Level Up at Bridgegate: Agnieszka Kowanska on Leading from the Front
At Bridgegate, security career progression comes from experience, trust, resilience, and the ability to lead others with confidence. Through our Level Up series, we highlight the people whose everyday commitment drives the business forward showing how real careers develop on the ground, on-site, and in the moments that matter.
Security Career Progression at Bridgegate – Agnieszka Kowanska’ Journey
Profile
Name: Agnieszka Kowanska
Role: Head Door Supervisor at Barbara’s Beir Haus
Time with Bridgegate: 4 years in the security industry
Current Level: Level 2 – Holding the Line
How did your security career start?
Agnieszka began her journey in security over a decade ago. Originally from Poland, she moved to the UK and landed in Cardiff, where she started working as a Door Supervisor at venues including Walkabout and Bonnie Rogues.
It was while working in Cardiff that she met Bridgegate’s Area Manager, Gareth and soon after, she joined Bridgegate, bringing with her experience, professionalism, and a work ethic that quickly stood out.
What were you doing before Bridgegate?
Before joining Bridgegate, Agnieszka had already built a strong career in security and in fitness coaching. Alongside her security work, she has been a fitness coach for 10 years and is a competitive female bodybuilder, competing in the NPC Women’s Physique division close to earning her pro status. Her dedication to discipline, fitness and performance has shaped the way she approaches her work and leadership.
What does a “typical” day look like?
A typical shift for Agnieszka starts long before the venue doors open. Her focus is on:
Keeping everyone safe and ensuring they have a great time is her number one priority and she thrives in busy environments where quick decision-making and solid leadership are needed.
What’s your biggest career win so far?
One of Agnieszka’s biggest milestones was being promoted to Head Door Supervisor at one of Bristol’s busiest venues, Barbara’s Beir Haus.
She commutes over an hour each way because she loves the team environment and the culture they’ve built a crew that feels like family. Customers recognise her on the street, and colleagues know they can rely on her calm, confident approach.
On being a woman in a male-dominated industry, Agnieszka says challenges come regardless of gender but her strength, resilience, and problem-solving skills earn respect from customers and peers alike.
How has your career levelled up since joining Bridgegate?
Being with Bridgegate has strengthened Agnieszka’s situational awareness, resilience, and leadership. She’s learned to anticipate situations before they escalate and to always be ready with a plan of action. Nothing surprises her anymore which means she’s always a step ahead.
She also emphasises the ongoing support from her team highlighting that the contact, guidance and communication within Bridgegate provides trust and confidence that she’s never alone in her role.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in security?
“You need to be quick on your feet, quick thinking, and stick to your decisions.”
Her advice reflects the mentality that has helped her succeed: be decisive, composed, and confident in your actions and never be afraid to lead.
If your career was a game, what level would you be on?
Agnieszka identified with Level 2 – Holding the Line trusted on-site, leading shifts and setting the tone for others. She is a role model within her team and a trusted bridge between her crew, the venue and the public they serve.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Agnieszka gives a huge shout-out to her amazing team especially her deputy, Eja saying she couldn’t do her job without the support, reliability and friendship that make every shift smoother and stronger.
At Bridgegate, holding the line every night is what makes a strong security career and Agnieszka Kowanska’s journey is a perfect example of what that looks like in action.