Women in ACR: Klaudia Szweda-Adelaja

Klaudia Szweda-Adelaja is Air Conditioning Product Manager at Samsung Climate Solutions.

Can you give us a brief overview of your career experience?

After graduating with an engineering master’s degree in Poland, I decided to move to the UK. It was hard to enter the HVAC industry and I first got a job in the automotive industry, working for Jaguar & Land Rover for two years. I finally got a chance to start my journey in the HVAC industry and joined SAV systems as a Product Support Manager in heat networks. I gained a lot of knowledge there, working across different departments from heat networks, metering and central plant that really made me passionate about minimum energy usage and sustainability. After 5 years, I decided to expand my portfolio and I joined Samsung Climate Solutions as a Product Manager for Air Conditioning.

What does your current role involve?

It varies from day to day. My main responsibility is to feed back to the headquarters the needs of the UK market. Samsung is a global manufacturer so it is crucial that each subsidiary provides market information in order to build a strong product line-up. I work closely with the sales team to make sure they have the latest updates on the product range, as well as receiving customer feedback and market needs. I also attend sales meetings occasionally to discuss product developments and make sure that we are meeting the expectations of the end client. I also collaborate with the marketing team and the presales team to create product information materials, presentations and promotions.

Klaudia with some of her colleagues at the ‘Samsung Spotlights: high tech, lower carbon homes of the future’ event

What attracted you to the industry as a university graduate?

I wanted to be a doctor but I am afraid of blood so I chose my career in engineering. It was my second choice as it felt this could be another way to help people. There is something about HVAC industry that makes me feel that we are making a difference in the way we heat and cool our homes.

Were there any challenges you have experienced as a woman in this industry?

Unfortunately, yes. There were many instances in previous roles where I needed to prove that I am as good as my male counterparts. Sometimes, when I picked up the phone to provide technical advice, I hear “Oh, I didn’t want to talk to reception, I need technical support!” There is a stigma that engineering is for men and I really worked hard to be heard and seen as an ‘equal’ engineer. 

How does Samsung Climate Solutions empower females?

It is honestly refreshing to see so many females in the team! Females in Climate Solutions are strong individuals with ‘go-getter’ attitudes. There is always a space for us to share opinions and be heard and there is a lot of respect and encouragement for us as professionals. What can I say? Girl power! 

Do you have any advice to new starters in the industry who have a similar background to you?

My favourite Confucius quote is ‘If you are the smartest person in the room – you are in the wrong room.’ Never stop learning, show up. Collaborate and learn from people who are willing to share their experience. There is always a point of view that you did not think of before. If someone underestimates you – let them. Only you know what you are capable of. 

What’s a fun fact outside of work that not many people know about you?

I am completely obsessed with dancing - play some music and you won’t see me seated. I dance Zumba regularly and I used to be a Zumba teacher in my past life!

Klaudia and colleague Evie Vennix celebrating International Women’s Day at Samsung