Value is a decision we make every day

Dr Sylwia Mokrysz

An entrepreneur, economist, the co-owner and a member of the management board of the Mokate Group, one of the largest family-owned companies in the Polish food industry. She holds a PhD in Economics and graduated from the Academy of Economics (now the University of Economics) in Katowice. Ms Mokrysz launched the iconic Mokate Cappuccino brand, as well as the LOYD and Minutka tea brands, which are now among the most frequently selected in Poland and abroad. She is also the founder of the Coffee & Tea Market Research Institute, which has offices in Ustron and London, and combines the worlds of science and business.

The interviewer: These words were written by Wilde over a hundred years ago, but they sound like a commentary on the contemporary world. We live in an age where almost everything can be bought, measured and valued, yet meaning seems to be increasingly lacking. What does ‘value’ mean to you today?

Sylwia Mokrysz: Value is the way we look at the world – not what we have, but how we think about it. It’s a decision we make every day, often through small gestures and choices. It’s about how we treat people, how we respond to change and how much heart and soul we put into what we do. For me, value is not a number in Excel or a quarterly result. It is intention – the energy behind our actions. It is respect, honesty and responsibility, and the belief that even the smallest gesture can make someone feel better. You can run a large company and still be a sensitive person. You can run a business sensibly without losing your empathy. It’s possible t0 achieve successes that bring joy not only to us, but to those around us too.

The interviewer: You started with a memorable advertisement – the famous slogan ‘Mokate Cappuccino – a star among coffees’ became well-known throughout Poland. What did you, Sylwia Mokrysz, a first-year economics student, feel at the time?

Sylwia Mokrysz: Enthusiasm, excitement and a huge curiosity about the world (laughter). I had my own advertising agency, a head full of ideas and I believed that a Polish brand could compete with global giants. Broadcasting this advertisement after the evening News, in prime time, was a bold, even crazy, idea. Many people tapped their foreheads and asked ‘Why take such a risk?’ But in the Mokrysz family, we have always believed that if something makes sense, you have to try it. I knew that coffee was more than just a drink. It’s an emotion, a ritual and a moment for yourself. I wanted people to feel that everyday life could also have a taste of luxury. And it worked – to this day, I meet people who say, ‘Sylwia, I remember that advert! It was something special.’ To me, this proves that a good idea never gets old.

The interviewer: Later, tea appeared – and with it, the LOYD brand, which is now one of the most recognisable in Poland. How did this story come about?

Sylwia Mokrysz: It came from courage and curiosity. In 2002, Mokate took over Consumer, a company that specialised in tea. It was a time of intense change, rebuilding everything from scratch. I knew that tea couldn’t just be a drink; it had to have a soul and tell a story. That’s how LOYD was born – a brand for people who know how to take a break. Tea embodies calmness, reflection and mindfulness. I wanted LOYD to combine aroma and emotion, to be a modern, sensual tea that also feels familiar. We introduced innovative pyramid tea bags and new flavour compositions inspired by nature and gardens around the world. On the other hand, Minutka was created – an everyday family tea as warm as a morning chat in the kitchen. Two different brands, two worlds – but the same goal: to make every cup special. Because, like people, tea has many facets. And they are all necessary.

The interviewer: You often talk about values. It’s easy to declare them, but how can they be implemented in practicsl business activities?

Sylwia Mokrysz: It’s true, values are easy to talk about, but they only have real meaning when they become part of everyday life. To me, values are like a compass, something that provides direction regardless of the circumstances. For customers, value means a sense of security, trust and a personalised approach. For employees, they mean empathy, support and attentiveness. Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter: a chat over coffee or tea, a kind word or showing appreciation for their efforts. And for the world, value means giving something of yourself: caring for the environment, supporting local communities, taking responsibility for the mark we leave behind. Values are not just slogans on the wall or part of marketing. They are the decisions we make every day. And when we give value to others, we ourselves become richer.

The interviewer: Is it easier to adopt this approach in a family business?

 Sylwia Mokrysz: Yes, to an extent, because family means trust, continuity, shared history. But, on the other hand, it also means enormous responsibility. In a family business, you don’t think in terms of quarters, but generations. Every decision must benefit not only the present, but also the future. This requires patience, consistency, and sometimes foregoing quick profits for the sake of long-term success. A family business teaches humility and cooperation. In our company, tradition meets modernity: the older generation brings experience, while the younger generation brings fresh ideas. This combination provides strength and gives the company a soul.

 The interviewer: You also founded the Coffee & Tea Market Research Institute. This is a rare example of a combination of business and science. Where did this idea come from?

Sylwia Mokrysz: From the need to build bridges. The worlds of business and science have a lot to offer each other, but they often operate in isolation from one another. I wanted to change that. The Institute not only researches the market and analyses trends and consumer behaviour, but also educates and integrates communities. It’s a place where passion and knowledge converge. Only when we understand phenomena can we really create something new. Thanks to the Institute, decision-making at Mokate is easier – we have more hard facts at our disposal. It is this combination of analysis and heart, reason and emotion that leads to true innovation. At Mokate, we always try to combine these two approaches: using data to make sense of reality and using intuition to spot opportunities that others have not yet identified. The Institute often helps us with this process, providing knowledge that strengthens our decisions and directs them in the right way.

The interviewer: What values do you convey to your employees?

Sylwia Mokrysz: Trust and respect. I want everyone to know that their work is important. A leader is there to listen, not to give orders. I believe that people don’t need grand words, but authenticity. I try to ensure that the company atmosphere is conducive to conversation, cooperation and openness. If people feel noticed, I believe they will want to give more of themselves.