From the 11th to the 14th of September, I had the joy of joining the Gdańsk Book Fair, a vibrant celebration of stories, authors, and ideas.
The fair was full of energy and curiosity. There were book stands for every taste: psychology, fantasy, children’s literature, history, and culture. I knew I had to set a purchase limit before walking in: one book per child, and one for myself. Let’s just say… it was not easy to stick to.
But more than the books I brought home, what stayed with me were the conversations.
Connection Between Authors
At the Graphito stand, I had the pleasure of co-creating a space with other brilliant Polish women authors. Each of us brought something different, a unique voice, a different theme, and yet there was a deep, unspoken connection between us.
Our conversations were open, thoughtful, and even vulnerable at times. We spoke not just about our books, but about the emotional process behind writing and publishing. It reminded me that authorship isn’t just about having something to say, it’s about choosing to say it with honesty.
Meaningful Encounters
Some of the most touching moments came from spontaneous chats with people who stopped by the stand. Many were drawn to the Masala@Work cover — its colors, its title — even if they had no previous connection to Indian culture. And still, we ended up speaking about culture: Polish culture, hybrid identity, global values, and everyday differences.
One woman in particular left a mark. She teaches Polish to adult learners, many of them Indian expats living in Poland. She shared stories of warmth, openness, and mutual discovery that happen in her classroom. It was a beautiful reminder of how language and culture are never just academic; they’re deeply human.
Polish Culture in Business
Some of our discussions raised bold, honest questions. One of them was:
“Are Polish people culturally difficult to work with?”
The idea wasn’t to stereotype or criticize, but to invite reflection. Do we realize how our norms, communication styles, and assumptions might feel confusing or rigid to others? Can we look at our own culture with the same curiosity we bring to others? The idea wasn’t to stereotype or criticize, but to invite reflection. Do we realize how our norms, communication styles, and assumptions might feel confusing or rigid to others? Can we look at our own culture with the same curiosity we bring to others?
That question stayed with me: What do you think?
Travel and Openness
Another recurring theme was travel. Does it always broaden your mind?
The answer, we agreed, is: it depends. Travel can expose you to differences, but it doesn’t guarantee openness. Sometimes it reinforces what you already believe. Sometimes it deepens stereotypes instead of breaking them.
Openness is not about where you go, but how willing you are to see, listen, and let something shift inside you.
Globalization and Cultural Identity
Some visitors brought up the idea that “we’re all becoming one global business culture.” Cultural differences are fading, especially in professional settings.
I see it differently.
Yes, there are shared tools, technologies, and processes. But values? Expectations? Approaches to leadership, trust, or conflict? Those still vary — deeply. Globalization doesn’t erase culture. It just means we need better tools to navigate it.
Women in Leadership
Throughout the fair, I kept returning to a quiet but powerful thought: how meaningful it is to see so many women leading as authors, thinkers, and businesswomen.
There is something undeniably strong about showing up in spaces like these. Publishing a book, telling your story, claiming your place at the table. Sometimes, that alone is a form of leadership.
Final Thoughts
The Gdańsk Book Fair was more than a literary event. It was a space of cultural exchange, emotional generosity, and critical thinking. And it left me with new questions to carry forward:
• What makes a culture “difficult”, and who gets to decide?
• Can travel make us more closed instead of open?
• Is globalization flattening differences, or simply demanding more nuance?
If any of these reflections resonate, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s keep the conversation going.
PS — A little bonus:
During the fair, we made a limited number of copies of Masala@Work available in English!!
The official English-language launch is still on the horizon, but if you’re curious… don’t miss your chance to get it when the time comes. Stay tuned — it’s closer than you think. 😉