Building the future of Livestock Protection with Sandra Gwizdala

Can you tell us about your role and the key responsibilities you manage on a daily basis?

I work in the Operations Department at Livetec Systems, where I manage emergency poultry depopulation, both coordinating jobs from the office and leading teams onsite. It’s a fast-paced role, often compared to firefighting, as we respond quickly when an incident occurs. Animal welfare is always a priority, and I ensure operations are carried out humanely and efficiently across all poultry species.

In addition to depopulation, I oversee warehouse operations, deliver training, and act as a Compliance Manager. It’s a varied role that requires quick decision making, strong organisation, and a constant focus on both team performance and animal welfare standards.

How did you get into this line of work? Was it always part of your career plan?

I’ve always had a passion for working with animals, which naturally led me into roles focused on animal welfare and biosecurity. I began my career as a veterinary inspector in two different countries, where I gained valuable experience and developed a strong foundation in animal care.

Although joining Livetec wasn’t part of my original plan, it became a turning point. I initially started in a different department due to my technical background, but I quickly found my place in Operations. Since then, I’ve grown rapidly within the business, taking on new responsibilities and deepening my commitment to both animal welfare and operational excellence.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role?

Knowing that our work truly makes a difference is incredibly fulfilling. We respond to high-pressure situations were protecting animal welfare, public health, and supporting our clients is critical. I take pride in how well our team comes together in challenging circumstances, and I also find it rewarding to see my own growth while helping others develop. Maintaining high welfare standards, even during complex operations like depopulation,

What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you prioritise your tasks?

My day starts with an operations meeting to align on current jobs and set priorities across the team. From there, I move between several responsibilities overseeing the warehouse, managing stock levels, delivering or planning training sessions, and reviewing compliance procedures to ensure we meet all regulatory standards.

Flexibility is essential, as any emergency takes immediate priority. When that happens, the whole team mobilises quickly, working together seamlessly to manage the response. Every day requires strong organisation, clear communication, and the ability to adapt.

What’s the most challenging part of your day, and how do you handle it?

The most challenging part is managing the unexpected. Emergencies can happen at any time, so I often need to shift focus quickly while still staying on top of compliance, training, and other responsibilities. I handle it by staying organised, keeping communication open, and always having a plan B, and sometimes even a plan C. Staying calm under pressure and having a strong, supportive team makes those moments much easier to manage.

Are there any tools, technology, or methods you rely on to stay organised and productive?

Staying organised is crucial in such a fast paced role. I rely on digital tools like shared calendars, task management systems, and spreadsheets to track jobs, training, and compliance. Communication platforms like Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp help us stay connected, especially when coordinating across multiple sites.

I also stick to daily planning and regular check-ins. Starting the day with clear priorities and being ready to adapt when needed keeps everything running smoothly.

What motivates you to keep going, even on tough days?

What keeps me going is the journey I’ve taken to get here. I often think back to when I moved to a new country with just one suitcase—starting from scratch, learning a new language, culture, and way of life. It was overwhelming, but I pushed through with a clear goal: to build a meaningful career and a life I could be proud of.

Finishing my studies and adapting to a new environment took real resilience. So, when I face tough days now, I remind myself that I’ve already overcome bigger challenges. That perspective, along with the passion I have for my work and the incredible team around me, gives me the motivation to keep going, no matter what the day throws at me.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting in your field, what would it be?

My advice to anyone starting in this field would be: never let anyone undermine your abilities just because you’re a woman. It’s easy to encounter situations where people may doubt you, but it’s important to stay confident and prove that you’re capable of doing the job just as well, if not better than anyone else. Believe in your skills and always stay determined to push forward. You have every right to succeed in this field, and your gender should never be a limitation.

How do you see your role evolving in the future, and what excites you most about what’s ahead?

I see my role developing to include more leadership and strategic input. As the industry continues to change, I’m looking forward to taking on new challenges, learning more, and growing with the team.

What excites me most is building my skills further, leading complex projects, and becoming someone who supports and inspires others.