Meet Dorota Mani

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dorota Mani. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dorota below.

Hi Dorota , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

Growing up in a household where work ethic wasn’t just a concept but a way of life has certainly colored my professional demeanor. My mom, an opera singer, practiced every day with the kind of relentless dedication usually reserved for Olympic athletes—rain or shine, like it or not, the arias had to go on! Meanwhile, my dad, a self-made entrepreneur with a master’s in journalism, navigated the complexities of multiple businesses in Poland. He worked harder than anyone, proving that in the tricky dance of emerging from communism, it was hustle or be hustled. And then there’s me, a classically trained pianist, learning firsthand that hard work pays off and consistency is key—after all, you can’t play Chopin like Chopsticks!

Growing up, my ambitions always pushed the boundaries of my immediate world. I was hungry for achievement and eager to shape my surroundings on my terms. Independence was the goal, and calling the shots was the dream—but I was wary of the strings that often come attached to any help. The price wasn’t just monetary; it included owing favors and bending to the will of others. I wanted to be the master of my own fate, not tied down by obligations.

So, I knew I had to deepen my expertise in my field and work relentlessly. Adding to the challenge, I moved to the States at 18 to pursue my education with limited knowledge of the English language. Not only did I have to navigate my professional and academic life in a new language, but as a woman, I felt the pressure to prove myself even more. Despite these hurdles, my drive didn’t falter—I’ve been pushing the envelope since then and continue to do so. It’s been a journey of relentless effort, and every step reaffirms my commitment to independence and mastery over my own destiny.

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Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Dorota defies easy categorization; she is an entrepreneur, educator, business owner, creative scholar in design and interior architecture, and a passionate advocate for women and children. Holding a Master of Science degree from PRATT Institute, Dorota is actively involved in several organizations, including GRI, NYWCC, ABWA, the Tory Burch Foundation, WENYC, and WBE. In 2010, she co-founded World of ABC, The Waldo School, and later expanded her ventures to include the Academy of Excellence Preschool, Cafe Peanut, and Design by Mani, an interior design studio.

Dorota champions the philosophy that businesses should maintain a balance between fiduciary duties and moral responsibilities. She currently contributes her time and expertise as a board member for Phoenix University, Sankofa Incubator Program and the Hudson County Workforce Development, a position she has held since 2014. Additionally, she collaborates with Hunger Project, Coalition for Food and Health Equity, Rapid Response Eating Better Together and mentors aspiring women entrepreneurs through various organizations.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The cornerstone of personal and professional development rests on three pivotal qualities: continuous self-education, persistence, and a strong moral compass. Firstly, continuous self-education stands as the bedrock of growth. It fuels innovation and expertise, ensuring one stays relevant and informed in their field. This relentless pursuit of knowledge is what distinguishes leaders from followers. Secondly, persistence is vital. The journey to achieving success is riddled with obstacles, but steadfastness in the face of challenges ensures that dreams are not just pursued but achieved. You cannot claim expertise in any field without a dogged determination to push through adversity. Finally, a robust moral compass is essential. True success is hollow if it doesn’t contribute to the happiness and well-being of oneself and others. Respect, kindness, and strong moral standards are the guiding stars that ensure our achievements are not only personally fulfilling but also beneficial to society. These three pillars — lifelong learning, unyielding perseverance, and ethical integrity — form the foundation upon which fulfilling lives and careers are built.

Here’s a piece of advice from the trenches of entrepreneurship: always follow your gut and take other people’s opinions with a grain of salt—especially the naysayers. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all ears when someone has something constructive to say because hey, I might learn something new or tweak my plan to perfection. But when it comes to the Debbie Downers and the Pessimistic Petes? I tune them out faster than you can say “business plan.” And guess what? Over the years, while I’ve been out there making moves and advancing my ventures, the naysayers haven’t budged an inch. They’re still standing in the same spot, armed to the teeth with unsolicited advice and criticism for anyone daring enough to have a vision. So, remember: listen, learn, but don’t let the critics steer your ship. They might know the theory, but you’re the one sailing the seas!

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Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

So many books influenced and continue to influence my way of thinking. But if I must pick, “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu isn’t just for ancient generals; it’s gold for 2024 entrepreneurs dealing with the business battlefield! Here are three quick, killer takeaways:

1. Know Yourself and Your Rival: It’s like being in a chess game where you need to know both your pieces and the opponent’s moves. Get this intel, and you’re halfway to victory—ignore it, and you’re basically bringing a knife to a gunfight.
2. Stay Flexible: Sun Tzu was all about bending like bamboo. For the modern entrepreneur, that means being ready to pivot faster than a TikTok trend. Market changes? New tech? Shift gears quickly, or risk becoming yesterday’s news.
3. Win Smoothly: Why fight messy battles when you can win cleanly? Sun Tzu championed winning without clashing swords. Think: innovate rather than imitate. Carve out a new niche where you’re the only player, and watch your competitors eat your digital dust from afar.
Master these, and you’re not just playing the game—you’re rewriting the rules.

Contact Info:

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Image Credits

With Congressman Mike Johnson during his 2024 SOJ reception, photo credit Dorota Mani
With Congressman Kean JR. and Francesca Mani during 2024 SOJ, photo credit Dorota Mani
With Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, during a meeting at the Capital advocating for women rights, photo credit Dorota Mani

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