Behind the scenes
Hello, my name is Iwona Chelminska and I am the founder of somaas e.U..
I was born and raised in Silesia, Poland. In 2000, I began my international career working for European companies in the IT industry. At that time, I supported client communication and project management for clients in the Polish market. From the very beginning—long before Poland joined the EU—I saw myself as a bridge between the D/A/CH region and Eastern Europe, and I dedicated myself to establishing economic ties and fostering international business development. My language skills in German, English, and Polish, as well as my understanding of the different mindsets of clients in these markets, played a key role in this. This ability to put myself in others’ shoes continues to help me both professionally and personally to this day.
My Professional Journey So Far
Today, I look back with gratitude on over 20 years of experience and practical expertise in international sales and marketing. From 2001 to 2015, I held roles in Business Development for CEE and DACH, Key Account Business Development, and Partner Management at IT companies, collaborating with IT manufacturers such as SAP, IBM, and Microsoft. My knowledge of sales controlling and management, online marketing, PR & journalism, international management, as well as my foreign language skills, have become a valuable asset for sales organizations. After a decade in traditional sales, I was inspired by developments in digital sales, deepened my expertise in online marketing, and in 2015 completed my training as an online marketing expert.
What has shaped me and inspired the idea behind somaas?
New technologies are particularly important to me but cloud computing (SaaS) and the “service mindset” have had the greatest influence on my way of thinking. This concept emerged from my pursuit of quality, my fascination with new technologies, and my passion for communication and people. Cloud computing and the “sharing principle,” along with reflections on forms of collaboration that align with the modern and flexible world of work, led me to the somaas approach. somaas challenges the status quo in the traditional workplace.
Today, I provide strategic and operational support to help companies stay competitive and sustainably grow their business by combining practical sales management expertise with modern marketing strategies and the potential of artificial intelligence (AI).
How can I support companies today?
I work with SMEs to improve their customer/user journey and explore ways to leverage AI for greater efficiency and customer satisfaction. (check for details: Customer Journey & AI-Potentials Mapping). I offer strategic consulting in sales and marketing and if required, I also take on operational tasks in the following areas:
- Sales and Marketing
- Project Management (e-commerce, AI transformation)
- Email Marketing & Website-/Webshop Development & Optimization
Values and Guidance
Values such as loyalty, quality, honesty, gratitude and respect are particularly important to me, not only in my client projects but also in everyday life.