialize their research. It was an inspiring journey for me personally, as we supported these brilliant minds in transitioning their ideas into something tangible and impactful.
What stood out most was seeing the transformation of our participants over the three-month course. These scientists, often without enough support, truly valued what we provided. Watching their growth in such a short time was moving and reinforced the impact of our work in accelerating their progress.
The most rewarding part of projects like these is seeing tangible results. Knowing my work contributes to positive change, especially in my home country, is deeply satisfying. While I could pursue similar opportunities abroad for better financial gain or exposure, the emotional fulfillment of making a difference where I was born is unmatched. That’s what keeps me inspired and motivated.
Can you share some unexpected challenges you’ve encountered during your journey here?
One challenge I’ve faced is managing projects with multiple stakeholders. As the main point of contact, I’m responsible for balancing everyone’s expectations, which can sometimes be tough. It’s all about being adaptable, putting myself in others’ shoes, and finding that balance. It requires strong problem-solving and emotional intelligence, but I see it as a chance to grow and continuously improve.
At first, the constant change was overwhelming, but now I see it as one of the best parts of the job. It pushes me to think creatively, stay flexible, and find solutions to new challenges, helping me grow in adaptability and resilience.
Looking ahead, what trends or developments in innovation and entrepreneurship excite you the most?
Entrepreneurship has always been close to my heart, shaped by my parents’ business journey. Growing up in that environment, I learned the importance of innovation, perseverance, and pushing boundaries. It inspired me to study abroad and embrace new opportunities. To me, entrepreneurship is about changing perspectives and helping people approach challenges with creativity and confidence.
Innovation is about challenging the status quo and turning the “impossible” into reality. At Civitta and university, I’ve seen how it transforms people, giving them the tools to make an impact. I’m excited for the future, where entrepreneurship and innovation will continue to inspire me to foster growth, risk-taking, and meaningful change.
What motivates you to create innovative solutions and help bring ideas to life?
At Civitta, a great company culture is built on inspiring teams, which makes it easier to stay motivated and deliver our best work. Collaboration feels natural, and creativity flows in informal settings, like casual coffee chats.
To stay driven, I organize my thoughts and set goals each morning. Keeping everything structured helps me stay focused. Most importantly, I do work I love. When passion, organization, and the right people come together, creating meaningful solutions becomes effortless.
If you could describe your professional philosophy in one sentence, what would it be and how has it shaped your career?
“Surround yourself with like-minded people, remind yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing, and work hard so you can always be proud of what you’ve achieved.” This philosophy has shaped my career by keeping me focused on the people, the purpose, and the effort behind everything I do. Being around like-minded individuals creates a collaborative environment that sparks creativity and innovation.
Reminding myself of the purpose behind my work helps me stay motivated, even during challenging times. And working hard ensures that when I look back, I can feel proud of what I’ve accomplished without regret. For me, it’s not just about professional achievements — it’s a mindset that applies to both personal and professional life.
What’s something about you that your colleagues might not know?
I enjoy making genuine connections and love sparking conversations. As an extrovert, I’m all in when the dialogue flows naturally. While I keep some things private, I’m always up for chatting and building connections that bring people together.
Walking into Civitta, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was definitely impressed. The vibe here is all about approachable, friendly people who make it easy to connect and collaborate.The moment I arrived, I felt it was a perfect match for my personality and values.
Thank you, Adam! Lastly, what would you say to someone considering Civitta, and what key qualities are needed for a role like yours?
The first thing I’d tell someone considering Civitta is to ask themselves if they’re ready for the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of innovation and consulting. It’s not just about Civitta; it’s about thriving in a dynamic ecosystem that pushes you to think creatively and embrace new ways of working. You’ll need creativity, adaptability, and the willingness to tackle challenges head-on.
At Civitta, collaboration is everything! Being open, approachable, and eager to share ideas will set you up for success. The environment here is dynamic and full of energy, so embracing a mindset of creativity, resilience, and a passion to push boundaries will help you make a real impact. If you’re ready for that, you’ll excel!