How did your security career start?

Originally from Poland, Agnieszka moved to the UK and settled in Cardiff, where she began working as a Door Supervisor at venues including Walkabout and Bonnie Rogues.

It didn’t take long for her presence to stand out. Calm, confident, and rarely surprised by anything the night throws at her, she quickly built a reputation as someone both customers and colleagues could rely on.

It was during this time that she met Bridgegate’s Area Manager, Gareth, and soon after she joined Bridgegate – bringing with her professionalism, discipline, and a work ethic that immediately set her apart.

Friendly, fiercely independent, and incredibly dedicated to her team, Agnieszka is exactly the kind of leader you want running a busy venue door.

What were you doing before Bridgegate?

Before joining Bridgegate, Agnieszka had already developed a strong mindset through another passion – fitness.

Alongside her work in security, she has spent the past 10 years as a fitness coach and is also a competitive female bodybuilder, competing in the NPC Women’s Physique division, where she is close to earning her professional status.

The discipline required for bodybuilding carries directly into her security career. Whether she’s coaching clients in the gym or managing a busy venue door, the approach is the same – stay composed, stay disciplined, and perform under pressure.

What Does a Typical Shift Look Like?

A typical shift for Agnieszka starts long before the venue doors open. Her focus is on:

• Greeting and engaging with customers
• Ensuring the safety and welfare of everyone inside the venue
• Supporting her team throughout the night
• Maintaining strong communication with venue management

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.

A Career Milestone: Head Door Supervisor

One of Agnieszka’s proudest achievements so far has been becoming Head Door Supervisor at Barbara’s Beir Haus, one of Bristol’s busiest venues.

She commutes over an hour each way to work there, something she does without hesitation because of the strong team culture they’ve built together.

“It feels like family,” she says.

Regular customers recognise her on the street, and her team know they can rely on her steady leadership no matter how busy the night becomes.

How Has Your Career Levelled Up at Bridgegate?

Working with Bridgegate has helped Agnieszka sharpen her situational awareness and leadership.

She’s learned how to read situations early, anticipate problems before they escalate, and stay one step ahead during busy shifts. Equally important has been the support network around her.

“The communication within Bridgegate is really strong,” she says. “You know you’ve got people behind you.”

That trust allows her to lead with confidence, knowing she’s never facing challenges alone.

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?

She’s currently at Level 2 – Holding the Line. Trusted on-site. Leading shifts. Setting the tone for her team and the venues she protects. And like any good game, there are still more levels to unlock.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Before finishing, Agnieszka wanted to recognise the people she works alongside every week. She gives a huge shout-out to her team – especially her deputy Eja.

“I couldn’t do my job without my team and Eja,” she says. “Having people you trust beside you makes every shift easier.”

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.