Bozena Gruzd: Blending Psychology and Business Through HR Leadership
Bozena Gruzd, Director and HR Business Partner at Li-Cycle, holds two bachelor’s degrees one in
Economics and another in Psychology. Seeking a career that would unite both fields, she pursued a
master’s degree in HR Management. Human Resources proved to be the ideal path, allowing her to
support organizations while drawing deeply from her psychological background.
Li-Cycle is a pioneering company specializing in the recovery of critical materials from lithium-ion
batteries, reintegrating them into the supply chain. Its advanced technology enables batteries to be
processed safely with zero landfill waste, minimal greenhouse gas emissions, and a significant reduction
in CO output.
“This is truly encouraging for the world,” Bozena notes. “We now have a safe and sustainable way to
recycle lithium-ion batteries while supporting the continued growth of the EV industry.”
Challenges as Catalysts for Growth
Bozena openly admits she doesn’t enjoy challenges but recognizes they are unavoidable. Whenever she
encounters a difficult situation, she reminds herself:
“This is temporary. Pause. Breathe. Give it your best you’ll get through it.”
And then, she simply moves forward.
One defining moment occurred early in her career when she was tasked with delivering a two-day
communication skills training for a group of senior engineers. At just 25 years old, the idea of teaching
experienced professionals felt overwhelming.
“I honestly felt I should be the one learning from them,” she recalls.
Determined to succeed, Bozena immersed herself in preparation developing multiple training scenarios
and refining countless presentation versions. Despite her efforts, self-doubt crept in. She feared the
assignment might become the greatest failure of her career and even promised herself she would never
accept such a project again.
Sleep eluded her the night before the session. Yet the following morning, she was greeted by participants
offering warm, encouraging smiles.
Taking a deep breath, she addressed the room with sincerity:
“I know I’m young and you know it too. You bring far more experience and wisdom than I do. I also
understand you may have preferred different ways to spend these two days. But since we’re here together,
what if I simply share the most valuable and interesting things I learned at university? I’m young enough to
still remember all those books and I’ve selected the best insights for you.”
Their response was immediate and supportive:
“Let’s try. Go ahead.”
Later, participants shared that her honesty and humility instantly built trust. The training became highly
engaging, with full participation throughout.
From that experience, Bozena gained a lasting lesson:
“Stay humble. Be honest. Authenticity always resonates.”
Life as a Mountain Journey
Bozena often compares life to hiking.
“What fascinates me about mountains is that they offer many peaks. The path is never a steady climb you
move up and down repeatedly. Life mirrors that rhythm, filled with highs and lows.”
Each summit, she explains, unveils new perspectives, opportunities, and challenges. The journey
becomes deeply fulfilling when one chooses the “right mountain” a path aligned with personal strengths,
passions, and aspirations.
“Climbing a mountain may bring success. Climbing your mountain brings both happiness and success.”
Driving HR Growth at Li-Cycle
Bozena oversees HR responsibilities
across the EMEA region, which is currently experiencing rapid expansion. Recruitment remains her
primary focus and will continue to be central in the near future.
She joined Li-Cycle in February 2022 as only the second employee in EMEA. By December of the same
year, the regional team had grown to 25 colleagues. Alongside hiring efforts, she has been instrumental in
building and strengthening the HR infrastructure for the region.
Navigating Work and Life Balance
Bozena shares candidly that maintaining work-life balance is still a learning process.
“It’s easy for me to become fully absorbed in work, so I consciously remind myself to pause at least once
every eight hours.”
She also emphasizes the importance of a supportive team culture. When she sees colleagues investing
extra effort, she matches their dedication while encouraging mutual care within the team.
“This is one of the reasons I value being at Li-Cycle a company that genuinely promotes balance.”
She credits leadership for reinforcing this mindset, recalling a guiding principle shared by Lauren Choate,
CPO at Li-Cycle:
“Your health is priority number one, your family is priority number two, and your work is priority number
three.”
Bozena believes such messages must extend beyond words.
“It’s vital not only to say it but to live it.”
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Bozena’s message to emerging professionals and business leaders is refreshingly simple:
“Make mistakes and keep going. Perfection isn’t the goal. The world needs people who are willing to give
their best.”
Progress, she emphasizes, is not defined by speed.
“It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you move. Just continue forward. The horizon will always be there—
today, tomorrow, or even next week."
