Expert to Know: Mateusz Owi Owsiany

August 25, 2025

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What’s your backstory — how did you end up starting (or joining) an agency?

I’ve never been one to follow the traditional path — I started freelancing when I was just 13 years old, working as an assistant video editor for a national television station in Poland. I know that’s unusually young, but I was determined to dive into the creative industry as early as possible. Over the years, I grew into a lead motion designer, working with large corporate media teams. But eventually, I realized I wanted to build something of my own — something more agile, creative, and global. I teamed up with my best friend Paulina Bogińczuk (now my co-founder at MPMTeam) to launch what started as a VFX-focused YouTube channel. It didn’t take off the way we hoped — mostly because I was handling everything from shooting to post-production myself — but it laid the foundation for what came next. Soon after, we started attracting international clients who valued our quality and agility. That’s when we realized we could turn this into a real business. We hired our first team member (who’s now our 3D Lead, Mateusz Baranowski), and things snowballed from there. Today, MPMTeam is a globally connected creative agency based in San Francisco and Wrocław, with team members in London and beyond — and we’re just getting started.

What was your first entrepreneurial moment as a kid or teen?

When I was around 10 years old, I tried to start a music band so we could get paid gigs — even though none of us really knew how to play our instruments. I was writing terrible songs, and my friends would “play” something in the background that vaguely resembled music. It was chaotic, hilarious, and clearly not Grammy-worthy — but looking back, it was my first attempt at building something from scratch and turning creativity into opportunity.

What’s a belief you’ve changed your mind about in the last 3 years?

That you can make everyone happy if you just try hard enough. Turns out — you can’t. No matter how much effort, overthinking, or care you put in, there will always be someone who’s not satisfied. And that’s okay. I’ve also learned that trying to control every little detail only leads to burnout. Letting go — even just a little — has actually helped me grow as a leader and a creative.

When do you feel most energized at work?

There are a couple of moments that really light me up. The first one’s a bit cliché — but getting a new, exciting client always brings a rush of energy. But what really fuels me is seeing the whole team in sync — collaborating, problem-solving, creating, and actually having fun while doing it. That sense of shared momentum is everything.

What’s a day in your life really look like (no filters)?

Wake up — usually already running a bit late (my sleep therapist is not impressed). Quick shower, then a double or triple espresso with a spoon of sugar to kick things off. From there, I dive straight into meetings or follow up on whatever I left unfinished the day before. Since we work remotely (for now — I’m dreaming of a proper office), it takes some extra effort to sync with the team, so I spend time briefing, brainstorming, or finding new ways to push us to the next level. There’s almost always some unexpected fire to put out, but hey — that’s part of the job. I usually wrap up late, then finally wind down with my fiancé before crashing and doing it all again the next day.

What’s a personal ritual or habit you credit for your success?

Daily affirmations — they’re literally on my to-do list every day. It helps me stay grounded, focused, and aligned with where I want to go. But if I had to pick a habit that’s shaped my success the most, it’s probably this: I genuinely love people. Building real relationships, having honest conversations, and staying curious about others — that’s what’s opened the most doors for me, both personally and professionally.

What’s one mistake you made early on that taught you something lasting?

Know your worth early on. If everyone says, "Jeez that's crazy", it probably is, and that's why you make it happen.

What’s something people get wrong about you?

People often think that everything I say or do is set in stone — like I’m not open to changing my mind. The truth is, I do have strong opinions (and I’m not shy about them), but I’m also deeply open-minded. If someone presents a better perspective, I’ll genuinely listen and rethink things. Growth comes from being willing to shift — not from always being right.

What do you do to recharge outside of work?

I’m really into aggressive rollerskating — there’s nothing like hitting the skatepark to clear my head and have some fun. It’s my version of meditation (with a few bruises). I also love good food. Like, actually cooking — not reheating something from a box. When I have time, I’m either in the kitchen experimenting or visiting one of my favorite restaurants to recharge with a great meal and good vibes.

What’s your definition of “success” right now?

Dang. I don't like this question! Honestly? Being able to live without constantly thinking about survival. Right now, success means having great people around me, doing meaningful work, and building a beautiful home where we can all feel grounded and inspired. And yeah… one day, I’d love to afford a private jet. Just putting that out into the universe.

What makes your agency different from others in your space?

