Leading with heart
- The International
- 18 hours ago
- 5 min read
How Anna's international life, personal challenges, and unwavering resilience shaped a mission to redefine workplace inclusion.
Photographs: Martin MacAlpine
Text: Lyndsay Jensen
When Anna Pawlowicz reflects on her journey - from the green hills of southern Poland to becoming a trailblazing voice for workplace inclusion in Denmark, one word threads it all together: transformation. As the founder and CEO of HumanKind, a company dedicated to helping businesses become inclusive of people with disabilities and neurodiversity. Anna’s story is not just one of entrepreneurship - it’s a story of identity, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
Amplifying the conversation
In addition to her work at HumanKind, Anna is also a contributor to The International, where she writes a regular column focused on special needs and inclusion. Through her writing, she explores topics ranging from navigating education systems to breaking workplace stigma, drawing on both her personal and professional experiences. The column challenges assumptions, shares insights, and sparks much-needed dialogue around disability and neurodiversity, both in Denmark and beyond.
A childhood rooted in nature and curiosity
Anna was born and raised in a small mountain town in Poland, surrounded by nature, community, and simplicity. Her childhood was filled with scouting adventures, music school, and long days spent outdoors. She later moved to Poznań to pursue studies in English and Business, but even early on, she felt the pull of international horizons.
"Poland from my childhood is very different from Poland today," Anna shares. "I miss the mountains, the beautiful seaside, and of course, my family and friends. But everyone has moved on in their own way - it’s just the nature of life."
That deep understanding of being flexible would prove to be both grounding and valuable in the years to come.
London calling: A decade of growth
In 2010, Anna moved to London - a leap that would define her professional beginnings and personal life. “London was where I built my career, where I met my husband, and where our first child was born,” she says. The British capital became a kind of second home, full of opportunity and momentum.
Professionally, Anna thrived. Working with Gartner, a global research and advisory firm, she supported CHROs of some of the world’s largest organisations. Personally, however, things began to shift after her son was born.
The fast-paced city life, grueling commutes, and long working hours began to take their toll on family life. “We realised that it wasn’t the life we had envisioned with a child,” Anna reflects. That awareness led to a bold decision to start a new chapter elsewhere.
"It’s not just a business for me – it’s a personal mission. I want to help build a better world for Matias and others like him."
Denmark: A leap of faith that paid off
In April 2019, Anna and her family relocated to Copenhagen just before the pandemic hit. “It felt like a lucky escape,” she says with a smile. Denmark quickly presented a different rhythm of life: no packed tube, shorter commutes, and a strong emphasis on the infamous Scandi work-life balance.
“The transition was a mixed bag,” Anna admits. “Career-wise, it was a soft landing. But culturally, it took time to adjust.” Coming from diverse, multicultural London, the homogeneity of Danish workplaces stood out to me. “Everyone seemed to look, dress, and behave the same. I suddenly became a minority - and that required a mindset shift.”
Still, the practical advantages of life in Denmark helped the family settle. “We could spend more time with our son, and that made all the difference.”
A life-changing diagnosis
Not long after arriving in Denmark, Anna gave birth to her second son, Matias. When he was just seven months old, the family received life-changing news: he had a rare genetic condition resulting in physical disability and complex health needs.
“That was the most stressful period of my life,” Anna recalls. “There was no time to process grief - we were just in survival mode.”
Despite the emotional and logistical whirlwind, Anna began to find clarity. “Having a child with special needs shattered the illusion of utopia,” she says. “But it also opened our eyes to the richness of the human experience.” Through this intense personal upheaval, a new professional calling emerged.
HumanKind: Purpose with impact
With a wealth of corporate experience and a newfound passion to advocate for people like her son, Anna founded HumanKind. The company partners with global organisations to build cultures that are inclusive of people with disabilities and neurodiversity, focusing on education, leadership development, and organisational transformation.
“We help business leaders, HR teams, and managers gain the confidence and skills to engage with disability inclusion meaningfully,” she explains. “It’s about moving beyond awareness into real action.”
What makes HumanKind unique is how seamlessly it blends professional insight with lived experience. “It’s not just a business for me - it’s a personal mission. I want to help build a better world for Matias and others like him.”
Entrepreneurship and the Danish business landscape
Launching a business in a new country isn’t for the faint of heart, but Anna embraced the challenge. “There’s a lot of support in Denmark if you know where to look. But success here really depends on your ability to network.”
Though she didn’t have to find a traditional job in Denmark, Anna notes that building a network from scratch was a learning curve. “Now it’s second nature. I’m grateful for the fantastic people supporting entrepreneurs like me.”
Being a woman in business, however, presents its own unique challenges. “Only 2% of VC funding goes to female founders, even though female-led companies often outperform,” she points out. “Gender bias is still very present - not only in Denmark.”
But entrepreneurship also offers freedom. “Being your own boss means flexibility, which is essential when raising a child with additional needs. It’s not easier, but it’s deeply fulfilling.”
Family life, resilience, and redefining joy
Managing a family with two young boys, one with significant special needs, is a logistical and emotional marathon. Yet Anna speaks with grace and candour about both the hardships and the growth it has inspired.
“My husband and I went through dark times. It’s not something we ever expected,” she says. “But I’ve become laser-focused on what truly matters. That’s liberating in its own way.”
Joy comes in small, precious doses - walks with her husband Tiago, Pilates with a friend, lifting weights at the gym, or a quiet dinner. “I don’t have much time for social life right now. But these small things sustain me.”
Community and connection
As for making friends in Denmark, Anna advises new internationals to be patient and curious. “Read about Danish culture. Observe. Don’t expect to make deep friendships overnight.” Having children in the local school system can help ease the transition. “It creates natural opportunities to connect.”
She believes Denmark has been a lifeline during trying times. “It’s a country that allows our family to thrive, even with all the challenges. When life throws a curveball, Denmark is there to catch you - and for that, we’re grateful.”
Anna’s journey from Poland to Denmark is truly inspiring. Through HumanKind, she’s redefining what inclusion looks like in today’s workplace, not just for her own child, but for countless others around the world. If her story resonates, she welcomes connection. “Reach out to me at anna@wearehumankind.dk if you’d like to talk about disability and neurodiversity inclusion at your workplace. We work globally.”
You can follow Anna and her work here:
