Once, Michal Kuc considered becoming a particle and quantum physicist, but his journey took a different direction. Today, as a seasoned SAP consultant and passionate motorcycle racer, he conveys a clear message: technology is a powerful tool, but it only functions effectively if the underlying processes are solid. Through the years of project work across the world, Michal has refined his approach to SAP consulting—advising organizations on why they do what they do and how to improve it.
In this article, he shares insights into his defining career moments, the nuances of SAP projects, and the importance of embracing the human side of technology.
From consultant to advisor
“People usually think a SAP consultant just installs and configures software,” Michal notes, “but it’s really about asking why. Why do we need this feature? Why do we follow these steps? And if the process itself is flawed, we don’t fix it by automating; we just replicate the flaw more quickly.”
That is precisely why he loves the German term “SAP-Berater,” which means ‘SAP advisor.’ Instead of just turning wrenches in the system, Michal digs into each workflow, questioning assumptions and guiding clients toward a smarter, leaner way of working.
I don’t see myself as just an employee. I treat the work like it’s my own business.
A defining sabbatical
Though Michal works passionately now, it wasn’t always that way. After a stint at a previous job, he took a year off for self-reflection. “I went to Indonesia, rode motorcycles on volcanoes, and dusted off my Xbox to play video games for months,” he recalls. “At the end of that sabbatical, I realized how much I missed working. It killed any fear of losing my job—now I know there’s a wonderful world out there if work ends, and that frees me to do what I love without worry.”
This realization set the tone for his style: a blend of expertise, enthusiasm, and easygoing confidence. “I don’t see myself as just an employee. I treat the work like it’s my own business,” he says, explaining how that viewpoint drives him to innovate and push for better outcomes.
Driving projects that matter
Over the course of more than eighty projects, one that still brings a spark to Michal’s eye is a rollout for Angelini. “We went live in sixteen countries in just a year and a half, on time and within budget,” he says. “We had to cut some ideas along the way to meet deadlines, but that’s how we stayed focused. We delivered the main scope first, then revisited additional improvements.”
Another standout project involved stepping in late to help a major client integrate with a logistics partner. “They brought me in at the very end, once everything was supposedly finished. I realized they needed to start from scratch. It was tough, but I had to be honest. If the design is flawed, we have to fix it before we automate. Afterwards, they saw the value—and I became their go-to advisor for everything, not just SAP.”
The human side of technology
When asked about the biggest misconception in process automation, Michal drives home the point: “Automating messy processes just gives you a bigger mess.” He advocates for simplifying and clarifying the workflow—often by challenging people’s habits.
I want to show it’s not about being a robot. You can be the best in your field and still keep it fun.
Embracing the “why”
“Sometimes, a company will request complicated reminders or escalation rules for overdue tasks. But maybe we don’t actually need extra reminders if people understand why their approval is important,” Michal explains. “That’s the human side of the process: making sure each individual knows they’re crucial. Good training and genuine communication can be more efficient than building more software modules.”
Handling resistance
Not everyone embraces new processes immediately. “People are used to their routines and might say they don’t have time to learn anything else,” he says with a laugh. “That’s where the ‘why’ question helps. Why is it done this way? Often, no one really knows. Once they see how small changes earlier on prevent big problems later, they get on board.”
AI, the future, and legacy
Looking at the next five years, Michal sees artificial intelligence as the major disruptor. “SAP is pushing new technologies. The real game-changer will be AI-driven solutions, particularly in automating tasks like coding invoices or matching data faster than humans can.” Yet for all the buzz around AI, he believes the key to success is still rooted in people. “Software alone doesn’t fix inefficiencies. Skilled advisors and engaged clients drive improvements.”
Above all, Michal hopes to leave behind a more human-centered approach to consulting—one that blends expertise with genuine curiosity and humor. “I want to show it’s not about being a robot. You can be the best in your field and still keep it fun,” he reflects. “We’re with clients for hours or days on end. Why not make the experience both effective and enjoyable?”
In the end, Michal’s legacy is about more than just solving issues. It’s proving that a healthy dose of empathy, curiosity, and confidence can transform any messy process into a true success story—and, just maybe, leave everyone smiling along the way.
Interested in learning more about our approach to SAP and process automation? Reach out and find out how we can help streamline your workflows—while keeping the human touch.