We bring a truly global perspective to everything we do. Being bi-continental — with roots in both the U. S. and Europe — gives us a broader lens and more creative reference points than most agencies. You’d be surprised how often our clients are inspired by examples from outside their home markets. Someone once told us, “You guys are way more organized than most agencies — and you actually deliver and communicate.” That stuck with me, because that’s exactly what we pride ourselves on: clear communication, owning our work, and following through every time.

What type of clients or projects are a 'no' for you?

If we’re expected to work directly with a founder or CEO as the only point of contact — that’s usually a red flag. In our experience, it often leads to unclear direction, shifting priorities, and a lack of process. We do our best work when there’s a dedicated marketing or project lead who can collaborate with us strategically and keep things moving smoothly.

What’s a principle or value your agency lives by?

There are two big things:1. One of our internal mantras. We take responsibility, we communicate clearly, and we stand by our work. Even when it’s tough — especially when it’s tough. 2. We believe bold creativity only works when it's paired with accountability. That means we don’t just come up with big ideas — we deliver them, on time, and with full transparency. No fluff, no drama, just high-impact creative done right.

How do you hire? What do you look for in people?

We look for people who communicate clearly, stay curious beyond their core skill set, and consistently deliver on time. But just as important — we want team members who are fun to work with and genuinely love creating cool stuff. Skills can be taught, but great energy and accountability? That’s what makes someone a perfect fit.

How do you foster creative thinking on your team?

We encourage our team to look beyond the obvious — and definitely beyond their own bubble. Inspiration doesn’t come from scrolling the same feeds as everyone else. If we’re between projects or someone feels stuck, we see that as an opportunity, not downtime. We actively encourage our teammates to explore new tools, take courses (which we pay for), and learn skills that expand their creative range. Growth time is creative time.

What trend in marketing/advertising do you think is overhyped?

AI-only creative. We use AI in our work and genuinely love what it can unlock — but at the end of the day, the real value still comes from the humans behind it. Tools don’t tell stories, people do. The best creative work comes from blending technology with real insight, emotion, and craft.

What’s a trend you’re betting on long-term?

Immersive marketing — and not just in virtual worlds. We’re betting big on anything that makes marketing more interactive, gamified, and experience-driven. That includes reaching gamers in authentic ways, creating interactive Out-of-Home activations, and designing brand moments that feel more like play than promotion. It’s not just a trend — it’s the future of how people engage with brands: together, actively, and on their own terms.

What’s one small decision that led to a big result for your agency?

Deciding to show up. Specifically — saying yes to more industry events and actually taking the time to connect with people in real life. It seemed small at first, but those conversations, introductions, and shared drinks led to some of our biggest opportunities. Especially at the larger events — they’ve been game-changers for building relationships and getting our name out there.

What advice would you give to someone starting an agency today?

Good luck!

What’s something you’d do differently if you were starting from scratch?

If you can get investors early — do it. Don’t wait. And here’s a big one: don’t hire full-time employees too soon. Even if you think you’re ready, you’re probably still early. The right time to hire full-time is when it already feels a little too late — when the demand is bursting at the seams and you absolutely need that extra capacity. It’s way easier to scale up than to carry unnecessary overhead too soon.

How do you approach pricing — any rules you live by?

Value. Value. Value... and more thinking ahead.

Who’s one founder or operator you really admire — and why?

I recently started admiring the founder of R/GA. Their story feels so familiar and so relatable!

What software or tool do you swear by?

"ToDoist" and connecting it to Siri!

What’s one resource (book, podcast, etc.) that changed how you work?

TheFutur a couple of years ago -- Now I am not following as much, but it really opened my eyes!

Remote, hybrid, or in-office — what’s your ideal setup and why?

Hybrid. I love meeting with people in person. Working with them and having fun in the process. But since my mind is more used to working alone, I sometimes just need "me time" to get stuff done.

What’s one thing you wish clients understood better about agency work?

That what we create isn’t just “cool stuff” — it’s strategic work designed to solve real business and marketing problems. The impact is measurable, and the data finally backs that up. Great creative isn’t decoration — it’s a growth driver.

What’s your favorite thing about being in this industry?

People. No matter what, you will always find someone cool!

What is one (1) fact or statistic about your industry that most people don't know?

Over 65% of Americans play games, and most of them have a huge purchasing power!

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