Proof Positive

“I wanted to take my life into my own hands.”

In 1987, there was no sign the communist regime in Poland would collapse, and Piotr wanted control over his life, his work, his decisions and most importantly for the future of his two daughters. That was why, at the age of 37, he left Poland with his PhD and brought his expertise in hydrodynamics to Canada. The first stop was Montreal because of his fluent French and some friends who lived there, but Piotr quickly realized there were better opportunities in Newfoundland.

“When you make a major decision to leave your country, especially when you are already established professionally, you have some idea of how things will go,” says Piotr. “It doesn’t always work out the way you planned, and you have to stay positive.”

Piotr has taken that attitude into every opportunity. Six months after arriving in Canada, he was hired in Newfoundland by a private research and development company. From there it was on to the National Research Council, where he researched what is known as the “classic ship theory” and artificial intelligence, combining the two to develop a computer model for ship maneuvering and control. The model had great commercial potential, and with the encouragement of NRC President Arthur Carty, Piotr formed his own company called NavSim Technology Inc. The company launched its  MapCruiser product onto the market in 2003.

While a series of circumstances has slowed down his commercial enterprise, Piotr’s attitude does not change. “I see the glass half full,” he says. “I look for ways to change adversity into opportunity.”

Piotr is using his positive approach to benefit his home province of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well, forging a strong working relationship with Memorial University. He provides a place for co-op students to learn, and praises the university with producing talented people who are ready for the challenges of modern and innovative technology. Piotr likes to provide these challenges, helping with the province’s goal of attracting more young people to remain at home.

“There are business-university relationships in Ontario that have resulted in highly successful international businesses, such as Research in Motion,” says Piotr. “I am building the eastern Canada version – I believe in education, technology and creating opportunities.”

Piotr’s daughters have followed his lead. One works in an international company managing the introduction of an innovative integrated health system, and the other is studying for her doctorate in Montreal.

It is safe to say that Piotr has taken life into his own hands.