Bridging Business and Cultures with Ada Dyndo, Director of
Indo Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IPCCI) – India
Desk, President of Women Indian Chamber of Commerce
Industry (WICCI) India-EU Business Council
Meet ‘Ada Dyndo’ , the Director of the India Desk at the Indo-Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IPCCI) and the President of the India-EU Business Council at the Women Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WICCI). Recognized as one of the Top under 40 Europe-India leaders by the Europe India Centre for Business and Industry, Ada has been instrumental in shaping the future of EU-India relations. Her leadership and strategic vision have significantly contributed to strengthening business ties between India and Europe, fostering collaboration, and driving economic growth. Rajni Vohra, Director of WahWoman, had the opportunity to interview her. Here is the conversation:
Rajni Vohra -What inspired you to focus on India-Poland business relations, and what unique challenges and opportunities have you encountered in this role?
Ada Dyndo- My adventure with India began over 14 years ago with an Erasmus Mundus exchange program that first brought me to South Asia. Intrigued by India rich cultural diversity and driven to deepen my understanding, I pursued studies in Indology to equip myself with language and cultural skills for navigating the dynamic landscapes of this region. This academic pursuit not only broadened my perspectives but also ignited my passion to explore professional
opportunities between India and Poland.
After gaining diverse experience in international organizations through various communication roles, I eagerly accepted the opportunity to lead the Polish Investment and Trade Agency in India. At the age of 27, armed with my love for India and a drive for challenges (and perhaps a touch of stubbornness too), I relocated to Mumbai to establish Poland trade office there. This role marked a significant milestone not only for me personally but also for enhancing business relations between India and Poland, providing direct support to Polish companies exploring the vibrant Indian market. Since then, my journey as a young professional woman has been a captivating mix of challenges and achievements, navigating the nuances of India and Poland’s business environments. Over the past eight years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the complexities and rewards of nurturing cross-cultural business relations. Recognized in 2021 as a Top under 40 Europe-India Leader, I ‘ve dedicated myself to bridging the gap between these two economies while also championing women leadership as the President of WICCI’s India-EU Business Council. This path hasn’t been without its obstacles—cultural intricacies, regulatory landscapes, and differing business practices have all demanded adept navigation. Yet, within these challenges lie vast opportunities for innovation and growth, which continue to fuel my dedication. My mission remains steadfast: to cultivate robust partnerships that transcend borders and foster mutual understanding between Indian and Polish businesses. Whether through facilitating meetings, forging strategic alliances, or promoting bilateral trade, every initiative aims to strengthen the foundation of collaboration.
Looking ahead, with a firm belief in the transformative power of cross-cultural exchange and collaboration, I am committed to leveraging my unique background as a Polish woman, business leader, advisor, Indologist, and Hindi speaker for mutual benefit.
Rajni Vohra – Could you share some key initiatives or projects that IPCCI has undertaken to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Poland?
Ada Dyndo –The Indo Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IPCCI) has played a pivotal role for decades in facilitating direct interactions between Indian and Polish companies. Founded in 2008 by JJ Singh, it has initiated several impactful projects aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between India and Poland. These initiatives include organizing trade missions, promoting technological collaboration and innovation, and facilitating business-to-business (B2B) engagements.
Having served as the Head of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, I have had the privilege of collaborating extensively with IPCCI during numerous delegations of Polish companies to India. The Chamber steadfast presence at major business events and its unwavering commitment to fostering Poland-India relations over the years is commendable. It is indeed a great honour for me to now be a part of this esteemed organization that gathers successful business leaders dedicated to enhancing bilateral ties and driving mutual prosperity.
Rajni Vohra – In your experience, what are the key factors that contribute to successful business collaborations between Indian and Polish companies?
Ada Dyndo – In my experience, the key factors that contribute to successful business collaborations between Indian and Polish companies revolve around several critical elements. Firstly, understanding and respecting cultural nuances play a pivotal role. Both countries have distinct cultural
practices and business etiquette that must be acknowledged and navigated with sensitivity. Clear communication is equally essential. Effective communication ensures that messages are accurately conveyed and understood, thereby minimizing misunderstandings and fostering productive dialogue. This clarity extends beyond language proficiency to encompass cultural context and business expectations.
Additionally, having a shared vision is crucial. When Indian and Polish companies align their goals and aspirations for collaboration, it creates a foundation of mutual understanding and commitment. As a Poland-India business advisor, I facilitate these alignments by providing market insights and networking opportunities. These efforts include organizing tailored B2B meetings, workshops, and seminars that allow businesses from both countries to gain deeper insights into each other’s markets and build trust. Moreover, sustaining successful collaborations requires ongoing support and nurturing. My role as a catalyst involves not only initiating these collaborations but also ensuring their longevity and growth over time. This proactive approach helps mitigate challenges, seize opportunities for innovation, and strengthen the partnership between Indian and Polish companies, ultimately driving mutual success in the dynamic global market landscape.
Rajni Vohra- How do you see the future of economic and trade relations between India and Poland evolving, especially in light of global economic trends and technological advancements?
Ada Dyndo –Looking forward, the future of economic and trade relations between India and Poland holds significant promise, especially as both nations prioritize digitalization and sustainable development. Areas such as fintech and renewable energy stand out as mutual areas of interest where collaborative efforts can yield substantial benefits. The global shift towards green technologies also presents fresh opportunities for joint ventures aimed at addressing environmental challenges while fostering economic growth.
Furthermore, the potential for Indian investors to contribute to Poland economic landscape is considerable. With Poland strategic location, skilled workforce, and supportive business environment, it offers a fertile ground for foreign investment. Indian companies, known for their entrepreneurship and innovation, can play a pivotal role in sectors such as technology and IT contributing to Poland economic diversification.By leveraging technological advancements and embracing sustainable practices, both nations can forge a robust partnership that drives inclusive development and shapes the future of global trade.
Rajni Vohra – As the Director of the India Desk at IPCCI, how do you navigate cultural differences and business practices to foster meaningful partnerships and sustainable growth for businesses in both countries?
Ada Dyndo – Navigating cultural differences requires empathy, patience, and a proactive approach. I prioritize building strong personal relationships with stakeholders from both nations and emphasize honesty in business dealings. Central to my approach is creating an environment of mutual respect and open communication.
By promoting understanding and appreciation of each other backgrounds, I strive to foster a conducive atmosphere for collaboration and partnership. I firmly believe that a more inclusive business environment, ensuring equal participation of women, leads to better results. This approach ensures that businesses are well-prepared and confident in engaging with their international counterparts, thereby enhancing the prospects for successful, enduring partnerships.
My ultimate goal is to cultivate sustainable partnerships that go beyond immediate business transactions to contribute to the long-term development of both India and Poland – two countries that I deeply value as my home.
Rajni Vohra-Thank you for the insightful conversation.