August took us to Eastern Europe, and for the first interview of the month, we stopped in Poland. We spoke with Daria Podgorska, MD, General Director of our Polish office.
When did you join GCT and how long have you been with the company?
I joined the GCT team 10 years ago, so I’ve been with the company for a decade now.
Which office are you based in?
I am based in our Warsaw office, which was opened when the company expanded to Poland.
Could you tell us more about your role and your professional background?
I’m a medical doctor with a rich background in clinical practice. Over the years, I’ve gained broad hands-on medical experience, which allows me to bring a strong clinical perspective to my day-to-day responsibilities at GCT, including medical monitoring activities in clinical trials.
What is something special about the people you work with at GCT?
What makes the team at GCT truly special is the combination of warm friendliness and high professionalism. Everyone is exceptionally open to new challenges, always ready to share knowledge and support one another. That spirit of collaboration makes working here both inspiring and rewarding.
What motivates you to come to work each day?
What motivates me every day is the fantastic team I work with and the incredible clinical sites we collaborate with. Working together to run these trials and support our sites gives my daily work a real sense of purpose.
What are some of your favorite activities outside of work?
Outside of work, I love traveling and spending time with my dog. Exploring new places allows me to recharge, while taking care of and playing with my dog is my favorite way to unwind and enjoy everyday moments.
Which GCT value resonates most with you, and how do you see it reflected in everyday work?
People First and Collaboration are the values that mean the most to me. In our daily work with clinical sites and trial teams, success comes down to clear communication, empathy, and trust. I see this every day in how supportive my colleagues are and how hard everyone works to build strong, good relationships with the sites.
What is something special about the people you work with at GCT?
What is special to me is the team I’ve built in Poland. They are young, professional, and never afraid of a challenge. We always support each other, and working as a cohesive team makes all the difference in our daily work.
What does GCT’s 25th anniversary mean to you personally?
For me personally, GCT’s 25th anniversary represents continuous growth, global expansion, and our remarkable ability to adapt to an evolving clinical trials market. It reflects how we’ve successfully navigated major regulatory shifts, such as the centralized submission requirements in the EU, while consistently maintaining high standards in our clinical research.
What do you think has enabled GCT to remain successful for 25 years?
GCT’s 25-year success is driven by pure professionalism, a highly dedicated team, and our quick response to changing market conditions and regulatory demands in the clinical trials business. That agility and teamwork are what set us apart.