Katarzyna Kalisz discusses how JPB Système is embracing digital transformation
Currently holding the position of General Director in Poland, Katarzyna Kalisz’s career trajectory at JPB Système’s Polish subsidiary has mirrored the success of the business itself. Her aerospace manufacturing career began while consulting for French investors establishing operations in Poland. A meeting with Damien Marc, the CEO of JPB Système (JPB), became a pivotal moment, and together they have built JPB’s Polish operation into a site that pushes the boundaries of innovation.
Founded by Jean-Pierre Marc and now led by his son Damien Marc, JPB Système has evolved from a highly specialized component supplier into a smart, digital manufacturing group with operations in France and Poland, as well as the USA. Speaking from its beautiful new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, Katarzyna reflects on her journey. “In the early days, I supported JPB in logistics, supplier coordination, and quality assurance. But as the company grew, so did my responsibilities. I helped built the Polish branch from the first person and the first machine – recruiting employees, overseeing equipment purchases, implementing production and quality standards, and transforming an empty space into a fully operational, modern industrial structure.”
As the operation grew, Katarzyna faced a tough choice – continue with her own consultancy business or join Marc on his journey to expand JPB Système. She chose to stay and today leads the company’s development in the heart of Poland’s Aviation Valley. “My focus is on strategic management, operational excellence, and seamless integration with our headquarters in France. Our team is deeply involved in automation, robotics, and additive manufacturing – the core technologies shaping the future of aerospace production,” she adds. “My responsibility is to make sure that the Polish team is not only aligned with our global objectives, but also actively contributes to shaping the company’s future. In short, my role connects the local with the global, ensuring that everything we build in Poland adds value to JPB’s international vision and long-term development.
“JPB’s Polish manufacturing facility is an extension of the group’s innovation ecosystem, focusing on cutting-edge machining, automation, robotics, and digital transformation projects that strengthen the group’s competitiveness,” Katarzyna adds.
This focus on innovation reflects a broader shift happening across the aerospace industry. Indeed, digitalization has become one of the most transformative forces in aerospace manufacturing. “At JPB, we treat digitalization as a strategic pillar rather than an accessory,” she emphasizes. “It increases transparency, speeds up decision-making, and aligns engineering, production, and management around a single source of truth. One of our key responses to this evolution is KeyProd, our in-house digital solution designed to connect machines, monitor performance, and turn real-time data into actionable insights that boost productivity and competitiveness.
“Ultimately, digitalization is not just a technological step forward; it’s a cultural shift. It changes how teams think, collaborate, and innovate.”
While many of the Industry 4.0 technologies utilized by JPB Système may sound abstract, Katarzyna confirms they are fully implemented on the shop floor. In aerospace manufacturing, AI, robotics, and data connectivity already define how precision, repeatability, and efficiency are achieved daily.
“Artificial intelligence allows us to turn raw data into predictive insights, anticipating deviations before they occur and optimizing production parameters in real time. Robotics, meanwhile, brings unmatched accuracy and consistency in processes where even microns matter,” she says.
Describing the aerospace sector as ‘entering one of the most dynamic phases in its history’, Katarzyna identifies three areas of transformation. “While we can’t predict the exact changes, it’s certain that the pace of transformation will only accelerate. First, sustainability will no longer be an option, it will be a requirement. The push for lower emissions, alternative fuels, and lighter, smarter materials will reshape how aircraft are designed and manufactured. Second, the integration of digital and predictive technologies will redefine production. From AI-driven maintenance to fully connected supply chains, data will be the backbone of operational resilience. Third, automation and robotics will continue to expand their role.”
Significantly, automation and robots will complement, not replace, people. “The future belongs to teams who can combine digital tools with human expertise and creativity,” Katarzyna asserts. “Automating repetitive tasks allows our teams to focus on what truly drives progress: innovation, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. Real progress happens when people and technology move forward together, each strengthening the other. Today, I am convinced that the true strength of any organization lies in its people.”
