Building Success in Luxembourg: Polish Business Leaders Reveal Their Secrets
“Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Join business associations, attend events, and actively connect with professionals in your field”, advised Igor Jelinski-Gaillardin, Co-Owner & CEO of FreeLens TV, during an exclusive discussion at the latest Luxembourg-Poland Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) event.
On March 5, 2025, a handful of professionals gathered to explore what it takes to succeed in Luxembourg’s business landscape. Hosted by the Polish Embassy, the evening featured an in-depth conversation with Jelinski-Gaillardin, who shared his transition from finance to audiovisual production. His key message? Success in any industry is about people—understanding their needs, behaviors, and aspirations.
Having worked across multiple sectors, from FMCG to chemicals and automotive, Jelinski-Gaillardin emphasized the importance of adaptability. “A great idea alone is never enough—it must be executed with precision and discipline”, he said, explaining how structured creativity fuels innovation. He also highlighted the role of trust in Luxembourg’s business culture, where long-term relationships often carry more weight than immediate results.
For those looking to break into the Luxembourg market, the advice was clear: be proactive, embrace cultural diversity, and leverage every opportunity to network. “Coming from Poland, you might expect a more structured corporate culture, but here, flexibility and informal connections often lead to the best opportunities”, he noted.
Let’s dive deeper into some of the questions raised during the meeting and the key takeaways from Igor’s responses.
Your career path has been quite diverse—from finance and change management to audiovisual production. What inspired you to make such a significant transition?
I’ve always been drawn to creativity, having grown up in an artistic environment, with my mother being an actress and singer. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a war photojournalist. However, I initially took a more structured path in finance and management, influenced by my father, a CEO, which provided me with valuable business expertise. The transition to audiovisual production wasn’t a sudden leap but rather a return to my roots—combining my strategic skills with my passion for storytelling and visual creation. FreeLens allows me to bridge both worlds: the discipline of business with the expressive power of audiovisual media.
Having worked in various industries such as FMCG, chemicals, and automotive, what lessons have you carried into the world of audiovisual production?
One key lesson is that every industry, no matter how creative or technical, is ultimately about people—understanding their needs, behaviors, and aspirations. And always put the customer at the center of your priorities and decisions!
Another important lesson is the value of agility; in fast-moving sectors like FMCG or automotive, you need to anticipate trends and adapt quickly. That’s particularly relevant in audiovisual production, where technology and audience expectations constantly evolve.
Lastly, I’ve learned the importance of structuring creativity—having a solid operational foundation allows artistic projects to flourish. Because execution is key: a great idea alone is never enough, it must be brought to life with rigor and precision.
Luxembourg has a unique business environment. What were some of the biggest surprises you encountered when you first entered this market?
One of the biggest surprises was just how international Luxembourg is. With such a small population, I expected a more localized business scene, but instead, it’s a fascinating mix of cultures, languages, and industries.
Another surprise was how relationship-driven the market is—trust and long-term connections play a crucial role in business success.
Lastly, decision-making can sometimes be slower than in other countries, but once trust is established, things move forward efficiently.
What advice would you give to Polish professionals who want to integrate into the Luxembourg business ecosystem?
Language skills are also a great asset; while English is widely spoken, knowing French or German can greatly enhance your integration. And don’t underestimate the importance of learning Luxembourgish—it can be a key factor in successful integration!
Most importantly, embrace Luxembourg’s cultural diversity. Coming from Poland, you might expect a more structured corporate culture, but here, flexibility and informal networking often lead to the best opportunities.
With your extensive background in change management, how do you approach transforming and restructuring a company for long-term success?
The key is balancing vision with pragmatism. I start by understanding the company’s DNA—what makes it unique—and then aligning the strategy with long-term trends. Change should be evolutionary, not revolutionary.
Communication is critical; people resist change when they don’t understand it. That’s why I ensure the team is actively engaged in the process, fostering a sense of ownership. To achieve this, I used the Cross-Functional Team method as part of a large-scale corporate transformation project.
Finally, financial discipline is essential—growth and transformation must be built on a solid financial foundation to be sustainable.
What leadership qualities do you believe are essential for professionals looking to transition into new industries successfully?
Curiosity and adaptability are essential—success in one industry doesn’t guarantee success in another, so you must be willing to learn and challenge your assumptions.
Strong communication skills are also crucial, as every industry has its own language, culture, and way of operating.
Finally, resilience is key—transitions come with setbacks, and the ability to stay focused and pivot when necessary makes all the difference.
A great leader inspires confidence while continuously evolving—embracing new challenges and guiding others through change.
About FreeLens TV
FreeLens TV is a media production company specializing in innovative corporate and television audiovisual solutions, combining technical expertise with creative direction.
Their services include:
- Corporate Communication – Engaging video content for businesses and brands.
- Digital and Live Events Production – High-quality coverage of corporate and public events.
- Virtual Sets – Cutting-edge green screen technology for immersive productions.
- Videos & Documentaries – With or without VR & AR enhancements.
- Live and On-Demand Transmissions – Seamless streaming solutions for global reach.
- TV Shows & Breaking News Logistics – Expertise in television productions and fast-response news coverage.
- Support & Advisory – Tailored solutions to optimize audiovisual strategies.
- Studio in Howald – Fully equipped for diverse productions, from corporate shoots to TV broadcasts.
The event provided invaluable insights into navigating the Luxembourg business landscape, transitioning between industries, and building successful careers. With Igor’s expertise and experience, attendees left with valuable lessons on leadership, adaptation, and strategic growth in a dynamic business environment.
If you enjoyed this event and see value in what we do, we invite you to connect with us, become a member, and be part of a dynamic community of professionals navigating the Luxembourg market together. Reach out to us via info@lpcc.lu to learn more about membership opportunities and how you can get involved!
