- Did you become interested in technology early on?
I had a number of construction kits, machines or radios at home that I loved to take apart and actually see what they were made of, what parts were used, etc. It's funny to think back on all this, because there are so many broken things left... That's where this science starts - with breakages and dismantling. You know you don't understand it, but it's interesting, you get into it and then when you take it apart, you start thinking about how to put it back together. Eventually you start to understand why it doesn't fit, what you shouldn't have done when you were taking it apart. Later on, it becomes interesting not only to take apart and assemble a device, but also to find out how it works, why it works and how it works.

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- Tell us about your career after graduating in technical mechanics?
Getting a profession doesn't mean that you are already a specialist in your field and you wait for the job offers to start coming in from the market. No, it means that things are just beginning. In my case, I had a varied career path, I didn't work as a mechanic straight away, I started as a forklift truck driver and worked my way up to a logistics forwarder, only to be followed by more senior and more responsible roles later. However, I have always had a desire in my heart to work with technology and the sea. Well, if you know that wishes come true, so did I.

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- How did KKT come about in your professional career?
During my Master's studies, when I needed to do an internship at a port company, I applied for a KCT. I was given the opportunity and, in several stages, I successfully completed internships as a talman and stevedore. Very soon afterwards, in 2000, I was offered the position of chief engineer at KCT. I accepted without thinking twice because, first of all, the terminal's operations involve a large number of different types of machinery. Secondly, I was and still am impressed by the dynamics of the company's growth, the opportunities for staff development and social responsibility.

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- How have your positions and responsibilities evolved at the terminal?
Yes, I started my career as a chief mechanic and worked my way up to the position of Deputy Technical Director, but there were other career steps in the growth process, such as Head of Operations, Head of Technical, etc.
With each new position, my field of responsibility grew, ranging from ensuring the smooth servicing of equipment to building and developing the team.
It is very important to mention that each of us can have a career in life, but you just have to be one step ahead of today and have the curiosity and the desire to improve in your professional field, and then success is certain.

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- Can we meet the Deputy Technical Director with greasy hands in the terminal area, or is your work confined to the office?
Most of my time is spent in the terminal area or in the mechanics' workshop, where you would certainly find me with greasy hands and tools. I'm interested in discovering and fixing faults myself, bringing the team together to work together and getting results for everyone. 
My inner ambition is to never stop learning, and I can do that by being close to the processes and not distant from them. Therefore, I am able to operate almost all the equipment in the terminal and, in the event of a breakdown, to repair it quickly, to bring it back into service or to put a new one into operation.

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- If I understand correctly, your work can also be likened to the status of an "ambulance", which is activated when a piece of machinery unexpectedly breaks down?
The machinery we operate at the terminal is working at a high speed. Every minute counts, and an unexpected breakdown can cause financial losses for the company, as we only have a certain time frame to unload or load a ship, for example. Therefore, the response of the mechanics and the prompt rectification of the fault can be likened to emergency assistance.

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- What qualities does this job require?
You need to be patient, knowledgeable and able to work in a team. I have to admit that you can't really learn this profession in a month or a few weeks. It requires more effort, a willingness to grow and fundamental knowledge. 
I have met enthusiasts along the way who have no idea about law, order and process, but who want to do something. I immediately advise such people not to do it themselves, because the best they can do is to avoid damaging the technique even more.

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- What would be your advice on how to avoid stagnation in everyday, routine work?
The most important thing in the professional sphere is to keep learning. If the company provides not only a workplace but also regular training, it is essential to take advantage of this. Gradually developing a broader view and gaining experience is the best way to understand what is happening in the world, how technology is changing, how processes are being digitalized, how devices and their management are changing. My motto is to try to get along with everyone and to be brave enough to try as much as possible, because that is the most effective recipe for avoiding routine.

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- Robert, what is the recipe for a successful career?
The recipe for a successful career is to be aware of the big picture - to see and think not only about what is personally relevant to me here and now, but also to understand what came before me and what will come after me. As far as a career at KCT is concerned, there are all the opportunities in this company to do so, but you just have to not sit back and wait, but show that you can contribute to making the organization even better through your efforts, and it will not go unnoticed.