For nearly two decades, Monika Matuszewska operated at the high-stakes summit of global commerce, driving digital transformation and marketing strategies for the world’s most iconic brands. Yet, the true turning point of her career did not occur in a boardroom at L’Oréal or during a strategic rollout at Philips. It happened in the quiet realization that while she was exceptionally skilled at building brands, her deepest calling lay in building people.+4
Monika’s journey is a testament to the power of “presence,” which is the ability to slow down in a fast-moving world and listen to the underlying narratives that shape our lives. Today, as the founder of the award-winning coaching practice LaMatu, she bridges the gap between professional ambition and personal fulfillment, helping leaders navigate complexity without losing their essence.+2
A Linguistic and Global Blueprint
Monika’s path was paved with a unique combination of analytical rigor and a fascination with human expression. Her academic foundation was dual-track: she earned an MA cum laude in Applied Linguistics from the University of Warsaw while simultaneously pursuing an MSc in Management and Marketing from the SGH Warsaw School of Economics. This rare intersection of language and business would become the hallmark of her professional identity.+1
Early in her career, Monika embraced the role of a global citizen, serving as an international tour guide across Europe. This experience was more than a job; it was an immersion into the “cultural scripts” that dictate human behavior. She learned early on that success and authority are not universal concepts but are deeply rooted in the linguistic and cultural blueprints of an individual’s background.+1
Her early influences were shaped by a series of “moments of trust.” She recalls being given opportunities across countries and industries where mentors saw a potential in her that she had not yet fully realized herself. These experiences instilled in her a profound belief in the value of mentorship and the necessity of creating spaces where growth is nurtured through feedback rather than just results.
Navigating the Corporate Heights
Monika’s professional ascent was marked by a steady climb through some of the most complex organizational structures in the world. She managed large-scale digital marketing activities for Philips in nine European countries, led customer experience design for Nikon Europe, and drove digital transformation for L’Oréal’s Professional Products Division.+3
Throughout these sixteen years in the corporate trenches, Monika became an expert in managing multi-functional teams and complex projects, earning certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP)® and an Agile Practitioner (ACP)®. However, as she ascended higher, she began to notice a growing tension between pace and presence. In environments where performance targets often overshadowed human experience, Monika found herself increasingly drawn to the human interactions behind the digital interfaces.+2
“What signaled the shift for me was an increasing tension between pace and presence. Operating in continuous delivery mode left little room for the kind of reflection, dialogue, and individual support that I knew made the biggest difference to people’s growth.”
This internal inquiry led her to pursue extensive training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and professional coaching. She realized that her corporate background provided her with a unique “insider” perspective. She understood the pressure of the yearly appraisal and the weight of high-level responsibility, allowing her to speak the language of executives while offering a path toward holistic wellbeing.+1
Humanizing the Professional Sphere
In 2022, Monika founded LaMatu in Amsterdam, a practice that has since supported hundreds of clients from over 66 different nationalities. Her impact was recognized almost immediately. She was named the “Most Transformational Coach in Amsterdam” in 2023 and her company received the award for “Most Transformational Corporate Coaching Company in Western Europe” for 2024.+4
Monika’s coaching philosophy is distinguished by its holistic and multilingual nature. Fluent in Polish, English, German, and Dutch, she utilizes her linguistic sensitivity to hear what is not being said, specifically the metaphors and speech patterns that reveal limiting beliefs. Her clients often describe her as a bridge-builder between their personal and professional domains.+2
“Monika has the ability to combine insightful frameworks with practical, actionable tips... She brings a warmth and approachability that creates a safe space for honest reflection, making people feel heard and understood.” – Sophia Bulatova, Founder Systems Advisor
Her impact extends beyond one-on-one sessions. As a mentor for organizations like Femme Palette and Momentum Fast Track, Monika is a staunch advocate for female leadership and entrepreneurship. She helps international professionals recognize that their uniqueness is often their greatest strength, helping them discard outdated cultural expectations to lead with authenticity.
A Legacy of Resilience
Looking ahead, Monika Matuszewska envisions a professional world where coaching is not a luxury for the elite, but a standard pillar of career development. Her goal is to leave behind a culture where ambition, talent, growth potential, and integrity are in full alignment.
She remains dedicated to her “active coaching” format, which often includes conducting sessions during walks in the park, symbolizing her commitment to movement, nature, and the integration of life and work. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that in an age of constant change, the most valuable tool a professional can possess is a deep sense of discernment and responsibility.
Monika’s story serves as an invitation to all high-achievers to slow down, to listen to their own narrative, and to realize that true professional mastery is impossible without personal presence.
Editorial Note
Monika Matuszewska’s journey from digital leadership to transformational coaching serves as a powerful reminder that our professional titles are merely the surface of our potential. By integrating her corporate expertise with deep human empathy, she has created a blueprint for modern leadership that prioritizes the person behind the performance. For those navigating the complexities of career and identity, Monika’s story is a call to align your ambition with your deepest values.
