The Heart of Bucks ‘Inspiring Buckinghamshire’ series gives local people from a range of sectors a chance to share their knowledge and insights to help inspire others.
Here we are speaking with Tomas Pukalski, Managing Director of Framework Digital.
Tell us about yourself and your connection to Buckinghamshire.
This year is the first time I can say: “I’ve lived longer in Buckinghamshire than in any other place”. For my first 18 years, I lived with my family in a small town south of Poland, near Cracow. This town is known for a large brewery and excellent secondary school. I finished that school and I left to study chemistry and engineering, and at that time, hoping to come back and get a job at the brewery. After many turns, over 10 years later, I started working in Aylesbury instead.
2023 marks another milestone for me. It’s been 10 years since I established Framework Digital – a web design and digital marketing business based in Aylesbury. With a trusted team of employees and long-standing supporters, we design, build and host websites for local businesses, charities and the local council.
I live in Aylesbury; my youngest daughter was born in Stoke Mandeville Hospital. She and her two older sisters attended Sir Henry Floyd in Aylesbury, where, later, I was volunteering as a governor.
What personal achievements are you most proud of?
The majority of things that come to mind as “personal achievements” are actually accomplishments of a group that I was a part of or someone else’s triumphs that I was rooting for and supporting.
I’m very proud of my daughters’ life-defining achievements. From passing a driver’s test or getting a job at a renowned company to securing an unconditional offer from a university – all these moments make me proud to the point of blinking fast and taking measured breaths to stop tears from coming.
I experienced a sense of achievement when in 2015, with a group of volunteers, we organised TEDx Conference in Aylesbury. It was fun; I learned a lot and made good friends.
Seeing the business grow and being able to help more clients and employ more people make me feel like achieving something decent. I’m proud of Framework’s work and the team, especially when working for charities.
What are some of the challenges you have faced, and how have you overcome them?
My first venture in the UK ended after 18 months when my business partner bullied me out of the partnership and took over with his family. People are decent, but I was wrong this time. I was left with nothing; my family depended on my earnings, and we had our first fostering placement.
Forming a new business at that point was neither a brave nor calculated decision, as in most cases, when one decides to start a company. One thing that I had in abundance was the motivation to succeed. Creating Framework Digital was the best decision which may not have happened otherwise.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Some of the best pieces of advice and inspiration come from books.
“If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.”― Ken Robinson The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything.
In the first hour of any conversation with someone new, I will certainly talk about Ken Robinson and creativity. I was lucky to meet him; he signed the book this quote is from.
What is your greatest hope for the future for Buckinghamshire?
To create educational opportunities for children and for adults that are more diverse and better suited for the digital age.
Anticipate technology’s and climate’s inevitable impact on our lives and work on plans to prevent families from being left behind, beyond help and completely disengaged.
Follow Tomas on LinkedIn here.
Read more of our Inspiring Buckinghamshire interviews here.