This symbiotic relationship between people and technology means that education is a top priority. “Technology is evolving faster than ever, but its real value depends on how well people can use it – how they think, communicate, and learn. For aerospace, this means developing not only engineers and technicians, but also leaders who understand both innovation and responsibility. We need to invest in skills, mindset, and collaboration, because the next generation of progress won’t come from machines alone. It will come from people who can connect technology with purpose.”
Continuing with the people side of aerospace manufacturing, Katarzyna notes that it is still a sector where women are underrepresented, and the small but noticeable biases she faces. “When I walk into a meeting, I am very often the only woman in the room,” she says. “Even today, there are moments when external partners or stakeholders instinctively assume that my role is administrative rather than strategic or technical. It’s not hostility – it’s habit.”
Another challenge lies in expectations. “Women leaders are often expected to be softer, more diplomatic, less direct,” she adds. “I find I must prove my knowledge and expertise in a way that my male colleagues don’t.
“But effective leadership isn’t about fitting into someone else’s definition, it’s about balance. There are moments that require empathy, and moments that demand firmness. For me, true leadership means knowing when to use each.”
Katarzyna’s approach is to let results speak for themselves. “I’ve never seen challenges as obstacles. To me, they have always been opportunities to demonstrate competence, clarity, and resilience,” she states. “Over time, I’ve learned that persistence and consistency dismantle bias faster than words ever could. When people see your work ethic, your technical understanding, and your results – perception changes.”
For Katarzyna, leadership has never been about gender. “It’s about authenticity, being prepared and acting with clarity under pressure. Leading in this environment requires focus, empathy, and a certain toughness – qualities that aren’t male or female, but human,” she explains. “Ultimately, I believe that diversity in leadership isn’t just about representation, it’s about creating better decisions, stronger teams, and more innovative organizations. And if my presence at the table encourages even one more woman to step into this industry with confidence, then every challenge has been worth it.”
Asked about leaders who have influenced her approach, Katarzyna reflects on several key figures. “I’ve had the privilege of meeting people who have shaped the way I lead through their attitude, consistency, and courage,” she says.
“One of the most influential people for me has been Damien Marc, CEO of JPB Système. Working closely with him from the very beginning gave me a deep understanding of what it means to build something from scratch – with precision, courage, and a clear long-term vision. His determination, trust, and ability to lead through innovation have had a profound impact on how I approach challenges and how I manage people today.
“Beyond my immediate environment, I’ve also drawn inspiration from women who have changed the landscape of heavy industry and technology. Sabine Klauke, Chief Technical Officer at Airbus, inspires me with her calm, analytical approach and her ability to lead complex engineering projects while keeping a strong focus on innovation.
“Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, represents for me the perfect mix of pragmatism and ambition; a leader who transforms bold ideas into tangible results through discipline and clarity.
“Each of them, in their own way, has shown that leadership is not about gender but about integrity, resilience, and vision. They’ve all proven that true authority comes from competence and character, not from titles or stereotypes.
“Last but not least, I think of my mother,” she concludes. “She taught me that strength isn’t always loud. It’s quiet determination, the kind that shapes things over time, like a drop of water carving stone. It’s the small everyday efforts that bring us closer to our goals and dreams. That’s something no academic course can teach…That lesson stays with me every day, in business, in life, and in every decision I make.”
Katarzyna’s Advice
- Believe in yourself. Don’t wait for perfect conditions, as they rarely exist. Start now, even if things aren’t ideal, and adjust as you go. Progress comes from movement, not from waiting.
- Be confident in your goals. Don’t let anyone convince you that your goals are too high. If they say that, it probably means you’re aiming exactly where you should. Work toward your goals quietly, every day, and let your results speak for you.
- Surround yourself with the right people. Ensure your colleagues tell you the truth, support you when it’s hard, and celebrate with you when it works. The right people make the difference between surviving and thriving.
- One last thing – smile at people. It costs nothing, changes everything, and opens more doors than any strategy ever will.