Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Adrianna Rabeda-Kowalczak. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Adrianna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
Looking back, I think one of the best things my parents did was nurture my curiosity and make sure I was always engaged in meaningful activities. As a very active and curious kid, they made sure I stayed busy after school—trying out different instruments, learning new languages, and exploring a variety of sports. They created countless opportunities for me to experiment and discover what I enjoyed, which helped me develop a deep sense of curiosity and adaptability.
We also traveled a lot as a family, and I still remember the excitement I felt speaking with locals in places that, coming from Poland, felt so exotic—like Egypt or Tunisia. Those experiences were a huge privilege. They opened my eyes to different ways of living and taught me to appreciate how people’s traditions, values, and worldviews shape who they are. That early exposure to diversity sparked my lifelong interest in people and their stories.
Another thing my parents did right was creating a sense of connection at home. We had a tradition of sitting down for dinner together every night and talking about everything—our days, ideas, news, sometimes even philosophical questions. I always felt included and heard. My parents also loved hosting guests and celebrating every possible occasion, and I loved listening to the conversations around the table. That’s where my fascination with stories and human experiences really began.
We also had a shared love for audiobooks and recorded stories, which only deepened that interest. When I put all of that together—the curiosity they nurtured, the cultural exposure, the emphasis on meaningful conversation—it’s clear that those early experiences shaped my path. They helped me develop a genuine interest in people, empathy for different perspectives, and a love for understanding the human experience, which has been central to both my personal life and my career.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’ve always been deeply interested in people—their lives, their stories, and what it’s like to be in their shoes. That curiosity really grew when I worked for a few years as an ESL teacher. I had students from all over the world, representing so many distinct cultures, and yet what struck me was how much we all had in common—the universal human experiences that connect us, regardless of race, culture, religion, or status.
During that time, many of my students would open up to me about their personal challenges outside the classroom, and that sparked a strong motivation to learn how to better support people in those moments. That’s what ultimately led me to pursue more formal training in psychology. Having a degree in clinical psychology and neuropsychology gave me a solid foundation, but I’ve found that the most meaningful learning came from direct human connection—whether in the classroom, during my practicum, or in my clinical work. Those real-life interactions taught me how to truly listen, empathize, and be present with someone.
Being an immigrant myself also gives me a unique perspective. I understand firsthand what it’s like to navigate change, cultural adjustment, and the feeling of being between worlds. That’s why I especially enjoy working with immigrant populations—it allows me to combine my professional skills with genuine empathy and lived experience, helping people feel seen, understood, and supported as they find their place in a new environment.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
I think knowledge and ethical practice are absolutely essential in our field—they form the foundation for protecting both our clients and ourselves. But beyond that, what I’ve found most important is the ability to truly listen with genuine interest. You have to be sincerely curious about people—about their experiences, their emotions, and what it’s like to be them.
That kind of listening goes beyond hearing words; it’s about understanding what’s underneath and creating a space where someone feels seen, understood, and accepted. In my experience, that’s when real change begins—when people feel safe enough to explore, reflect, and grow. It’s something I learned early on, and it continues to guide the way I work today.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Two books that have had a significant impact on my professional philosophy are Escape from Babel by Miller, Duncan, and Hubble, and The Gift of Therapy by Irvin Yalom.
Escape from Babel really shaped how I think about therapy and helping professions in general. It showed me that, regardless of the therapeutic approach or modality, the most important factor remains the same—it’s about creating a genuine therapeutic relationship where clients feel seen, understood, and supported. That human connection is what truly facilitates change.
The Gift of Therapy influenced me on a more personal level. Yalom’s reflections reminded me that therapists are human too—we all have our own struggles, and our authenticity in the therapy room, while sometimes vulnerable, is also what makes the work real and meaningful. It taught me that therapy is not just about applying techniques, but about sharing a human experience with another person and allowing ourselves to learn from our clients as much as they learn from us.
Contact Info: