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“I consider myself first and foremost a European and then a citizen of the world.”
I met Klára Skřivánková at the Women Trust Conference in London. She was the expert and moderator of the panel addressing the issue of modern day slavery. She represents the new generation of the Czechs, those who grew up without boarders and limits. She has lived and worked in several countries; she is now based in London. Her career journey includes working at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, a research for a German parliament member and work at La Strada NGO in Prague.
I admired and enjoyed her global perspective on human rights issues including women´s rights combined with her engaging approach.
How do you perceive today´s world?
I see the world as a wonderful place that is full of inspiration despite the fact that I have been dealing with serious abuses of people for the past fifteen years. The patchwork of cultures, experiences and knowledge offers endless opportunities to learn and explore. Yet, the world may appear to be in a state of permanent crisis as portrayed on TV screens, front pages of newspapers and in statements of scaremongering politicians. News dominating the headlines tends to be about the financial crisis that started a few years ago, the Ebola epidemic that started last year, the huge numbers of people on the move throughout 2015 and raging regional wars.
However, I believe that it is not those crises that should concern us most, but the attempts of our leaders to curtail our liberties and impose limitations as measures to make us all feel safer.
What I see as the biggest threat to us here in the “Western World” is loss of the rights and freedoms that were hardly won by our ancestors. It was no coincidence that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights came about following terrible atrocities, and much of the other fundamental human rights were enacted in colonial times. Mandela, Martin Luther King, Pankhurst, Rosa Parks and countless other women and men whose names we do not know, paid with their lives (literally or at a great cost to their families) to secure the liberties and freedoms that we now take for granted. Fundamental human rights are unalienable and every human is entitled to them. These principles are anchored in law to ensure that people’s freedoms cannot be taken away on a whim of a politician. What many people do not realise is that fundamental rights and freedoms are there to protect us from ourselves!
Of course in practice it may sometimes seem that the rights of ordinary people are worth less than the rights of those in a position of power. That does not mean though there is an issue with rights, but rather with institutions that should be enforcing them and a weak rule of law. But the very existence of the human rights framework means that one still has recourse to rights and judicial protection. Without this fundamental framework, the authorities would have the legal authority to exercise power in an unrestricted manner.
My worry is that the complacency of the current generations that did not have to struggle for their basic rights may lead to the erosion of the basis on which our societies are built. Developing a robust human rights framework is like building a cathedral without the machines and modern technology – it takes a many years of will, dedication, skills and delicate balance to erect something that is strong and withstands the changes of weather, in the same way as human rights framework is there to withstand changing political climate. Demolishing a cathedral would be a matter of minutes – one would just need some dynamite. Similarly, dismantling the rights framework could happen very quickly – if people stopped holding politicians to account and succumbed to the fears that the so-called leaders are trying to instil in us.
Living and working in London, how do you perceive the Czech Republic?
I have to admit I do not follow developments in the Czech Republic quite as closely. At the same time, I think I now have the benefit of a sort of an outsider view, while having the understanding of the country that only an insider can have. The question that I ask myself often is: “Why are we underselling ourselves, both as individuals and as a country?” The Czech Republic has a lot to offer – knowledge, skills, culture, arts, and yet, are we mainly known in the world for our cars and beer.
Of course there is the legacy of the past which instilled into people that they should not stand out from crowd and which ridiculed achievements and success. But there is also the passivity of the present, something I could describe as comfortable mediocrity, which I think is a great shame for the Czechs. And that is perhaps one of the reasons why we see so few Czechs represented in international organisations, in management of intentional businesses or holding leadership position in European and international politics. What I would like to see is the Czech Republic to support developing and exporting our brain trust and actively participate in world affairs. I believe that a government department that would help and support Czech citizens in applying to international appointments like the Netherlands have, would be quite beneficial.
Your career journey is very typical for the upcoming generation. From Prague to Berlin and Geneva and now more than a decade living and working in London. Do you consider yourself a Czech, a European or a world citizen or you do not seem to deal with this issue at all?
I consider myself first and foremost a European and then a citizen of the world – much of which I am yet to get to know. I have lived in the Czech Republic for 24 years, spent a year studying in the US, lived and worked for two years in Germany and have lived in the UK for over ten years. I was born in Prague and this beautiful city will always be a home. But London is the home of my choice, because it is place where one can be anyone and anything; it’s a place of arts and culture, full of interesting people from all corners of the world. I also experience it as a place where people judge less and where one’s ethic background, nationality or sexual orientation or religion is not a barrier. It is here in London where I truly feel at home – in the village of Vauxhall on the south bank of the river Thames.
Currently, you work for Anti-Slavery organisation founded in 1839 which makes it the oldest human rights organisation in the world. For many Czechs it might come as a surprise that the issue of slavery still persists in our modern era.
It is only a comforting myth for many that slavery is an issue of history. It is not. All countries in the world have what we call “modern slavery” in its particular form. The Czech Republic is not an exception. People, many of them migrants are trafficked to the Czech Republic and coerced to work in inhuman conditions that can only be described as forced labour. Many may have heard about the case of migrant workers exploited in the forestry across the country. The Czechs too become victims of trafficking in other countries, including the UK. Despite the laws that prohibit slavery and human trafficking, and government policies and commitments, human trafficking is one of the most profitable forms of organised crime and the International Labour Organisation estimates annual profits from forced labour to be $151 billion. The reason why modern slavery remains intractable is not the lack of legislation or the need for more policing. It is the absence of political will to deal with the causes of the problem within the political economy and the interest of many states and businesses to maintain a system that generates enormous profits.
We have meat at the Trust Women Conference that has been labelled as the best conference dealing with rights of women. Despite this fact we were the only ones from the Czech Republic present. What are the reasons behind the little interest in global issues and perspectives in the Czech Republic?
Whether Trust Women is or is not the most influential conference on the rights of women is something that only time will tell. It is still a rather new venture. I am a real conference “veteran”, so I often wonder how the impact of a large conference that involves a lot of money, PR and celebrities compares to smaller, in depth seminars that truly give women the skills, empowerment and voice to improve their political power or stop violent practices in their communities.
As for the absence of Czech participants at events like these – it is sadly quite common in my experience. I am not sure if there is complete disinterest in what is going on in the world. I perceive it rather as a form of passivity or perhaps resignation – while we may be interested in the big issues, I still believe that a lot of Czechs feel that it is either something that does not concern them, or something they cannot do much about.
Discussion about women´s rights in the Czech Republic usually end up with the polarising debate on quotas. Can you present other dimensions of the debate that takes place for example in London?
The annual WOW (Women of the World) festival is a great example of how a public debate about women’s issues happens in London. It is a festival that does not only celebrate women, their achievements and creativity, but also a forum where difficult topics like violence against women or female genital mutilation are discussed. Overall, the debate is much more mature here. It does not mean that we do not encounter misogyny or sexism in the UK. But we do have the advantage of a continuity of a debate about women’s issues since the time of the suffrage movement.
Reducing a large debate that should be about equality of opportunities, sharing of responsibilities, unacceptability of gender based violence and empowerment and role models for girls, to a single issue about quota is in my opinion a clear reflection of the immaturity of the discourse in the Czech Republic. As citizens and voters we should challenge any politician who cracks jokes or ridicules discussions that concerns fifty per cent (or more!) of the population. This sort of disdain should simply be unacceptable.
I was positively surprised by a number of men experts involved in the discussion and supporting the issue of women´s rights. How do you manage to get men engaged?
There are quite a few men who now work on women’s rights. But they are still far and few between especially when it comes to work issues that are still on the margins. Unfortunately, it is even now the case that some men enter the debate only once the initial ground work has been done and try to take over when the issue has moved into the public sphere.
And what are your final words for Czech Leaders readers?
The most appropriate seems to me a quote from an inspirational and a very humble woman, Helen Bamber: “It is easy to be a bystander, but I wowed never to be one.” Helen encouraged many that they can make a contribution. Helen worked all her life to support survivors of human rights violations, from holocaust survivors in Bergen-Belsen, to refugees who survived torture and trafficked men and women. She worked full time until her late eighties, “bearing witness” as she would put it, hearing and understanding what has happened to people who survived atrocities and helping them overcome and find confidence to go on living. I was privileged to meet her and work with her during my time in London.
I would like find a way to move the Czechs form being largely bystanders to being agents of change. Each and every one of us can achieve change – I do not mean change that needs to make newspaper headlines, but a change that will impact lives of others – be it your neighbour, or someone who comes from a far-away place.
By Linda Štucbartová
The Bank Board of the Czech National Bank (CNB) decided to use the exchange rate as a monetary policy instrument, and therefore to commence foreign exchange interventions, in November 2013. On this basis, the Board accomplished a depreciation of the exchange rate of Czech koruna, which had oscillated around CZK 25/EUR until then, not to “allow the koruna to appreciate to levels it would no longer be possible to interpret as ‘close to CZK 27/EUR’.”
The Bank Board explained this decision by insufficiency of the hitherto used main monetary policy instrument, gradually lowering interest rates to technical zero, to boost the Czech economy strongly hit by the global financial and economic crisis. Another supporting argument was a growing risk of deflation, as prices of many items in the consumer basket (especially consumer goods) had meanwhile been falling for some time and there was a danger that households and firms would have taken falling prices for granted and incorporate them into their expectations and wage setting.
The CNB has not deviated from this standpoint so far, as its latest statement of 16 December 2015 documents. It informs that “the Bank Board decided to continue using the exchange rate as an additional instrument for easing the monetary conditions and confirmed the CNB’s commitment to intervene on the foreign exchange market if needed to weaken the koruna so that the exchange rate of the koruna is kept close to CZK 27 to the euro.” At the same time, the Bank Board stated again that the likely timing of the discontinuation of the exchange rate commitment was around the end of 2016.
The historical decision of the CNB has evoked a vivid discussion among economists from the very beginning until now. The adamant position of the currency regulator represented by Governor Miroslav Singer and the members of the Board has been supported by exporters, particularly from manufacturing industry. Those companies would welcome the Bank to hold weak koruna for a longer period. Also one of prominent economists, Jan Švejnar, recommended lately continued depreciation of Czech koruna, as he sees the risk of deflationary development still on the scene.
But the camp of opponents has also come with strong arguments. First of all, they, like Pavel Kohout, stressed the fact that the Bank had stuck too much to traditional models averting a deflation spiral, not having taken into account that the existing low inflation (not only a Czech, but also a global one) had been initiated mostly by lowering oil and natural gas prices. It would be also disputable whether the classical image of a consumer deferring purchases in expectation of even lower prices could hold in the recent Czech situation. Statistical data document that the existing upsurge of the Czech economic growth is driven from a significant part by domestic consumers’ demand that was delayed during a protracted crisis and can no longer be withheld.
The opponents also introduce a recent Swedish example. This smaller and open economy has experienced several external shocks since 2008 and also some deflationary development. Notwithstanding that, the Swedish economy has enjoyed a steady growth rate since early 2014 in spite of (or thanks to?) a prevailing deflationary situation. They also stress the case that the Swiss National Bank had to abolish the limit for the exchange rate of the domestic currency in January 2015 due to the growth of costs keeping Swiss franc at a required level and to easing monetary policy of the European Central Bank. A swift releasing of the franc exchange rate brought some initial turbulence but contributed Swiss competitiveness in the end. Therefore Mark Brütsch, Chief Economist of Swiss Life, a prominent financial company, recommends the same decision for Czech koruna.
The specific concerns of decreasing competitiveness and adverse structural shifts in the Czech economy are another theme of criticisms that have followed the koruna depreciation. This position is kept e.g. by Tomáš Munzi or Lukáš Kovanda. According to them, the depreciation has created a „soft cushion” particularly for those export industries that have otherwise problems to retain their level of international competitiveness. On the contrary, high value-added industries relying on international cooperation are hit by more expensive inputs. This may result, in longer term, in deterioration of product structure of the Czech economy, literally in a “return to mounting shop”. Statistics from the Czech Statistical Office might support this opinion in a way. E.g. while total Czech exports grew during January-October 2015 in comparison to the same period of 2013 by 21.6%, of which those of products of agriculture, hunting by 26.9% and of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers by 39.9%, the exports of computer, electronic and optical products (which may stand for high value-added products) grew only by 18.4%. Nevertheless the period of comparison is too short to state this as a certain trend.
Another cloven hoof is hidden in the nature of such artificial decisions against market development. They are someway like drug addiction: simple to enter but difficult to exit. A quick release of the exchange rate of koruna to a market clearing level might disequilibrate the koruna market with an adverse impact on the Czech economy, and CNB would have to use a considerable part of its reserves to prevent a too quick revaluation. A gradual release of the exchange rate, more cautious and pre-announced, would in turn expose CNB to a risk of speculations and of testing announced deadlines.
The firm position of CNB as to setting the termination of interventions against koruna not earlier than end 2016 has brought so far a certain extent of assurance. It is now necessary to wait and see. Only after the koruna exchange rate returns to a natural and equilibrated level it will be possible to make a final account and assess whether the interventions of CNB brought more benefit or harm.
Emanuel Šíp
Partner
Allied Progress Consultants Association
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On the ICT as Means of Savings and on Prague More and More Attracting the Cloud
To non-ICT experts, the title might seem to be an oxymoron. However, the interview with Mr. Josef Švenda allowed me not only to address the trends in IT (for the experts rather ICT, stressing the combination of information and communication technologies) for the upcoming year but also improve the traditional dark image of the Czech Republic portrayed by the media as the country of cheap labour for assembly lines. On January 14, a unique press conference, synchronised across the region, took place, where Oracle announced the launch of a Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Recruitment drive to add 1400 new cloud sales professionals. In addition to Prague, new hires will be based in the five following locations: Amsterdam (the Netherlands), Cairo and Dubai (the Middle East), Dublin (Ireland) and Malaga (Spain). For the Czech Republic specifically, this will mean at least 100 new sales professionals who will help fuel growth in the Oracle’s cloud business. The press conference also marked the presence of Mr. Karel Kučera, General Director of CzechInvest, who was pleased with the growing trend in the Czech-US commercial exchange. From the point of view of a Czech citizen, it was interesting to hear that despite the fact that Oracle has not received any direct incentives for being based in Prague, it still sees Prague as an important regional location. The second reason was the fact that jobs for cloud sales experts will be followed by more expert positions of IT developers and so Prague managed to create new roles having a high added value on the market.
The remark from Mr. Švenda regarding the fantastic opportunity that Central Europe represents for both Oracle and for the cloud is not an understatement together with his belief that the cloud is perfect for supporting the rapid growth of agile and innovative businesses in the Czech Republic and Central Europe.
For me personally, this was a meeting with Mr. Švenda after a quarter of a century, which for him came as a surprise. During my high-school years, I was working as a hostess for the most prestigious IT exhibition called Computer Graphics and Mr. Švenda happened to be one of my first bosses, at that time leading Axiom company and presenting a revolutionary solution called Bernoulli box, a removable floppy disc. As you can imagine, from the IT perspective, it was the prehistory and after 25 years, I was pleased to reflect not only on the advance of the industry but also of the career of Mr. Švenda.
Mr. Švenda, we are meeting at the beginning of the New Year, so allow me to start with a personal question. What are your new year´s resolutions for the upcoming year?
Actually, I have none. For a long time I have been pursuing the way to concentrate not on big resolutions but rather on constant, day-to-day improvements. Every morning I try to find one particular issue that I can handle in a different and better way than I have so far.
And now back to the ICT sector. What are the main trends that you see relevant for the Czech and Slovak Republic for 2016?
I am glad that our countries continue to be undoubtedly a part of the Western world, so the trends in IT are the same ones as the ones in advanced countries. 2016 will be marked by the trend called Digital Disruption. Such phenomenon will influence almost every enterprise in every industry. The companies that are the most progressive are making their choices whether they wish to be “the disruptor” or they are preparing to be those to be “disrupted”. The power of Digital Disruption emerges as a culmination of five major trends that will reach its peak this year; these are: Big Data representing exponential growth of different data sources, Mobility in terms of digital data being able to be produced and consumed anytime anywhere, Social Networks as new means how to start a digital dialogue with customers, Internet of Things standing for data created by machines to be used by other machines and last but not least the Cloud as a flexible and elastic IT platform, enabling development and running of applications enabling the very phenomenon of Digital Disruption.
When you joined the company three years ago, you have compared Oracle to a roaring new red Ferrari. What does it feel like driving the Ferrari for three years?
It has been demanding as such a car does not allow for making mistakes. However, at the same time, you get to enjoy a lot of excitement.
As mentioned above, it looks like Prague is profiting from the Cloud. You have just mentioned new positions to be open with regards to cloud sales.
We are very glad that Prague has become a recipient of such an investment from Oracle. In order to offer so many jobs, Oracle has to invest quite significant resources into research and development of both products and services -these amount to 5 billion USD annually and also depend on the success on the customers‘ side. We are proud that Prague is perceived as a suitable location for high-tech centres such as ours. Our plans are ambitious and I believe that more than one hundred of new sales professionals will accelerate Oracle’s growth even further.
Few years ago, the experts were divided into two categories – those who supported cloud and those who were against. Now, cloud looks like a panacea. However, are there any other trends and solutions that leaders should be aware of?
I have already mentioned five significant trends (Big Data, Mobility, Internet of Things, Social Networks and Cloud); nevertheless, I would add one more and that is security which in reality runs through the main IT trends and to a large extent it can decide about existence or non-existence of companies in current digital era. Business leaders should pay a great deal of attention to security and choose partners that are well aware of the risks coming from digitalisation and are ready for them.
Another phenomenon worth mentioning is the interest of big IT companies to provide services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Thanks to the cloud solutions SMEs can afford modern systems that might significantly advance their performance. But doesn’t it resemble a situation when Goliath is giving his advice to David?
Perhaps, but it is worth noting that even Oracle started as David years ago and for many new companies it can be now an example and a source of good advice. I do not think that there are many companies who wish to stay small forever.
Let’s talk about investments in the public sector. When I did an interview with Jan Muehlfeit a few years ago, he admitted that investments in IT not always translated into the growth of performance. Has the situation changed?
ICT technologies have an enormous potential for the efficient running of public sector. But as it is the case with other investments, such potential might not be fulfilled for different reasons. I cannot say whether the situation in the public sector is improving, but I can clearly see the potential of ICT to improve lives of citizens and the entrepreneurial environment and we will definitely try to achieve that.
It looks like that you do not complain about the lack of students interested in technologies and given the number of acquisitions you do not mention that there is a lack of companies suitable for co-operation. Is it thanks to the industry of are you an optimist?
Or is it perhaps that our industry attracts life-optimists?
Mr. Švenda, can I ask you for the final words for Czech and Slovak Leaders?
Since we started on the new year’s theme, I would like to wish everyone plenty of success, both in their professional and private life in the upcoming year.
Are you the right candidate for Oracle? By the way, you do not need to have IT background but rather business drive and experience. And by the way, Oracle is also looking for talented women. Let me quote Loic Le Guisquet, President of Oracle.
“I want socially savvy, switched on individuals who can help customers respond to the digital imperative and make their businesses future proof. We are looking for people who want to be relevant to the biggest trends shaping business and technology.”
By Linda Štucbartová
Energy and its various resources: traditional, renewable and energy needed for personal welfare
I was anxious to interview a woman that ranks among top managers in the Czech Republic and has devoted four decades of her professional life to the energy sector, namely the gas industry. She is publicly known as being “as sharp as a razor” and her media image is heavily influenced by many charges that have been filed against her since she assumed the position of the Chairwoman of the Energy Regulatory Office. She has been in charge of the institution since 2011 – the term in office lasts 6 years.
When I met Mrs. Vitásková personally, I enjoyed her profound knowledge and the ability to present rather controversial arguments regarding new trends in renewable energy that are in sharp contrast with the public opinion in a way that even a layman understands. I was astonished at how frank and open she was regarding the issue we both care about – overall diversity, not only gender but also generational one, overall low presence of women in Board positions and their unequal treatment in highest top-management positions including a salary gap difference. I also admired her strong determination as well as her ability to deal with all the external pressures given several accusations she has to face that eventually brought her living under the police custody. Last but not least, we discussed her involvement in charities and her life credo to give and support those in need but not to make it necessarily public.
Mrs. Vitásková, your life and career is associated with one sector – energy, namely gas. What was the reason that you, being a 17-year old girl, decided to choose the typically male technical discipline in the era of “normalisation” in the Communist Czechoslovakia of the 1970s?
Well, my family background was not the Communist one and despite the fact that I was a high school A grade student, I was not accepted to the university as a full-time student. So I had to opt for a scheme that enabled me studying while working full time. At that time, the building of North Moravian Gas Company was located in the most modern building in Ostrava, having a radio in each office. I could feel the progressive environment, I liked the music being played there and so I started to work there as an administrative assistant, making my way eventually to the top. Then, after the turn of the millennium, I was responsible for the privatisation of Transgas with a much larger scope of involvement in international gas trade. Such international co-operation proved useful two years ago, when I initiated co-operation with other energy regulators from Visegrad countries (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia). I must say that after the Velvet Revolution I was made an incredible offer to start a subsidiary of an international company in the then Czechoslovakia but in a different industry. The month salary equalled to an annual salary including incredible benefits, but I had to turn the offer down. I realised, and later I had to explain to the surprised management of that company, that I would not be able to smell “the odorant”, specifically “the smell” of substances added to gas so people can smell and recognise a dangerous leak. So I believe this story demonstrates my passion for and fascination with the specific gas industry that has lasted for more than four decades.
Your move from the private sector to the public sector represents another interesting aspect of your career journey which is in contrast to the more recurrent trend in the Czech Republic where politicians in particular tend to move in the other direction, from the public sphere to the private one. What was your motivation to join the civil sector that does not have the best reputation?
My overall aim is to set a transparent and fair environment to all players involved in the sector and protect customers. I can say that I was familiar with the energy environment from the other side, during liberalisation and privatisation I knew how the regulation was drafted and how it originated. At that time, I was not aware of the challenge brought by the subsidisation of the renewable resources. I was aware of the problems with photovoltaic energy power stations and I prevented the possible repetition of the problem with regards to gas biomethane. I believe that I stopped the uncontrollable subsidising of renewable resources at the right moment, given that the regulation is set for a 20-year time period and the financial consequences of such continuous support would be beyond any financial control. I am known for fighting the “mafia in the energy sector” that is very powerful and my determination to fight these groups is very strong. I have never heard any criticism from the government or from the experts. However, I have experienced how the energy mafia is able to exercise its pressure using certain media, state prosecutors, individual politicians. However, given my personality, these attempts come in vain. The more I fell under pressure, the more strengths I find to fight these unfair practices back.
In general, life stories of leaders can be divided into two categories. The ones enjoying life as a journey and the others having a particular life mission. In your story, I have seen both trends. Which characteristics suit you better?
You are right. During the first part of my career I see the journey pattern. However, I have always had a desire to create something that would remain even after I leave. The building in Ostrava, mentioned earlier that brought me to the gas industry, was ready for demolition 30 years later. However, I did not want to let it destroy and the headquarters to move elsewhere. So I fought for its reconstruction; the reconstruction was so successful that it received a special award and I managed to preserve something of a historic value. In various positions, I was always interested in implementing something new, be it the most modern IT systems or customer relationship management systems. Now, during my position at the ERU, I see my mission in setting up and protecting fair environment and vulnerable players.
You have been ranking in the Top 25 Czech Women in Business chart and you were awarded the Manager of the Year in 2002. How would you describe your leadership style?
I know that I am very demanding. I am harsh on myself so I have the tendency to be demanding on others. But whenever I was leaving, the employees were saying “the fairy-tale with Alenka is over”, despite my high performance oriented character and challenging discussions I used to have with my colleagues, given my vast experience in the industry combined with technical education background. Now, diversity seems to be a current issue, but it has been my natural tendency to have teams always comprised of three generations, the experienced ones, the young ones and those in between. I have built those teams and we achieved great results. When I started to work for Transgas, it used to be 2 bn. in debt. We immediately launched 13 projects to raise the value of the company prior to privatisation and analysts expected the best bids between 60-80 bn. CZK. The final sum obtained in privatisation was 134 bn. CZK which shows how well the company was prepared and how highly valued it was by the foreign investors.
Let us get from management back to energy, in particular to the controversial issue of renewable resources. Despite the growing support for green trends in society, you again go against the current in outlining the risks these resources present.
There are two points to this argument. The first one is that I do not like to see renewable resources as an opportunity for one particular group to get profitable business with subsidies at the expense of others concerned, particularly consumers. The other side of this is the decision made on the EU level to go and support such policies and I will keep challenging this decision. I believe the decision was made without any previous consideration about the overall impact. I compare it to the situation when an innovation is being introduced to production without any additional technical changes. Yes, I see renewable resources as a new possibility of acquiring energy but we need to have exactly allocated finances together with technical background. I support innovation but only when it has clearly defined limits. I am convinced that unprecedented support of renewable resources will negatively impact the development in energy sector in next 20 years. The overall amount of energy from stable resources has been declining, the purchase price is declining but at the same time, due to subsidies, the energy price for the consumer is rising.
Not very many people realise the risk associated with the renewable energy due to insufficient technical solutions with power grids. With the decline of energy coming from Germany, the Czech Republic is in the danger of blackout, even though our distributional network is perfectly fine. And then we are getting closer to scenarios that some people can consider from the realm of sci-fi, but in fact are very real. How many days can our society function without electrical energy? The experts say that chaos will come after three days, total collapse after seven. Just imagine the amount of people immediately stuck in elevators, chaos on roads, hospitals without electricity, market failure due to malfunctioning banking systems and ATM machines, and so on. The current system needs to be more technically advanced as well as backed up and possible investments will be enormous. It is also worth mentioning that the more clever and sophisticated systems, the bigger risk of possible cyberattacks.
How do you cope with being under constant pressure?
My grandmother used to repeat the Czech proverb that “a man gets used to anything, even to gallows”. And I realised that this is truth. My father died when I was only 12 years old and I have two younger siblings that I had to take care of. I have already mentioned that I was not allowed to study, so since rather early age I got used to facing somewhat hostile conditions. On the other hand, I learned how not to give up easily. I have always loved what I was doing and work is actually also a hobby of mine and so I get the energy back. Whenever I come to work on Monday, I look if the police are present. If they are not present, I go and work as usual. After the police visits, I usually do not sleep for a couple of days. After I received the first accusation, I felt really desperate because I have not done anything wrong, which is the feeling I would not wish to anyone. Eventually, I got used to this feeling. I must say that even outside of work, I spend a lot of time discussing many accusation-related issues with lawyers. After a couple of days, I get back my drive and energy to fight the injustice and accusations I am facing. I have a dog, called Aiki. His character, as a mini-schnauzer, quite mirrors my personality. I also enjoy playing golf to relax. Last but not least, I would like to mention a group of friends that have remained around me supporting me for more than three decades.
Very many companies nowadays support women in leadership positions to get more balanced teams that are known to perform better. How difficult has it been to be a woman in the men´s world of gas industry?
I definitely agree that everything was more difficult for me due to the fact that I was a woman.
There were only few women in gas industry and usually they were not often taken seriously. My technical background and expertise proved to be an advantage, since I could prove that I could join and contribute to a debate. However I could see several differences in my style: I did not joined the rest of men either at soccer game or at the pub and I was very open in my communication. The biggest problem that has quite shocked me was, nevertheless, the pay gap. Even in top company positions, my salary resembled the one of Cinderella in comparison to my male colleagues. And this is the major inequality and injustice, everything else up to women to fight and solve. My mentoring advice for women is to never give up. However, as studies show, when women are hard and persistent, they are often labelled as being hysterical or difficult. It is true that efficiency does not support women being liked.
You have been very active in supporting a lot of charity organisations, but you have been quite discreet about it which is another trend that is against the mainstream approach in the Czech Republic.
It is my belief that this should not be a topic of my discussions. My personal motto is that from the money I gain, one third money should be enjoyed and spent, one third invested and one third given away. I have continuously supported a house for sight-impaired people in Opava since 1992; I also support charities for handicapped children engaged in hippotherapy, and I was the Chairwoman of Livia and Václav Klaus Foundation for two terms. I also have supported a charity for senior citizens since this is a group that is not being paid attention to. I believe that my life goal to leave a legacy is also reflected in charities I chose to support.
By Linda Štucbartová
“There is a clear delay between the pace of the digital revolution and potential regulatory measures.”
You are covering whole range of topics such as Internal Market and Trade policy. Let´s start with international trade and new EU trade strategy. What are the opportunities for the EU in global trade? On which part of the World should we focus and what form should the negotiations take?
I personally welcome the Commission´s new Trade and Investment strategy, because I believe it is a much needed and long awaited document. For the EU, which is a global leader and trendsetter in this field, trade is one of the key areas of its policies. With the new strategy there is an emphasis put on the crucial link between trade opportunities and growth and jobs generated in the EU. More liberalized trade with our main partners creates more jobs in the EU and thus contributes to its growth. This is one of the premises on which we should base all of our future negotiations. But above all, we need to deliver concrete benefits from trade agreements to our companies, especially small and medium enterprises. When it comes to the regional focus you were raising, I am convinced that first of all we must undergo a stock-taking exercise of all the ongoing negotiations. I am concerned by long lasting talks, some of them have been blocked for quite a while and we should be able to say whether there is a common will to continue on these or not. As a priority, we have to conclude those negotiations currently taking place with our key trade partners such as the USA and Japan. But I see a great potential for our companies also in Latin America and Asia.
Conclusion of the TTIP negotiations will not happen in 2016. In November, the US will hold presidential election and we have to expect a slowdown in EU-US talks. Do you see it as opportunity or threat?
I believe we should stick to our ambition to conclude the TTIP in 2016. You mention the presidential election taking place in the US next year. It is hard to foresee the exact impact this could have on the TTIP negotiations, however, I think that there is a common shared vision, both in the US and in the EU, that such an agreement has its merits and it should be concluded. We have advanced quite well so far, and it would not be beneficial to either side not to conclude it soon. I can imagine a sort of slowdown, as you put it, linked mainly to eventual changes in the US administration, but not to the point that I would call it a threat. The EU and the USA are natural trade partners, strategic partners as well, and TTIP could bring this relationship to another level, making both sides of the Atlantic work closer and providing businesses with real new opportunities.
Yet, in the context of EU-US cooperation, European and American businesses were shocked by the decision of the Court of Justice of the EU on Safe Harbour. Was it a “wise” decision?
Well, it would not be correct to make comments on the Court of Justice´s decision as to whether it was wise or not. The Court acts independently and is, without any doubt, able to duly justify its reasoning and judgements. We should take this decision as a matter of fact. The Commission has to analyse what kind of legal situation we are in right now and make it clear also for the companies. There were over 4000 of them using Safe Harbour and they deserve to know what will happen now. I think that we all know how important the data protection issue is for us, here in the EU, and we should make it possible for European´s consumers data to be handled cautiously and following clear rules, also by non-European actors. We spoke about TTIP a little bit ago, I believe that we have to find a relevant solution to the data protection issue also for the sake of this agreement.
In summer 2015, the European Commission suggested to grant China market economy status. The decision is likely to split Europe but also businesses across different sectors. Do we need more time to study potential impact of the decision?
This is a very important question, thank you for raising it. It is my impression that we do not pay enough attention to this issue in the Czech Republic. However, the decision on whether to grant China market economy status or not will have far-reaching consequences. The Commission has not yet stated what its preference is. We heard about the legal analysis which might lead to the conclusion that the EU should grant it. Having said that, the Commission is currently working on a couple of analyses which should shed more light onto this question. I think that we should be very cautious in this matter and also listen to what our businesses have to say. We hear about the steel and ceramics sector but there are definitely many more areas which could be heavily affected by such a decision. Bearing this in mind, I am calling on the Commission to investigate alternative scenarios and make proposals on different types of trade defence instruments which could help us protect sensible sectors.
The Commission unveiled its Digital Single Market Strategy in May 2015. It is difficult to regulate digital market. First the regulation is coming with a delay in such a smart-growing environment and second, it can suffocate the innovation. What is your opinion on that?
I completely agree with what you have just said. There is a clear delay between the pace of the digital revolution and potential regulatory measures. But for me, the ultimate question is: how do we want regulate the digital world? Do we need rules for everything, or should we adopt a laissez-faire approach and let the market figure it out by itself? In my opinion, the answer is somewhere in between, but closer to the latter. The focus of our work must be on the removal of barriers and national requirements that prevent a true single market. Instead of creating new prescriptive requirements at the European level, I believe we must instead work on the principles and frameworks of how we want the market work and then let businesses implement those principles. I fear that if we are too prescriptive, our laws will be outdated from the moment they are adopted.
We are expecting a new proposal on online platforms in 2016. What would be the best regulation to this environment?
There is currently an ongoing public consultation run by the European Commission on the regulation of online platforms. I am very much looking forward to seeing what the different stakeholders´ views on it are. Personally, I believe that to simply and blindly apply ex-ante regulation on platforms, as with traditional services, will do more harm to consumers and businesses than they would benefit them. We as legislators should focus our work on ex-post remedies instead of focusing on ex-ante controls. In other words, acting only after there is a problem instead of putting limits on businesses and traders before they even begin to sell. When dealing with this matter, we need to think outside the box and come up with new ideas. I keep saying we should think digitally by default. Another issue is data protection. I believe every platform has a duty to protect the data of its users. Security, however, will never be perfect. Consumers must be informed of a breach and what has been stolen. If the stolen data could be used against an individual, companies should be required to help counterbalance the negative effects.
At the moment (beginning of December) the European Parliament is finalizing together with the Council the General Data Protection Regulation. Digital market is based on data. How can we ensured the highest level of data privacy?
Yes, indeed, as discussed earlier, the data protection is one of the key elements of truly functioning digital single market. Both for the citizens and for the businesses. I believe that the Commission struck the right balance with its proposal. It came with the idea of a general data protection regulation, because the EU needs a single set of rules. This would help not only consumers but also companies carrying out cross-border operations. But I guess we can do even better here, as the initial ambition included also lowering administrative burden for all the actors involved.
Digitalization of the economy creates new barriers on the Internal Market. However, there are still persisting barriers in traditional business such as cross-border provision of services. What can be done at EU level to remove barriers on the Internal Market?
I think there is an approach to take addressing challenges in the overall single market. It would be hard to further develop e-commerce without working on opening up the market in parcel deliveries, provisions of services on cross-border level or labour mobility. All these issues go hand in hand with the rapid development of online services. There are also other barriers we should focus on, such as geo-blocking, which we suffer from any time we cannot benefit from a service because it is reserved exclusively to residents of a different country than ours. In general, we have to fully apply the mutual recognition principle. Let me mention one of the areas which still suffer from overregulation – the liberal professions. There are barriers which deny professionals to access their fundamental European freedoms of movement and establishment. So this kind of unjustified barriers must be removed as they prevent fair competition between different actors. National regulations amount to protectionist measures, they constitute de facto non-tariff trade barriers. We need the services provision directive to be fully implemented so that the Czech and other European professionals or service providers can access other cross-border markets freely.
Last but not least, what do you think about current threat of terrorism in Europe?
I cannot express how shocked I was to learn about the terrible events last month in Paris. It makes me sad to think of it, not only because I have been living in France for the last six years. It is obvious that the EU is now more than ever a target for terrorist acts and that we have to be active in countering it. For the time being, I am a bit disappointed by the Commission´s reaction to the urgent challenges raised by the security situation. We had high ambitions after the attacks on Charlie Hebdo last January, however our reaction was far too slow, heavily bureaucratic and not accurately designed. The Paris attacks happened almost one year since the Charlie Hebdo events and we have to be honest with ourselves, nothing really changed since then. I think we should be more active in this field; the terrorists will not wait until some directives are ready. They might be willing to attack us again and I hope we can face them better.
Thank you for the interview!
Alena Mastantuono, Director of CEBRE
Dita Charanzová is a Czech Member of the European Parliament. She graduated from the University of Economics, Prague and later from the Diplomatic Academy in Madrid. Ms Charanzová completed a doctorate degree from Jan Masaryk Centre of International Studies in Prague. She is a former diplomat, whose postings included the Czech Permanent Representation to the EU during the Czech Presidency, where she led the Trade Policy Committee. She has also worked at the Council of Europe. Ms Charanzová is the ALDE spokesperson and ranking Member of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee and a Substitute Member of the Committee on International Trade.
“Please, help me return the synagogue to Bratislava!”
In 1969, the well-known Slovak actor Andrej Hryc, was a second-year student at the Department of Acting at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava. His role model, the beloved Slovak actor, ass.prof.Ladislav Chudík, who had admitted him to his class two years before that, was already being punished for having defected in August 68 to Austria, which the incoming “normalization” communist establishment used to ban him from media appearances, as well as from teaching at the Academy.
On Saturday morning of April 12, 1969, Andy Hryc was walking along the derelict Židovská Street (Jewish Street) in Bratislava to the Hall of Performing Arts in Kapitulská Street, for regular on-stage acting lesson, when his attention was caught by an unusual image on the Rybné (Fish) Square. An excavator was attacking with its heavy bucket the magnificent building of the Jewish Neologist Synagogue from the late 19th century and smashing its left tower, a home to a Slovak Television studio until only a few weeks before. As well as more than 300 other houses in this area, the Jewish Synagogue also presented an “obstacle” for architects of the new Bratislava landmark – the Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising that forever destroyed, cut off the area below the castle and separated it from the rest of the Bratislava’s Old Town. All wars that raged through the city combined did not cause as much irreparable historical damage to the Slovak capital, as this Communist urbanistic crime.
Hryc sat down on a stone, with tears of furious helplessness streaming down his disbelieving face, and did not go to school on that day. He spent the following weekend sitting in front of the Baroque House of the Good Shepherd, watching this unprecedented demolition. On Monday, the synagogue was gone. And, it was as if no one noticed anything, as if nothing had happened.
Sitting across from me, sipping coffee, is the founder of legendary Radio Twist, a popular Slovak actor and director, Seychelles’ Honorary Consul in the Slovak Republic – Andrej Hryc.
Andy, at a recent press conference, you introduced to the Slovak public a project which stunned Bratislava with its exceptionality.
Since I live nearby, I walk very often across the former Fish, today’s Rudnay Square. It is where my son Hugo took his first steps and where my two grandsons are running around today. I witnessed the demolition of an exceptional monument – the Jewish Neologist Synagogue in Bratislava, which had stood here at the base of the Catholic Gothic cathedral opposite the Orthodox St. Nicholas Church and which was slowly turning into a pile of bricks. For years it was a symbol of our city’s religious tolerance and even though I am not Jewish, I miss it very much to this day. I was able to overcome many of my life’s problems by remembering those unfortunate people who ended up in the Holocaust’s gas chambers. Compared to their suffering and tragedy, all my life’s problems always looked like a fun fair. For more than 40 years I’ve been carrying the memory of this event and one day in the evening, when I returned home, it occurred to me whether it would be possible to rebuild that interesting yellow house built in a Moorish style, where in the late 1960s in the Slovak television studio, located there at the time, I appeared in my first television production, the name of which I don’t remember unfortunately. I began thinking about it and then talking to people who are close to me.
With my friend Karol Kállay, one of the leading Slovak architects, we found in archives of the city of Bratislava the original plans by architect Dezso Milch from 1893. We took the tape measure and went to survey the Rudnay Square. When we discovered that there is enough space to build a 100% replica of the synagogue, the idea got real contours.
Demolition in 1969
What followed?
I presented this idea of mine to several close friends: sculptor Juraj Čutek, professor of economics, former Vice-chancellor of the University of Economics in Bratislava Juraj Stern and world-renowned neurologist Paľo Traubner – the outcome of our discussions was the founding of a civic association.
What is the mission of your association?
The association’s name is “We’ll bring the Synagogue back to Bratislava”. It has a single objective – to return to Bratislava the symbol of religious tolerance, so much needed in these days. I admit that this is a high aspiration, but I like challenges. Our association does not want to build a place of Jewish worship. The synagogue will serve the people of Bratislava and the general public as a multifunctional cultural facility and at the same time it will be a permanent reminder of the “disappearance” of one of Bratislava’s communities. It will be a Holocaust memorial. The names of all seven thousand Jewish citizens, who were deported from our city to the concentration camp, will be engraved in the marble wall of the “old-new” Synagogue, to commemorate, at least symbolically, their return to Bratislava, as a reminder of the absurdity of the persecution of people of a different race, ethnic origin and religion or political affiliation. I believe that we will achieve our objective.
What is the timetable of your plan, and what is its budget?
We would like to complete our project over the next four years. We have two years to raise the necessary funds. Our budget estimate is five million Euros.
Historical view of the Fish Market
Where do you want to find funding for such an ambitious project?
The Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic granted us a permit to conduct a public collection. Our initiative was sponsored by all Slovak telecom operators, by organising telephone number 875 for donations via SMS, costing one Euro. We obtained patronage of the Mayor of Bratislava Mr. Ivo Nesrovnal and the Embassy of Israel. Of course, I’m not naive to think that we will be able to raise the full amount this way only. We count on support from the state, public funds, various sponsors and we will also approach international foundations and trusts. Every form of help is welcomed. Please, join me and help return the Synagogue to Bratislava!
Chatam Sofer Memorial
I believe that your initiative will soon receive a positive reaction from people who appreciate this noble story of a symbolic return of the Holocaust victims to their home town and that they will desire to take part in this effort.
I am deeply convinced of this; after all, for centuries Bratislava had, until the WWII, a very strong Jewish community that made significant contribution to the development of this city. Bratislava was home to perhaps the most famous Jewish school, founded by notable Rabbi Moses Schreiber, known in the world as Moshe Sofer or ChatamSofer. Sofer is buried in Bratislava and in 2002 his crypt at the Old Jewish Cemetery was renovated, serving since as a ritual and pilgrimage place of worship for Jews travelling from around the world to pay their respects. The ChatamSofer Mausoleum is less than 500 m from the original place where we want to rebuild the Synagogue.
Does this mean that this new initiative pushes your acting and artistic ambitions aside?
Certainly not. On the contrary. All participants are donating their time and expertise working for the association. All funds raised are dedicated exclusively towards construction of the synagogue. Therefore I cannot give up my artistic activities, since the pension, to maintain a proper standard of living hmm, somehow is not enough. Despite the fact that I am approaching 70, I cannot complain about lack of acting work. I’m constantly busy in the Czech Republic, as well as Slovakia. In Prague, I’m appearing in a theatre; at home I am currently shooting a new series for TV JOJ, called the Zoo and preparing for a major new film opportunity in the upcoming project of my daughter Wanda, who is the producer and co-author of a long feature Slovak film called the LINE, a story unfolding on the Slovak – Ukrainian border about smuggling flourishing in all its forms and local authorities looking the other way. A young policeman with peculiar methods arrives there, with a secret mission to convict the real culprits – his police colleagues. I look forward very much to working with leading Slovak actors, such as Emilia Vašáryová, Zuzana Fialová, Alexander Barta, Dano Fisher, Eugen Libezňuk or Milan Ondrík. The movie’s story is highly topical, the script is excellent and I believe that the result will be remarkable….
Bolek Polívka and Andrej Hryc in legendary TV series Černí baroni
Well, it seems that “the apple does not fall far from the tree”….. I said goodbye to a man full of energy and determination, who for one moment does not accept even one percent of a possibility that this most unique and ambitious project would not go ahead. His whole life, artistic career, his influence and last but not least his diplomatic contacts convince me that in about four years Bratislava will be greeting every traveller from Vienna and elsewhere with a majestic view of a newly rebuilt unique monument.
I am saying good-bye to Andy with feelings of humility, reverence and deep respect for the victims of the Holocaust, whose names remind us of “memento mori” and thanks to his determination I am already looking forward to the skyline of Bratislava which will be completed and highlighted by the synagogue and its majesty. I promise to Andy that I will do my best for the synagogue to return it back to the site from which it was uprooted. Will you, dear readers, join us and help in our effort to bring the synagogue back to Bratislava?
by Eva Anderová
Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius
There are just a few European cities over which so many different powers were fighting for so many centuries.
Naples was probably founded by the inhabitants of a Greek settlement around 8th century BC. In 326 BC, the city was seized by the Romans and became a host city for many emperors over many centuries. In 476, the last Roman emperor was dethroned and held prisoner in Casteldell´Ovo. Gradually, the control over Naples was taken over by the Byzantines, in 1137 the city was seized by the Normans and the Kingdom of Sicily was established which was growing into beauty and wealth. Soon afterwards, the city was seized again, this time by German Staufen, in the 13th century the line of a French Anjou dynasty was in power, in the 15th century the Aragonese took reign of Naples, and at the beginning of the 16th century, for a change, the Spanish became its rulers. In the 18th century, the city remained under the rule of Austria for about 30 years. The most flourishing times for Naples came probably under the Bourbon dynasty when it became one of the most important European cities. This fact did not pass unnoticed by Napoleon Bonaparte either who seized Naples at the end of the 18th century; however, after 1815 Naples returned to the hands of the Bourbons. In 1860, the troops of Garibaldi seized the city and thus it became part of the emerging Italian Kingdom and later the republic. Since the Italian union in 1861, Naples has been struggling for its prestige with other major Italian cities.
Naples and Vesuvius
Naples is the city of contrasts, most likely due to the fact that each ruling family has left their legacy here. Naples is not that homogenous and “Romanian” as for example Rome. It is something between Marseille, Paris, Milano, Genova, Athens, and Havana. Naples has a really attractive location which predestined the city for busy trading. A big bay led to construction of a large port; natural conditions, scenic area and favourable climate invited to a quick settlement.
Naples is beautiful from a distance. Gorgeous bay, Mount Vesuvius rising in the background, rich vegetation, wavy valley, majestic battlements of medieval castles, and domes of significant buildings ensure the city’s monumentality. When you take a closer look, it may seem nobody takes care of the city. It is chaotic, loud, dirty, smelling, neglected, dusty, battered, and falling apart. And this exactly is the key to its careless charm, the origins of which must be uncovered first to discover its magic. We will understand a lot when we learn about Naples´ history, lifestyle, and character of its citizens.
The people of Naples don´t play at anything, they don´t pretend. They are lazy but pleasant. They are not very open but are proud. If you don´t speak Italian or French, you have no chance to make yourself understood. The citizens enjoy their city fully but they don´t take care of it, as if they were expecting another Vesuvius eruption any moment again. So, the city somehow takes care of itself where only all that is firmer and more stable survives.
These days, Naples is not more dangerous than New York, Marseille, or London Soho, as it often used to be said in the past. All tourists are rushing to infamous Spanish quarters for the best pizza (which you just must try since it originated in Naples). Through the narrowest and longest paved streets where cars can´t get through, scooters are speeding up and masterfully keep off the pedestrians who become moisturised by drops of water from laundry hanging all over them and you can´t see a piece of the sky above. You are in the centre of action. Numerous old squares with marble fountains are hidden by crowns of ancient trees; in corners you will discover headstones and numerous evidence of rich history. Monumental citadels and castles show efforts of many conquerors to protect their pray against new desirous raiders; richly decorated cathedrals show evidence of power of rulers and influence of the church. The most significant museum of archaeology in the world contains countless antique treasures of more than 2 thousand years old. Richly decorated house facades are black with clinging ash, a remainder of the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79, the city´s riverside, streets as well as the port and beaches are black too.
Teatro di San Carlo
Teatro di San Carlo, gem among opera scenes
In the evening, the city changes. Black colour of the streets blends into the darkness and together with the Neapolitans we are on our way to the most amazing theatre, the oldest opera scene in Europe, Teatro di San Carlo. Since its foundation in 1737 it has been the oldest continuously functioning opera scene in Europe. Thanks to the Bourbon king Carl VII who had it built, the centre of opera moved here from northern Italy. Theatres La Scala in Milano and La Fenice in Venice were built only years later in the same architectonic style and San Carlo served as a model for many other major opera scenes all over the world. A large auditorium originally accommodated up to 3000 viewers, but after the WWII bombing the theatre was reduced when reconstructed. Despite this fact, today it can accommodate about 1500 viewers and its still impressive stage commands respect. Only strong singers may perform here so that their voice gets to all corners of the auditorium.
After the union of Italy in 1861, the centre of opera moved north again to La Scala; however, thanks to financial support, quality opera composers (Puccini, Leoncavallo, Giordano, Cilea), outstanding orchestra, conductors, management, and pride of Neapolitan opera lovers, the glory of the opera house gradually returned again. Opera schools were created here; composers were supported, so the importance of opera could only flourish. By the end of the 19th century, the opera house assembled its own great orchestra under the lead of Pietro Mattucci, which also attracted renowned conductors, such as Arturo Toscanini, Pietro Mascagni, or composer Richard Strauss. Only one famous opera personality never came back. It was Naples countryman Enrico Caruso who in 1901 was booed off by a part of the audience and refused to come back ever since to the sorrow of everybody, and they say he was spending more time in Sorrento than Naples ever since.
Old City of Naples
Famous conductor Zubin Mehta, who began his carrier here as a young man, now in his 80s, has returned to the theatre, this time as head conductor. His Carmen interpretation in December 2015 was breathtaking and commanded respect of audience as well as orchestra and singers. Neapolitan opera audience is fantastic, as if from another world. During the day carelessly looking Neapolitans obviously cherish the place they are visiting and in the evening they change into a graceful, elegant, and festively tuned audience that is able to provide an expert opinion as well. They are attentive and uncompromising. The artists may be condemned or raised to heaven’s heights by them. That´s why the atmosphere in the Neapolitan opera is inimitable, because, on the contrary to other world scenes, it is true and authentic.
They say we live at the time when the same Vesuvius eruption may occur – just like the one that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum 2000 years ago. The Neapolitans therefore developed their own ironical explanation of the origins of a known saying “To see Naples and die”. The first explanation says that the city is so beautiful that you cannot see anything nicer anywhere and therefore you may peacefully die right now. The second explanation says that Camorra, the Neapolitan-Sicilian mafia, was lurking at every single corner here which means you never leave Naples alive. Well, and the third confirmation of the saying will come with another sudden Vesuvius eruption. However, everybody hopes that scientists may be wrong.
By Iva Drebitko
Photos: Archive of the author
November 29th 2015, Prague
Ten items of prestigious Kodl Gallery & Auction Hall Vltavín art auction held in November 29, 2015 was auctioned to help wheelchair people with a fantastic result – 814 000 CZK.
Charity auction included 10 works of art by prominent Czech visual artists such as Jan Knap, Lubomir Typlt, Petr Nikl, Stanislav Kolíbal, Jan Hísek, Ales Lamr or Jaroslav Horejc. Among others, a meditative painting of idyllic landscape has been auctioned for highest price of 240 000 CZK. Jan Knap is not yet fully appreciated in the Czech Republic, but abroad very well esteemed and widely exhibited representative of sacred art authors.
“May the auction bring a lot of happiness, especially to the Paraple Centrum, but also to young, novice authors who we are trying to offer here along with well established artists. Drawing by Anna Kodešová exceeded three times the starting price.” Martin Kodl, the “father” of the beneficiary project.
Giant canvas “Face on the grass” by Petr Nikl with his characteristic theme of faces with animal masks climbed from starting price to a fantastic result of 160 000 CZK.
Proceeds from the auction were again wholly dedicated to rehabilitation and counselling services provided by the Paraple Centrum which assists and supports clients with spinal cord injury.
“Seem so that the alliance between the Kodl Gallery and renowned artists with the Paraple Centrum becomes for our wheelchair account beneficial.” Zdeněk Svěrák, the founder of Centrum Paraple.
“Smiling is just an automatic reaction.”
Hynek Kmoníček
A special personal interview with Hynek Kmoníček, Director of the International Department at the Office of the President of the Czech Republic, done by his wife, Indira Gumarova, on the media, patriotism, cooking skills, peace in the Middle East and so much more…
“If I were Angelina Jolie, I would make a movie based on his character. I learn something from him every day,” says Indira Gumarova, photographer and media advisor, who observed Dr. Hynek Kmoniček’s life far closer than anybody else (as his wife, in particular) and interviewed him for The Czech Leaders Magazine.
What book are you reading right now?
The End of Suffering, by Pankaj Mishra. I sometimes think I must be just the second person to finish reading this book after the author himself, and neither of us got it fully. An overcomplicated book on current India and historical development of Buddhism there and in the West.
What’s the last movie you saw in the movie theatre?
Movie theatres are history. I watch movies on my PC. The last one I saw in the real theatre was the Pakistani movie Khuda Ke Liye, a surprisingly well-done story of an arranged forced marriage and clash with fundamentalist Islam.
So the last movie you saw online?
It was a documentary about Welsh communities in Patagonia.
Do you watch any Czech TV shows?
Castle bodyguards made me aware of the TV crime drama called Atentat, loosely based on the Office of the Czech President. A crazy but funny story, especially if you know the real characters pictured there.
Is there a character in that show that plays you?
Not yet, but I wonder as what I would be pictured if ever I was an inspiration for a character.
As a semi-professional chef, what did you make for dinner last night?
Szegedin goulash spiced with Costa Rican chili. No dumplings. Crossover cuisine made with classic ingredients. Take Central Europe and turn it into Central America.
You give your interviews with a smile and some people think that you are one of those who loves to hear himself talk. What do you intend to achieve with smiling?
I am so focused when on camera that I do not follow every gesture of mine. Quite often a smile is just the automatic reaction and confirmation that I used to be an introvert.
I found that sometimes the Czech media are not patriotic. There were so many historical and important events in the country, but they cover only what is negative or controversial. In your opinion, what are some great historical moments of the Czech Republic?
I totally agree. We somehow seem to be genetically negativistic. The result is that even the current engagement we have in Syria will definitely be a footnote in textbooks of diplomacy, but I guess it will not be a Czech textbook. Exactly as it happened a few years ago when our engagement helped end the civil war in Sri Lanka.
Over the years, key people from different governments all over the world have sought your opinion on solutions of current problems: for example, Israel/Palestine; or ISIS; what is your vision of peace in the Middle East?
Realistic. Peace is the time between wars. And we must do everything possible to prolong these periods.
The media love to cover you. Any conspiracy theory about you that you find most entertaining?
These theories are somehow too unintelligent to be entertaining. If I follow conspirators’ logic, then I would probably have to be Israeli Mossad, Russian FSB and Pakistani by now and all at the same time.
Do you get upset when the country makes diplomatic faux pas? What makes you upset?
When I watch something going wrong in front of my eyes without a chance to do something with it on the spot.
For example?
For example, when we closed the embassy in Kenya as part of austerity measures just to reopen it two years later. You lose money to get where you have already been. And then doing the very same in Colombia. Simply things like that.
It is a known fact that you collect hot sauces but do you know the actual number of them? Have you ever counted them?
Never. My best guess would be between one and two hundreds little bottles. But I suspect you ask me about that to learn if I have a way of finding out how many of them you have already consumed. If I am the collector, you are the chili eater.
I took pictures of the most remote places where journalists tried to find you. Any particular place that journalists got you, but I wasn’t around with the camera?
Naturally, a bathroom. You don’t know about this but some years ago I flushed down my cell phone when an unexpected phone call surprised me there.
By Indira Gumarova
Photos: Jiří Turek
Hynek Kmoníček is a Czech career diplomat and one of the most prominent political voices of the Czech Republic, currently serving as a Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of the Czech Republic, and as Director of the International Department at the Office of the President. He started his diplomatic career in 1995 as a desk officer at the Middle East Department of the Czech Foreign Ministry. Since then, he served as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations and held roles of the Czech Ambassador in India, Australia and other countries. Graduated from South Bohemian University, with majors in classical guitar and pedagogy, he later earned a degree in English language studies from Charles University. Hynek Kmoníček also holds a degree in classical Arabic studies from Charles University and finished his studies at the post-graduate programme of modern history of the Middle East at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Looking back at the year we leave behind, it can be said that 2015 made it clear once again that people plan and Gods laugh. In order to face the challenges ahead of us, we need a different paradigm for leadership and strategic communications. To achieve it, we need to bring truthfulness back where it belongs: at the very core of our thoughts, speech and actions.
Reading the Economist outlook for 2016 I cannot stop noticing how very few things we were able to predict a year ago that have essentially influenced our lives this year. From the migrant crisis in Europe to the mighty economic growth in the Czech Republic, richly fueled by the last-minute withdrawal of EU funds, and to the insidious fear and irrational response of people we thought we knew in reaction to the terrorist attacks in Paris and across the world, we were (yet again) naïve to hope we finally understood our world. As always, life found a way to show us that our logical systems of measurement and prediction are, simply, insufficient when faced with a dynamic, multifaceted reality.
The question that gives many leaders a shiver is therefore: if we can’t rely on the systems we thought we understood, how can we continue doing what we do? How can we lead our organisations, institutions and lives, when there are so few certainties around us?
The answer to this question that I have been exploring for the past few years in communications and leadership is relatively simple: by letting go. In my experience, it is only when we become able to let go of our (illusory) certainties and fierce reliance on a predictable, measurable future that we can make room for something else. It is only when we stop identifying our sense of self-worth with the percentage of growth we achieved last year when we can take genuine distance and consider things in perspective. It is only when we learn to accept that the dictatorship of growth has an alternative – a healthier, more sustainable, cyclical, individual, economic life – that we can experience freedom. And it is only when we take personal responsibility for what is truly ours that we can start seeing our hidden resources and be able to take the next step.
Yes, but how do we do that? What I’ve learnt for the last five years, since strategic communications for leadership has become the focus of my activity, is that trust is the most expensive and yet most volatile currency today. It is your ability to inspire trust that gets you into a new corporate or political leadership position. It is your ability to trigger trust that keeps your people honest and engaged, and keeps fluctuation within your organisation at bay. It is your ability to cultivate trust that will keep your customers flying away when a cheaper alternative pops up in the market. It is trust that will shield your organisation better than any other insulating coat when a new crisis arrives.
There is only one trick to achieving trust. You can’t do that unless you are consistent in your words and deeds. And you cannot be consistent unless you’re truthful – and open – about what is really going on. There has been so much sugar-coating in communications that people are sick of it. Daring to look at what is and communicate it with your stakeholders timely, openly and responsibly is the way to make a genuine difference as an individual and organisation today.
Not so long ago I was stunned to see a headline claiming that “emotions don’t belong into the business sphere.” I dare argue the contrary. If we want to be able to move on, we must open up to exploring new paths in leadership and communications. Some of these paths are:
- Emotional intelligence. Know thyself is a timeless invitation. It is only when you know and understand yourself and when you become able to calibrate your behaviour according to circumstances that you can gain genuine self-confidence and achieve your goals.
- Intuition. For the last centuries our world has been dominated by logical, measurable systems. We have completely forgotten about our second leg, intuition, the ability to trust our instincts in order to move forward. We need to rediscover our intuition and learn to trust it also when it comes to major resolutions.
- Openness. We can struggle as much as we want to with accepting or not accepting migrants in the Czech Republic. Alea iacta est or the die is cast and people are moving across the world may we like it or not. The question remains: are we able to turn this new reality into an opportunity, or are we going to consume ourselves from within with rage, fear and longing for a world as we want it to be, as opposed to building strategies for dealing with the world as it is?
It is my firm belief that leadership that lasts is fueled by conscious communication. And it is my hope that, out of the uncertainties and incomprehensible, unpredictable crises of today, a new leadership paradigm will emerge. One free of the dictatorship of growth by all means and solidly anchored in truthfulness. And hopefully, conscious, strategic communications will be there to assist leaders along the way. For our own sake.
If you???re in a hurry, simply keep without designing them the cameras resting around.
Children are provided by the house setting with their literacy activities. Parents best essays uk are therefore effectively-located before elegant reading and writing begins at college to accomplish the advancement of emergent literacy skills within their kids. These emergent literacy skills incorporate print awareness, determination to explore produce, shaping and composing capabilities, alphabet understanding, and phonological awareness; the latter two being the strongest predictors of future reading ability (Adams, 1990). Parents could gain greatly from a shown-based method of the use of methods that market emergent literacy abilities inside their preschool- age kids. Parent-child Literacy Interactions Two schools of thought master the concern of how parents should communicate with their preschool kids to market early literacy abilities (Aram & Biron, 2004). In previous decades, the focus has been on normal literacy experiences and free. Recently, the concentration has been on encouraging parents to use a more guided strategy, recognizing that particular actions encourage certain abilities. In support of this process, Weigel, Martin, and Bennett (2006) discovered that the more parents begun literacy actions in the house, the greater the preschool child’s produce knowledge was and also the more interested he or she was in reading.
Do not bother about formatting! we will care for it.
Longitudinal investigation also implies that children will establish better emergent literacy skills, such as for example alphabet understanding, and start reading skills when their parents train them about printed letters (Hood, Conlon, & Andrews, 2008). Curiously, small children that are better in their connections using their moms will participate in more combined reading actions (like aiming and labeling) than kids in less protected associations (Bus, Belsky, van IJzendoorn, & Crnic, 1997). Attention should be taken in how this investigation is interpreted into exercise, while research implies the benefits of parents leading their childis literacy understanding. There is a danger an approach that is exceptionally informative can cause parents to feel forced to teach their youngsters, usually when they do not change every discussion, they’ll feel guilty. Partially because of this, some educators think that parents shouldn’t become teachers, but that general literacy capabilities should develop simply through natural and free experiences. However, a middle-ground could be reached if parents are created aware of the advantages of utilizing teachable times, or daily chances, to activate with their youngsters in a calm and substantial way. Additionally, parents do not need to show officially, but instead scaffold their kid’s activities. The parent provides youngster enough help as literacy that is essential so that they can attain -related pursuits that could otherwise be beyond his level of ability. The little one generates confidence, stays engaged, and enjoys the shared expertise together with the guardian.
Attempt butter, olive oil, avocado, and mayonnaise.
Aram and Levin (2002) exhibited that the scaffolding approach can assist a young child’s understanding of alphabet words, together with writing during combined writing activities. Activities in the House Reading is not the sole literacy activity with which parents can engage their children. Parents can also employ combined writing (Saint-Laurent & Giasson, 2005), storytelling, saying rhymes and literacy centered-play communications (Weigel et al., 2006), literacy training routines (Hood et al., 2008), and friendships with ecological print (Gerard, 2004). Shared Reading Activities. Just how a parent flows to her child could affect the progress of literacy abilities. In shared reading, the parent simply reads aloud a story book without actively participating with all the produce or in conversations about the story. Shared reading is simple and its most crucial benefit is always to enhance the parent-child partnership (Shuttle et al., 1997).
They learn how also and to set things to do things independently.
The volume of shared reading can be related to such vocabulary skills as language (Hood et al., 2008). Reading that is dialogic, the second form of reading, is involved. The childis interest is engaged by it through open ended issues (e.g., “What do you consider may happen?,” “What could you do in case you were this lady/boy?”), reproducing and elaborating about the childis responses, and delivering passion, reward, and confidence (Whitehurst et al., 1988). Finally, produce referencing varies by concentrating on words and phrases to increase a childis awareness of produce (Justice & Pullen, 2003). The parent encourages the kid for carrying on oral and prepared dialect through the use of strategies which are both mental (e.g., “Where should I start reading?,” “we realize that letter; it is a T”) and non-verbal (e.g., pointing to produce and following printing when reading). Print referencing builds on emergent literacy skills, such as for example print awareness, term concepts, and alphabet information (Justice & Pullen, 2003)eir youngsters as well as parents may take advantage of using a healthy mixture of dialogic and produce -referencing actions during their shared reading activities. One way to facilitate this process is found by the subsequent discussion between a parent and kid when discussing a page from the narrative Mr. Petis Whiskers (Neumann, 2007).
They ensure that you keep up with the word count of the dissertation aid substance.
Guardian: so what can you view with this page? Child: A pussycat. Parent: Yes! A pussycat–” meow, meow.” Exactly what does he look like? Child: He’s black and he has whiskers that are massive. Parent: that is right. [ a hand is run by The guardian.
Now???????? content practicing.
] Mr. Kitten had whiskers that are wonderful. Can you get the letter “M” for the label? Child: [Details to the.] There is my M! Guardian: Good work! I ponder what will happen to Mr. Pet; what you think? Kid: Perhaps he loves some dairy.
It had been an unbelievable story of our males there.” really a dry attention is not in the place.
Guardian: Yes, that’s right not amiss, cats do like milk. Let us turn the page to determine what happens to Mr. law essay help Shared Writing Actions. Growing parental knowing of the huge benefits to become received from shared writing pursuits has a constructive effect on the consistency of, and opportunities for, these types of connections; subsequently, literacy outcomes boost (Aram & Levin, 2002). Early publishing encounters and attention to print also are essential for having a youngster’s aesthetic scanning and recollection techniques, which are required for early-reading improvement (Clay, 1975). Kids increase their awareness of print when parents cause them to become scribble, draw, and publish. Emphasizing the designs as well as other aesthetic top features of letters also really helps to reinforce letter identification (Ritchey, 2008). Hence, it’s proposed that parents interact the youngster in early “writing” actions by actively growing notice forms or scribbling. Shared publishing pursuits could be even more effective than mutual reading actions in enhancing kids’ emergent literacy abilities (Aram & Biron, 2004).
It???s your fafsa rulebook that is essential.5.
The guardian and child do not have to restrict their mutual publishing pursuits to pencils and document. Characters may be formed in various fun techniques. Throughout a biscuit-producing action, as an example, youngster and a guardian can speak about what characters they may find out of the cash. In the event the child features a short name, every one of the words may be produced from the money. When the name is not short, the initial few letters of the child’s brand can be formed. String may be used to create simple characters, such as “O” and “. ” Different common items, for example straws pasta, clay, stays, and toy blocks, also can be utilized. Parents may more guide their childis studying with simple pursuits and questions.
Alternatively, preserve it quick, basic, advanced, and again, regular.
For example, the parent and kid may use along, long snake to roll out. Then, letters can be formed by them and track them using their fingers. The notification “M” might be traced while indicating “up, down, up, down” along with the letter “O” might be tracked ” round and round, such as the wheels of a car.” These simple directional tips could later be transferred to creating notification designs on-paper using a crayon or to different objects. Ecological Produce Activities. Printing on food appearance, product labels, apparel, path symptoms, and prints gives ample opportunities for kids to produce their literacy skills in a means (Gerard, 2004). Maybe it’s advised that simply being confronted with ecological printing enhances a youngster’s early reading skills. Nevertheless, environmental produce consciousness is actually a vulnerable predictor of future reading ability (notice Kassow, 2006, to get a review). It appears that kids depend a lot of on contextual tips as shades, images, and photographs so the produce is not noticed by them; and when the print is embedded. To help the child deal with the print, the parent must expressly point out the characters during natural relationships in the home (Gerard, 2004).
The in and sources text citations must also maintain the correct structure and fashion.
This way, youngsters may learn to decontextualize the print and raise their information about correspondence shapes, titles, and looks. The Up Downs home based tactic (Neumann, 2007) offers an example platform that parents could follow. The guardian interacts using the kid by employing a multisensory technique: visible (indicate and find out environmental produce–e.g., seeking and aiming in the M for “milk” on the milk carton name); auditory (the guardian explains the letter title and sound–e.g., “That’s an M for milk; it makes a MMM sound. Let’s imagine it jointly”); kinesthetic (employing body motions to physically form-letter forms while in the oxygen–e.g., “M goes up, down, up, down”); and tactile (tracing the letter appearance on ecological print–e.g., tracing the letter M with your hand while expressing “up, down, up, down”). The tactic is simple, and the guardian arbitration advances improvement of produce consciousness, alphabet expertise, and emergent publishing abilities, and raises printing inspiration inside the kid (Neumann, Hood, & Neumann, 2009). Play that was literacy -centered Controls. Kid’s literacy learning may be caused through the social circumstance of play controls, and possesses been founded that young children engage in early reading and writing actions through perform (Saracho & Spodek, 2006). These literacy-linked play interact and surroundings at home supply children with substantial chances to explore with literacy-associated materials. It’s encouraged that parents include literacy play materials storytelling, and publishing routines in-play controls to boost their understanding of the reasons of print as well as youngsters’ literacy habits.
(dallas standard baptist press, 1978) frank n, macchia.
Low-cost home props, materials, ecological items that are published, and logo indicators can be utilized to produce numerous literacy- play options that are loaded. Like, the guardian could help the kid create a fake toy shop or supermarket, filled with prices for the items, brands, and an indication. Moreover, a cardboard container could be used-to signify a television. The guardian and child may create humorous media stories the youngster might imagine to learn like a media writer, utilizing a hair comb. Homemade advertisements may be placed up inbetween the headlines reports. Awareness Actions. Phonological awareness is one of many strongest predictors of reading capability (Adams, 1990). Parents must enable young kids discover sounds in terms and language when examining story textbooks that have phrases that rhyme or present alliteration or when getting together with them. Singing nursery rhymes, such as “Old McDonald Had a Farm, ” also stimulates advancement of phonological awareness and seo writing services is exciting for both youngster and parent.
Einstein wrote a renowned notification to president n.
It is not always essential to employ songs that are traditional. Parents could make their very own rhymes that are basic up using a focus on notice sounds inside the phrases. As demonstrated in the following illustration the rhymes may be sung with physical measures. Octopus, Octopus, “Oh,” “Oh,” “Oh.” Wiggle your hands and down you go. Octopus, Octopus, “Oh,” “Oh,” “Oh.” Vibrate your biceps or more you-go. [a fresh letter sound may be put into the beginning of “Octopus,” such as “Roctopus, Roctupus,’Ro,”Ro,”Ro,'” or “Soctopus, Soctopus,’So,”Thus,”Thus.'” Alternately, a different rhyming phrase could possibly be applied, including “Snake slides while in the sun,’sss,”sss,”sss,’ Reptile slides having a good time,’fff,”fff,”fff.'”] Conclusion It’s critically important to offer parents with research -based literacy ways of interact their youngsters in a variety of literacy that is informal and online -centered activities within their home environments. The actions could be pleasurable, easy, functional, play- centered, and lowcost.
Hitler: a friend that is bibliographic.
No specific instructional products are needed for your parent and child to share with you library books together, scribble and draw, form letters from things (e.g., producing words out-of chain), point out and track characters on ecological produce, and sing rhyming songs. Teaching parents about the benefits of adding literacy activities in the house could possibly be done through courses that underscore the wide selection of literacy actions that may gain their kids (Saint-Laurent & Giasson, 2005). Utilizing their imagination, kid and the guardian together can cause their literacy-based play configurations at home by, for instance, building a market shop complete with a homemade store indication, favorite goods, and advertisement posters made from print in publications and newspapers. By thoughtfully doing a wealthy selection of, relaxed literacy that is simple -based actions in the house environment, parents will see that studying literacy is exciting. References Adams, M.J. Beginning to examine: Thinking. Cambridge, MA Press. Biron, & Aram, D., S. Shared reading and writing treatments that are joint among SES preschoolers that are lower efforts to early literacy.
These aren’t fast and hard policies, but are general guidelines.
Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 19, 588-610. Aram, Levin, & D., I. Mom- kid mutual publishing and story book examining: Relationships with literacy among low kindergarteners. Merrill- 202-224, Palmer Quarterly, 4. G., Belsky, J., van IJzendoorn. ,. Connection and book reading styles: A study of their toddlers, dads as well as moms. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 12, 81-98. M, clay.
Although filtering through my stocking fillers one christmas day i suddenly had an idea.
(1975). What did I produce? Start writing behavior. Australia: Heinemann. M, Gerard. What is a guardian to accomplish? other along with phonics stuff. Childhood Education, 80. Hood, Andrews, G, & M., Conlon, E..
You’ll get additional such ideas online.
Preschool house literacy techniques and kids’ literacy development: A research. Newspaper of Educational Psychology, 100, 252-271. L, justice. M., & Pullen, R. (2003). For promoting emergent literacy abilities: Three proof encouraging treatments -centered ways. Issues 23, in Early Childhood Special Knowledge, 99-113.
The story ” christmas carol” arrived 2 yrs later.
D.Z, Kassow. Environmental produce awareness in young children. 1, Research Institute, 1-8. M, Neumann. (2007). Up Downs: A functional and fun method to add reading and publishing to small children aged 2-5. Australia: Finch.
It has comprehensive information on keywords, observing, photography, descriptions and pricing.
Neumann, M. M., Hood, M., & Neumann, D.L. Emergent literacy abilities in the house environment’s scaffolding: an incident study. Early Childhood Education Record, 313-319, 36. Ritchey, E. (2008). The building blocks of writing: Learning to produce cause words and characters.
They are not for you personally! you could aswell simply krazy glue a stay of butter to your a**.
Reading 27-47, 21. Saint-Laurent Giasson, J, &, L.. Effects of a family literacy system establishing involvement that is adult to first-graders’ progress of reading and publishing qualities. Record of Early Childhood Literacy, 5, 253-278. Saracho, E. & Spodek, N., N. Young kidsis literacy- linked play. Early Child Growth and Treatment, 176(7), 707-721. Weigel, N.
The narrator might or may possibly not be the character but shows the story by discussing ‘i’.
Martin, J., S. S., K. (2006). Efforts of the property literacy setting to preschool-aged kids’ rising literacy and vocabulary skills. Early Growth and Treatment, 357-378, 176. G, Whitehurst. J., Falco, F. Fischel, J., T.
Try picking up a tiny metal target.
Debaryshe, e., T. Valdez – M. C., & Caulfield, M. Increasing vocabulary growth through picture-book reading. 24, Psychology, 552-558. Neumann is actually doctoral scholar, College of Therapy, Queensland Department of Education, and a school teacher. David M. Neumann is Senior lecturer, Institution of Mindset University, Queensland, Australia.
On behalf of our partner, UNICEF Czech Republic, we would like to invite you to a charity culinary class of Nepalese cuisine led by Amit Thapa, Chef of Hilton Prague Old Town. The funds raised from the registration fees will be used to support UNICEF programmes promoting the rights and wellbeing of disadvantaged children.
When
Thursday 28th January (17:30 – 21:30)
Where
Hilton Prague Old Town, V Celnici 7, Prague 1 (metro Náměstí republiky)
Registrationfee
UNICEF Friends of Children – 2,490 CZK
everyone else – 2,990 CZK
Programme
· welcome drink at Zinc Lounge & Bar
· kitchen tour & ingredients presentation
· dining experience with selection of wines
All participants will also receive a Master Class Certificate, selection of recipes and a gift bag surprise.
Registration
Number of participants is limited to 14, please register through UNICEF e-shop or email elangerova@unicef.cz.
For more information please visit www.unicef.cz.
Do internet reviews, although i don???t do reviews that are paid.
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You could possibly rest less but don??t plan on not resting at all..
The part of the war was that ladies formed two communities, first; the one that is minute along with society was Support culture. These groups used to create the remedies along with bandages for your soldiers that were injured. Body paragraph # 3: Additionally, there have been girls who likewise help the companies to make every one of the expected content and ammunitions and hands for your troops battling inside the battle. In whichever approach they could to get the civil war as the American paper likewise recognized the energetic roleplayed by the females National females assisted. Finish: Hence, ladies did everything to earn war’s level, they fought just like a man, they offered as beneficial nurses, plus they possibly produced ammunitions and arms. In short, the present of courage and courage best essay writing services in uk shown the National girls during the civil conflict is exemplary and unmatched. Today, you are aware what’s the procedure for writing civil war essay you can easily think of an excellent written piece; ideas can be even taken by you from the civil war documents that are previous.
“I am never afraid to work, I always set my goal high and choose the more difficult path. ”
How did you begin your career in real estate?
While I was studying business and law at the University of Economics in Prague, I was looking for a part-time job to get some practical work experience and make my study time more productive. I started working in a law firm where I was providing admin support as well as other assistance to the team. I was approached by one of our clients who was running a Real Estate Company offering me to join his team. I was always passionate about real estate and with my specialty at the university, I saw this as a good opportunity for me.
What was your first job like?
I started my career in real estate as a sales and leasing broker. At the time, the introduction to the property world was given to me by my manager, who is my dearest friend today, and who found out very shortly after I joined his company that I was capable of more and willing to work hard. I completed my first large investment transaction in 2007 to a foreign investor who then asked me to manage the property after the purchase. A few months later, I was recommended to manage more properties within the same building and by the end of the year, I was managing the whole complex. I extended my portfolio of properties and two years later, I was approached by an international US- based property management company, and asked to look after their portfolio of properties. There I provided both property and facility management services. As a result of being successful in this role, a year later I was promoted to head of property management services, where I supervised a team of managers looking after various properties across the Czech Republic.
Who was your mentor while growing up?
When growing up, my parents influenced me the most. As a child I was taught that you get only what you really need, but if you want something more or better you have to do something to get it. And when I turned 15, I started working in my dad’s grocery store. At this stage of life we don’t usually realize what is their intention to be so “difficult”, but looking back, this was what made me who I am today. I am very lucky to have such a great family who has been supporting me in every step of my life.
What triggered your interest in this industry?
When I was at the high school, I was preparing myself to go to a medical school afterwards, as I wanted to become a dentist. Last year at the high school I was attending weekend courses for pre-med students. That year helped me realize that this is not the right field for me and that I am more business oriented rather than medical or scientific. Real estate and property management itself is a very interesting industry as you’re working with people, which I really enjoy. Commercial or residential, it really doesn’t matter, it is still just a building which in our business we are making alive and that is what I like doing. Making sure that the old or new building will be here for decades and people will be enjoying working and living there.
What made you decide to move to the Middle East and specifically to Dubai?
Having acquired my experience in the Czech Republic, one day I woke up and decided to try a life abroad and gain more experience in real estate. I didn’t have any preference where to move but I knew that I don’t want to move anywhere in Europe. I wanted to go somewhere further but at the same time, I didn’t feel like moving too far, for example to the Far East, so staying in the middle (Middle East) was the right option. I always heard about Dubai – how fascinating the city is, etc., and had a chance to visit Dubai in 2010. During that visit, when I was standing by the dancing fountain next to The Dubai Mall, I told myself, ”One day I want to live here”. And a few years later I am actually managing the Mall itself. Through my life I was always saying:“Everything is possible”and yes, there are certain circumstances but if we approach them from the right side or angle, things will move the way we want. I was directly recruited by Emaar for the position of Property Manager to manage their biggest residential community – a small city, actually – with its 10,000 villas and other retail areas on 11.5 million square meters, which is called the green city – Emirates Living. While I was going through the rounds of interviews, I was finding out more information about the role and the property, which I was supposed to manage, and I wanted this role more and more. Within 2 years I was approached by the Emaar Malls Group management with the offer to manage their flagship between their malls and I have gladly accepted this new challenge.
How challenging is it to handle the Operations & FM in such a property like The Dubai Mall with operations 24/7/365?
In my role I manage the teams who look after day-to-day operations and FM services, and who make sure the mall, which is open 365 days a year, most of the time 16 hours a day, is always up to the highest standards. The total area of The Dubai Mall is 1.5 million square meters, which is a challenge itself. However, the main challenge here is the time – we have a very short time to ensure everything is maintained up to the very high quality, for which Emaar is well know of, but if you organize things properly, it is manageable. I am generally a well-organized person, which is crucial for this type of business. The other factor is human resources. You must be able to rely on people otherwise you’ll fail. I always work on the assumption that people will want to work for you and not that they have to or are forced to – that makes a difference every time. It is challenging to work in the Middle East where you deal with people from all over the world but in the end we are all humans and we need to find a way to cooperate. During holidays and events we have up to 600,000 visitors every day, which would be over half of Prague’s population coming to shop and entertain themselves, so these days are quite challenging.
What was the most challenging situation you have faced professionally?
I believe it has been the move to Dubai. Moving to an unknown place and completely different culture has been very challenging for me, but I have to say that it didn’t take me long to get used to it. Life is one big learning process we are going through, from the day 1 till the end, and that is what makes it interesting. Specifically in a professional life; I can’t say I have been in difficult or challenging situations – if everything is well planned, challenges are eliminated.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I am never afraid to work; I always set my goals high and choose the more difficult path just to make myself a stronger and better person. I consider my main success in my career that I have proved myself in less than 2 years working for Emaar and have been selected as manager for The Dubai Mall. Managing a mall with 80 million visitors a year is like managing a small country, which is something I’m very proud of being able to accomplish.
As a leader, do you ever have bad days on the job? And how do you handle them?
Of course, I don’t think there is anyone who doesn’t have bad days, but it all depends on how well you can manage yourself. Even if I have the worst day, I never let anyone in my work life feel it. I usually go and look at our dancing fountain and those 5 minutes help me calm down. When I am about to say something, I count to 10 to process it one more time and this has been a very helpful tool which saved me from unpleasant situations quite a few times.
If you weren’t working in this field, where would you be?
I don’t like to say “I do not know”, so I am always learning something new as I always like to be broad-minded. This is a very difficult question since I am very happy in this field and at this point in time I can’t imagine working anywhere else. However, if I have to have an answer, I would be an entrepreneur in various businesses, just like my father.
Do you get enough “me” time?
Well, working in a 24/7 environment in the busiest mall in the world doesn’t give you much “me” time but every free time I have I enjoy as much as I can. I love travelling and exploring new places, and I like to do some sports, so for me it is the active relaxation when I actually relax the most.
Would you have any advice for beginners who are just starting their career?
Hold on to your dreams and don’t forget that life is like a boomerang: you throw it out and it will come back to you, and most of the time when you least expect it.
By Czech Leaders
Lukáš has more than 9 years of multi-disciplined managerial experience in residential and commercial real estate including asset, property and facility management, development, brokerage, acquisitions and investments. Lukáš obtained his Master’s Degree in Business and Law at the University of Economics in Prague. Since then, he has held several roles in real estate companies in Prague, successfully managing property portfolios and leading various teams. Since 2013, Lukáš has been living and working in Dubai, UAE; currently, he works as Manager of Operations and FM at The Dubai Mall.
Or, did it use to be power back when it was not easily available and disseminated? My recent participation in a training course focusing on managing team effectiveness made me ponder on whether the objective to learn, to get empowered by knowledge still holds true nowadays when knowledge is not something belonging to the privileged only.
In the current times of widespread, inexpensive communications, knowledge travels way too fast for it to hold power for long. So perhaps there is no need to try to cram tonnes of it into our heads on the assumption it will make us special, is there?
I recently came across findings claiming that during the last century we moved from the Industrial Age through the Information Age to the Knowledge Age. The ability to obtain, absorb and apply the right knowledge effectively will become a key skill in the next century. Our capability will no longer be judged solely by qualifications gained in the past, but will also be assessed by our capacity to learn and adapt in the future.
When thinking about the Knowledge Age, the meaning of ‘knowledge’ may be changing as well. It does not seem to be thought of as ‘stuff’ developed (and stored) in the minds of experts, included in books, and classified into disciplines. It rather resembles a system of networks and flows – something that makes things happen. Knowledge may not be even defined by what it is anymore, but what it can do.
To me, knowledge, and education for that matter, is extremely valuable; perhaps partially due to the fact that I was denied higher education for years during the Communist regime and in fact, even denied meaningful knowledge for years as some of my mandatory learning reflected the distorted Communist reality. Learning is important for individuals as well as organisations. However, I do not consider learning to be just about economic success. It is the key to achieving our full potential. Human beings are uniquely adapted to learn and we have the ability to do so throughout our lives. Learning has the power to transform us. It works on all fronts – we can become more successful at home with our families, at work with our colleagues and in our local communities.
And back to my question – is knowledge still power? If you lived in the 1600s and wanted to be a mason, for example, you would start off as a master’s apprentice. Instead of paying you, he would teach you his trade because he had the knowledge you could not get anywhere else. He had power. You? Not so much.
I believe knowledge still has power but nowadays sharing knowledge is more powerful. Rather than trying to hoard something that can be acquired, sharing knowledge can have a bigger impact. Two people will collectively know more than one. Three will know more than two. And when you have a room full of smart people, there’s very little you cannot accomplish together.
There is a vast amount of knowledge and skills in organisations but they will not make the full impact if used in silos. In fact, lack of sharing may hinder progress and result in vast inefficiencies. Therefore, many businesses have recognised that the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing can make them much stronger and help them fulfil their true potential. My company, a very large and geographically dispersed business, has also been on a journey towards collaboration; however, changing a company culture from ‘what you know’ to ‘what you share’ can take very long.
Ultimately, we need to realise it is we who have the power to make the most of all the information and resources we know or have easy access to and use it all to make a difference, on a private as well as professional front.
Knowledge simply doesn’t become effective and powerful until people decide to act on it. In the age of information, ignorance is indeed a choice and, however comfortable, it is disempowering and not conducive to progress.
Who said knowledge is power?
Although the term is attributed to philosopher Sir Francis Bacon during the Enlightenment four centuries ago, the first documented occurrence of this phrase comes apparently from Imam Ali (599-661) and is included in the book Nahj Al-Balagha as follows:
“Knowledge is power and it can command obedience. A man of knowledge during his lifetime can make people obey and follow him and he is praised and venerated after his death. Remember that knowledge is a ruler and wealth is its subject.” – Saying 146.
Charisma is the unique property of someone who possesses a personal charm and is irresistibly attractive to others. Such an individual has highly developed communication and persuasion skills that he or she uses to influence and excite other people. Charisma increases a person’s attractiveness. But careful – it is not necessarily true vice versa. You can meet somebody who is obviously attractive at first sight but who does not turn out to have the charisma you would expect.
According to British psychologist Richarda J. Wisemann, a charismatic person tends to be highly attuned to the emotions of others and has an extraordinary ability to awaken emotions in them. At the same time, he is able to keep his own emotions in check and is resistant to the influence of other people, their negative attitudes and ideas.
People often think that there is a direct correlation between charisma and the highest attained level of education. Let’s take two global leaders as an example. On the one hand, there is U.S. President Barack Obama who studied at several prestigious universities including Harvard. On the other hand, look at someone like former Brazilian President Lula da Silva who left elementary school after only four years to become a breadwinner at the age of 12. Both politicians are intensely charismatic despite their vastly different academic backgrounds. There is no correlation here. The same can be said of the effect of the environment one grows up in. It makes no difference whether you come from a royal family or a socially excluded neighbourhood.
What are the advantages of charisma? Picture a charismatic individual in your mind. This person is most probably at ease with public appearances and speaking in front of people, is able to influence, motivate and inspire others and efficiently communicates his own visions. Most of will instinctively think of famous and successful women and men who are well-known for their artistic, athletic, political and business achievements.
Studies have shown that charismatic people work on better projects and get paid more for their work. This only serves to make them more self-confident and wins them even greater respect among their peers.
A successful person’s charisma multiplies his or attractiveness, which may sometimes turn into a downright fascination. Just look at some artists or the most successful entrepreneurs. When they enter a room, everybody is immediately aware that they are there and they are able to captivate all those who are present in a blink of an eye.
I would even argue that charismatic people lead happier lives but not simply thanks to the advantages I have already mentioned. They are happier primarily because of their positive outlook and their ability to enjoy even the smallest details. On the road to success, however, charisma cannot compensate for a lack of intelligence or hard work, which are, in my mind, the cornerstones that charisma can build on, adding a certain aura of personality that makes things a bit easier and smoother.
Whenever I talk to people about charisma I tend to hear to same questions over and over again. Everybody wants to know if charisma is something you are born with or if you can learn to be charismatic. Another typical question is whether there is some connection to the way the charismatic person looks. This is true, to a certain degree. A pleasant and attractive face can do a lot and make people pay attention to you but what about an actor like Jean-Paul Belmondo. Nobody would question his charisma although his “beauty” may be subject to debate.
Don’t get me wrong, though – a charismatic person is not always a good person. There are way too many charismatic crooks who cause terrible harm to their victims. Let’s be very clear that there is positive and negative charisma. If we want to take it to the extreme, we could say that both Stalin and Hitler possessed great charisma but used it for negative ends.
Although each one of us will occasionally get into a situation where we will tend to agree with a charismatic person, it does not mean that we should easily fall under the spell of this person’s words and looks. What about the effect of clothing? I would say that it acts in a way similar to attractive looks. Interesting and appropriate attire can help, but it not required.
At the top of the chart of the most frequent questions is the trickiest issue. Can an introvert be charismatic? Take a look at several global leaders: Ghandi, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. All three were exceptionally charismatic while being at the same time very introvert. I think there is really just one point of difference between an introvert and an extrovert. When I, an extrovert, get off the stage after giving a speech I feel full of energy. An extrovert, on the other hand, will feel exhausted. The reason is that an introvert runs on his own internal battery while I get recharged by the simple fact that I stand in front of an audience. This does not mean that one personality trait is good and the other bad per se. It is simply about how each manages his internal energy. So yes, an introvert can be charismatic. He just needs to practice more before getting on the stage so that he has more scope for using his energy efficiently.
Let’s dive deeper into our topic to get a true understanding of what it takes to be charismatic. Charisma is most often expressed and perceived through a person body language. This is partly due to the historical evolution of the way humans communicate where speech and language come into play at a relatively late stage of humanity’s experience. Before that, our ancestors spent a much longer period of time communicating through facial expressions, gestures and postures. Speech is responsible for a mere 7% of efficient human communication and the remaining 93% depends on body language. It is important to keep in mind in this context that our mental and emotional state directly influences our body language. But it also works the other way. Sit up straight and you will immediately feel stronger. These are communicating vessels that often reveal more about ourselves than we would like.
What are the components of charisma? Imagine a triangle that has power, presence and warmth at its corners. In the centre of this figure, we have authenticity that can be achieved only by people who make use of their strengths, talents and firmly anchored personal values.
Only truly authentic people can aspire to be charismatic. Authenticity can be feigned but not forever. It is a trick sometimes used by actors. Some roles and situations are very difficult to just imagine for longer periods of time. What actors do is that they fully immerse themselves in their roles, experiencing something akin to the placebo effect known to medicine. You no longer pretend to be what you are not, you really live the experience. In English this is known as method acting.
Look at the vertices of our charisma triangle. At the first tip, we have presence. I realised the power of a person’s presence when I had the opportunity to meet global leaders such as Prince Charles. When you are standing next to somebody with a great personal presence you feel that, at that moment, the person is there just for, that you have their fully attention.
How can you tell that someone is truly present in the moment? Among the telltale signs is the fact that the person keeps natural eye contact with you, displays an open body language, listens to you and asks relevant questions. It apparently takes only 17 milliseconds for you to notice that you partner is drifting away, losing the thread. Such a tiny moment can wreak a lot of damage in sensitive negotiations.
Fortunately, there are pretty simple tricks that can help you regain the present moment. Focus on your breathing or on your toes. If you try this strategy you will feel a sudden, strange signal shooting up through your body, forcing you to pay attention. Another trick is to focus on the sounds in the room or the colour of the eyes of your partner. Guess what – human eyes do not come only in brown or blue. They come in an incredible variety of shades and each person has a completely unique pair of eyes.
The second magic tip of the triangle is power. Look at animal behaviour, let’s say the typical alpha male stance that a gorilla takes when he wants to dominate other gorillas. The male stands on his hind legs, feet wide apart, beating his chest with his fists. We humans have parallel behavioural strategies. We use gestures that may be friendly while still displaying your superiority and power. It can be an arm casually placed on the backrest of your partner’s chair or on his shoulders while walking. Your clothing has a certain effect but a much stronger influence is exerted by a straight posture and domination of as big a space around you as possible. Sport and dance are among activities that can greatly help you in developing a correct, natural stance. I, for example, owe my physical self-confidence and natural gait to tennis.
The last corner of our triangle belongs to warmth. Your partner will be very quickly able to tell whether you pretend or whether you are serious. Nobody has complete, permanent control over all the aspects of body language. Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role when establishing personal contact. We must be masters of our emotions and at the same time be able to illicit a positive response in others. When you need to form a closer relationship or get back your audience’s attention, there are three failsafe topics you can use: children, partners, success and health. At least one of them will always work.
Personal warmth also means the ability to step into the shoes of others, in other words empathy, candid gratefulness, warm compliment and a shake of the hand. An interesting technique is “repainting” of your relationship with complicated people and situations. Take for example a situation where a car overtakes you in an aggressive way on the road. You have two options. Either you can get angry and let the situation get the better of you, or you can sit back and realise that you do not, in fact, know why the person did this. Maybe he was in a hurry to get a sick child to a hospital. This put the situation in a completely different light. There are moments where it is actually good for us to show some vulnerability and allow others to get closer to us. It has been proven that people do not like perfect individuals. Sometimes all it takes is a slip of the tongue that suddenly makes you look more human.
I hope that this reflection will help us see charisma as something that can be learned and acquired. However, the foundation on which we can build charisma is being true to yourself, being authentic. A charismatic person is always present in the moment, is aware of his power, is warm and has no need to pretend – he is himself.
As a standard practice, I always suggest to hiring managers the need to conduct the selection and hiring process with a purposeful goal of bringing not only the preferred candidate and finalist – but two — through the entire selection process. This is common sense, yet this advice is often dismissed as soon as they can identify a particular candidate to their liking, at which point the others are soon forgotten. Then, as can happen, something goes wrong at the end of the hiring process or possibly even sooner after starting a new job.
Bringing two finalists to the conclusion of the hiring process and job offer stage should be a standard operating procedure, whenever possible. Failing to do so, in my opinion, is short sighted and a dereliction of a manager’s responsibility – especially when fall-offs and turn-downs have increased in some market sectors, wherever there is high demand for qualified professionals. Instead, some managers seem to think there is an endless candidate pool or a magician’s hat in HR, where you can always magically find more resumes. But sadly, unless you are willing to extend your reach and relocate the people you need, there is a finite supply of the kinds of people you want and need to employ. Human resource professionals, recruiters and some managers understand this because the reality is that while indeed there are lots of resumes and people looking for a job, there may only be a handful of the candidates who are A) Qualified and B) Interested in your job and/or organization, which narrows your choices.
What I suggest is not difficult; just continue to advance both the first and second choice candidates through the entire process and to the final stage, all along informing them that only one will receive the offer. By the way, competition is good and nobody should be led to believe they are the only person under consideration for a job; it creates other problems, among them a sense of entitlement.
At the offer stage, the second choice candidate will be told, “…we liked you, but… the other candidate was chosen”. Though, don’t completely discard the number two finisher just yet, because you’re not done until the first choice candidate not only starts but completes the 3-month probation period.
Whenever I have to deliver this kind of news to the person who didn’t get the job, I’m simply honest with them and suggest that while indeed the process is over, sometimes things happen. I suggest that however unlikely, for one reason or another, if a circumstance presents itself, may I re-contact them and would they be willing to reconsider the situation? Depending on the mood I further remind them that, up to this point, they were interested and well-regarded by the company, which unfortunately chose the other. Most often this is reasonable for them and they respond that it depends on their situation but they are open to the possibility. Sometimes this is all it takes for a potential insurance policy of sorts, a fall-back position should it become necessary. More often than you may think I’ve had to make that call and say, “Hi, remember me? Well, guess what happened…?”
There is something else to consider when things fall apart and you don’t plan for a back-up candidate. I don’t care how great a company or job it is, anytime a position remains open for a lengthy amount of time, there grows a perception there is a problem with the position, the management or the company. That mere perception can make it harder to find new candidates who might be justifiably cautious, because when a hiring process is perhaps poorly managed, the perception is valid.
It is still true that people as a social element have three core needs. One of them is to be respected as a totally specific individual. Social networks reflect this need. The second need is the need to belong somewhere. This need too can be fulfilled better and faster on social networks than in the real world. In addition, we have the need to be appreciated and that is what we so often call for on networks. Maybe, social networks and Internet represent a new platform to satisfy these needs. Their history is short, we will see.
I don’t think it is technology but people who decide about the future. Being old as I am, my personal chances are minimal. J What is important for those who will not only decide, but especially live in a digital era, being called Generation Y or Millennials by their birth dates?
These are their preferences according to the research realized in the USA:
- meaningful work
- salary less important
- high level of self-fulfillment
- demanding work
- don´t care for high level of responsibility
They want work mobility, working at night too, prefer freelance work, and believe that their working time will be flexible in future. In a team, they prefer working online, use smartphones, and often download applications suitable for their work. Thanks to the Internet, the importance of the place as a geographical location necessary for work is disappearing.
What are they like and how are they different from previous generations:
- high level of narcissism
- open to changes
- creative
- adaptable
- entrepreneurial spirit
The worse situation is regarding their optimism, self-esteem, and team skills. Some qualities are typical for young generations in general, and so their connection to a digital era is just marginal. Nevertheless, and absolutely naturally, employers show the highest interest in them.
Recently, I have read an interesting article in Lidové noviny newspaper on “digital dissent” and an interview with its Berlin intellectual leader Thilo Utke. Besides the omnipresent Internet, smartphones, and new applications which will create a bridge between technology and users, he speaks about the battle against freedom restraint, global monitoring, protection of personal freedom, but also about creative potential of young generation. His opinions represent not only the “IT” generation but also many young people outside this profession. On the other hand, you get the feeling that the more knowledge of technology you have, the higher your chances to protect your personality are. Hackers often speak about unsustainability of personal data protection, but at the same time they are able to protect its loss very well. The founder of Facebook, Zuckerberg, said that if everything goes public, nobody will be interested anymore and the concept of privacy will be restored. Hard to tell…
Extract from a new book Digital Era which will be published by Albatros Media in Spring
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Most of my learning comes from my children,so when they asked me, “What is the diference between us humans and the animals“? I promptly replied that we are intelligent and can use this intelligence to lead Happier lives.
But, thinking about it, I realized that very often just the opposite was true. At least in my case, I often used my intelligence and mind chatter (77.000 thoughts pass through our minds every day and more than 70% could be negative) to the detriment of myself, our society and this planet. I often focused on what I did not want to see in my life, and every time I did, my intelligence worked to my detriment, making me less happy and very often quite miserable. The more I thought about it, the more it became clear that where I chose to focus my attention determined not only how I lived, but also affected the lives of a lot of people around me and potentially even future generations.
Seven billion worlds…
We all share one planet but we live in seven billion different worlds. Each one of us lives in a world of our own based on what we focus our attention on and which thoughts we attach ourselves to emoti-onally and which thoughts we choose to ignore. So today I am going to share with you my experience of my world and how I see it.
Thoughts will come and go…
I was a victim of my ego & mind chatter. It led me intonegative spirals and I would come out of it focusing mostly on the negative things in my life that I wanted to change. It was like Michael Jordan spending all his time cursing himself about what a poor golfer he was or Tiger Woods doing the same about what a bad basketball player he was.
Then I met Mooji – a spiritual master from Jamaica living in Portugal. Through his guidance and meditation, I realized that I was making myself and the people around me more miserable by focusing a lot of my attention on what I did not want to see in my life.
I learnt that thoughts come and go and if I don’t give them my attention, they have no power over me. It is only when I give them my attention that they become powerful – I give them the power. It was the thoughts on which I focused my attention that became powerful, but I did not do this consciously -it was the subconscious programming that I was carrying with me.
I also realized that I was getting what I was focusin on whether it was positive thoughts or negative mind chatter. Through all the negativity, a very powerful tool had revealed itself to me. lf I used it well, it could help me shape my life by focusing my attention positively on what I wanted and ignoring the thoughts related to what I did not want.
The logic of the revelation was simple, but implementing it required skill.
The fixed and the growth mindset…
One day, while watching a TED talk on „The Power of Belief and Mindset,” I suddenly realized I was often functioning subconsciously with a fixed mindset. A fixed mindset limits our capabilities and makes it more difficult to learn new things as we get older. I had become attached to this mindset and consequently it often determined or limited my behavior.
The growth mindset is just the opposite because it focuses on new possibilities and the positive. We can constantly learn new skills as long as we focus our attention on the learning process and do away with negative beliefs about our capabilities. It is a skill that, just like golf or piano or chess, can be learnt with practice. This was a wake-up call for me.
The Mastery of the Sages…
Later, when I was in Portugal on a silent retreat with the spiritual master Mooji, I realized that all spiritual masters had mastered the ability to focus thein attention on thoughts that would keep them in a positive growth mindset. They were able to ignore thoughts that could put them into a fixed mindset or would be negative – this was their Mastery. This ability to focus attention by design fundamentally changed their lives. This was the most powerful choice they were making, and is probably the primary mason they are called Masters.
The most powerful choice…
The most powerful choice that I have as a human is to determine what happens in my life by simply focusing attention on certain thoughts while completely disregarding others. Initially it seemed difficult. But the more I consciously tried to maintain a growth mindset and focus my attention on the positives, the easier it seemed to get.
Meditation has helped me ignore some of the thoughts that could be detrimental to a growth mindset & it allows me to regain more and more of the power that I thought I never had. Today I believe that we all have this power – the power of focusing our attention on what we want.
If I focus my attention on what I want & thoughts that create a positive synergy and systematically ig-nore negative thoughts about what I don’t want, it brings a very powerful change. It is so simple and yet so powerful that when I first realized it, I spent nearly an hour laughing out loud to myself and thinking about all the time I had wasted on negative mind chatter. Now, when my mind starts chattering, it just brings a smile to my face and I say, “There it goes again”.
As I learn from my children, I also hope to be able to lead my life in a way that they may learn something from me. It would be a fun game of mutual learning. I think it is a beautiful possibility to live into ☺
Not simply UK learners, but difficulty to produce satisfactory quality documents that are academic is faced by students from all around the planet. Though some of them aren’t getting the time to complete their coursework support jobs within contract a number of the learners lack confidence in study and publishing capabilities. Read more
Unmissable shopping opportunity
Diplomats will change Hilton into an oriental Bazaar
This year´s Christmas season will be opened by a special festival, which will take you on a journey around the world. The annual International Christmas Festival of the Diplomatic Spouses Association (DSA) is truly a feast for the eyes, a parade of colorful costumes, flavors, aromas, art, music and dance. It is also an excellent possibility to support DSA´s fundraising activities by buying unique gifts and treats from all over the world.
„Our festival is open for everybody. Visitors can buy goods from more than 40 countries around the globe. Vendors in traditional costumes are often ambassadors in traditional costumes”, says the President of DSA, Mrs. Pham Ngoc Tram, explaining the concepts of this event. “In a way the International Christmas Festival has the genuine atmosphere of an oriental bazaar and this is enhanced by a rich cultural program.”
The Festival will be held on Sunday, November 29th, 10.00 a.m. – 16.00 p.m.
at the Hilton Hotel, Conference Hall, Pobřežní 1, Praha 8.
(metro/tram Florenc)
Tickets at 100,- CZK are available in pre-sale through www.ticketstream.cz,
and at 150,- at the Festival. Children under 12 are free.
Proceeds from the ticket and table sales go to charity.
The annual International Christmas Festival, organized by members of the diplomatic community, has become one of the most prestigious and sought-after Christmas events. It attracts thousands of visitors each year and offers the chance to experience the diversity of cultures from all parts of the world.
The funds raised by selling entry tickets, goods at the stalls or internet auctions on Aukro, from private sponsors or corporate donations are subsequently redistributed through grants to Czech charitable organizations.
“Unlike similar organizations, DSA donates 100 % of the raised funds to charity. Our portfolio is very wide: from hospitals to hospices, from orphanages to therapy centers or training of guide dogs. All projects are carefully chosen and the use of our donations is strictly monitored”, explains Mrs. Ilda Poda, the Charity Coordinator. Since 2000 DSA raised more than 61 million Kč, which makes them one of the leading local benefactors.
Detailed information about the charity work and individual donations is available on the DSA website: http://www.dsaprague.org/ and newly on Facebook: www.facebook.com/dsaprague
Here are some photos form last years event:
Stall of Korea
Stall of Morocco
Stall of Kazakhstan
Stall of Egypt
Stall of Spain
Stall of Canada
Stall of the US
Stall of Argentina
Stall of Israel
The end of 2015 holiday season brought about some interesting events concerning Czech transport infrastructure. While activities to utilize as much as possible from the Operation Programme Transport for 2007-2013 get to the final stage, a new space opened for more conceptual and long-term decisions.
Eduardo Mendoza Garriga
Spanish novelist Eduardo Mendoza Garriga was presented with the Franz Kafka Prize, which the Franz Kafka Society annually awards for authors´ life work and which carries a reward of $10,000, at Prague´s Old Town Hall.
Choosing Mendoza, 72, from ten candidates, the jury appreciated his narrative skills, human approach to the depicted events and sharp sense of humour. “The international jury chose the name of this satirical author…in the second round of the vote,” Franz Kafka Society director Marketa Malisova said. Mendoza said fiction literature is a game and that he approaches it accordingly. Mendoza is the author of successful detective novels, master of humour and parody, but also a serious political commentator and opponent of Catalan separatism. He has presented his work at a literary event in Prague´s Cervantes Institute. Mendoza is the 15th winner of the Franz Kafka Prize, which is the first international literary prize awarded in the Czech Republic, launched in 2001. Its previous winners include Philip Roth, Ivan Klima, Harold Pinter, Haruki Murakami,Peter Handke, Vaclav Havel and Elfriede Jelinek. The prize is named after Franz Kafka (1883-1924), a world-known Prague German-language writer of Jewish origin.
Written by: ČTK
www.ctk.cz
Source: www.ceskenoviny.cz
The Austrian Heinz Reigl is one of the pioneers of foreign businesses in the Czech Republic, having set his foot on this uncharted ground in 1990, right after the revolution. Looking at his rich experience in leading positions, it comes as no surprise that he loves to see tangible results. This applies no less to professional business networks as he soon understood that they have the potential to be more than just prestigious “talking shops” for the elite. For seven years now, Reigl has presided over the Prague Skål Club. Under his leadership, Skål has evolved to be a vanguard of the professional networks in Prague.
The tourism platform Skål developed as the outcome of a business trip. In 1934, on the occasion of a new air route to Scandinavia, a group of Frenchmen went to visit their colleagues – in a time when networking rarely extended beyond national borders. Among all the foreign languages heard during the trip, remarkably, one particular word kept sticking: skål. The equivalent of the English “cheers” and the Czech “nazdraví” became the name of a novel network, the first of its kind in tourism.Over 80 years later, Skål is still the most important international network for leading tourism professionals. In most other respects, however, times have changed a lot. Communication and exchange are now global, from South America to Asia. As times changed, so did the concept of the organization. “Initially, Skål was a rather elitist group of CEOs, as we would call them today,” explains Reigl who joined the club 13 years ago. Members used to meet in order to eat and to chat. Only business topics and politics were off-limits. As a new member, however, Reigl quickly understood that Skål would sooner or later dissolve into a dusty outdated relic, incapable of attracting young professionals. Membership would drop and the network’s future would be uncertain.
Aware of that danger and not afraid to challenge traditions, Reigl, as the club’s new president, was able to change Skål’s course. “We have managed to win many young people. This had been one of the key problems that the club was facing.” It is not without pride that Reigl can now feel a fresh momentum that is considerably owing to Prague’s contribution, acting as one of the vanguards on an international level. The club’s slogan is now “doing business among friends.”
Skål Prague is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Today, the club has 72 full members, fondly called “skålleagues,” as well as 18 members of Young Skål, where students have the rare chance to meet and mingle with top industry leaders on an equal level. Reigl praises the club’s cooperation with the college Vysoká Škola Obchodní as a vital source for students of tourism.
The development in Prague is exceptionally dynamic because the city’s high number of hotels inevitably leads to a certain degree of fluctuation in the club’s members. Whenever a hotel director is relocated to another country, Reigl springs into action, trying to win his or her successor. Skål’s members in Prague stem from a variety of countries, making English the club’s “lingua franca,” or common language.
Modernization has also affected the profile of Skål members. Today, tourism is perceived in broader terms than before. Thus, an IT provider who produces software for hotels fits seamlessly into the scope of the club’s members. In the spirit of opening doors, members from outside of Prague are also welcome. However, sufficient English skills are required for club membership. “A condition that regrettably is not met by all representatives of Czech tourism businesses,” Reigl says.
Even though Skål take pains to avoid falling back into its former elitist attitudes, he points out the need for Skål’s members to be in positions where they can make decisions in their professional environments. Otherwise, the entire platform would lose its meaning and relevance. The times of superficial “talking shops” are gone, and members are very much invited to share their professional experiences and talk about business. Skål invites high-ranking guest speakers to its regular meetings and seeks collaboration with media, such as PTV Media (www.prague.tv, www.praguemonitor.com, www.mansprichtdeutsch.cz). The club is increasingly understanding its own potential as a special interest group, whose voice should be heard.
Reigl is trying to create synergies with other networks and is not scared to approach politicians and diplomats in order to positively influence conditions for tourism. Even though direct involvement in politics is not on his agenda, he is fully aware that tourism is not possible without a conducive political climate. As an Austrian, he knows about the benefits of tourism for national economy. He regrets, however, that Czech politicians often perceive tourism as a blessing that came from nowhere and that thrives almost on its own. Even Prague’s attractiveness as a city doesn’t suffice to make it a flourishing tourist destination on its own.
Reigl depends on international networking to broaden Czech horizons and improve Skål’s work in Prague. “Particularly younger Czechs are now more open to change and to learning from others,” he says. He attributes this positive development mainly to increased international exchange and takes it as a confirmation of his chosen strategy for Skål in Prague.
Learn more about Skål Prague at www.skalclub.cz
Author: Czech Leaders in cooperation with Christoph Amthor, PragueConnect.cz
Festival of light SIGNAL took place for the third time in Prague this weekend. It brought 3 large format videomappings (one of which was 3D), 13 light and 5 interactive installations. The organisers didn’t measure the turnout this year, but focused more on the cooperation with security services and on the improvement of passability of the streets. For the first time this year, SIGNAL expanded into the professional sphere with programs such as SIGNAL Future Forum or educational platform Transmit (www.transmit.org). Many works received great feedback from the guests, such as the videomapping on the church of St. Ludmila, the colourfully lit up Střelecký island or the interactive installation called Faces on the Šítkovská tower. SIGNAL 2016 will take place from October 13th till October 16th 2016.
Louise Beer and Luiza Gibb,co – founders of Czech this Art.
Natálie Rouckova, painter and Zuzana Panska, photographer launching their new work In London.
With Martin Keyval, president of the Czech- British Chamber of Commerce Jan Blazek, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in the UK And Pedja Djakovic
Jan Blazek, Cultural Attaché at the Czech Embassy in London with Bastiaan Brouns, Managing Director of Royal Ahrend London.
Daphne Thiessens, Cultural Attachée of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the U.k with Louise Beer, co- founder of Czech this Art
Guests of the event
Katerina Stenclova, artist with Martin Bursik now living in London.
Leny Aardse, artist, Anna Soucek, Magdalena Soucek from KPMG Prague and Jaap Aardse.
Leny Aarsde, making a presentation on The Golden Lady at Royal Ahrend in London.
Pedja Djakovic, painter Louise Beer, co – founder of Czech this Art and Jakub Fleijsar, sculptor.
Work by Pedja Djakovic from Prague at Royal Ahrend
Work by Pedja Djakovic from Prague at Royal Ahrend
The launch of Czech This Art at Royal Ahrend ,17 Charterhouse Buildings, Clerkenwell .
This was a preview of a new initiative to promote Czech artists in London.
It was a great success.
Indira Gumarova
As a longtime New Yorker now living happily in Hrad, which means Prague Castle in Czech, my blog will celebrate what I call the 3Fs: Food, Fashion and Folklore!
I seek to educate as well as entertain. My responsibility to readers is to make sure that things and places I recommend will not disappoint their cultured tastes.
As a Food lover, I am looking for a simple but elusive combination of good food, decent portions, reasonable prices, prompt and courteous service, a charming ambiance, and an interesting history. As a Fashion blogger, I am looking for fascinating, authentic, unique pieces and whatever I can recommend that makes you look better. And in Folklore, in addition to anecdotes about interesting events and personalities, I cover tools, technology and craft traditions associated with popular culture, travel, architecture and more.
I was ecstatic to discover the lovely Palffy Palac Club. This charming restaurant opened in 1994 in an elegant 18th century Baroque building that still exudes the luxurious atmosphere of that period. In 1881 aristocrat Eduard Palffy bought the building and bequeathed the restaurant his name. The Palffy Palac is located on Mala Strana, just a short walk away from the Prague Castle.
I thought it would be best to stop by for lunch in the afternoon. The food is wonderfully prepared, reasonably priced, and perfectly seasoned using fresh ingredients. I felt as if I were back in New York during Restaurant Week, an annual event where top Michelin-rated restaurants offer two-course tasting menus at bargain prices to show off the creativity and expertise of their chefs.
The meal began with fresh bread and butter topped with grilled hot garlic. That simple but delicious combination, clearly fit for a king, threw me back 400 years. This was a great start!
As a main course, I opted for a grilled fillet of pike served with roasted cabbage and shiitake mushrooms. The wonderful blend of textures augmented the brilliant flavors. The fillet melted in my mouth like ice cream. I also tried my friend’s choice, which was a lamb shoulder stewed for nine hours in red wine and rosemary. It was heavenly!
The chef of the restaurant is Saravanan Kandadu but the master of the lunch craft for us was Denis Chlusov. He has had a passion for cooking since he was five years old, and takes great joy in serving his customers some of the best and most exciting food in Prague.
The restaurant has a bountiful selection of wines that perfectly complements its elegant menu.
The Palffy Palac Club restaurant is tucked away on the second floor of Prague’s conservatory building. It is a place geared to discriminating local patrons, not the typical tourist trap one so often encounters in Prague. The atmosphere for lunch is relaxing and friendly. I ate like a king, and you can too, right in the heart of Mala Strana!
Contact:
The Palffy Palac Club
Address: Valdštejnská 14,
Praha 1 – Malá Strana 118 00
Web: www.palffy.cz
Reservations:
+ 420257530522
Open from
Tuesday to Saturday from 11am till 11pm
After more than 10 years of experience working for Café Coffee Day, owned by parent company Coffee Day Global Ltd., at their central headquarters in Bangalore, India, Ved Malhotra came to Prague as the company’s European GM in January of 2013.
While Vienna is known as “the capital of coffee,” the opportunities of expanding the company’s brand and franchise potential in Eastern Europe stemmed from the company’s acquisition of the Cafe Emporio chain in Prague in 2010. In the 10 years the company has been in the European market, Café Coffee Day has expanded to include 4 locations in Prague, Czech Republic as well as 6 locations in other Czech cities including Brno, Plzen, Most and Pardubice.
PragueConnect.cz met Malhotra at the recently reopened Fanta Cafe in the historic Fanta building of the Prague main train station to speak about Coffee Day’s emergence as an international coffee chain in the Czech Republic.
Although the family-owned company has been in the coffee business since 1870, the first Café Coffee Day cafe was opened in 1996 in Bangalore, India. Initially, the company’s coffee shops were places where Indian youth met to hangout, surf the internet and have a coffee. They served as internet cafes as much as specialty coffee houses. However, the brand soon spread across the country. CCD, as the brand is locally nicknamed, currently operates 1500 stores in 200 Indian cities and serves about 300,000 guests daily.
Currently, CCD is opening new cafes in India at the rate of 10-12 per month, in addition to the company’s recent expansion into Europe, Malaysia and Egypt.
The company’s founder V.G. Siddhartha is credited by Economic Times “for crafting a successful pan Indian brand from a commodity business and giving Indian consumers a new lifestyle experience that is within the reach of the common man.”
The origins of CCD’s coffee beans are steeped in an ancient legend that an Indian Sulfi saint smuggled 7 coffee beans from the nearby Ethiopian province and planted them in the hills of Southern India’s Western Ghats. Today, the company’s coffee beans are still raised in the Indian Highlands in the shade of trees on the company’s 12,000 acre plantations. The berries are hand-picked when ripe and later roasted in the company’s own roasting plant. Coffee Day Global Ltd. is the largest producer of Arabica coffee in Asia and one of the top 3 exporters of green coffee in Asia. Currently 7,000 tons of coffee beans are roasted annually. The company employs its own research & development team which has created 22 different Indian coffee blends and 4 blends specifically for the European market.
In India, the brand has three distinct retail concepts, ranging from Café Coffee Day “Xpress” with 900+ kiosks located in shopping malls, corporate centers, hospitals and metro stations to “The Lounge” a sit-down coffee shop serving breakfast and lunch in metropolitan areas. At the pinnacle of coffee culture, CCD operates “The Square,” 7 premium luxury cafes with full-service restaurants, single origin coffees from around the world and coffee selections paired with food. Coffee Day “Fresh and Ground” retails fresh, ground coffee. The brand also sells a capsule machine and “WAKECUP” cups and was the first Asian brand to produce a single-cup system.
Café Coffee Day’s newest Czech coffee house, the Fanta Cafe epitomizes the vibrant, social coffee culture that the company would like to bring to each of its European coffee ventures.
When asked about the differences between Indian and European coffee house culture, Malhotra said. “Coffee is a bigger cafe culture in Europe. In India, it’s still growing. Europeans are used to staying an hour or two longer at the cafes. They meet with friends and stay for drinks other than coffee.” While Malhotra admits that Viennese coffee culture is more cosmopolitan than in the Czech Republic, he says that Czechs see coffee shops as social outlets.
In each of their European cafes, Café Coffee Day operates as a full table-service cafe, meaning that customers do not have to stand in line to order their coffee or carry it back to their seats. The CCD coffee houses serve sandwiches, pastries and homemade cakes as well as a breakfast combo, including fresh muesli. The Novy Smichov, Prague location has a full-kitchen offering international cuisine and Indian drink and food specialties. On the whole, the costs for CCD coffee drinks in the Czech market are slightly below those of American and British chains.
When I asked Malhotra if there were any difficulties particular to entering the Czech market, he admitted that learning the Czech language has been a challenge. However, from a business point he says, “I appreciate the fact that Czechs are straight-forward in business. They do not waste time being diplomatic. What they promise, they will deliver.” In the Czech Republic, he has gathered a professional team of employees; many are Czechs with international experience in the coffee and food industries.
In the future, Malhotra said, he’d like to introduce top-quality Indian coffee in full-service CCD cafes in more key European locations. Specifically, the company is looking at other Eastern European countries for possible franchise opportunities. In Prague, he’s interested in using the historic Fanta Cafe space for events, birthday parties, book readings or signings.
As Malhotra has learned, Czech cafe culture is strong.
Author: Czech Leaders in cooperation with Emily Prucha, PragueConnect.cz
The twenty-fifth annual Prague Writers’ Festival will take place on the 7th and 8th of November 2015.
Here is a look at this year’s programme:
Heartbreaking images of a dead three year-old Syrian boy washed up on a Turkish beach have become a powerful symbol of what is being described as Europe’s “migrant crisis.”
But poor little Aylan Kurdi could have been part of the solution to our continent’s problems, had he been able to reach it. Surely the true crisis is that not enough Europeans, especially some of our politicians, understand this. It is a sustainability issue.
Our rapidly ageing populations are threatening the viability of our economies. According to official statistics, the current proportion of this country’s retirees represents around 15 percent of the Czech population, which will increase to nearly 30 percent by 2030.
European Commission figures show the dependency ratio of over-65s to the economically active 15-64 age group will increase to 50 percent, from 28 percent by 2060. This means there will be just two potential workers per retiree, down from almost four.
The fact is that aging of our population shaves 0.2 percent a year off European economic growth. It hasn’t become a full-blown crisis yet; but it will when pension systems grow unsustainable, long after our current political leaders have retired.
Populist political rhetoric about the need to protect our borders overshadows a stark reality. Economists know that to maintain the current ratio of senior citizens to the general population, Europe needs its younger population to increase by nearly 300 million above than the current rate in the coming decades.
There’s no way to organically increase Europe’s population at the rate needed to achieve economic growth forecasts. Our leaders can’t force people to make more babies. Therefore increased immigration is Europe’s is the clear solution to our approaching fiscal disaster.
From a sustainability perspective, Europe needed Aylan, just as it does all of these pitiful migrants who are desperately seeking security in Europe. Almost all are young, and tragically many are unaccompanied children, who if integrated will contribute significantly to the future of our economy, not least of which will help to pay and care for the continent’s future retirees.
And for those who say that immigrants represent a drain on our society, EU statistics demonstrate that there is no higher unemployment among those from ethnic minorities compared to those born locally, nor do they put more strain on welfare budgets.
Surely people who have the motivation to risk their lives travelling thousands of miles, with little money and small children in their arms, are going to grab every chance they are given to improve their lives. From a sustainably perspective, I am convinced we should be welcoming these people.
Sadly, it seems that anti-immigrant sentiment is especially high in Europe’s former communist countries. At the same time, it is these nations that are facing the gravest danger from aging.
Slovakia’s ratio of senior citizens to the general population, for example, is now just 13.9 percent, one of the lowest in the EU; that’s projected to rise to 31 percent by 2050. Hungary’s social system will also struggle to cope, as the proportion of retirees in the population rises from 17.9 percent to 27.5 percent.
It’s in these countries, which have seen very limited immigration until now, where irrational xenophobia helps irresponsible politicians to win popularity points. But the children of today’s voters are likely to face higher taxation and decreased pension benefits if such politics succeeds in keep immigrants out.
The Visegrád Group comprising the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia have been among the most vocal opponents of plans to relocate refugees across the European Union. Arguably, such refusal to accommodate these migrants, who are often well-educated, ignores economic logic. A recent survey by Manpower Group, a consultancy, found that nearly one in five companies in the Czech Republic have problems to fill vacancies, and that the challenge has been steadily growing in recent years.
IT firms seem to be struggling the most. The brightest are lured to Western Europe or America by higher salaries. Poland may be thriving as a back office for European business, but in 2014 it needed 50,000 more IT workers than it could find.
So far skill shortages have not stopped national economies from growing. Poland and Hungary will expand by around 2.8-3.3 percent this year. But they could do much better. GDP per person in 2014 in the “Visegrád Four” was less than 68 percent of the EU average.
Central and eastern countries are failing to reach their considerable potential. Slovakia produces nearly one million cars per year, the most per capita in the world. In August, Jaguar Land Rover announced plans to open its first continental European plant near the city of Nitra, costing €1.4 billion by 2018. Local suppliers should be among the main beneficiaries, but a survey by PwC, another consulting firm, found that nearly 80 percent already lack skilled labour.
In Hungary, which has been among the most aggressive in its efforts to reject these refugees, the crisis in the health system will soon become a catastrophe. Some 40 percent of doctors are over 60 years old, and more than 200 medical practices have no doctor at all, mostly in the poorer eastern and northern regions. At the hospital in the northern town of Ozd, 55 doctors work around the clock to serve a city of 80,000 people, where the director says adverts for recruits get no response.
While it’s unrealistic to expect refugees from far away to plug skill gaps instantly, there is ample evidence that Syrians, the single largest group of arrivals, are well-educated. Many Syrian doctors, for instance, were trained in the Soviet Union and speak fluent Russian.
It’s an irony to hear some Czech and Slovak politicians’ pronouncements on stopping these refugees from entering when an estimated million Czechoslovaks risked everything to escape across the borders in search of better lives between 1948 and 1989. Emigration for those people meant breaking family ties and being criminalised, losing their possessions and sometimes causing relatives to be persecuted by the communist authorities.
Empathetically dubbed “émigrés”, most were highly skilled who left in search of better lives, unable to bear the anti-democratic and totalitarian regimes at home. But mass emigration from our part of the world goes back to the 19th Century when huge numbers people emigrated for economic reasons. Indeed, there are an estimated two million people living in the US who proudly to call themselves Czech Americans.
Until Europe agrees on a common approach to the increased influx of immigrants, sustainably-thinking countries like Germany will pick up most of the newcomers, acquiring better insurance against future problems.
Sustainable development is key to our future. Xenophobia is not only the nemesis of these desperate migrants and the adversary of compassion, it is the enemy of Europe’s economic prospects.
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THE 2015 CELEBRATING PRINT COMPETITION call for submissions call to artists of Central and Eastern European backgrounds TWO DAYS LEFT deadline for submissions: Friday, October 2
competition website: www.kadsny.com
The second annual Celebrating Print Competition with exhibition at our BBLA Gallery in December/January is open to submissions of fine art prints by artists of Central and Eastern European backgrounds. All fine art printmaking media, including intaglio, relief prints, lithography, silkscreen, monotype, and monoprint are eligible. For more information, contact the organizer KADS New York at: celebratingprint@gmail.com. |
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Wednesday, October 7, 6:30 pm
SOLVING THE WORLD’S PROBLEMS
 discussion
free and open to the public
suggested donation $5 A talk by H.E. Edita Hrda, the Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations. Learn first-hand about challenges and accomplishments of the Czech United Mission team. A well-respected diplomat, Edita Hrda represented the Czech Republic for the last four years. She participated in talks including sustainable development, poverty, immigration, the peace and security issues, terrorism and ISIS.
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Thursday, October 15, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
MARTIN KALLAY: NEW YORK, SILENT LONELINESS IN THE MIDDLE OF CHAOS
art exhibition opening
exhibition on view: October 13 – 30
Opening reception for the exhibition New York, Silent Loneliness in the Middle of Chaos, featuring photographs by Slovak artist Martin Kallay. Pierluigi Solieri, curator of this exhibition, on Martin Kallay’s work: New York – an iconic metropolis of modernity, a stratigraphy of times – past, present and future – all blended in a disorderly and casual manner, a melting pot of forms and structures, fascinating and unique.
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Sunday, October 18, 3:00 pm
WORKD AND MUSIC IN THE WORKS OF DVORAK: A NEGLECTED TREASURE TROVE
inaugural lecture/recital program
venue: BBLA at Bohemian National Hall General admission to be paid at door: $20
Seniors, students, Czech Center Club Members: $10
Annual Lecture/Recital Program featuring Antonin Dvorak scholar David Beveridge and a vocal music performance. Dr. Beveridge has chosen one of his most striking discoveries during his decades of research in all aspects of Dvorak’s life and work, namely the amazing quantity and stunning beauty of his vocal music–operas, choral works, duets, and songs–and the peculiar circumstances that have caused music historians to underrate most of this music and performers to neglect it.
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Friday, October 30, 7:00 – 11:00 pm
HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY
venue: BBLA at Bohemian National Hall Advanced tickets online until October 28: $25 Tickets at door: $35
Guests wearing costumes: $5 off at door Ghouls and goblins alike will agree, there’s no better way to celebrate Halloween than with a dance party! Guaranteed to have a frightfully fun time. Our bewitching dance instructor Blanka Stichova will also be hosting with a dance lesson, showing the tricks and treats of dancing the night away, followed by a scary good dance performance.
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“Each and every life is full of unexpected events, surprises, tests, happiness and disappointments. ”
For me, the phenomenon of Kühn’s Children’s Choir embodies the connection between classical music and other themes such as education, civil society, Czech legacy, and tradition.
For seven years I have witnessed how the choir functions, and I am still amazed how this group of more than 600 children, of different ages and levels of progress (from preschool years to adulthood), is organized. From their regular attendance to exams, we see the choir’s incredible determination through their performances, their hosting of operas and dramas, and their international tours to artistic summer camps (where more than 220 children meet), and in their the preparations for each upcoming season. All of this happens in a friendly and almost family-like atmosphere. Kühn’s Children’s Choir does not only give opportunities to the most advanced singers, but it also gives children the chance to perform in front of real audiences, children who come from different backgrounds,who may even have the chance to participate in an international tour.
The tradition of the Choir goes back to the year 1932, when Jan Kühn, an opera singer and radio director, decided to organize a group of children from one of Prague’s schools, and teach them to cover difficult concerts and opera repertoires. This mission continues today. Kühn’s Children’s Choir is the only choir that has won three times at the international choir singing festival in Toulouse.
Known for its professionalism, the Choir is chosen by international artists like José Carreras, as well as by members of international state operas, national theatres, Summer Shakespeare celebrations and other professional organizations.
Over the next few months, you will be able to see Kühn’s Children’s Choir performing in Hansel and Gretel at the State opera, or at many Christmas concerts.
After many successful journeys to the USA, Canada, Mexico, and South Korea, the concert department awaits their 2015 autumn tour in Australia.
Professor Jiří Chvála has been part of the Choir since 1958, and since 1967 he has been the chief choirmaster. Until now he has supervised the course of the Choir, carefully conducting the vocal warm-ups before the performances, and he also performs with the concert department. Professor Jiří Chvála is still teaching at the department of Music and Dance at the Academy of Performing Arts, and he is also the head of the mixed choir Canti di Praga.
The first traditional question – how do you perceive today´s world?
Each and every life is full of unexpected events, surprises, tests, happiness and disappointments. I cannot answer this question well. I just think that today’s human being – homo sapiens sapiens – understands the world and life less and less.
And how do you perceive the role of the Czech Republic in this world?
This question could be turned around. How do others perceive our role in this world? I think that we can agree that the imaginativeness of our heads, and skills of our hands, make a mark in the world. We should not forget how significantly Czech musicians “conquered” the world.
Is the old saying “Every Czech is born a musician” still valid?
It is true that music in the Czech environment has naturally cultivated all social classes. However, our contemporary lifestyle leads us somewhere else. Even though it is possible to download any record, people have lost the need to express themselves through music. Although it seems like our musical foundation is sinking, I am surprised by how many amazing young talents I meet in art schools. I think that natural musical behaviour, as when a mother sings to her baby, is missing now. This kind of contact is important for the development of personality, and without it, a child can hardly discover expression through singing. This is one of the reasons why we accept pre-school children to our choir.
The importance of Czech music is essential for spreading the good name of the Czech Republic abroad. Do you feel sufficient institutional support in this area?
Over the last few years, we have not received many offers from agencies to present our culture to the world. The only reason that we are appearing on international stages is because of our hard work and dedication. I feel as though creative and interpretative art has been left behind, and that nobody really cares about it anymore. There are many other things that should be financed first, however the issue is not only about money, it is also about interest and recognition that can encourage young people and set an example. Economic diplomacy is a term that is widely used in the Czech Republic. By the same token, cultural diplomacy is also one of the best sources for drawing attention to us beyond our borders.
What role do you attribute to “art” classes (music, art, film, etc…) in the framework of education? Many prestigious schools abroad emphasise the importance of these subjects, while in the Czech Republic they are perceived as marginal, and the quality of the education is very low.
Both students and the public consider these subjects marginal and not important. It is not common for someone to fail art education or music education class. These classes must be about the relationship to the artistic discipline, and feeling aesthetic values, rather than learning a curriculum. Art education takes time and requires patience, because it does not have an immediate effect. This type of education deepens and enriches the personality of a child (as well as that of an adult) and the benefits are essential and irreplaceable. We should not forget that the development of science and technology needs to be balanced by different values, which are hidden inside our souls. We should take care to cultivate these values, particularly in children.
You have followed the legacy of the founder of the choir, Jan Kühn, throughout your teaching career. However, looking at your work, I see parallels with the great Czech teacher and 17th century philosopher Johann Amos Comenius and his School by Play (Schola ludus).
It sounds great to be compared to Komenský’s vision about School by Play. When we do something for a long time and successfully, it really seems like we are playing. However, our success is the result of great effort and painstaking work. For years I have been trying with the choir and my co-workers to develop Kühn’s legacy. I am honoured that I was his student at the Academy of Musical Arts, and then his co-worker.
Experts indicate that the new generation of children is not interested in leisure activities and sports, but rather spends time in front of the computer. Kühn’s Children’s Choir is successful and the number of children is rising. What is your explanation for your success?
It is not easy, even for our choir. Even though we see a lot of interest, it is mostly the pre-school kids that come. This is because parents want to orient their children toward sports, languages and other activities. I can see that the older kids who join the choir have poor vocal expression and no previous experience. This could be due to, as you said, too much time spent in front of computer screens. Professional choir is not the solution to this problem, however it can encourage activity, creativity, discipline and musical sensibility. And that means a lot.
Every year you take a large number of children to the preparatory department, and the exams are not very hard. Do you support the theory that everybody can sing?
We always mention on our leaflets that we take children with healthy voices, and with a good sense of hearing. And that is still valid. However, the number of children with damaged voices is increasing. We tend to believe that we could bring up singers with average talent. That does not mean that we cannot work with talented children. We have many examples of singers who started in Kühn’s choir, where we gave them solid training, and they continued in their career to become soloists, in the National Theatre for example.
It seems that Kühn’s Children’s Choir has reached the goals that it set out to achieve. Do you have some unfulfilled dream?
In 1967, when I was commissioned to lead Kühn’s Children’s Choir, I felt a huge responsibility. At that time, I could not imagine how many beautiful tasks I would fulfill, how many great people I would meet and work with. I did not even imagine that we could perform on prestigious podiums in Milan, New York, Moscow, and tour in Japan and America. I wish that my successors find great joy, happiness and life fulfilment in the development of our choir.
Your final words for the readers of Czech Leaders Magazine?
We should honour Czech musical tradition, our choirs, and the biggest treasure passed on by generations in the form of Czech folk songs. In a few days, we are releasing a new CD recording with 35 beautiful folk songs. May this collection make us all happy.
Kateřina Glacnerová from the Anglo-American University helped with the translation and abridged version.
“Sponsors are afraid to be associated with cancer. ”
Our society is healthy and aware of the need to help others, yet, according to Michaela Fridrichová, it is necessary to address the public repeatedly and by new means. What does the League do, and what issues is it focusing on right now?
Dear President, the League Against Cancer was one of the first non-profit organizations founded in our modern history. Most people associate it with its symbolic yellow flowers. Are the flowers still the main symbol of the League?
The League Against Cancer Prague has a logo in the shape of a shamrock, symbolizing the three main pillars of our activities. One leaf symbolizes science and research, the second one represents the lives of oncological patients, and the third leaf stands for the promotion of the prevention of oncological diseases. Below the leaves you can see our name – The League Against Cancer Prague. The truth is that for many people, the main symbol of the League is a yellow flower of Marigold, which represents the fund-raising campaign on the Czech Day Against Cancer. I am glad that as a helping organization we are connected to a healing plant.
Every year, you focus on one area during May Day. This year, you decided on oncological diseases of reproduction organs. Why?
Every year, we concentrate on the promotion of possible prevention of one oncological disease. Of course, we choose the diseases which are preventable. I mean those diseases which may be caused by a certain life-style or behavior. What we promote is a timely secondary prevention, because the primary prevention – e.g. vaccination – is possible only for a few diseases. For this year, we decided on the issue of oncological diseases of reproduction organs. It is quite a big issue, so we limited the topic to cervix tumors and other tumors of the vagina, and we briefly mentioned tumors of the ovaries. Regarding men, we focused on testicle tumors, which is not such a common disease, but affects mainly young men between the ages of 18-40. A questionnaire survey conducted by a very capable young female student from Liberec revealed that out of 300 young men, as many as 71% never heard about this disease, and never read any informational materials about it. The rest of the data was similarly sad. It is a disease curable in 95% of people, but it may be fatal as well. Ectocervix tumors are mostly diagnosed in young women.
How can it be prevented?
In this case, real primary prevention means the vaccination of young girls and women against certain types of human papillomaviruses. These papillomaviruses are proved to be able to induce cancer, and vaccination against them can decrease the occurrence of disease by 70%. The ideal time for vaccination is before the first contact between the cervical mucous membrane and virus; it is suitable for young girls aged 13-14. This vaccination is covered by health insurance. Internationally, it is recommended to vaccinate young boys against the same viruses, with the aim of reducing the risk of spreading disease to their partners. The protection of young people is very important, maybe the most important of all our efforts. Children are our hope for the future, and without them there is no future for families or communities.
Was there ever a moment during the 25-year history of the League when you considered quitting these activities? After all, newer organizations have come.
I don´t think non-profit organizations compete much, they rather cooperate. If they are not supported by a really big foundation, their work is very difficult, and getting new voluntary workers is harder than you may think. I can´t speak for the Professor, but in my case there was never a moment during those 5 years when I thought of quitting. The number of oncological patients is growing, people need the information. We are not alone, our organization belongs among the World and European leagues against cancer, although we don´t have any state support, nor any big foundation sponsoring our activities. However, through our work over many years, we have kind of cultivated our own public space, so that it is generally accepted that we do common voluntary work, and our charitable activities are normal.
How much did the work of charities in our country change after DMS, i.e. donors sms messages, were introduced?
I don´t see any difference in the work of charities. For many people DMS is a very comfortable and easy way of contributing.
There are many organizations in the Czech Republic which focus on the support of oncological patients. How can we know if they are trustworthy?
I think that Good Angel and similar organizations are trustworthy. Moreover, every organization has their annual report with an overview of their income, expenditures, donors, and contributors. There you can easily see how the organization works.
Is today´s society more inclined to help than at the time of the League´s foundation?
I am afraid that society is inundated with fund-raising organizations, and real or fake volunteers, who stop passers-by for one good thing or another. Society is tired of this, stressed by the international situation, local conditions, and the never ending pressure for “charity”, which often plays a role of a substitute for our health system, as well as state and other institutions. Generally, our society is healthy, it is aware of the need to help others. I don´t think the situation is getting worse, but the financial possibilities of people are changing.
The League concentrates in three areas. First, there is the prevention of oncological diseases, and education about healthy lifestyles. Are strong stories still helping to educate people, or do you have to come up with new ways of education?
We are not necessarily looking for strong stories; it is really tricky to tell the story of a patient and his or her family. Of course, we try to address society repeatedly and by new means, but we also respect the privacy of patients. We prefer working with friendly media, and with their help we try new ways of prevention and education about healthy lifestyles.
Another area you focus on is in improving the quality of life of oncological patients. What concretely can you do in this respect?
We try to provide patients with various information, organize and co-finance rehabilitation and re-fitness stays for 4 or more days, we help our patients raise funds, and we run a “tumor” phone hotline – an information service for patients and family members or other people to discuss their problems with oncological professionals. Of course, we reply to email enquiries and have our webpage for the public, as well as our Facebook page, etc. Social networks are the future of our projects, as you are not able to address the young generation anywhere else. We miss more helping hands.
The last area is the support for oncological research and equipment for oncological centers. These must be the most costly, right?
Every year we use our funds to support various projects of research centers that apply for co-financing from the League. If the project is interesting from an oncological research standpoint, or a basic research point of view, we try to grant a request. Unfortunately, there is not enough money for all projects, as we are not able to provide 2-3 million CZK and thus substitute the role of the Grant Agency. We strive to help health care institutions with purchasing special aids for radiotherapy, or for example the pumps for chemotherapy. We always choose such things that make the lives of oncological patients easier, or improve the conditions of treatments and so on. We also try to help hospices, and if their requests are reasonable we help. We may not provide money for salaries. There is never enough money but we try to minimize the cost of the League´s operations as much as possible, and we account for every single crown.
What projects is the League preparing right now?
Currently, we have started a Travelling Exhibition to seven Czech and Moravian towns. Every year we try to visit new towns and interactively bring the parents and children to read the information and take part in our competitions, and thus teach them something in an interesting way. New panels bring updated information on the main oncological diagnoses, and at least one day we provide the visitors with dermatology services, where they can get their skin checked, and if necessary get advice on how to further proceed for treatment. At the beginning of autumn, a patients´ assembly will take place, this time for two days. It is possible to meet the representatives of patients´ clubs, and exchange our experience and ideas. For December, we are preparing a Christmas concert.
Do you appreciate higher donations than the minimum of 20 CZK for your flowers? Well, we set the minimum price per flower, not the maximum (laughter). We have sponsors who contribute regularly, we have donation agreements, you can deduct donations from your tax, and we never refuse good cooperation!
Is it complicated to win favor with bigger donors? What is the most difficult part of it?
The biggest problem is addressing potential sponsors. They are mostly not interested in our issues, or they are afraid of them. For them, it is neither an honour nor a pleasure to sponsor the League´s activities, as they are afraid to be connected (although just verbally) with cancer. This is the difference when compared to other European countries where sponsoring of such activities is common among big companies.
What do you enjoy most in your work as a head of the League?
Cooperation with a great small creative team of people, who work to make the League run like clockwork, even 26 years after its foundation.
Who do you think is a true leader?
This is actually a very difficult question. For me, the international leader is Pope Francis. If only one-half of humankind used the same common sense, there would be no wars or poverty. If the other half of humankind had his heart, the world would become a paradise. In our country, I see a leader in the incredible but neglected personality of Professor Erazim Kohák. For him, the same holds true as for the Pope. His view of the world, of history, of moral principles, and his wide scope, deep knowledge, common sense and all-understanding of humanity make him an astounding personality! It is a pity that we don´t have more opportunities to hear his opinions.
By: (jk)
“I would like to help connect Czech know-how with Luxembourg’s financial potency and experience. ”
In January of 2015, long-time diplomat H.E. Petr Kubernát became an extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of the Czech Republic to Luxembourg. He has plenty of working experience in the state administration, as well as the private sector, where he also held the position of the President of the Netherlands-Czech Chamber of Commerce. What are his goals in the new position, and where does he find opportunities for Czech companies?
Dear Ambassador, you started your diplomatic career in 1992. Why did you not start in 1984, when you completed your studies at Kiev State University, in the Faculty of International Relations and International Law, where you specialized in International Economic Relations?
In those days, international business seemed more attractive to me than diplomacy. In addition, my internship experience confirmed the fact that, in those days, ministries of foreign affairs and diplomacy in general were rather about shallow political games, behind-the-scenes plays, and the pursuit of personal gain. That was one of the reasons why I decided to work for the foreign trade company Centrotex, where I worked in the export department for 8 years, and gradually worked up to the position of Vice Manager of the trade department. In 1992, I was attracted to the position of Economic Secretary of the then Permanent Mission, awarded by the European Community in Brussels. In competing for that position, I was the favorite of a three-round competition, so in the fall of 1992 I entered the field of diplomatic services.
After becoming ambassador, the first place you served was in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. While you only just recently arrived to Luxembourg, is it possible to compare the two places?
On one hand, Luxembourg and the Netherlands are two very different countries, but on the other hand they also have a lot in common. That must also be the reason for their successful cooperation in Benelux. Let´s look, for example, at the same pragmatic approach the citizens of the two countries take when solving their problems, let’s look at their straightforward manners, their positive attitudes to foreigners, their feelings for business, their skills in navigating the international environment, and their abilities to communicate in multiple languages, and so on. They are similar people indeed.
Ok, but was the Netherlands special in any way, in respect to your profession?
In the Netherlands, my bilateral agenda was markedly enhanced by its multilateral dimension, e.g. in the field of international law. At the same time, I was a permanent representative of the Czech Republic in the OPCW (Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) and as the first Czech, I was elected a chairman of the Executive Board. So, the Czech Republic was actually managing the whole organization for one year. For this agenda, we did a lot of work with my colleagues, and I am glad that the Czech Republic left a very good track record in the Haag. In the Netherlands, the important priorities for me were public diplomacy and support of economic trade relations. And these are the issues I would like to carry on in Luxembourg as well.
Due to cost-saving measures, the Czech Republic closed down its residential embassy in Luxembourg. Do you think this was a good decision in 2012?
I have never considered the decision to close down our embassy in Luxembourg a good step. Unfortunately, the embassy in Luxembourg was among the ten embassies chosen before 2012 to be closed down for financial reasons. Although the Luxembourgers tried to understand our reasons, they were not pleased at all. They left their Prague embassy open anyway. Of course, the fact that our embassy was closed down influenced our bilateral relations. Now, after the re-opening of the embassy, we are able to build on the previous activities in some areas of cooperation. However, elsewhere we are starting again from zero, like in 2002 when our residential embassy was opened in Luxembourg. Besides, the lives of more than 1500 Czechs living in Luxembourg were complicated by this decision, because they had to contact our Brussels embassy 220km away with all of their consular issues (inquiries for birth and marriage certificates, new passports, verifications of documents, criminal record statements, etc.). The other option for them was to solve these issues when visiting Prague. Furthermore, there was the fact that the Czech state kept ownership of the beautiful embassy building in Luxembourg, which previously belonged to the former Luxembourg Prime Minister Pierre Werner. The villa underwent a complete reconstruction and it was necessary to temper it, especially in winter, to provide all year round ventilation, and monitor it with a security agency. All of this cost money too.
You say that we can build on our relationship with Luxembourg. Luxembourg Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn said that with the re-opening of the Czech embassy at the beginning of this year, a new chapter on mutual relations was opened. What did you manage to write for this new chapter during the last six months?
Within the scope of diplomatic activities in a foreign country, six months is too short of a time. Moreover, every new ambassador has to get to know the country of his assignment first, undergo a series of protocol and courtesy meetings, and establish important contacts throughout all areas of public life.
Since July 1st, Luxembourg has been the presidential country of the European Union…
Yes, this situation may often keep us fully occupied. However, we aren’t wasting any time, and we have already organized several cultural events, or cooperated as event co-organizers. Until the end of the year we will be preparing a seminar on economic opportunities in the Czech Republic, together with the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce. The main speaker will be the Minister of Industry and Trade Jan Mládek. At the same time, the seminar will mark the beginning of the preparations of the Luxembourg business mission to the Czech Republic, planned for the second half of 2016. In cooperation with the importer of Škoda cars to Luxembourg, we are working on the introduction of the new Škoda Superb model, and we are preparing the audiovisual presentation of the projects connected to this year’s anniversary of Mister Jan Hus’ death. For the end of the year, we want to arrange one more classical music concert. Also, we are diligently preparing for the upcoming year, which will mark the 700th birthday of King Charles IV. With selected Luxembourg partners, we are discussing the arrangement of a series of conferences on the topic, exhibitions, and a medieval music concert. We would like to enhance awareness and deepen the knowledge of Luxembourgers, especially the young generation, on the personality of King Charles IV.
Let´s talk some numbers now – Luxembourg is the fourth biggest foreign investor in the Czech Republic. Regarding the trade of goods, it is the 45th most important export partner of the Czech Republic, and 38th regarding imports. For Luxembourg, the Czech Republic is the 19th most important supplier and 16th most important purchaser. These are interesting numbers.
Yes, you are right; these are interesting numbers, especially if we count per citizen (when possible). Otherwise, the Luxembourg market is small, not only in area but in the number of people as well. And so no dramatic increase of export or import may be expected. On the other hand, if you consider the so-called Great Region, consisting of Luxembourg, Belgian Wallonia, French Lorraine, and German Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate, you have a market which represents an area of more than 65 thousand km2 with 11.3 million inhabitants. At the same time, it is a reference market, where you can test potential interest in your products or services in four countries at one go.
What are the benefits of having permanent representation in the country?
Besides the traditional role of all our representative offices abroad, which is to protect the Czech Republic abroad and Czech peoples’ interests, and to promote our country, I think every embassy should be helpful in establishing contacts between individual business subjects of both countries, i.e. opening the right doors, and in creating a positive environment for business. Searching for potential business opportunities for Czech subjects, and support of the development of economic diplomacy, will surely be among my priorities in Luxembourg. What I mean by that is searching for more sophisticated forms of trade and economic cooperation, for example through the connection of Czech know-how with Luxembourg´s financial potency and experience, rather than just the simple support of our export growth. That is because I can see some logical limitations here in the local market’s limited capacity for absorption.
However, Czech representation in Luxembourg is quite small.
I think the size of our team is quite sufficient and corresponds with the tasks we are supposed to follow, as well as the priorities we set ourselves. A higher number of employees does not necessarily equate to better performance. Unlike the big embassies, we have to communicate more with each other, perform cumulative functions, participate on the fulfillment of tasks, and rely on colleagues to dutifully complete their tasks. Moreover, we are in a certain trial period here, shortly after the re-opening of the embassy, so we need some more time to be able to evaluate the efficiency of our activities, and decide if the number of personnel and their portfolios are sufficient.
What are the concrete opportunities that Luxembourg is offering to Czech companies right now? What are they focused on?
Luxembourg is especially interested in information and communication technologies, biotechnologies, renewable energy sources, enviromentaly friendly technologies, and everything connected to transport infrastructure. It seems that we can be successful in the construction industry here too. The thing is, Luxembourg has a somewhat neglected housing sector, and now they are trying to catch up. There is a lack of flats as well as residential houses, and if you find some, they are really expensive to buy or rent. I can actually speak from my own personal experience, since I was looking for a suitable accommodation for six months. The construction of transport infrastructure could be another field where Czech companies may be successful. However, it is necessary to prepare for serious competition, especially from Luxembourg’s neighboring countries, which are desperately trying to catch up in the Luxembourg market.
As we already mentioned above, Luxembourg currently holds the presidency of the European Council. Does this mean more duties for an ambassador in Luxembourg?
Definitely so. Basically it represents an extra agenda for the six-month presidency. But I am not alone here. Our small team was strengthened by a colleague from headquarters, who is primarily responsible for any issues connected with the presidency. A lot of these responsibilities are matters of coordination and logistics. For me it means more meetings and discussions, while on the other hand the presidency brings me the opportunity to meet most members of the Czech government or their deputies, chairmen of some parliamentary committees of the Chamber of Deputies and Senate, and colleagues from other ministries who come for informal and formal meetings connected to the Luxembourg presidency.
Luxembourg is the country with the highest nominal GDP per capita worldwide. Is this visible in everyday life?
The benefits for Luxembourg’s citizens arising from this fact are probably not so visible at first sight, but of course they are benefiting. I can mention for example some general social benefits, targeted direct contributions for specific groups of citizens, and also the level of the state support for culture. Statisticians often discuss the possible misrepresentation of Luxembourg’s GDP per capita, based on the 180 thousand so-called peddlers who are not true citizens of Luxembourg. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is the richest country of the EU, and the standard of living is high here, but prices are high too. You can see that practically everywhere. A certain role is also definitely played by the fact that Luxembourg has a high concentration of banks. The country hosts the seats or branches of more than 140 banks. For foreign banks it is a matter of prestige to have representation in Luxembourg. Many of them truly directly operate in Luxembourg, and serve their clients in the west, as well as southern Europe. Luxembourg is also the seat of several important Union institutions like the European Investment Bank, the Court of Justice of the EU, Eurostat, and parts of some Directorates-General of the European Commission. Here, you can also find the seats of big international companies like Amazon, PricewaterhouseCoopers, the satellite company SES, Goodyear, DuPont and more. And you can also add the companies which chose Luxembourg as their seat due to tax optimization.
Can you describe Luxembourg’s business environment?
It is very transparent and quite often predictable. This is a very important attribute for companies and firms operating here. Here you do not often see changes in the national economy. Future changes are always discussed with all interested subjects, including businesses. All possible impacts of potential legislative changes, or the introduction of brand new legislative standards, are evaluated in detail. It is not unusual that research and independent institutional studies of possible impacts are arranged. The overall tax burden of companies is low. Luxembourg state administration is, considering the number of employees, small but quite efficient. The size of the country does not require a high number of state sector employees anyway. Often, the functions are cumulative, while on the other hand you can also find part-time employment, especially for working mothers. Many ministries are located at one place, in a so-called government quarter near the historical center of the capital city, so even the often tiring office commute has been reduced.
Being so busy, do you have any free time at all? And how do you use it?
I always try to save some free time to be able to compensate demanding working days with necessary relaxation; however, I am not always successful. This presidential year appears quite difficult for me. But when I do have some free time, I go biking. I have been enjoying that since the time of my appointment in the Netherlands. However, the truth is they don´t have a complex system of bike trails here, and terrain is much more difficult. Besides this, I also like in-line skating, and in winter we “obligatorily” go skiing for at least a week. Usually I prefer downhill skiing, but lately I have again acquired a taste for country skiing too. In summer, it is another obligatory week of swimming and seaside relaxation. I can also relax at a good movie, but recently I have no time for reading books and listening to classical music.
By: (jk)
“We cannot afford to lose the talent and skills of women. ”
It will soon be one year since you became Commissioner. How do you evaluate the past year?
It was a hectic year for me but very interesting. I got into this new field and caught on a wide portfolio. As you know, I come from a different area and I had to adapt to diverse work modes. I had to demonstrate high knowledge when communicating with top experts from justice (prosecutors, judges), ministers, but also business people. In my portfolio, there is the reform of personal data protection at the top, but also the EU-US negotiations on data protection or the preparation of the European Public Prosecutor. And there are other agendas where I am engaged, for instance the new security strategy. There are the challenges of political and societal events across the world and shifts faced by today´s Europe. I am part of a political body that has the competence to act in some areas while in others we have limited powers such as asylum and migration policies. In spite of that, there is a willingness and effort to tackle these issues at EU level. I feel that we live in a remarkable times where we can seize unique opportunities to find new solutions in many fields.
Your portfolio covers justice, consumer protection and equal opportunities. In the Czech Republic, the gender policy is still considered as an alternative medicine. Why is it so important and why should there be higher number of women in company boardrooms?
When reading reactions from the Czech Republic, I have the feeling that there is a high number of women with low self-confidence and bigger group of men alarmed asking “what do you want from us”?! I realized that the issue is misunderstood widely in the Czech Republic. This is also why l decided to bring in economic arguments. Personally, I believe that we waste investment we put in women’s education as 60% of university graduates are women and only 10% of them are later on in managing positions in companies and 20% in boards. I perceive a similar trend in the justice or IT professions. Women have a great skills and education. Barriers to women employment in labour market cost some EU countries nearly 5% of their GDP. We have to combine legislative and non-legislative measures. Mainly on the side of employers, where we have to initiate part-time, work from home, co-working, etc. The directive on increasing women’s participation in decision making – so called Women on boards – was a reaction to economic and financial crisis. It has been proven that gender balanced management can sense the crisis sooner. Men use to solve problems with “run and tasks”, women with self-reflection. Listed companies, addressed by the newly proposed legislation, are the giants who are visible and should therefore become an ethical role model for others. Within the Commission, we have also introduced gender policy and we have set up targets for women involvement in top management. It is a systematic work and part of it is also to prepare the ground for these women and develop their talent.
In May, the Commission published the Digital Single Market Strategy. In its framework, you are working on the Digital contract proposal which is a follow-up of unsuccessful proposal for the Common European Sales Law (CESL). What is the goal of the new proposal and how do you ensure it will get support in the Council?
I am meeting with business and consumers representatives regularly. They all agree that it would be helpful to have common rules in the EU. I also got support from the governments. We have to bear in mind that by creating common rules we are intervening in national Civil laws. Online trade is a specific matter. Digital world does not like virtual boarders and our duty is to harmonise the rules. Concrete examples of some Member states show that a specific regulation for online sale of digital content works in practice. In the area of tangible goods online sales we still need to work further and consult the public. On the other hand, I believe that we cannot distinguish offline and online environments. A number of companies are active in both modes, and different rules for each environment would greatly complicate the business. Such a world cannot be divided. Impact assessment under the preparation will show us in which direction to go; one way could be to simplify consumers law. This is, among other things, an area that I want to focus on in the years to come. I would like to carry out a major review of consumers law, as a number of legislative acts come from the 80s and are obsolete.
One of the most important topics in your portfolio is undoubtedly the data protection reform which is to be finalised at the end of the year. What is in for business and what does the right to be forgotten concretely means for companies?
Personal information stored online can be outdated or distorted. The server can continue to make a false description of the subject. The right to be forgotten is a tool to repair the damage. The reform, in general terms, will establish a single, pan-European law for data protection, replacing the patchwork of national laws. This will make it easier for companies to operate in the EU, as they won’t have to deal with 28 data protection rules. For SMEs it means less obligations to report to the supervisory data protection authorities, for all companies it will bring money saving for legal assistance in different countries they operate. The new legislation will ensure a quick solution to repair the damage via a one-stop-shop that will help the companies to tackle the problem at home and not in another Member State. I look forward to put the legislation into practice. We will accompany the implementation of the new legislation by an information campaign to make companies aware of their responsibilities and the rights of the subjects who entrust their data to them.
Data protection of EU citizens is also a part of the EU-US negotiations. How will the reform be reflected at EU level in the EU-US negotiations on data protection?
Safe Harbour, a data protection agreement to protect the privacy of EU citizens, was criticised by many Members of the European Parliament, but we received strong guarantees from the US side in terms of strengthened control of the system. We have also agreed on a sanctions mechanism. I have personally negotiated with high representatives from the US administration. We are still negotiating over the access of the US secret services to EU citizen’s data. We need to define the particular cases when the US secret services will have the right to access European data. It is very sensitive and we have the EU citizens’ privacy as a priority. We want to have annual report from the US to have a clear view and we look for strong guarantees. Our goal is to reach high security of data and avoid spying. In September, I will present the report of the EU-US negotiations on data protection progress to the College of Commissioners and to the Members of the European Parliament. At the same time, we are finalising an umbrella agreement with the US on police and judicial cooperation.
The Commission is preparing a work programme for the next year. What kind of initiatives can we expect in your portfolio?
In the next year, among others, we will focus on insolvency rules. We wish to give a second chance to entrepreneurs who did not succeed. Better alignment of rules in the European Union means better conditions for foreign investors. Furthermore, we will be dealing with several proposals in the area of work-life balance but also in family law, e.g. revision of the Brussels IIa regulation, which is inter alia dealing with the cases of cross-border child care responsibilities. In this respect, I appreciate the better regulation agenda of the Commission, which is assessing the proposals before their adoption. Impact assessments and public consultations help us to avoid negative impacts of proposed legislation.
What is your opinion on immigration quotas? Shall we look at a prevention plan?
The numbers are warning. This is a reason why I think we have to look for a European solution. It calls for a new asylum policy. The solution must come with a whole range of measures including prevention. First of all, we have to help the refugees who are suffering from war conflicts and are in life threatening situation. This plight points out the lack of key competences and we need to decide quickly about a common action. We have to make sure to tackle the smugglers networks as well.
How far are you in the preparation of the independent European Public Prosecutor´s Office?
We need to prosecute and bring to justice those who commit criminal offences affecting the Union’s financial interests. I want to put in place a strong, independent and efficient European Public Prosecutors Office to protect taxpayer’s money against fraud to the EU budget. At this stage, we are finalising the scope, in other words the kind of cases the prosecutor will be responsible for. The discussions with the Member states are going in the right direction. I would like to entrust the European Prosecutor with the competence to deal with VAT and in particular with carousel fraud. National treasuries lose billions of euros in potential tax revenues in this case. We have commissioned a study to quantify the loss of carousel fraud and quantify the benefit of a solution at the EU level.
What is the major difference between national and EU politics?
The political culture in Brussels is at high level and top politicians enjoy a great respect. In the Czech Republic it is rather the contrary. The higher you get, the less respect you have. On the other hand, I am missing a dash of directness, which I am accustomed to. Domestic policy is undoubtedly less diplomatically correct.
Thank you for the interview!
Alena Mastantuono, Director of CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU
“I definitely see many great changes happening. ”
I was excited to meet Mr. Serge Borenstein, CEO of Karlín Group and the man who is primarily associated with the successful and innovative development of more than 400, 000 sq meters of Prague quarter Karlín. I belong to the generation that remembers how Karlín used to look shortly before the Velvet Revolution (and also after being badly affected by the floods in 2002), and so I can still recall the bad reputation that was associated with this rather “industrial, dirty and risky“ part of Prague. I was looking forward to meeting someone so visionary, who fell in love with this part of Prague instantly while flying over it in a journey from Prague to Karlovy Vary in the revolutionary year 1989. As an advocate of many forms of diversity, I was ready to discuss the advantages of a place that has a unique value in its “mixture of apartments, offices and wonderful places to relax”. And last but not least, I appreciated Mr. Borenstein´s activities in trying to not only improve the image of “developers”, but also in educating both public and civil servants about the trends and needs associated with latest in urban development.
Our interview obviously took place in Karlín Group´s offices in Karlín. I appreciated how central this area was, as it took me only 15 minutes to get there. Looking out of a window of the modern office building, sensitively built to fit with the old neighboring porch houses, seeing the busy street with cafés and people walking on it, I also succumbed to the genius loci of the place.
Mr. Borenstein, extremely busy and cautious of his time, sees himself as “an optimist, a born optimist and hoping to die like this day one day“. He responded quickly and addressed topics and challenges that far exceed the scope of architecture. It revealed the complexity of issues that urban development is connected to. Me being Czech and naturally avoiding conflicts, I enjoyed Mr. Borenstein´s answers and comments that were very straight forward and often critical.
Mr. Borenstein, you have witnessed development in the Czech Republic since the 1990s. How would you reflect the latest development here and in the world?
“I definitely see many great changes happening. New technologies, new means of communication, freedom of expression and freedom of movement can help a Europe that has become too conservative. Especially in the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary, where society used to be very homogenous, people now must adapt to the growing population of immigrants, not only refugees but foreigners coming to work and live, and this trend is irreversible. This being said, I strongly agree that the refugee problem should be solved in a much better, organized way. During the last few years, Europe has turned a blind eye to the refugee problem, which I consider to be one of the most important challenges we face. I do not perceive it as a religious conflict, but as a conflict between conservative forces who like to keep their advantages on one side, and supporters of progress who want to adapt to life today. Europe truly needs to change. There is no place for racism, and many cities (especially in the US) can serve as an example that different people can live together and prosper together in multicultural societies.”
If we discuss this conflict between conservatives and modernists with regards to Prague development, then two opposing views emerge: Those who want to preserve Prague as a medieval town ghetto, and those who want to build a modern city with a skyline of skyscrapers. How can these two opposing views be reconciled?
“But preserving the city does not necessarily mean being conservative and against development. It is true that the inner city of Prague is quite unique and should be preserved exactly as it is. There are enough places to develop around the center of Prague. Just take examples from cities like Shanghai or Beijing that protected the old part of the city and built new parts far from the center. In this case I cannot give examples from the US, as cities in the US do not have these old parts due to their rather recent history. However, protecting old monuments should not become a mantra against the development of a city.”
What is a model city that Prague should follow with regards to urban development?
“Well, I start with enlarging the perspective, as modern city development is not only about architecture. It is also about public transportation and circulation. And with regards to public transport, Czechs are still very much advanced. I am always amazed by the efficiency of Prague public transport which consists of the metro, trams and buses. Prague transportation is very efficient when compared to other cities. Besides Prague, my favorite city is London. I think London presents an interesting mix of conservative approach and modernity. You can find the most modern buildings neighboring old monasteries and museums and it works very well. Britons have done a marvelous job with regards to planning. One more thing that is worth noticing is the small details in the forms of ornaments or symbols that new buildings share with the neighboring monuments, so as to create a fit that feels very natural. Brits are extremely clever in handling these details, and that is why a totally modern building close to an old church does not look shocking but a quite natural fit. ”
Your nickname is Mr. Karlín. Are there any other particular locations that you wish your name to be associated with nowadays, apart from your current projects in Prague 2 or Prague 4 Modřany?
“It is interesting because I never wished to have this nickname, but it came and I accepted it. With regards to other areas of Prague, I feel very comfortable both driving and walking in Prague 7, and that is the area that I would like to help develop, as I continue working in the above mentioned parts of Prague.”
You mentioned that Karlín prices should be closer to the price range in Prague 1, given its prestige and central location. This statement did not bring you many supporters, because Czech people are quite price sensitive. Aren’t you afraid that the partnerships and community would disappear, and Karlín would become a ghost town like the centre of Prague?
“I really feel that Karlín is unique and I stick to the statement regarding its rising value. There are not many places like this in Prague where people can come to live, work and enjoy culture. Besides many cafés, restaurants and galleries, Karlín has a modern large theatre with seating occupancy for 2500 people and a modern concert hall. When you compare this to Prague 1, the office buildings in Prague 1 are not efficient. They do not have parking spaces, they are not easily accessible from the street. In Karlín, the fact that office buildings border residence buildings makes access much easier. When I started, I was told that I cannot mix office and residential. I wanted to prove that this diversity would work.”
Your aim is to improve the image of developers, and you even co-founded an association of developers that brought together your competitors, not only to improve their image but also the communication with authorities.
“I agree with you that the image of developers is bad in Czech Republic. But why is the image of developers so bad? It is because the communication is almost non-existent between the developers and authorities. Development in the city cannot be done without them. In reality, when one half of construction contracts come from the state, the situation is detrimental. The developer is perceived as an enemy. I do not feel welcome when I enter the office and talk to the authorities, and feel I always have to fight hard to push things forward, when I would much rather negotiate. The situation went too far when Mr. Stropnický declared that Prague does not need developers at all. If you consider that this is the person responsible for the development, then you see this is an aberration. The fact that I have developed more than 400, 000 sq meters in Karlín, and none of the openings were visited by representatives from the city, speaks for itself.”
What is your message to foreigners living in the Czech Republic?
Make an effort to understand the Czech mentality, the Czechs are not so expressive and warm hearted at first sight, as for example Italians, but gradually you can develop relationships that are very deep and long-lasting.
What is your message to Czechs?
I believe that Czechs should stand up for themselves more. Sometimes they should not accept the situation as it is, and fight for better solutions, especially in politics. You have a wonderful country, but you should also resist the temptation to become too nationalistic. It always surprised me how many Czech people were successful abroad in experts positions as architects, lawyers, doctors, artists. This trend can continue only if you continue to be open to the rest of the world, which brings our discussion from the beginning to full circle.”
Did you know that the population density in Prague per square km is 2,534 people, in comparison to 4,132 in Vienna, 6,015 in Copenhagen and 16,096 inhabitants in Barcelona? Prague is one of the most “sparsely” inhabited cities, which causes problems not only with expensive infrastructure maintenance but also with regards to sustaining small shops and businesses in areas further from the center. The “urban sprawl” problem is common to many cities, and the remedy is to bring the development back to centers of cities, using brownfields in forms of former train stations or factories.
By Linda Štucbartová
“Czech people are very industrious, very pragmatic. ”
Did you know that the order of the Maltese knights has the full name of “Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta”? Did you know that the oldest uninterrupted presence of the Order, and thus the oldest Grand Priory, is in Prague? How does someone who is hard to find information about online end up having four hundred guests at their farewell party?
E. Mario Quagliotti is a rather extraordinary man, remarkable for his experience, deep wisdom, energy and vitality, yet very simple and modest. It was a privilege for Czech Leaders Magazine to conduct an interview upon H.E. Quagliotti´s leaving the post of the Ambassador of the Order of Malta in Prague. Although he started our interview saying that his story is quite simple, throughout the discussion we uncovered a 900 year history of the Maltese Order, its service to the vulnerable and the sick, its passion for countries Mario Quagliotti has served in, his views on Czechs (considering the fact that he has been married for 45 years to Mathilda Nostitz), and much more…
Your Excellency, do you believe that life is a journey, or do you look at life as a mission to be accomplished?
“I have never thought of it that way, and I must admit my story is quite simple. I have been an Italian diplomat for 42 years, posted in Yugoslavia, Germany, the Soviet Union, Austria, Great Britain, Japan, Norway and Oman. But even before I retired, the story of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic had always been very central to me, thanks to my wife Mathilda Nostitz, whose great great great grandfather built the Estates Theatre. My wife returned to Czechoslovakia after the Velvet Revolution when I was still an active diplomat, so until 2005 I used to come here every year for less than a month. When I finally retired, I was looking forward to stay longer and play golf in the Czech Republic, and I was asked by the then Grand Prior Karel Paar (whom I had known for many years) to represent the Order in the Czech Republic. I was somewhat reluctant at first, but I had many friends and I also spoke some Czech, so I decided to accept such a challenging mission.”
However, people often perceive that being the representative of the Order of Malta serves only representative functions…
“This is why I considered the mission a challenging one. Czech people know their history very well, and the role of the Order during key historical events, such as the Maltese knights engagement in the Hussite wars, or defending Prague against the Swedes (when field marshal Rudy Colloredo was the Grand Prior of the Order). But if you ask Czechs about the role of the Order of Malta nowadays, the awareness is limited. And that is a pity, since the Order is very active on all five continents and carries out numerous medical, social and humanitarian projects. We send our recovery teams to places hit by natural catastrophes, such as earthquakes or floods. We helped in Nepal and Haiti. We were present in Liberia during the Ebola epidemic, and we also helped in Europe, in Romania during the extremely the cold winter of 2012, and in my country, Italy, during the last earthquake. Besides helping in humanitarian crises, the Order provides medical services. In neighboring Germany, you may notice special ambulance cars of the Maltese Help Organization, and the Order runs many hospitals there. Even before I became involved with the Order, I was familiar with the Maltese Order and its activities, thanks to the ambulance cars and the Maltese cross that is their symbol.“
The Order is the smallest subject of international law. How it is being organized?
“There are Embassies of the Order in 106 countries, while 8 more countries host a Representation of the Order, and the Order is present in most International Organizations. In some countries the members of the Order are part of an Association, while in the Czech Republic, as well as in Italy and Austria, they are part of a Grand Priory. And I am happy to remind you that the Grand Priory in Bohemia was the first Grand Priory of the Order (from the XII century). Last but not least are the Order’s humanitarian organizations in each country, namely Maltézská Pomoc in the Czech Republic. The fact that for 30 years all humanitarian Maltese organizations have been cooperating under one umbrella organization, gives them a great pool of experts and medical doctors who are able to help quickly and with great expertise, anytime and anywhere the assistance is needed.”
From left: Mathilda Nostitz and H.E. Mario Quagliotti
You mentioned a remarkable history of the Maltese Order in Czech territories, so what are some of the recent projects?
“The last few years have seen some joint co-operation abroad, especially in Haiti, and recently in Palestine following the Grand Chancellor of the Order’s official visit to the Czech Republic last year. Maltézská Pomoc, which has 12 centers in the Czech Republic, has been active not only during floods, but nowadays it helps seniors, children, homeless and other needy people. It has 140 employees and 500 volunteers. It is one of the five most important providers of personal assistance services in the country. In Brno, they are actually the second largest. Now as you know the Grand Priory of Bohemia, as a part of the Church of Bohemia, will hopefully have over one thousand hectares returned to it, which were expropriated by the communist regime. The extent of the activities of Maltézská Pomoc will be even broader once restitutions to the Grand Priory to Bohemia are completed, since the organization will certainly receive additional sources of funding from the Grand Priory.”
As you are leaving the Czech Republic, what is your message to the Czechs?
Czech people are very industrious, very pragmatic, and the Czech Republic has produced many important inventors. Czechs should remember their history and how well they managed difficult periods. I love music and I also enjoyed the artistic life in Prague. And one should not forget that Prague, when compared to other cities, is still an oasis of peace and it is a very safe city. Czech people should make an effort to preserve as many of the historical buildings as they can.
And what is your message to foreign readers of Czech leaders?
“Foreigners should make an effort to learn some of the Czech language, even though it is not an easy language. When they are here, they can explore all the architecture from Romanesque style to Jugendstil/Art Nouveau, and enjoy the easy access of the city center. And definitely go and see Laterna Magika – a performance combining music, ballet and film production, which is unique in the world and thus accessible even to foreigners that do not speak Czech. And I personally also enjoyed the golf courses, the one at Mariánské Lázně being my favorite.”
H.E. Mario Quagliotti with the protector of the Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta, The MADONNA OF PHILERMO
You served in eight countries that were very different. Which ones do you remember the most?
“I enjoyed all the countries I was posted to, but in particular the last three countries I had served in: Japan, Norway and Oman. As for Japan, I had studied some Japanese at university, and surprisingly the pronunciation of Japanese is similar to Italian, with over 200 homophones. Living in Japan is a remarkable experience thanks to the Japanese politeness, earthquakes being the only negative thing. Norway is one of the most beautiful countries thanks to its amazing nature. The only challenge for us to get used to were the long summer days followed by long winter nights. Oman is also very beautiful and hospitable, but it is better to visit from November until April, after the hot season. One thing I should mention is that all Omani people work very hard.”
What legacy do you leave to the upcoming ambassador?
“As I have mentioned before, I believe that it is important to continue giving information to the public about the current activities of the Order, and also about how people can become involved in volunteering. The history of the Order is closely linked to the Czech Republic, and to its history, but its current activities are also very relevant. I felt proud when I presented my credentials to President Klaus, because he thanked me for the help the Order of Malta provided to the Czech Republic during the disastrous floods of 2002. That is exactly the fast humanitarian aid the Maltese Order is excellent at providing, and it just happened to be in the Czech Republic.”
By Linda Štucbartová
Sovereign Order of Malta at a glance:
The Order of Malta is a subject of international law, and as such it has diplomatic relations with 106 states, plus its own missions to international organizations. It was founded in Jerusalem in the 11th century and it has a long history of service to the vulnerable and the sick. It has 13,500 members, 80,000 permanent volunteers and a qualified staff of 25,000 professionals.
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“Every moment is unique and cannot be repeated. This moment belongs to you, and you must enjoy it thoroughly and share it with your friends.” These words come from Olivier Krug, the 6th generation heir to one of the most renowned champagnes in the world, as he fills our glasses with Clos du Mesnil 1986. “It is a historical moment, and evidence of a great craft, as Champagne Krug contributes to an exceptional cultural heritage by remaining here for future generations.” We all agree while enjoying the splendid drink. Mr. Krug nods in approval, and ads with a smile, “There´s still a long way ahead, but we strive to ensure that today’s creation remains here on Earth for generations to come.” His eyes sparkle like the champagne in our glasses. We are tasting with a silent respect. It is the year 2000.
15 years later, his wish is coming true. On July 4, 2015, 21 representatives of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Convention unanimously voted for the registration of the Champagne region to the list of World Cultural Heritage sites, where it joined other regions currently listed by UNESCO, such as vineyard-terraces of Lavaux in Switzerland, the vine-growing region Tokay in Hungary, Alto Douro in Portugal, Saint Emilion in France, and Piémont in Italy.
The registration includes all three locations: Avenue de Champagne in Epernay (with the most important champagne-producing houses); Saint-Nicaise Hill in Reims, where the chalk-mine caves from the Roman and medieval times serve as ideal wine cellars (with a large space for a winery and storage); and finally the historical hills around Epernay, including the village of Hautvillers dominating the Marne river, where the well-known abbey is located where Dom Pérignon, a monk believed to be a father of champagne, once lived.
There are many sparkling wines produced in the world, and some of them are very good and their production processes are very similar to those from the Champagne region. All around France, you can enjoy a so-called crémant, a light sparkling wine with a lighter taste. There are also sparkling wines in Spain and Italy.
However, genuine champagne is rich with a unique balance of different aromas, sweet and bitter tastes, and elegance which no other sparkling wine can achieve. The exclusivity of champagne wine is, amongst other things, based on geographic location, bedrock, and grape varieties. The champagne vineyards represent the northern most wine region in France, with an advantage of proximity to the ocean, which prolongs the warm fall and enables the vines to become very ripe. On the other hand, the region of Champagne is not as hot as the more southern wine regions of France, and therefore the wine contains more acid there. The primary grapes used in the production of champagne wine are red Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and white Chardonnay. These grapes grow very well on the limestone bedrock, which gives the wine its unique taste from the mix of minerals contained in the soil.
Popular belief says that the founder of champagne was Dom Pérignon, a Benedictine monk in Hautvillers abby, who lived there in the second half of the 17th century. Monasteries have always done business in various crafts, farming; they were the centers of innovation and knowledge. The fact that wine may continue to ferment once inside a bottle was discovered many years ago. Since the second half of the 17th century, wine in the Champagne region has gone through significant changes, which have transformed it into the fascinating sparkling drink known today. Pérignon was the first person to press white wines from red varieties, thanks to the construction of a so-called basket press, still being used today. Dom Pérignon also experimented with the assembly of different varieties, vineyards, and fermentation periods. Red varieties, with some exceptions, give white juice (what makes the wine red or pink is the color of the grape skin, which can remain with the white juice for different periods of time when being pressed). Pérignon also experimented with glass furnaces and began producing thicker bottles to endure higher pressure. At that time, a man from the Veuve Clicquot winery invented a bottle-turning holder, which allows a process necessary for mixing inside the bottle. The same man also improved the process of adding a so-called imprint liqueur for the second fermenting process in bottles, which creates the indispensable little bubbles giving the drink its unique vigor.
The ritual of opening bottles, when the cork flies out with a characteristic sound, immediately predestined champagne to be a drink used at celebrations, and made it famous all around the world. With its popularity, low-quality competition came around, and the name “champagne” soon appeared around the world on any bottle with sparkling wine. Since 1927 the law has protected the “Champagne” brand, and still today forbids its use on any other drink or product. For champagne drinkers, this is a guarantee of quality and authenticity. In the 1980’s, the renowned French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent tried to introduce a perfume under the same name, but the product was immediately withdrawn from the market.
Today, everybody can afford quality champagne without spending too much money. A common category called non-vintage champagne may be purchased for as little as 18 Euros. This standard aims to produce a stable, quality champagne every year, with a characteristic taste typical for each brand. Higher categories are marked as vintage champagne, made from high quality grapes grown in the same year. These wines guarantee a long maturation period and higher quality. Blanc de blanc, which is popular in France, is only made from Chardonnay grapes that give the wine its very fresh and sparkling taste.
There is tough competition among the producers, which stimulates every producer to constantly improve their champagne, and create original marketing campaigns. For example, Champagne Henriot has been periodically presenting their “grand cru” of a special “cuvee” called Les Enchanteleurs for up to 30 years. It is a blended wine from the very best vineyards, preserved in several barrels marked by the variety of grape (the most prominent barrel is Lemystére de la cuven°38 with 100% chardonnay). The method dictates that for years you must add a certain amount of the best harvest, of the same type of vine, into one barrel (in this case the best chardonnay from the best vineyards), which later will be used for blending in a small, specific amount. This kind of preservation is called “sollera”. A magnum bottle of such grand cuvée champagne in a limited edition is sold for about 500 Euros.
Both impressive and original, champagne cassettes in limited editions are always a suitable gift at celebrations, and wine producers compete in the creativity of their presentations. However, the most wonderful presentation does not always contain the best champagne.
There are many small wine producers who may surprise your taste buds. Champagne Bergeronneau-Marion is one of them. Véronique and Florent Bergeronneau will simply and heartily welcome you, and moments later you will be certain about the high professionalism and invention that went into growing and producing their champagne. For example, their Clos des Bergeronneau 2007 received many awards, and will impress you with a fine aroma, finesse, and sensuality.
All over the world, champagne is drunk at celebrations or as an aperitif. In France, champagne is consumed much more often, and is important in gastronomy, as it harmonizes greatly with a wide scale of dishes.
Pierre Hermé, probably the best known French pastry chef, “Le Picasso des macarons” (macaron is a 300 year old traditional French confection, fluffy and crunchy at the surface with a cream filling inside) achieved fame for his salty cocktail macarons filled with foiegras and truffles, which today represent a great complement to a non-vintage champagne aperitif.
Arnaud Lallement, an excellent, talented chef from Reims (hotel restaurant L´Assiette Champenoise) achieved the highest goal in his field, and about a year ago received his third Michelin star. Thanks to him we know that slightly braised spiny lobsters are better washed down with vintage champagne of several varieties, with higher acidity, and mildly salty tints. Champagne and scallops or other kinds of seafood complement each other very well too. If there are no truffles at hand, a well-matured Parmesan cheese is lovely with Bollinger grand cuvée. Artichokes or slightly braised boletes go great with Roger Coulon. Even his red meat splendidly harmonizes with vintage champagnes of older vintage rosé. Arnaud Lallement also destroyed the fable which says that you cannot drink champagne with chocolate. By conducting unflagging experiments with a fine aroma of certain “grand cru” chocolate and special vintage champagne he achieved unprecedented combinations of taste. He has about 5000 references for champagne, so you can always find the right drink for a dish. His expert opinion on his 10 most favorite champagne wines became popular worldwide ( e.g. Krug – perfection, Salon – intimacy, Dom Pérignon – celebration, Roederer Extra Brut – sobriety, Bollinger RD 2002 – purity, Daniel Savart – grape vine, Chartonne-Taillet – expression or Francis Boulard – love). Let us omit the last 2 and thus give you a chance to add your own.
When he is asked how much champagne one can drink, he replies with a light smile “good champagne will never cause you a headache, so everything depends on your personal restraint.”
By: Iva and Joseph Drebitko
Photo: Archive of Iva and Joseph Drebitko
“If we want to compete with bigger world, we have no alternative to create a stronger Europe and integrate more economically.”
Aldo Amati is well-experienced diplomat. His recent journey in the Czech republic started last October. “Italy and the Czech Republic are like two beautiful women that like each other because they know that together can enchant anybody around them,” says for Czech leaders.
Dear Mr Ambassador, the embassy has been working in Prague since 1924. What are the main areas of common interest between our Countries?
We both belong to the European Union, we share the same values and we share the common goal of transforming our Continent in a powerful actor on the global scene. We have cooperated for decades comprehensively in every field but these days I am concentrated on upgrading the political and economic relationship. Through the Czech Presidency of Visegrád 4 we will establish a new partnership that will be sealed by the visit in Prague of our Foreign Minister, Mr Gentiloni in November. The bilateral trade has been surging in the last year, our Minister for the Economic Development and Industry Mrs Guidi should be coming to Prague in the middle of October to discuss with her Czech counterparts new priority areas of collaboration.
Is there any historical footprint in the Czech Republic? And why?
The presence of Italians in this country dates back several centuries ago. I like to remember the influence of famous architects such as Lurago and Santini (but there are others less known) who left traces of their valuable work in many churches and aristocratic residences during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Italian influence is not limited to architects but encompasses musicians, artists, and merchants all drawn here by the beauty of this place and by wise Czech rulers. Later for a long time northern Italy was under the domination and influence of the Habsburg Empire. It’s a mark that can be recognized in numerous regions such as Trentino, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Lombardy. We established our diplomatic relations with Czechoslovakia shortly after the birth of the country and from then on an uninterrupted flow of political, diplomatic and cultural links followed up to our times.
Why did you choose Olomouc as a first official stop? What about other cities and realities of the Czech Republic?
Since my arrival here in Prague in October last year, I have visited quite a few places in your beautiful country, Olomouc, Brno, Karlovy Vary, Plzen, Marianske Lazne, Kutna Hora. In the next three weeks, I will be in Ostrava and Hradec Kralove. There is no question that the Italian presence outside Prague must be developed more and more particularly to draw new small and medium size Italian companies that could stand by others bigger already present with (Iveco, Nová Mosilana, Mapei, Brembo and others) production centers all over the territory of the Czech Republic.
What about tourism?
We also need to bring more Italian tourists outside Prague where they come so numerous, 360 thousands yearly.
Czech Republic is your fifth international stop. What is specific here in the Czech Republic?
Italy and the Czech Republic are like two beautiful women that like each other because they know that together can enchant anybody around them. They can count on innumerable cultural beauties and they have the same sensitivity, therefore there is no jealousy, no real competition but the willingness to work together for common goals. The German, Jewish and Slavic historical components of Prague and the Bohemian and Moravian influences make this Country very special and intriguing to me.
You have been to Prague almost a year. This is your first mission as Ambassador. Do you feel the “new” responsibility for the Embassy?
Leading an Embassy is always a challenge but I have been chasing this chance for a while and it is about time to do something good as an Ambassador for my Country. I discovered that I must be a manager of the many properties that we have here in Prague – some of them are not in good shape and require time and effort – and the same time attend to the many tasks related to developing the bilateral relations in every way. Strong responsibility goes together with the awareness that I am really privileged to be in Prague and to live in your beautiful country.
How exactly do you support cultural and scientific cooperation?
Our cultural policy is carried out by both the Embassy and, to a greater extent, the Italian Cultural Institute, which has been established in Prague in the Twenties of last Century. Its task is to develop cultural relations with all possible Czech and foreign partners. Among them are some of the public cultural institutions and the most prestigious and dynamic Festivals of your country.
Where we can find the institute?
Our Cultural Institute is located in a baroque architectural complex in Malá Strana, a building of great historical interest, which has hosted for centuries the seat of the Italian congregation in Prague and which is the best evidence of the presence and influence of the Italians in Bohemia and in this part of Central Europe. In the scientific field are active bilateral agreements for the exchange of researchers and the development of joint projects. Nevertheless it is my belief that we have to expand cooperation in this area.
What about language teaching?
We have a good level of cooperation in the field of language teaching. The Italian language is taught in some high schools and in many universities in Czech Republic. In the framework of bilateral cultural co-operation we have a presence of professors and teachers of Italian language and literature for example at Gymnasium Ustavni, at Karlova University and in other universities of the country.
Are Czech people good at Italian language?
They are certainly better than Italians with Czech language. In Prague I meet many Czechs that speak a decent Italian so I decided to study intensively your language not only because it will help me enter more the Czech society but also because I am thinking to come and reside in Prague after the end of my career.
Back to the Universities, you recently signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Charles University. What is the aim?
Since I arrived in the Czech Republic, I found out that the Charles University was interested in expanding the contacts with prominent members of civil society in Italy and we decided to quicken the pace to bring here professors, journalists, analysts and experts of Italian society. The idea is to give an updated idea of Italy to the students of Charles University getting rid of stereotypes and increasing the awareness of a common destiny in Europe. Italy is not just food and fashion but also innovation, filmmakers like Sorrentino – he won the Oscar Prize a couple of years ago – bio-technology centers and son on. I am really glad to have found people inside Charles University ready to write a new chapter in the book of the relations between the two Countries.
How do you support Italian business in the Czech Republic? What are the main areas of cooperation? Are there any “open doors” for further business cooperation?
We facilitate any kind of direct contact between businesses involving first and foremost small and medium enterprises. Bigger Italian companies and banks like Mattoni, Brembo, Marzotto, Generali, Unicredit, Mapei and others are already well established and they represent important brands in the Czech Republic. I must concentrate on those Italian companies that see the growth of the Czech economy and many infrastructural programs as an incentive to come and invest here. Machinery, innovation and green technologies, waste management, different kind of services are at the forefront but we do not forget our tradition in fashion, food, textiles and real estate. Together with the Italo-Czech Chamber of Commerce and the help of Czech institutions like Czech Invest, the Czech Chamber of Commerce and different Ministries we expect to open “new doors” in tourism, bio-technology, infrastructural programs, defense cooperation, hospital services. I do believe that Czech people like Italian products and there is still a good deal of Italian lifestyle to be introduced in this Country.
How often do you organize events for businessmen?
Periodically – together with the Italo-Czech Chamber of Commerce – we organize workshop and B2B so that there is immediately a direct contact between businesses leaving aside bureaucracy. For example at the end of September we will have at the Embassy a workshop on “waste management and recycling” that will bring around 15 Italian companies that will have meetings with their counterparts that we have selected with the help of Czech institutions. Then, in the middle of October our Minister of Economic Development and Industry, Mrs. Federica Guidi, will come to Prague for meetings and to open a bigger workshop where Italian building companies will explore the Czech market to see what are the chances for contracts and joint ventures.
Could you compare the actual position of the Czech Republic and Italy in the European bodies?
Both governments are profoundly convinced that our future and our wealth are in Europe. We both support the gradual entrance into the EU of countries of the western Balkans. If we want to compete with bigger players like the USA, China, India and other BRICs, we have no alternative to create a stronger Europe in Foreign and Security Policy and integrate more economically. Probably the pace at which the Italian government would like to proceed is faster than the one wanted here but the aim is the same. The political and security events in Ukraine and the negotiations to avoid the exit of Greece from the Eurozone, have shown the lengthy pace of the EU decision makers but both the crisis have ended up with EU unity. Now the thousands of people fleeing from conflicts in the Middle East are the real challenge. Italy is at the forefront and we appreciate any help from the Czech Republic in supporting us in Brussels. We are facing a real emergency and need a common European policy that might tackle a problem that will haunt us all for a long time. We understand the cautious approach from the Czech government but we have to prevent the re-nationalization of people movements in Europe and the collapse of the Schengen system.
Did you see the Czech house at Expo in Milan?
Yes I visited Expo at the end of July and saw the Czech pavilion which is extremely interesting outside and inside. I want to acknowledge the great support of Czech authorities that were the first to support our idea of Expo and made many others follow their example. They also were the first to complete their pavilion and my government has a sincere gratitude towards all the Czech that contributed for the success of the event. Interest for Expo has surpassed any expectation and we are very happy to show Milan and Italy at their best.
Dear Mr Ambassador, who is the true leader to you?
Politically, someone that doesn’t look every day to the polls and then decides his policies. A leader is someone that takes his responsibilities also for unpopular actions that he believes will result in common good. One name comes first to my mind: Winston Churchill.
Author: Jaroslav Kramer
“I am a proud to be a Czech, and I love the Czech Republic. ”
It is a pleasure and also a privilege for me to introduce Renata Mrázová. Regular readers of Czech Leaders know that Renata Mrázová was nominated as the most important woman in Czech business in the position of the CEO of ING/ NN in 2014, and starting August 1, 2015 she now holds the position of Global Head of HR of NN. Renata is dynamic, energetic, full of visions, very friendly, easy going and empathetic. She is known not only for all her achievements in terms of business functions, successfully running NN and Direct Insurance company, but also a family business. She is a role model for many working Czech mothers, always mentioning her need for time dedicated to raising two daughters, as well as helping other women to reach top management positions thanks to mentoring programs. She was the one who was approached by Sheryl Sandberg to write a foreword to the book Lean In that represented a watershed for many women in the West with regards to their career aspirations and active approach.
And to support her words with deeds, Renata being closely associated with the Minerva21 movement, she has made sure that mentoring schemes, which have until recently been reserved for a few selected female participants from top Czech companies, are now more open to women who need it, and she managed to get more than 50 people involved, including personalities such as Eliška Hašková-Coolidge, Jan Mühlfeit, Marian Jelínek and Radvan Bahbouh.
I was glad Renata agreed to an interview for Czech Leaders, despite the fact that she has just assumed a new position, and has not even had time to unpack the boxes to settle down in her new home in the Netherlands.
The first question – how do you perceive today´s world?
This is a very challenging question, as it can be perceived from different angles. Being a very optimistic person, I perceive the world as an amazing place. I wake up every day feeling great just being happy living in this period. Our world is very multifaceted, colorful and diverse. It is an unbelievably uplifting feeling for me to be able to learn and to get to know so many new things everyday. For me, all is connected by the value of freedom, freedom of movement, freedom of information, freedom of speech…
On the other hand, I am worried about many problems and these I tend to think about over and over. We live in a world that moves incredibly fast. Everything is constantly developing and changing and this puts pressure on people in terms of being flexible and having the ability to adapt.
Due to the extreme amount of information available, our brains are clogged and we do not know how to take a rest, or how to live in the present. I am also concerned about the pursuit of material possessions, societal crises and individual crises, the devaluation of basic life values and the loss of faith. All of these factors are the reason why not only Europe, but the world as such, is facing a modern crisis. And I ask myself how we can get out of it, and where is it all taking us.
And how do you perceive the position of the Czech Republic?
I am a proud to be a Czech, and I love the Czech Republic. We are an amazing country full of great people. What really concerns me is the atmosphere in the Czech Republic, and also the attitude of Czech citizens. I particularly miss the attitude of optimism in the Czech Republic. I can compare it to the USA, or the Netherlands, which are countries that I have lived in and live in now. It is truly refreshing to see how people in the Netherlands are easy-going, they enjoy life, they do not make big drama out of anything, they do not rush anywhere, they smile and when they desire a change, they know that they themselves are responsible for making it happen. I wish for a change regarding the mood and atmosphere in the Czech Republic, because I consider it an incredible place for life, with a great history and big opportunities.
I mentioned that you are a role model for many Czech women. In the past, you often talked about the role of your former boss Alexis and her role as a mentor in preparing you for the CEO role in the Czech Republic. Now, can you reflect upon how you prepared for the international position, and what is your advice to women who seem to have reached the “ceiling” in the Czech Republic, and think about going somewhere else?
I do not like the word “prepare” as you say it. I am not that type. What suits me best is having an open mind, and not tying myself to concrete targets and plans.
Regarding my new position in the Netherlands, in the headquarters of NN Group, it is my dream job. Everyone who knows me, knows that I am focused on management, working with people, knowing their strengths and weaknesses, giving them a chance to use their talents and experiences in the best possible ways, and helping them to develop and so to enjoy life. I enjoy building and influencing the whole atmosphere, setting the tone and tempo of the company’s culture, which generates the company’s results. Over the past year I have been thinking a lot about where I should go. I already served four years in the position of CEO, and I felt that I was reaching the point of giving all that I could to the company. I have a lot of dreams, but when the offer to manage the HR of the entire NN group came, I did not hesitate. During the last year I have discussed the possibility of trying to live and work in another country with my husband. We have two daughters, who are the ideal age for this kind of a change.
I am happy that my children have the opportunity to live in another country, experience a different culture, and a chance to understand a different mentality, because those are things that I consider great experiences, and even a gift in someone´s life.
After a few weeks, I have to say that I am excited that we made the decision, it is a huge change, we are experiencing our ups and downs with a lot of adrenalin, but it is an incredible experience.
Are you still in touch with Sheryl Sandberg?
I am not in close touch with Sheryl, only rarely. She is a woman that I greatly admire. Her movement “Lean In” changed and keeps changing today’s world. Sheryl is a very dedicated and structured lady, she knows what she wants and will do the maximum to achieve it. I am very proud that we know each other, and that she chose me for the foreword in her book. It is incredible that she not only concentrates on women in her Lean In program, but also on men, partners, fathers and young people who can change things. It is remarkable that she continues to work intensively on her activities even after she unexpectedly lost her beloved husband.
I know you have been active in mentoring for nearly a decade. I also mentioned your involvement in the Minerva21 movement and the fact that you have managed to get involved with some very prominent personalities. Do you see some change in Czech society with regards to the low number of women CEOs and board members in general?
If we look at the numbers, it is not a very positive trend. The numbers of women in top positions have not significantly increased during the past years. On the other hand, I have to say that the atmosphere, perception and prejudice in society have changed greatly when compared to the situation 12 years ago, when my first daughter was born. Just to mention the infrastructure that has been built, women with children can adapt very well to the working process, because of private nurseries and kindergartens. I think that in today’s world, we must also concentrate on men, so they may start to understand that women are different, that they behave differently, that they speak differently, that they decide differently, and so they may understand that real diversity brings diversity of thoughts, which then brings innovations, and new ways of thinking leading to success.
So I am happy that we established Minerva21, which concentrates on our entire society, not just the big corporations, and wants to help to build self-confidence in young students, mothers on parental leave, senior citizens, businesswomen, managers and leaders throughout society. And I am glad that Minerva21 gets more support from men. Because that is how our movement will get more influence and thus make a larger impact.
Can women support each other? If we are not even unanimous on the issue of quotas, which should reverse the trend of a mere 4% of women currently in the positions of CEOs and board members, how can we cooperate? And can women cooperate and compete at the same time?
I believe that support and cooperation are the necessary grassroots for change, and can I see it happening. I have personally had so much support and help from exceptional women in my life, that I chose it as my life journey, at least in a certain part of my life. I wanted to focus and pay back at least part of what I received. So yes, I believe in it, but of course it does not always work. It is said that women prefer to compete instead of helping each other. We in Minerva21 strongly believe in cooperation, it is the basis of all our activities, and we think that support is the most important thing that we can give to each other. It is a great feeling to know that I did something good for another woman (or man of course ☺). Sometimes a smile is enough, a supporting sentence, praise, or just listening…
We also believe in not harming each other, and not talking behind each other’s backs. Our founder Rostya Gordon-Smith says “Even if you may think she is a bitch, please support her.” So yes, there will not be results without strong cooperation.
I know that you are very visionary, but at the same time fast and dynamic. Besides challenges that await you in your new position of Global HR at NN, what are your other dreams to achieve?
I currently feel like I am living one of my dreams. With my family, we are experiencing a totally new phase in our lives, we are writing a new chapter to our life book, which is incredible. My dream is to live a calm and relaxed life and to have time for my kids and family, and just enjoy everyday, working on things that make sense and bring value.
Kateřina Glacnerová from the Anglo-American University helped with the translation and abridged version.
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An increasing number of senior company officers and executives find it most ironic that, during a time when the economy is not at its best, with fewer jobs available and so many potential employees, they either can’t find or are not able to attract the kinds of people they most want to hire. Often, vacancies remain open for extended periods, requiring current employees to perform more than one role and overlapping duties. This impacts performance and can increase costs when things don’t run smoothly. As a result organizations are not operating at full potential – precisely at a time when this is more important than ever. I am aware that in some board rooms where this issue is acknowledged there is growing frustration. As a matter of fact it isn’t a big mystery as to what can be done to mitigate the problem, but most often the solutions are ignored. The assumption is that everything will work itself out on its own when, in reality, it doesn’t and it won’t.
To put this into context, a question I pose to senior company executives is, “How much of a priority do you place on hiring for key roles at your company?”Of course, they tell me it’s a top priority, but in reality it isn’t, not really. But as often happens, everyone is too busy doing other things, so attracting top talent slips down the to-do list. Countless times I have been told something was a priority and then actions, or rather inactions, are slow and less than dynamic. Yet the same people lament the situation as though it is something beyond their control, or claim their subordinates don’t share their level of urgency. So let’s consider a few of the reasons for the difficulties in filling long-vacant and key positions:
- Online job posts do not attract top-tier professionals – Increasingly the caliber of people your companies would like to attract don’t post their resumes online; they’re not even looking at job posts because they are too busy doing a good job for their current employers.
- Most managers are poor salespersons – Although they are experts in the products and services of the companies they represent, most are very poor at marketing and selling the concept as to why someone should consider joining your organization. “We’re big, we’re the best…” isn’t interesting, because it’s what everyone says.
- One size fits all processes – Impact players and especially senior-level candidates have no patience for having to go through the same screening processes, like initial screenings with a low-level HR assistant, and treated no different than an entry-level applicant. Would you?
- Psychometric tests – There is way too much over-reliance on psychobabble testing methods. Increasingly, HR and interviewers who lack confidence in their own evaluation skills rely on tests for their decisions; also enabling, when things go bad, to later blame the test results rather than to admit they made a bad hiring decision.
- Hiring is not really a priority – When a good candidate experiences an unpredictable and disjointed interview process, it reflects poorly on the organization; 3 weeks here and a month there between interviews is a sure way to squander an opportunity to hire top talent. We recruiters have a saying, “Time kills all deals” and top performers don’t accept generic excuses.
I could elaborate at much greater length about the solutions to the points listed and more. If you want to attract and hire the best, it requires more than merely sleepwalking through uninspiring processes, while waiting for the right kind of people to materialize by themselves. If you and your staff are doing the same half measures as everyone else, why should the best and brightest, the innovators, choose your company over others? The fact is the people you would most like to attract are motivated by decisive and purpose-driven businesses and business people; much less so, by bureaucracy, bureaucrats and lethargy that all looks and sounds the same.
The famous hockey player Wayne Gretzky once said: “A successful hockey player skates where the puck is going to be, not where it is.”
For the “digital” economy, the “going to be” moment has already come. I put the word digital in parentheses on purpose, because according to many opinions, including my own, there will soon be no economy other than the digital one.
Let´s have a look at some data:
There are now already 4.5 billion people connected to the Internet worldwide. This year, there will be 3.5 billion connected things – i.e. “Internet things”, and M2M machine communication is already here. For 2015, Cisco estimates approximately 15-25 billion connections, which means there will soon be more connected things than people. The estimation by the year 2020 is 40-50 billion connections (of course things, not people ☺ ).
The connections will not only be between computers and mobile phones, but also watches, cameras, cars, fridges, possibly even our toothbrushes, keys, thermostats, coffeemakers, and bracelets monitoring our physical functions. In 2020, only 4% of all things will be connected, so the space for further growth is enormous. John Chambers, general manager of Cisco, therefore promotes the term “The Internet of Everything”.
If this is not enough, there is more:
People on our planet own 5 billion mobile devices.
Every day, more mobile devices are sold than babies born.
Every minute, we send 204 million emails, add 2.64 million contributions on Facebook, create and publish 216 thousand photos, make and publish 72 video hours on the net, create 48 thousand applications, and send 277 thousand tweets.
Every second, enough data is created to make up 150 million books.
Today, data that we had to arrange in the past is automatically generated by cheap sensors.
Every day we check our mobile devices 150 times on average.
The new phenomena of “selfies” has not been included in the statistics yet ☺.
90% of the world’s data was generated during the last two years.
Every two minutes, more digital photographs are made than during the whole 19th century.
In 1986, the capacity for storage of all data was estimated to be 2.6 exabytes (an exabyte is a number with 18 zeros). To help you imagine this, it is 1 CD for every person on the planet! In 1993, it was 15.8 exabytes, and in 2007 it was 295 exabytes. By the year 2002, digital capacity surpassed analogue capacity. We can continue with zetabytes (21 zeros), followed by yottabytes. In 2020, there will be so many bytes that their number will surpass the number of stars in space, estimated to 300 sextillions. The number of connections follows the pattern of Metcalf law – a doubled number of knots in a net means a four times as many connections. Edward Snowden, known for the theft of secret documents in the United States, is supposed to have stolen 1.5 million documents. In an analogue world, they would probably fill a truck with a trailer; in a digital world, they fit in a small suitcase with a computer.
Suit yourself if you want to forget all this data. By the time you are finished reading this, there will be much more. The fuel for future industrial revolutions will not be gas or oil, but data.
The Internet is changing industry as well as agriculture. There are now virtual mines. Fully automated cars, which five years ago were not able to drive several kilometers, can now drive the entire highway 101 in California with no human interference. Many operations are directed by robots, while irrigation and planting are directed by automats. The digital economy has changed business models, not only in the music, advertising, and entertainment industries, but it is also changing conservative fields like the insurance and banking industries. Economies dependent on resources are changing into economies dependent on talents. Start-ups now have an advantage of higher flexibility and cheap and available infrastructure and technologies, without the burdens of the past.
Educational models are changing. Education is moving to the Internet, and is personalized by schedule as well as by subject. No doubt, digital technology will ruin some professions, but it will create new ones. Models of eGovernment are rising up – first as information sources for citizens, and later with the possibility to make necessary transactions, no matter where you are.
Thanks to their mass use, technologies are becoming dramatically cheaper. Much more efficient “toys” cost one tenth of what they did a few years ago. Analogue dollars are changing into digital pence.
The digital economy will also bring new challenges – such as cyber attacks, which may paralyze the economy and endanger the lives of people. Concerns are rising regarding safety and the use or abuse of private data. The more the world is connected, the more it is digitalized, and the more danger we face from relatively simple and low-cost attacks. Worries about the abuse of nuclear energy are being replaced by worries about cybernetic attacks organized by individuals or countries. Anyway, the truth is that getting information from the Internet is like drinking water from a hydrant ☺. Digitalization is like Prometheus´ fire – it has its advantages and disadvantages. Meanwhile philosopher Keen is asking: “Is the Internet the answer to everything?”
If we see projections to 2050 we see some very depressing information regarding lack of natural resources and an energy challenge. It seems like we are going to be running out of most expendable resources, whether it be water, natural resources or fossil fuel based energy in the foreseeable future if we do not change our consumption mindset and patterns and move to performance indicators that are different from just GDP growth. OECD seems to be doing some work on it but our mindset is very far away from implementation. Our behaviour maybe compared to that of a pigeon when it sees a cat very near. What does the pigeon do? The pigeon simply freezes, closes its eyes and tells itself: “There is no cat,“ and obviously gets eaten up in the process.
But the issue that seems to be the biggest challenge and growing is the “challenge of Human energy”and that is where I also see the biggest opportunity. As the digital age sets in and the world around us starts to change at an ever faster pace, there is an overload of information without the corresponding possibility for selection, assimilation and self reflection. The rate of obsolescence is getting faster every day. There are very few tools available to us for slowing down and finding a balance & focusing on the real purpose of our lives and many of us see ourselves being carried away by the strong current.
That is compounded by a lot of sensational negative news brought to us by our media (I don’t blame them because this is what sells and they are bound by their quarterly profits too ) and over a period of time the negative energy seems to be snowballing through the political and business leadership. We start to believe that the world we live in is actually full of more negative energy than it actually is and in the process start to create a more negative future.
Leadership is about vision but also about creating human energy and raising it to higher levels. It could be the biggest energy challenge that we will ever face. The big question is “How do we go about tapping the huge energy resource that is within us and our teams, raising this energy to new levels of possibility?“
This seemed to be a theoretical issue of world leadership in politics and business till recently when the reality actually hit home & after 24 years of record low turnover, we started to lose some good talents at Zátiší & I realized that if not tackled at the micro level, this challenge may never be tackled at the macro level. For the first time, we feel the pressure to change to not become obsolete on one hand and the loyalty of some of our long-term employees who we have not led through the change process over the years on the other. Employees who must change to not become obsolete and meet the ever changing needs of our customers and leadership that must change to bring about the constant changes needed by the market place.
How can we as leaders, not just be visionaries but also help our team to change in a safe environment ?
What got us here from 1991 will most likely not get us to where we want to go in 2025 let alone in 2040. Change must become the constant for us in this fast changing world. How to master this change? How to create the next competition for ourselves? How to modify our business models to incorporate change before the downturn? How to keep team members happy and changing at the same time? Those are some of the challenges we are facing at Zátiší today.
I have always strongly believed in the value of company culture and a company culture of values. So we have decided to go back to our core values and our Zátiší compass for guidance with a commitment to spend the next 12-18 months intensively ensuring that each single member of our team is on a self development journey actually living the core values we have committed ourselves to.
People will always be our biggest assets. The leadership challenge is to take the steps now that will continue to retain & attract the best talent in the business as we have done historically for years, only now ensuring that change is a mindset for that talent.
In this fast changing environment , the ability to constantly change has become the biggest competitive advantage. How do we then go about creating leaders that constantly not only change themselves but also raise and keep the energy levels high in the whole team, innovating & delivering cutting edge service at all times? How do we systematically raise business leaders that bring out the best in the team while the team constantly undergoes change to stay relevant ? Team leaders with the right attitude have always served for us as a key but the battle with the rapidly changing environment may have just begun.
This obviously cannot be done without an ongoing intense process of self reflection and self change based on feedback. Once the leadership is able to let go, adopt servant leadership and constantly change, then and only then I think we will be able to lead teams creating high levels of energy…one company, one city, one country at a time, keeping all team members engaged & overcoming the challenge of keeping the energy levels high. Overcoming what could become the biggest energy challenge we will ever face. The challenge of engagement and of the energy level of Human resources.
As the team changes from generation X to generation Y to generation Z, we feel the need also to embark ourselves with the whole management team, on a path of change that will enable us to always empower and energize these new teams in a safe environment. It is a process of introspection and change for us. We see a huge opportunity in potential team leaders that will create the rise in Human energy levels to be able to bring about the changes necessary in ourselves through introspection and inner engineering to meet this “Human energy challenge“.
When I went to school, the emphasis was on acquiring knowledge but more and more I find the skill sets shifting and as education becomes a life long process, the most important skill we can teach our children is the ability to change. The present schooling system created for the industrial age has become obsolete and inputs in the areas of ethics and morals seems to be missing from it and from our lives completely. While technology and the digital age enhances our capabilities by leaps and bounds, the ability to constantly learn, unlearn and learn new things keeping the Human energy levels high is becoming the key.
We cannot but look at the present situation as an opportunity to revaluate our present structures and sharpen them, retain as well as attract the talents that will lead us from here to 2025 and beyond.
What an opportunity to face the “biggest energy challenge” ever and responsibly lead the way for generations to come.
Sanjiv Suri
“ I Don´t Like the Distorted Image of Entrepreneurs in Our Country. ”
Czech exporters with small and medium sized enterprises still rely greatly on a joint EU market,” says Vladimír Dlouhý. He adds that the Czech Chamber of Commerce makes special efforts to introduce them to markets outside of the EU, where higher, long-term margins and added value may be realized. What other challenges are awaiting the market, and how can we make the lives of entrepreneurs easier?
Dear President, recently at the Czech Chamber of Commerce assembly, you talked about the most pressing problems of entrepreneurs. Can you name them?
At the assembly I introduced ten such problems. The first one is the lack of technically educated graduates; this is what not only home companies complain about, but foreign investors as well. It is quite interesting that one of the guests of honor mentioned in his speech that Czech companies leave the country for Germany because the workforce there is more skilled. At the same time, I have pointed out the process of starting up a business, which is very lengthy and encumbered by many obstacles in the Czech Republic. And after finally establishing a business, entrepreneurs are met by a never ending battle on many frontiers, especially with continuously changing regulations and corresponding standards. Such instability imposes the greatest burden on small and medium sized enterprises, while it is they who should be prioritized in the Czech environment.
What other “appeals” have you made?
I tried to point out that we should use the present period of macroeconomic growth for consolidating public finances. The fifth appeal to our government was the necessity to create a motivational environment for connecting businesses with research, and removing the low connection of VVIs (Veřejná výzkumná instituce – Public Research Institutions) with practical use. Members of our Chamber also complain about the way of communication with tax administrators, and so we are calling for a visible and permanent effort to simplify the communication between financial authorities and entrepreneurs. I also think that in the past the state was only supporting the exports of big companies, while small and medium sized enterprises were put aside. We should definitely also focus on drawing from the EU structural funds, which represent a chance for strategic and sustainable projects in the new programming period. What we worry about a lot is a total freeze of transport infrastructure development – it is a scandal that Prague’s orbital and highway to České Budějovice have not been completed yet. And finally, I don´t like the distorted image of entrepreneurs in our country, which I partly blame on government rhetoric.
Regarding the lack of technically educated graduates, you invited the government to present a concrete plan ensuring an increasing state support of technical education. What exactly would you recommend?
Generally, it is necessary to increase the interest of young people in apprenticeships and technical professions. It is necessary to begin to inspire and motivate children in kindergartens and basic schools. The re-introducing of school subjects such as handcraft, or tools such as polytechnic kits will help to prevent a decline of pupils´ manual skills, and create a positive feeling about engineering. It is necessary to change the way parents think too, who would rather send their children to grammar schools, while there are too many of these schools in our country. If the child is skillful, they should rather choose a professional school. Cooperation with regional and local authorities could be a solution too. For example, if the authorities start preparing short time job market predictions, they may flexibly adjust the type of education we offer. I am convinced that the government also has to change the system of financing for our regional education system. They must step back from financing “per pupil”, and on the contrary, evaluate schools based on the quality and competitiveness of their graduates. The Chamber of Commerce will also promote the employers´ participation in deciding which professions would be offered, and for how many pupils, for a specific school year.
At the assembly, you also mentioned that the government should increase support to small and medium sized enterprises in the area of export. Are the current activities of the Ministry of Industry and Trade so insufficient?
In the past, the state focused mainly on the big export companies, unfortunately with a catastrophic impact on the EGAP and ČEB portfolios. Small and medium sized enterprises were always viewed as a second priority, that would connect their supply with the big and supported players, and thus be in a position of dependent sub-suppliers. I think it is correct to maintain the export support of big businesses, but on top of that, it would be proper to help small and medium sized enterprises to develop as final suppliers in the world markets. At the same time, it is necessary to support Czech businesses in their export to regions based on profitability.
Where exactly do you see potential for small and medium sized enterprises and in which fields?
Czech exporters with small and medium sized enterprises still rely greatly on a joint EU market, so their supplies go to already quite saturated, and highly competitive markets of EU member countries. This is the evidence of high quality and competitive Czech companies, however the Czech Chamber of Commerce makes special efforts to introduce them to markets outside of the EU, where in the long-term, higher margins and additional value may be realized. Besides China and India, this means the Near and Middle East countries, South America, and some African countries too. Many Czech companies deliver to these territories via re-export through Germany, which however suppresses development of the “Czech Republic” brand abroad, and distorts the statistics regarding the real share of Czech products in the world markets. We want to gradually change that. Regarding perspective fields, it is clear that Czech companies build on our national traditions, and engineering will always dominate. However, there are for example some smaller Czech IT companies which were able to successfully compete in the USA, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, etc. We are also strong in environmental technologies, renewable energy, the construction industry, and infrastructure will play an important role in profiling Czech export for the upcoming period.
You have criticized the general situation of small and medium enterprises. Were you specifically criticizing cash registers and the confusing tax changes?
Generally, when one enters the Czech business environment, they face a number of long-term obstacles. There are numerous ever-changing laws, regulations, and notices, accompanied with bureaucracy, contrasting interpretations of current standards, non-standardized inspections, and sometimes the helplessness of office workers. Laws and obligatory standards are being amended a few weeks after coming into force. This instability then mostly affects small and medium sized enterprises, which until 1948 used to be the backbone of the Czech economy.
What can we do now?
Let´s give these entrepreneurial entities priority. Let´s switch to an electronic agenda, and use common sense during inspections. We definitely need a central database for entrepreneurs – an information system that will clearly and under one roof integrate all duties required from entrepreneurs by the state.
A long-term problem for the Czech economy is the poor disbursement of EU funds. Why is that? Is that due to insufficient awareness?
The problem of ineffective and often strategically pointless drawing from EU structural funds is not easy to solve. The period 2007-2014 started with delay; on top of that, the use of funds was being slowed down by a really complicated bureaucratic system. The Law on Public Procurement, its amendment and especially erratic interpretation definitely was no help either. All of that leads to a deceleration of disbursement, or a full stop of tenders that had been years in the making. With the end of the period ahead of us, the irregularity of inspections is increasing, and so is the impact on already realized projects. It is unacceptable that one inspection authority evaluates the project as flawless, while another one comes to the very opposite opinion and orders a correction. For the Czech Chamber of Commerce and our members, the most important thing is for the managing authorities and mediating subjects to learn from their mistakes, and carry on their lessons to the upcoming period. We have identified their mistakes and we will voice them out for entrepreneurs, as recipients of EU funds, to help them better their position and realize their projects.
Your reproaches at the assembly were directed mainly towards the political representation. How do you communicate with the current representatives of resorts?
I wouldn´t call them reproaches, because after the new leadership of the Chamber of Commerce was elected in May 2014, communication with the government was great and we appreciate that. My presentation at the assembly was based on two facts. First, I had to reflect our members´ opinions, which sometimes are very critical. Second, I expressed a certain disappointment caused by the slow proceeding in discussing basically anything connected to the economic policy, and this disappointment I have also communicated to the government and opposition, ministers and deputies. Too many times the recent changes in legislation and regulations have worsened rather than improved the business environment in the country.
Are you optimistic that the areas you’ve marked as “problematic” will improve?
Optimism is probably not appropriate here; it will be a long-term solution. However, we consider the participation of the President of the CR and the Prime Minister very helpful, as well as some other government members, representatives of the opposition, important deputies, and other representatives. If nothing else, this is a good sign.
Recent research indicates a very positive outlook for the economy. Why are we doing so well in the first quarter of this year?
The estimated growth of the economy in the first quarter of this year, by 3.9 percentage points, is in my opinion very optimistic. This number was probably partly influenced by a discrepancy in consumer tax or the pre-stocking of tobacco products. If the GDP growth is also over 3 percent in the second and third quarter, I will be pleasantly surprised.
Petr Zahradník, advisor to the president of the Czech Chamber of Commerce, said that it would be difficult to maintain the level of first quarter growth in the forthcoming quarters. So, what should we do in order to maintain that level of growth?
Short-term risk may appear with a sudden increase in wages, external effects, and possible political upheavals. Basically anything that may undermine people´s expectations, either in Czech households or in the management of companies, including small and medium sized enterprises and banks.
When the presidents of the chambers of commerce of the Visegrad Four countries gathered, you refused the German minimum wage. Why?
Regarding the German minimum wage, we don´t especially like what its effect would be on the shippers from other countries, not only on those who get orders and provide services directly in Germany, but also those who just pass through Germany in transit. Regarding shipping on German roads, the shippers would have had to pay their drivers the minimum wage, and at the same time would have had to report those drivers to German authorities, and be ready for possible inspections. With other presidents of the chambers of commerce of the Visegrad Four countries, we are convinced that such regulations would negatively affect the free transit of persons, goods, and services within EU, and we decided to draw attention to this situation. Our joint declaration was passed to the members of the European Commission as well as the chairmen of selected committees of the European Parliament. Our declaration will also be presented at the EUROCHAMBERS assembly, where other chambers will be invited to support the initiative. At the same time, we are getting feedback especially from small and medium sized enterprises which worry about the serious impacts of introducing the minimum wage, including dismissals of employees, reduction of performance, and threats of insolvency.
The European Commission appreciates your activities in this area. Moreover, the Chamber has recently approved some of their recommendations too. Can you be more specific?
The European Commission approaches the issue very seriously, and calls for a solution to the problem. Due to the application of German regulations on minimum wage in transport, the industry has initiated proceedings with Germany regarding the infringement of EU legislation. The result of the proceedings will decide if German regulations are in contradiction with EU legislation or not. Therefore we are expecting that the European Commission will reach a clear decision, and all international transport operations will be excluded from the application of the mentioned German law. In the opposite case we expect that similar regulations will be adopted by other member countries as well, and a joint transport market would, as a matter of fact, break apart. The inconsistency of the situation is perceived by Germany too, since the application of the minimum wage regulations in transport will not be enforced until the Commission comes to its decision.
What about the situation in our country – regarding the implementation of recommendations from Brussels?
In this area, the most important thing is to use common sense, and listen to entrepreneurs who work on their projects every day. They know best what is and is not acceptable if their investment project is to be realized, with or without the help of funds. The Commission´s recommendations are based on the feedback we give them, so our priority should be to organize things at home. The general rule for the use of funds is that we must meet the conditions of the programs, which are negotiated between the Commission and state authorities.
What are the Chamber´s plans for the second half of the year?
A lot of our plans are connected to my appeal to the Czech political representation, which I already described to you. Our plan of activities comprises several pages describing our targets for the upcoming period. Generally, we want to continue our efforts for the elimination of the legislative duties that harm the business environment. As a representative of the business public we want to be heard, we want to involve more of our members in the process of negotiating. We want to go on with our active participation in the consulting process, and commenting on European legislation under preparation. We will support the simplest stable tax environment with the lowest possible number of exceptions. In the long run, we want to strive for simplifying VAT rates, changes in professional (especially technical) education with a priority in professional qualifications, and we definitely want to continue our support of investments and measures for maintaining and increasing the employment rate. There are many plans; these are really just a few.
“Trust and economic attitude reflect real performance.” What exactly is that supposed to mean?
These are the words of one of my advisors – Mr. Petr Zahradník. He probably wanted to say that when monitoring the development of so-called “soft” indicators of people´s trust, and “hard” data of statistic indicators for individual macroeconomic indicators on a long-term basis, currently you will see a substantial similarity. In May, the trust of the people in our home economy increased by 0.4 percentage points compared to the previous month, and yearly it increased by almost 3 percentage points. Based on the current development of GDP, we anticipate that it is probably just a question of time as to when it reaches its maximum again, which we saw around the year 2006. So, the May economic and consumer trust data suggests a sober optimism with regard to our future economic development.
Mr. Dlouhý, who do you consider a leader?
A person with a vision, long term purpose, and no worry about the risks.
By: (jk)
“ It may seem that we are safely located in the heart of Europe, but that is a misleading notion. ”
Josef Bečvář is the current Chief of the General Staff – the highest position in the Czech Army. He has been so since May 2015. What are his goals for the management of more than 28 thousand soldiers? “Traditionally, we are known for our skills in the defense against weapons of mass destruction, passive systems, and military medical services,” he says. On the other hand, what does the Czech Army need to improve, and is there any danger that we could become a NATO “free-loader”?
What exactly is the responsibility of the Chief of the General Staff?
Simply put, I am commanding the General Staff which commands the activities of the army. My position makes me a partner of the Minister of Defense, and my task, according to the political assignment, is to direct the army and define the ways of meeting the tasks given to us. The General Staff plays a key role in preparing military-professional evaluations for reaching political decisions.
At a first glance, the structure of the General Staff is very complicated. What is the key for proper understanding of the individual divisions and headquarters?
It really is complicated only at the first glance, because we are guided by simple solutions, and that is also the principle of armies. The core of the General Staff is therefore comprised by two key divisions, accompanied by some smaller units.
Which are?
The first is the Division of Capabilities Development and Planning. It is responsible for setting the mobilization agenda, army reserves, planning, the conceptual and technical development of our army, and for military offices like regional military headquarters and military districts. The second unit, the Division of Support, comprises individual agencies focusing on military support, i.e. logistics, communications and information systems, and military medical services. Furthermore, there is a Joint Operations Center, which supervises the troops that are active in domestic and overseas operations. Then there is the Personnel Agency of the Czech Army, and let´s also mention the Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare Branch. Directly subordinate to the General Staff are the two component headquarters which manage daily life for our troops – The Headquarters of Land Forces and Air Forces. On the same level there is also the Special Forces Directorate and Training Command – Military Academy.
What are your goals as the army´s “head commander”?
The army is a continuously functioning organism. I came into it with a series of projects underway, and four years hence I will pass it to my successor in a similar way. So, my first task is to continue the steps undertaken by general Pavel, or possibly even his predecessors. Speaking of priorities, I definitely see those in the completion and implementation of the key document “The Strategy of the Czech Army Development”, recruiting the personnel needed, and the continuation of the process of re-armament and equipment modernization. Regarding re-armament, we see the necessity for the modification of radar equipment, purchasing multipurpose choppers, and considering the possible development of our Air Force transport capacity. Regarding our Land Forces, the re-armament of the 7th Mechanized Brigade is especially necessary, including the modernization of artillery, and we must follow the trends in modern fully automated systems.
What is the annual defense budget of the Czech Republic?
This year, the resort of the Ministry of Defense was given a budget of CZK 43.79 billion. During the approval process, this represented 1.04% of GDP. The positive thing is, it was possible to reach a political agreement and reverse the negative trend of previous years, when the budget was being dramatically cut. Through 2020, in accordance with the accepted declaration, the defense budget of the Czech Republic should gradually grow to 1.4% of GDP. We are now expecting the corresponding steps within the proposal of the 2016 annual budget. Even so, we will still not fall within the alliance commitment of 2% of GDP. Unfortunately, we are also carrying a big debt in the form of our technical equipment, infrastructure, and insufficient personnel, which will require a longer time to settle. On the other hand, we must admit that even a budget hike would not solve the issue, because first a lot of important modernization projects will have to be carefully prepared.
What is your main argument for those who claim that it is not necessary to increase the defense budget?
Considering this issue, the position of the army is a bit complicated. However, it is more important to publicly discuss the need for defense and investments in this area. Compared for example to health care, education, transport, the interior and culture, where the citizens can see the investment through everyday experience, investments in defense are not visible in our everyday life; therefore there might be people who recklessly consider them useless. However, this is true only until a crisis comes. But at that moment, it is usually too late to invest in defense. The army is an insurance policy for one of the essential functions of the state – i.e. securing public safety. We simply cannot resign from that function in today´s world.
What do you currently see as our biggest threat?
Undoubtedly, the biggest threat in today´s world is radicalism and unpredictable instability. We are talking about a phenomenon of a so-called Islamic State, the crisis in Ukraine, a changing attitude of Russia, a crisis of natural sources, and escalating problems of refugees and migration waves. All of this is occurring not only in the palpable context, but in the virtual space too. It may seem we are safely located in the heart of Europe, but that is just a misleading notion which may swiftly change if we don´t actively participate in the solution of these problems, and we don´t try to prevent them as much as possible.
What features of the Czech Army are at the highest level?
Our people – our soldiers who are very experienced and flexible. They prove their qualities every day while fulfilling demanding tasks, not only in operations abroad but at home, within the Czech Republic. Traditionally, we are known for our skills in the defense against weapons of mass destruction, passive systems, and military medical services.
Where, on the other hand, are we falling behind “the world”?
It would be naïve to think that we may be equal in all areas to such armies as the US Forces, for example. Here, we are limited, and logically always will be, by the sources available. However, I don´t see this as a problem because of our alliance in NATO. The issue we have to resolve is the already mentioned modernization and optimization of personnel; this means obtaining the corresponding financing, so that we do not become a free-loader of the Alliance. Simply said, in the past few years we have fallen behind in investments to our defense. Another longtime problem is the acquisition process, where the Ministry of Defense was not able to fulfill for example the basic needs of the soldiers. I am speaking about the very basic areas of military gear and personal equipment. For this we must find a solution, so that our soldiers may appropriately fulfill their tasks during training as well as operations.
How many countries are Czech soldiers currently present in?
I suppose you mean the deployment of our soldiers in foreign operations and observation missions within the alliance effort of NATO, EU operations, and UN missions. Currently, we have soldiers in Afghanistan, Mali, the Sinai Peninsula, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congo, and Central African Republic. To make the list complete, I must also add the EU-NAVFOR operation on the Somali coast, where our soldiers work at the headquarters in Great Britain. Of course, our soldiers may also be found at the headquarters and other organizations of NATO.
What do you think about the transit of allied forces through the Czech Republic in March?
The transit of an American convoy, returning from alliance training in the Baltic and Poland, has raised an unusual wave of interest among the Czech public. The problem is the perception between “we and allies”. And we have been a NATO member for more than 15 years. Therefore, I am personally very happy that after the initial negative campaign, most of the public clearly and absolutely comprehensibly expressed their attitude and support to our commitment.
A much discussed topic is the issue of drafting. Recently, the government accepted an amendment of “military law”. What is it about? Do you think it is a good way to increase the number of troops?
By suspending the draft during peace time following the professionalization of the Czech Army in 2005, we saw the number of registered obligatory reserves decrease, not to mention the number of trained reserves. So, if we don´t renew the military draft we will gradually see a loss in the number of qualified men and women, especially those willing to participate actively in the armed defense of the country. Regarding the current security situation in the world, this would definitely not be a good step forward. At the same time, drafts will enable us to offer the public voluntary military training, to address the young generation and introduce them to the armed forces, and show them why defense is important to the whole country.
The government also discussed the decision for soldiers to be called on more flexibly for natural disaster relief. Why are they not “flexible” now?
The draft of the law No. 219 on military forces, which was discussed by the government, speaks rather about internal provisions, which in response to organization changes within the Czech Army will help us to become more flexible in deploying the forces and equipment from different units. The soldiers are and always will be ready to help, nothing is changing here. However, it is necessary to realize that the issue of natural disasters primarily falls under the Integrated Rescue System and the army within is supporting units, i.e. Fire Department, Czech Police, and Emergency Medical Services. The Fire Department has undergone a substantial increase of its abilities since the catastrophic floods in Moravia in 1997 – some of these abilities were adopted directly from the army. That´s why you do not see soldiers at the front line as often as before; it is the firemen with their sophisticated equipment who have become involved there. The role of the army, with the exception of certain specialized issues like e.g. air rescue services, is mainly the second front, when it is necessary to use other personnel and equipment.
You studied at French military schools. What is the biggest difference compared to the Czech schools?
It has been many years since I studied, so it would not be quite objective to compare Czech and French military schools in detail, or education systems in general. Although I will be happy to say what I personally consider the biggest benefit of studying abroad – the fact that I was able to work in the international environment and make contacts. It was also interesting to learn from the French experience with deploying forces abroad, especially in the areas of France’s former global influence. That was and surely will always be the advantage of bigger armies and big countries.
Which countries could we see as our role models for having a “flawless” army?
The question is whether there actually is something like a perfect army, because military forces all over the world are developing all the time. They reflect emerging threats and specific conditions of the concrete country. What works in one country does not necessarily always work for another one. Personally, I am not a fan of uncritical acceptance of foreign models, but I am definitely not one who is unwilling to seek and accept experience either. But we always need to accept “our” part. An important source of inspiration and learning may be the military forces of our key alliance partners, i.e. the USA, Great Britain, France, and Germany, however we must not close ourselves off from the experiences of similar-sized countries of NATO and neutral countries. Some inspiration may even come from findings in other cultural and social conditions.
What are the biggest differences we may see in the armies of “the old” continent?
Nowadays, a big part of Europe is connected by alliance bonds, be it within NATO, the EU, or other partnership programs. This bonding leads to unification and the elimination of previous differences. We cooperate in training and operations management, and harmonize our standards and operational procedures.
Formally, your direct commanding officer is the President of the Czech Republic. Is he following current developments in the army?
Yes, he is and very much so. When travelling around the country, the President regularly includes his visits to military units, and he also visited our soldiers in Afghanistan. He expresses support for our soldiers and presents his opinions on safety issues in public.
What is the biggest myth about the army that you have noticed?
Claiming that our army is good for nothing because it would be able to defend just one town. The public actually often does not realize the difference between a professional army at times of peace, and the army in the state of war or conflict. People don´t perceive the fact that our defense is secured within the Alliance.
Has your work in the army fulfilled all expectations?
When I was starting at the Military Secondary School in Moravská Třebová in 1973, I definitely did not imagine I would become a Chief of General Staff 40 years later. Like all soldiers, I was forming my ideas of what the army is and how it functions. I was also very lucky to have great superiors and colleagues. When I look back, I can see my career has been really colorful so far. Starting with artillery, then military police, diplomatic services, and finally General Staff, I always have had interesting positions and I am immensely grateful for all these years in uniform. Otherwise, I don´t think I would have gained that much experience at all. A big thank-you goes to my family too, because without their support and understanding all of this would have been unimaginable.
By: (jk)
Photo: General Staff of the Czech Army
Some time ago I had a presentation to members of one communications institution in London on our team’s success related to our acquisition communication for which we have recently won ‘The Best Financial and Corporate In-house Team’ and ‘The Communications Department of the Year’ awards in the UK and Canada respectively. The discussion which followed the presentation turned to personalities of Chief Executive Officers and whether they need to be passionate about the business to be able to drive the business forward and succeed. And then the conversation swiftly moved onto passion and its role in any business success. I thought it might be interesting to share some of the opinions that arose during this, occasionally passionate, conversation.
Some participants expressed that passion is key to success for all sorts of reasons. For example, passion fuels confidence – passionate people lead the way, not just show the way. People who are confident are great leaders and earn respect as well as confidence of others.
Passion also leads to excitement that can be shared. The CEO in my company often shows his great passion about the business and its prospects. The excitement he creates subsequently fosters an organised value, a sense of a common purpose, and enthusiasm in his teams and in the entire business. Passion can be very contagious and a passionate person generates different company dynamics, maximising the energy of the teams and employees. I also believe that in business passion inspires trust in the company future and success; at the same time, it can be a conduit to the motivating work environment – provided it’s genuine. Passionate people engage their employees to go faster, work harder and improve their results. They don’t push or drive people, they inspire; they cause people to dig deep, give their best effort and ultimately go the extra mile.
In fact, one could even say that the best leaders are or were those who leave their footprints in their areas of passion. Looking at some of the megabrands around, we can easily identify passionate leaders who have inspired their employees in amazing ways, such as Steve Jobs (Apple) and Larry Page (Google).
But if passion matters, why does it matter? In the today’s challenging economic climate organisations need passionate leadership more than ever before. In addition to what has been said, according to some research, passionate leadership is linked to more ethical and fairer organisational climate as when a leader is passionate, people feel a deep sense of being led in a meaningful and worthy direction by someone who is dedicated to something more important than his or her own individual glory.
On the other hand, some discussion participants were saying passion is not sufficient for creating and maintaining sustainable success. You need more than that. You need expertise to deliver value, for example. Establishing an area of expertise, amassing and leveraging knowledge, skills and experience to attract clients is crucial to distinguish a business from your peers. Without all that, it is impossible to deliver value, so passion cannot be substitute for competence.
And what happens when times get tough? To maintain passion is great; however, resilience is the answer. Without it, it is hard to survive in an unpredictable and uncontrollable market which may affect a business. What can be controlled, however, are responses to the challenges. Only those who recognise that change is inevitable and adapt to the new reality will successfully navigate the hardship – and after the crisis is over, they will emerge from it stronger and more capable. In those tough times, you may also need creativity and innovation to make the most of limited resources, so being resourceful with a strategic focus is critical too.
In addition, as the discussion revealed, it is necessary to feel the urgency, the internal push, to take your business to the next level. John P. Kotter, regarded by many as the authority on leadership and change noted that, “With an attitude of true urgency, you try to accomplish something important every day.” So again, having a passion without a true sense of urgency might result in preventing you from taking the vital action needed to advance your goals.
There are pros and cons but in general ‘passionate leadership’ seems to be something that can be beneficial to many companies. In the book ‘The Virgin Way: Everything I Know about Leadership’, entrepreneur Richard Branson describes his experience in building the Virgin Group, focusing on aspects such as fun, creativity and the lost art of listening. However, he also talks about the fact that one cannot train someone to be passionate – it’s either in their DNA or not. I can imagine, this subject could open up another long polemic.
Despite differences in our opinions we arrived at some conclusions. Of course, one needs an arsenal of fundamental skills and proper planning to succeed in business. But imagine someone with a top-notch education. This person has all the right strengths to excel, the knowledge and the experience. Now, imagine that this person, though perhaps equipped to handle the job, has no interest and is disengaged – their heart is not in it. What will the result be? Passion makes a world of difference. It’s the passionate people who take the biggest risks, step up the plate and help make the biggest leaps forward within teams and companies.
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, American writer and lecturer: “Passion is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without passion.”
So, do you demonstrate passionate leadership? And are you passionate about what you do?
In their book Leadership 2030 Georg Vielmetter and Yvonne Sell, two top consultants of the global management advisory Hay Group, point at six mega-trends that will change our businesses and lives forever during the next 15 years. One of these mega-trends is called technological convergence. It means that, if we want to succeed in the future and stay the best at what we do, we need to move forward hand in hand with a surprising partner: our competitors.
Georg Vielmetter and Yvonne Sell basically state that, if we want to see major innovations in the future, we can expect them to emerge more likely from surprising combinations of existing technologies rather than new, revolutionary discoveries. A good example of this trend is the Slovak AeroMobil, a company focused on building vehicles that combine the driving capabilities of traditional cars and the flight advantages of light planes. How amazing will it be when we are all able to afford our own AeroMobil? Sci-fi for the moment, real possibility in a few years.
Another example of creative collaboration is the project Let’s Cast Together Firm Roots of the company TÜV SÜD Czech, which, in the framework of the 2015 International Engineering Fair in Brno, brought together 33 major companies around the shared idea that quality needs to be the bottom line of all economic thinking of Czech companies that want to prosper long-term. The project, already at its third edition, has seen an increasing number of companies joining each year, sharing their stories and ways to make quality the core value of their business behavior.
Of course, this mega-trend has its flipside, too: for example, to what extent is it healthy to share strategic company data with your partners? Where are the borders in such partnerships? These are questions that, most probably, only time can answer. For the moment, it is important to notice that like-minded partners come more and more together in order to combine resources and ideas into something innovative and beneficial for everyone involved.
Collaboration can uplift your business
It is pretty clear already that collaboration with various stakeholders, including your suppliers or competitors, can take you higher than you could climb on your own. Through a conscious choice of strategic partnerships you can innovate, learn and grow. But you can also share what you’ve learned so far with the world. By respecting your business partners and making partnership a top value of your enterprise, you can contribute to cultivating the entire market upon which you operate. So what can you, in your leadership position, do to cultivate partnership?
- Pay your suppliers on time. In order to benefit from a rich and diverse economic ecosystem, you need to respect and support those who depend on you. If you want your suppliers to come up with new, creative ideas, you need to give them a partner on which they feel they can rely in safety and trust. Paying your dues in time is one of the easiest, most basic things to do when you decide to go for a real partnership with your suppliers.
- Share your values. Communicate your values as much as you can, through as many various channels as you possibly can. This will send a strong message to the market and will provide you with a beneficial natural selection of your employees, customers and business partners. At the end of the day you will remain only with those stakeholders who understand and respect your values, which will eliminate a lot of conflict and make your life so much easier.
- Give before you receive: educate. Don’t hesitate to put together high value-added seminars for your customers and partners, sharing your know-how and your business experience. Your experience can and will uplift the others, and your generous approach will inspire them to do the same. If you want to change something in the way your business is rolling, give before you receive. It will return to you in a million various ways that will take you to peaks you didn’t even know existed.
- Keep an open mind: constantly look for synergies with your partners. A partner is someone who joins you on your path and looks for new ways of enjoying it together. Look for new synergies, ask for new possibilities. Don’t hesitate to be demanding: this will take your partners out of their comfort zone and challenge them to ask for more from themselves and for you.
All in all, you are a part of a living economic ecosystem. The paradigm of the future seems to be cooperation, powerfully driven by technological convergence, as mentioned at the beginning in Leadership 2030. It’s time to shake down the uncertainties and fears that scarred our businesses during the economic crisis and look for new ways to do business and live our talk. Cultivating partnerships is the way to move forward.
Disclaimer: Cristina Muntean is the media advisor of companies Hay Group and TÜV SÜD Czech, both mentioned in this article.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to Success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)—Medical Missionary
KEY CONCEPTS:
- Over the last three decades, discussions with happy successful people have shown that all of them follow a set of 10 personal habits.
- Their practice of each of these habits varies to some degree; however, all 10 are prevalent to a meaningful level.
- All 10 habits feed their body, mind and spirit.
Most people find that happiness is a byproduct, and it is rarely achieved as a direct goal. It is always a consequence of the success of specific tangible goals that bring benefits to them and to the world around them. Although genetic predisposition passed on by your parents has much to do with your innate happiness “set point,” the larger contribution comes from a combination of your environment and what you do with your life, both of which are well within your control. Deep long-term happiness, the kind we all seek, results by following your Life Purpose. Your Life Purpose must draw on your personal Essence – that special attribute or set of attributes you love to express and you do so well.The path to success for the people I have met is almost always the same. They follow their Life Purpose, which leads to intense Passion. This ignites high levels of physical and emotional Energy and unfolds Creativity, enabling them to solve challenging problems, which almost always results in some form of Innovation. The result is a Reward which may be financial, emotional, psychological, spiritual, or some combination. The final outcome is deep personal Gratitude, which is always the source of Happiness.
Having known a number of successful happy people over the years, it was quite natural to consider how this success and fulfillment came about. Was there a common denominator amongst them? The answer is unquestionably, yes! There are 10 common habits practiced by this group of people, and each habit is designed to feed their body, mind or spirit.
1. They Are Grateful For What They Have.
From their earliest beginnings, these successful individuals are always grateful for what they have. They consistently take time to contemplate the benefits within their lives, never giving much air time to, “If I only had this or that.” They are not driven to collect more material things above and beyond their basic needs. The source of their energy is the pursuit of their Passion to make a positive difference in the world. Material rewards and increased stature almost always result from success in continuously achieving the goals they set for themselves.
2. They Maintain A Positive Attitude.
It is well-substantiated by research that a positive attitude based on a sense of gratitude, creates energy and physical wellbeing.1 I don’t mean an artificial pretense of “I feel great,” but rather, a realistic expression of upbeat demeanor, induced by contemplating past positive experiences. This helps you maintain your stress at an optimum level, as we all need some level of stress to get things done. Travis Bradberry, author of the best- selling book, Emotional Intelligence 2.0, reports that in studies of more than a million people, top performers were found to be highly skilled at managing stress to their personal optimum level. If stress is too low, you feel depressed or bored. As it increases, you begin to awaken your interest and attention. At a certain level beyond this point, you experience optimum performance. However, if your stress continues to increase, you experience increasing anxiety; and if it proceeds beyond this, you can have a complete “meltdown.” Calling on positive thoughts when negative situations pres- ent themselves, enables you to stay in the optimum range of stress for excellent performance.
3. They Create A System to Achieve Their Goals.
Happy successful people don’t let things happen. They make them happen. They know that without a set of written specific goals, they would be like a ship in the night without a rudder, moving aimlessly with the winds of change. They set their goals in an effective and pragmatic manner. First, they spend time determining their personal values in the six major areas of their total life journey—relationships, profession, finance, knowledge, health and spirit. Next, they develop a written multi-year rolling plan [usually 3 years], which is consistent with their long-term goals. The plan is updated annually. They use it assiduously in guiding all of their personal and professional actions. In doing so, they always achieve success. The timing or means may at times be different than they had imagined, but this almost never matters.
4. They Balance Their Life.
Successful happy people know that they can achieve Fulfillment with their written plan, but they also know that for their happiness to be longterm, they must seek balance between their personal and professional lives. This is not easy, and requires continuous attention, especially in the early period of their professional life. But the rewards are substantial. Balance requires that they build an effective level of time and energy management into their work plan and goals. The details on how to do this can be found elsewhere.
5. They Eat Healthy.
In a world that is moving at light-speed connectivity, it is easy to take a shortcut and forgo healthy eating habits. However, to maintain the physical and mental agility demanded in this challenging world, it is critical to eat well. Otherwise, depend- ing on your genetic makeup, you can spend the better part of middle and old age in a terrible state of high morbidity and physical dependence, i.e.
6. They Exercise.
Best is to build an exercise regime into your goals and work plan and make it a priority. However, even if exercise is not your “thing,” research shows that just 2.5 hours a week of moderately intensive aerobic exercise plus 2–3 strength trainings sessions go a long way to enhancing your physical and emotional strength and agility. If this is your weak spot, as it is mine, almost any level of consis- tent aerobic and strengthening exercise can make a huge difference. Years ago, I used to run 5 miles every day and play racquetball once a week. As I got older, I transitioned to an easier regime for my aging body: rise at 5:00 am; 10 minutes of total body stretches; 100 sit-ups; 50 push-ups; ending with 3 minutes of deep breathing exercise. Following this with 30 minutes of meditation, prior to breakfast, is a phenomenal way to start my day.
7. They Sleep Adequately.
All successful business people experience those late nights, early morning meetings and last minute deadlines that require their immediate attention. However, don’t underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep. It will recharge not just your body, but your mind as well, and your ability to address challenging issues will be substantially enhanced. I am reminded of the experiences I had as an undergraduate in college. When I was behind on my studies in a given subject the evening before an exam, I experimented with the two most common approaches of dealing with this issue – pull and “all-nighter” of study, or go to sleep early and wake up early for fewer, but higher quality hours of study. The latter approach always won out. Sleep deprivation increases stress hormones that have a negative impact on your self-control, attention span, logic and memory. Some studies show that continued sleep deprivation can lead to heart disease, mental illness and psychosis. Sleep is the means by which the brain renews itself.
8. They Learn Something New Every Day.
Successful happy people love learning. They challenge themselves continuously to uncover new ideas and concepts. Although they study areas relevant to their field of endeavor, they also seek knowledge in areas of personal interest, and this keeps their brains agile, active, creative and sharp. It might be history, a new language or any of a vast number of areas of personal interest. These pursuits are almost always matters of personal satisfaction and mental stimulation, and not a means to impress others. Your brain is like a muscle, if you don’t use it, you lose it!
9. They Breathe.
Breathing correctly is a form of meditation and can alter your state of consciousness so that just about any stress can be managed. More than 2,000 years ago, Eastern wisdom seekers developed a detailed set of breathing techniques called Pranayama.4 The word comes from prana, which in Sanskrit means “life force.” While you must be properly skilled in these procedures so that you don’t cause physical or mental damage, there are several simple safe procedures that immediately relieve stress and bring you back to your center. The simplest is to sit in a chair in a quiet place and slowly inhale deeply for 10 seconds; hold your breath for 5 seconds and then slowly exhale for 10 seconds. Try to stay focused on your breath, and each time you are distracted with a thought, come back to your breath focus. The very best way to do this exercise is what is known as complete breathing. Start your inhalation by expanding your diaphragm outwards [extend tummy out, not in]; continue a smooth inhalation into the mid-section of your lungs; and finally into the top section by raising your shoulders slightly. Then, reverse the process. Five minutes of this will relieve just about any stress and bring you back to your center focus.
10. They Connect & Disconnect Wisely.
Happy successful people are careful not to get caught up in a 21st century disease which I call “connectosis.” They recognize the power of connectivity and its access to huge levels of useful in- formation and a means to reach millions of people. However, they schedule their up and their down times and they use these times wisely. They set specific times of the day for answering emails, holding meetings and for doing their creative work. During the latter, they turn off automated alerts for email, Twitter and instant messages, because they know they are one of the biggest causes of interruptions. They understand and embrace research findings that show that recovery from an interruption re- quires several unproductive minutes to get back to your prior depth of concentration.
The practice of each of these 10 habits varies to some degree among successful happy people; however, all are prevalent to a meaningful level. I encourage you to give them a try.
Sat, Chit, Ananda!
Enjoy your journey, make a difference!
While technology continues to develop exponentially, and efficiency tools are allowing corporations to do more with less, the workforce is supposed to keep marching on fearlessly and deliver ever more results. Managers expect it. Investors expect it. Even some workers themselves expect it. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that employees are overwhelmed by the “always on and online” lifestyle driven and pushed by corporations armed with productivity technology. Not to mention that employees no longer want a career, they want a meaningful experience. Technology is great for productivity tools, but it must be used in our favor. Technology is meant to be an enabler, otherwise it can dehumanize and destabilize our experience and expectations. One solution requires lifestyle balance. Just think of professional athletes versus corporate athletes.
Technology: the corporate performance champion
Moore’s Law has been used to describe and predict technological performance efficiency. It predicted an evolution pattern where transistors on a chip scaled down and multiplied, driving the computing power to double every year, while the size of devices actually decreased. In a nutshell we seem to always be able to do more with a smaller and smaller device. In addition to devices getting smaller and more powerful, accessibility to technology around the world has also increased. Here is a fun fact according to research by 60 Second Marketer: out of the 6.8 billion people in the world, 4 billion use a mobile phone. Even though only 3.5 billion people actually own a toothbrush, people like to be connected. Leaving personal hygiene to the side, how connected is too connected? If computing power has been doubling every year, is it possible that employee stress has also been doubling as well?
The overwhelmed employee: 24 hours stress
Many employees feel overwhelmed by the corporate lifestyle. There is so much information that is being generated, so many productivity tools that are keeping us interconnected and “always on” that a feeling of overwhelm is not surprising. Research by Deloitte last year made this a fact. Their results showed that two thirds of today’s employees feel “overwhelmed.” The proliferation of technology has broken down barriers between work and life, and you can forget about mentioning work-life balance, many employees do not even know what that is.
Are people working too hard? Absenteeism at work is also an issue, as people cannot seem to focus. The average office worker can only focus for seven minutes at a time before he or she either switches windows or checks Facebook (according to Neurologist Larry Rosen). But we cannot blame Social Media, mobile device users check their phones 150 times per day. Employees are just too distracted, too busy and expected to perform at peak efficiency most of the time. Too many professionals work 50 hours per week, flooded with too many conference calls, meetings and emails even out of the office. The days when we could leave our jobs and go home to our families where work, emails and Internet did not follow us, are long gone. Now, employees can be fully connected to their work, 24 hours a day. Is this really increasing performance? Of course not, since our workforce cannot even stay focused more than an average of seven minutes. Even though this is an urgent issue in business, I do not see many organizations doing anything about it – whether they do not know what to do about it or they are just ignoring the problem altogether. And this challenge impacts our personal lives and happiness, our children, and our families. Our “always on” lifestyle has impacted even children, causing them to suffer from anxiety from an early age.
A note on Digital Dementia
Dementia has not usually been a term associated with young, fit people, but these days it is. Digital Dementia is a term coined in South Korea, that refers to the deterioration in cognitive abilities due to over reliance on digital devices, and which has similar effects to a head injury or psychiatric illness. The study done in South Korea reveled that overuse of smartphones and game devices actually hampers the balanced development of the brain. Furthermore, heavy users are likely to develop the left side of their brains, leaving the right side untapped or underdeveloped. Therefore, keeping your smartphone too close, having access to your email anytime is great, but take caution. Being “always on” may have negative effects on performance, and even lifestyle with first symptom described as problems with short-term memory. Forgetting anything lately? We all could be. We take out our cell phone anytime we need an answer, which hampers the brain’s ability to think for itself. Since anything can be found at the click of a button or the swipe of your finger, why bother memorizing new information.
Professional athlete versus corporate athlete
Having or reaching a healthy lifestyle balance means thinking more holistically. As a coach, I like sports analogies so I am going to use one by comparing professional athletes to corporate athletes. I will mention that there are those that disagree with this comparison due to the simple fact that a professional athlete, for example a tennis player, performs for about two or three hours a day, maybe a couple of times per week in a tournament, while he or she keeps winning. The corporate athlete works and is supposed to perform about eight hours per day, five days a week. However, I think it is wrong to assume that anyone can perform at peak so many hours every week. I think the analogy is important because it is about being on top of your game. The corporate athlete could take some lessons in this area from the professional athlete.
Let’s break it down. I mentioned that the tennis player performs in tournaments up to three hours a day, perhaps a couple of times a week during a tournament. Outside the tournament, the tennis player trains, gets coached and mentored, learns new skills while developing existing strengths, as well as rests, recharges, eats the right nutritious food and sleeps at least seven-eight hours per night. Then, of course the professional athlete can have peak performance when needed. We could say that the professional athlete, in this case the tennis player, spends much less than half of the time performing in tournaments and more than half preparing mentally and physically.
However, the corporate athlete has a different life. Out of the 24 hours in a day, the corporate athlete should get at least seven-eight hours of sleep – from my experience this does not necessarily happen. Then, there are 16 hours left in the day, which means the corporate athlete works at least half of his waking hours – although this is a very positive estimation. I do not usually meet many employees that are able to be out the door of their office building exactly after eight hours of work. Usually they work longer hours. In addition to working half of his or her waking time in the office, the corporate athlete spends more time checking his work email on his cell phone or at home, as well as simply thinking about work. The corporate athlete does not get much preparation, and sometimes no coach or mentor either. How much time does the corporate athlete dedicate to being ready to perform at their peak when they are needed to be at their peak like the professional athlete? Does the corporate athlete even know when he needs to be at peak, or is he expected to be at peak all the time?
The corporate athlete is the analyst, the manager, the CEO. They are expected to have all the answers and be at the top of their game all the time. But how much time do they allocate to being at the top of their game? To being coached? To learning new things? To being rested and regenerated? To eating right and being in tip-top physical and cognitive order? The corporate athlete can allocate very little of their time to important things that the professional athlete allocates more than half of his or her time – which can then yield ‘dividends’ when it is time to perform. How much more successful would corporations be if corporate athletes could really learn from real athletes and take note of the lifestyle balance? Nobody can say that professional athletes do not work hard. They do, but they do it in a way that allows them to perform at peak when they need to – and that is the main important lesson the corporate athlete could learn.
The corporate athlete could start by taking at least one day a month to work on themselves, which will actually mean working on their performance, on being a better leaders, on making better decisions, on getting better results. One day a month might not be enough but it would be a start. Corporate athletes cannot afford to NOT take the time to work on themselves.
Cruelty to Animals Creatures were the complete professionals of planet Earth before people became the prominent species around the world. Animals have to be secured and stored from disintegration, of which mankind could possibly be the first reason today. Although the human population’s majority realizes the significance of a humane perspective towards animals and also the security in their privileges, there still prevails this occurrence that is annoying as cruelty to creatures. Should you examine the website of RSPCA Australia (Royal Society for your Elimination of Cruelty to Pets), you’ll locate a list of activities and conditions which may be qualified as cruelty to animals. Read more
lines: Moving coming from broad to particular information
Your paper ought to be prepared in a manner that steps through typical to particular details. Every effort debt consolidation reduction an exciting new subject, think of any inside-out pyramid * A largest assortment of knowledge sets at the pinnacle, and because the piece or perhaps papers moves on, becomes more plus more ! Read more
It has been quite a summer as it relates to gender issues and gender integration in particular. Articles from all different venues and regions around the world are discussing women’s role in the global economy, in the US, the need to reframe the behavior of young girls so they become more interested in math and science, issues of equal access to political power, high profile stories about women in IT seeking pay equality (Ellen Pao suit against venture capital firm and her departure from Reddit), all quite illuminating.
All of this discourse is good for business. It helps create sufficient interest and conversations related to how to reframe ways company hire and compensate women; how to retain female talent; what are the strategies companies are sharing to move forward with these issues, what are the most significant steps to create a higher degree of long term impact.
The issue on pay parity is becoming a big topic in the US and Europe both at private and governmental level. It is a simple step that companies both big and small see as hitting bottom line results, let me share some examples.
In Europe, the EU published a thorough account that identified government and private sector efforts to promote pay parity.
An online tool, Logib, has been developed in Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland to enable companies to analyze pay and staffing structures and verify if equal pay exists between male and female employees. Reports analyzing the reasons and proposal of actions to tackle the gender pay gap are also foreseen with this tool.
In Austria, a ‘Wage and salary calculator’ has been set up which provides up-to-date and easily accessible information about pay customary in a sector/place. I invite you to read the full report – Tackling the Gender Parity in the European Union 2014.
In the US, companies like Salesforce are implementing pay parity as the main buster to enhance performance, retention and pro- motability.
Startups are also looking at the most significant strategies to help boost performance. Take a look at SumAll an analytics startup: Transparency is a core tenet at data analytics startup SumAll. It’s what’s helped the four-year old company grow at a rapid clip, according to its cofounder and CEO Dane Atkinson. He says SumAll has realized 1000% growth each year of operation and has amassed 350,000 clients. “We have lower turnover than the industry average which is 30 %–50 %.” He says no one leave the company because they feel like someone lied to them about salaries which Atkinson believes is the reason for “a big hunk of turnover.” Fast Company Magazine – Lydia Dishman.
As we conclude today, I need to point out that the Czech Republic was showcased in the EU report above mentioned: In the Czech Republic, an Equal Pay Day has been organized by Business and Professional Women (BPW) since 2010. The 4th Equal Pay Day in the Czech Republic took place on 24 April 2013.
I invite you and other business colleagues to continue forward with this effort, pay parity is a simple step that yields great results…
Can you afford to ignore this?
The reason for the income boost can be communicated.
Emotional intimacy isn’t the same as sexual intimacy. Erotic intimacy may take place with or without psychological intimacy, and mental intimacy typically does not occur within any type of intimate framework. Psychological intimacy is an emotional event that develops once interaction and the trust amount between two people is so that it builds the common sharing of each other’s inward selves. It’s unbridled self-disclosure that is mutual. Unfortunately, there is of mental closeness in interactions a missing widespread, so that as a result we spend a heavy a cost. Read more
When-you’re doing something that’s detrimental or stagnating to you.
An interview is the possibility to market oneself. Regardless how much the element may be looked by you, you have to reply the issues appropriately to obtain the job. Interviewers look for specified types of replies and consult concerns that are critical. Loyalty is always the best policy, but keep in mind that it is okay never to present data which was not requested. Never bash your workplace. If your last manager was the Powerful Witch of the Workforce, it generally does not matter, don’t say anything unfavorable about your employer. Read more
If history is told by the victors then the story of art is told by its famous movements and artists. But like all history there are figures and groups that flourish and fade, artists that grab hold of public attention but just as quickly disappear into obscurity. Artists and Prophets at the National Gallery focusses on a forgotten group of artists from German-speaking countries at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries who saw themselves as modern-day messiahs.
At the core of the exhibition is a loose collection of artists who achieved cult status with dedicated followers in the Germanic lands. Outsiders in an increasingly mechanised Europe they preached that mankind should return to old-fashioned religious and pastoral ways. In many cases they rejected the modern world completely and gave themselves up, barefoot and clad in robes, into the wilderness.
German art of the 20th Century is unavoidably linked to one of the darkest periods of European history. Perhaps the most fascinating thing about this movement is that even though it mostly precedes the First World War it still contains a sinister undercurrent. It’s easy with hindsight of course to burden German pre-war culture with what we know now, but the artists’ cult-like desire for veneration provides a chilling precedent for what’s coming.
One of the best-selling books in recent years has been The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. It claims to provide the formula for creating anything you wish in your life. The Secret has also been one of the most criticized books in recent years. Here’s a typical criticism: “Robert Cialdini, renowned psychology researcher and author of Influence: The Power of Persuasion, identifies six basic rules employed by politicians, advertisers and scam artists alike to persuade others.rences
Read more
For the last two years I have been blessed to do a lot more work for women leaders. As the focus on gender equality and women’s impact on business economics have been growing in the Czech Republic, more and more companies addressed me to prepare tailor-made strategic communication academies for their talented female leaders. I find deep meaning in sharing my journalistic experience and entrepreneurial know-how with women and in helping them to be seen, heard and taken seriously. However, I cannot stop from noticing we still have a long way to go in order to bring the best of our women gifts into today’s leadership.
Read more
Are you continuously worried that everyone else is doing something cool without you? You may be suffering from FOMO – Fear of Missing Out. Even worse, a new study reveals, you may be less satisfied with your life than the average person.
Read more
Nations, organizations, teams, and people all have at least one thing in common. They want to, but cannot fully unlock their human potential. In my career I have traveled the world and met many successful leaders, teams or organizations but I have not met too many people that do not intend to have a fulfilling career and life. However, too many people, companies, and countries end up focusing their time and energy on the wrong things, which seriously undermines their intended objective. This stems from the problem that we are wired with a high need to follow monetary rewards and achievements. In the long run, these will not bring fulfillment.
I’m sure you continue to read, just as I do, the amount of incidents and corporate shake ups related to issues around female dismissals and the cost of gender related law suits. There is a constant stream of settlements, fines and penalties, all impacting the image, brand and appeal of companies as well as eroding employees moral who read about and experiences these situations personally.
After many idle years, making Czechia one of the least engaged countries in Europe and beyond, public-private partnerships (PPP) seem to appear again on the Czech scene. The first new came when Minister of Transport Dan Ťok returned from the visit to South Korea in February 2014.
So that you can keep track of your task research attempts job-hunting may be downright irritating, no matter what state the economy is in. Put an Excel workbook to work for you. This short article is of a job applicant tracking record template that can be found inside our Media Gallery. Read more
The domestic violence phenomenon is surrounded by myths, a high level of social tolerance as well as an insufficient number of qualified professionals.
Last year, eighteen intervention centers in the Czech Republic provided help to a total of 4695 victims of physical, psychological, sexual, economic and social abuse. According to the Association of Intervention Centers in the Czech Republic, the groups most at risk are married and unmarried couples between the ages of 27 and 40. The number of abuse cases between adult children and parents, as well as abuse against senior citizens is rising. Despite the Czech police removing a total of 1382 individuals in 2014, cases are still arising where the police are unable to appropriately judge the situation within the family and the abusive individual is not removed. Under-age children often remain unprotected, sometimes they are forced by courts to stay in touch with the abusive individuals, or they are even put into their care. A number of institutions still do not know how to treat victims of domestic violence, where to send them or how to help them.
The Intervention Center Worker’s Association of the Czech Republic – ICWA (Asociace pracovníků intervenčních center ČR) is currently running a project, which aims to improve the practice of prevention, identification and removal of domestic violence via vocational specialization. “By the means of a national campaign entitled SILENCE HURTS, we want to confront the myths and break through the taboo surrounding domestic violence. Our aim is to inform the general public about the mission of intervention centers as well as to initiate an interdisciplinary discussion on the subject of improving the support for people in danger of experiencing domestic violence in the Czech Republic,” stated the chairwoman of ICWA, MA Martina Vojtiskova. Part of this project is extensive sociological research amongst professionals and users of services designed to help victims, which is focused on mapping out options to help resolve cases of domestic violence. ICWA is also preparing educational applications aimed for workers within institutions interested in these problems as well as preparing to publish popular instructive books about domestic violence in the Czech Republic.
The SILENCE HURTS campaign has been supported by a number of well-known individuals. Actress Michaela Kuklová, Jitka Schneiderová, Ilona Svobodová and Michaela Maurerová, singer Bára Basiková, actor David Suchařípa and Olympian Roman Šebrle are examples of those who kindly lent their faces to the campaign. The patronage of the project has been undertaken by Miluse Horska, the vice-chairwoman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic.
“ As a manager I put emphasis on high professionalism of employees. ”
MANAGER OF THE YEAR award is the most prestigious and systematically organised managerial competition in the CR. Dating back to 1993, it brings rankings of the most outstanding and successful Czech managers. You were awarded a prize in the section Public Administration – Secretary of the year 2014.
Who nominated you for the award?
I was nominated by the Association of Secretaries of Municipal Authorities.
How do you view the result of the competition and your achievement?
I am truly humbled to have been awarded a prize in such a prestigious competition. I see the award as a result of not only 15 years of work for the town of Opava, but also a long-term support of the town management. Without a well-functioning office, my nomination would never have been possible. I therefore wish to thank all the employees at the Municipal Office in Opava.
When did you start working at the office, and how old are you?
I started working at the office on 1st November 1999. I turned 53 this year.
Can you share with our readers your three biggest achievements in the position of the town secretary?
As the secretary of the Municipal Office in Opava I was at the birth of the idea to redisclocate the state and public administration in the Statutory Town of Opava. In 2009 after a lot of hard work, especially on the part of the Statutory Town of Opava, eight subjects of state and public administration made an agreement. 200 clerks of state administration and 140 clerks of the Municipal Office in Opava moved from one workplace to another. Many offices had to undergo an extensive reconstruction. The aim was to concentrate public administration in a few premises, and to prepare a high-rise building in the centre of the town for demolition. We managed to reduce the number of seats of the Office from 9 addresses to two premises (one in the town centre and one in the seat of a former military grammar school). The buildings underwent a complete reconstruction. Today there are not only the Municipal Office, Municipal Police and the Central Registry, but also other state administration authorities (Customs Service, a workplace of the Ministry of Agriculture, and a seat of the Social Security Administration). The operation was demanding in terms of finance, logistics, and time and space coordination. We negotiated the move with several ministries, and had to restart the debates several times because of changes after elections. Our successful operation serves as a model and inspiration for similar projects in other towns. The last piece of the jigsaw puzzle nicknamed “fireball” was the demolition of the high-rise building in the centre of town, which gave way to a new development in the historical centre.
In 2007 the Municipal Office in Opava became one of the pioneers in electronic data interchange that was introduced as a part of the economic modules project.
In 2009 the Statutory Town of Opava built an evacuation centre in Krnovská street. The centre serves as emergency lodgings for our citizens in case of natural and other disasters. The premises include a doctor’s office, storeroom, and accommodation including facilities with room for 71 people. There are 229 more beds and material for 300 evacuees in the storeroom. Ours is the largest centre in the country.
It is rather difficult to choose 3 particular achievements. What I see as a complex success of my work here at the office is that we have managed to build a stabilized team of enthusiastic, hard-working, result-producing and smart people. I believe that this team is the best capital I have for my work, because only with such people can one build a modern and first-rate office. The award would not have been possible without them.
Do you follow any principles in your work?
I strive to follow several wise recommendations I had the opportunity to receive in my professional life:
- there is always a person behind every decision – the one who makes it and the one affected by it, therefore every decision should be viewed as such,
- a thorough preparation may take longer, but in the long run it saves both time and money,
- opposing ideas promote understanding, not hinder it,
- anyone can make a mistake, but then they have to acknowledge it and rectify it,
- there is always space for improvement.
As a manager I put emphasis on high professionalism of employees, quality of their work and readiness to help the clients – citizens, as well as one another (which is why I support employees in further professional and soft skills training). I require that employees respond to the clients’ needs promptly, meet deadlines, provide quality service, and establish a friendly and agreeable rapport with the clients. I also put a lot of emphasis on loyalty of employees to their employer. I am not afraid to delegate powers and responsibilities.
What is the vision of the office?
We have been working on the image of the Municipal Office in Opava being a transparent and positive office. We want to be professional, open and friendly to our clients and citizens. We are here for the people, not the other way round.
What is your message to the citizens for the future?
We view citizens as customers we wish to serve professionally and obligingly, and we want to give them information on their level of knowledge and understanding.
We are open, transparent, trustworthy, considerate and we treat people with respect. We will be an office for everybody; we accommodate handicapped people and make efforts to minimize both physical and information barriers. We want to maximize the availability of information citizens are interested in, and make it accessible both for people and search engines. We will provide our clients with comprehensive and transparently presented information, and we will do so in a timely manner using innovative technologies that are safe for the office. We want to anticipate the clients‘ needs and communicate with them in a safe environment. In the long run we are working on a change of approach in communication with citizens by using new technologies. We are therefore grateful to citizens for any suggestions that will improve our performance.
How are you going to meet these goals?
The role of the Municipal Office in Opava is to provide public services and help the town flourish. We will provide highly professional services with a pro-client approach in an environment of mutual trust. In order to be effective, we wish to save the clients‘ as well as the clerks‘ time by dealing with requests and inquiries economically and without delays. The newly introduced methods and procedures will not put an unnecessary strain on the citizens.
If the Municipal Office in Opava is to become a trustworthy organization that offers above-standard services, we must put emphasis on the quality of services we provide, and ensure a continual professional growth of our employees.
The Municipal Office in Opava has always paid attention to safety – we wish to ensure our clients that we will always treat sensitive information with due care. The Office is fully aware of the responsibility it has for the safety culture of a public corporation, and we see it as a matter of the utmost importance.
Looking at the development of professionalism at the Municipal Office in Opava, we are striving to execute public and local administration by employing competent, trained and civic-minded clerks, who always provide clients with an optimal solution, and they do so in a friendly manner.
For this reason we are establishing a functional organizational structure that relies on competent and responsible management. The Office is forming a motivational environment for all employees, because only a good and motivated employee performs optimally. The office is trying to provide the employees with a long-term employment perspective and ensure a respectable and agreeable work environment. We are promoting a company culture of mutual trust.
We will increase the efficiency of communication and cooperation in the Office – we are promoting good practise with all the employees having access to information and being able to utilize their potential. We see the development of information technologies as an opportunity for growth, and we attach great importance to it, which is why we are building quality teams that will be able to react to the ever-changing information technology demands.
We administer the entrusted property well. We wish ensure and maintain the financial situation of the Office and town by expertly managing the financial means.
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies are history, photography, amateur theatre, travelling, reading, etc.
What would you like to say in conclusion?
My motto: We live in deeds, not years (as formulated by Seneca).
Give opportunities to competent and honest people.
To finish, there is one philosophical quote in which I seek solace when times are hard:
Don’t take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive anyway.
The human brain, or at least its cognitive part, is constantly processing information. Today, computers and mobile devices enable us to process even more, as we are all connected to a digital brain – the Internet. The Internet has become a dominant force in our modern lives, but please, be careful not to stop using your human brain altogether. It may atrophy like unused muscles, and you will sadly forget how to use it.
Read moreOn Monday 6 July the Gallery of the Central Bohemian Region will be exceptionally open as part of our commemoration of the 600th anniversary of Jan Hus being burned at the stake.
From Saturday 4 July to Monday 6 July, visitors to GASK – Gallery of the Central Bohemian Region will have the only chance this year to see the unique Kutná Hora Illumination.
Due to the high demands for protecting this rare piece of history, it is exhibited for only a limited time and spends the rest of the year under specific climatic and lighting conditions in a display case made specially for these purposes.
The Central Bohemian Region acquired the Kutná Hora Illumination for 510,000 pounds in an auction at Sotheby’s in London on 8 December 2009. Less than two weeks later, on 21 December 2009, it was transported from London to the Czech Republic. It was first presented to the public on 27 December 2013 at the refectory of the Jesuit College in Kutná Hora.
The rare late medieval painting on parchment is unique not only in its choice of subject and artistic quality, but also in its unusually large format. The Illumination depicts the mining, sale, and processing of silver ore in Kutná Hora in the late 15th century in a detailed and almost reportage-like manner.
PARTY TIME GASK
Because of great interest on the part of parents and children, we have added one more PARTY TIME GASK workshop at the GASK Learning Centre. The last 10 free spaces are still available from 11 to 14 August 2015. The four-day art workshop presents the graphic art of Bodo Korsig. Children will get to be artists, too, as they discover new materials, experiment, and create their own works of graphic art and objects for the Jesuit College’s gardens. The programme culminates in an opening reception and one-day exhibition on Friday. More information and an application are attached.
June 20th 2015, Prague Dejvice
Roy Perticucci, Vicepresident Amazon Fulfillment EU
Roy Perticucci, Vicepresident Amazon Fulfillment EU
Bohuslav Sobotka, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
Michaela Marksová – Tominová, the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs
From left: 2nd from left Raimund Paetzmann, Amazon, Director CS/OPS Real Estate EMEA, Roy Perticucci, Vicepresident Amazon Fulfillment EU. From right: Adriana Krnáčová, Mayor of Prague, Bohuslav Sobotka, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Adriana Krnáčová, Mayor of Prague
From left: Andrew H. Schapiro, the U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Michaela Marksová – Tominová, the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Roy Perticucci, Vicepresident Amazon Fulfillment EU, Bohuslav Sobotka, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Adriana Krnáčová, Mayor of Prague
From left: Raimund Paetzmann, Amazon, Director CS/OPS Real Estate EMEA, Andrew H. Schapiro, the U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Michaela Marksová – Tominová, the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Roy Perticucci, Vicepresident Amazon Fulfillment EU,
Andrew H. Schapiro, the U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Michaela Marksová – Tominová, the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Roy Perticucci, Vicepresident Amazon Fulfillment EU
Karel Taschner, Amazon, PR Manager
Interiors of the Amazon Office was drawn by the London studio Interior Architects with worldwide experience, which subsequently cooperated with Czech suppliers.
Interiors of the Amazon Office was drawn by the London studio Interior Architects with worldwide experience, which subsequently cooperated with Czech suppliers.
Interiors of the Amazon Office was drawn by the London studio Interior Architects with worldwide experience, which subsequently cooperated with Czech suppliers.
Interiors of the Amazon Office was drawn by the London studio Interior Architects with worldwide experience, which subsequently cooperated with Czech suppliers.
Interiors of the Amazon Office was drawn by the London studio Interior Architects with worldwide experience, which subsequently cooperated with Czech suppliers.
Interiors of the Amazon Office was drawn by the London studio Interior Architects with worldwide experience, which subsequently cooperated with Czech suppliers.
Interiors of the Amazon Office was drawn by the London studio Interior Architects with worldwide experience, which subsequently cooperated with Czech suppliers.
Interiors of the Amazon Office was drawn by the London studio Interior Architects with worldwide experience, which subsequently cooperated with Czech suppliers.
Interiors of the Amazon Office was drawn by the London studio Interior Architects with worldwide experience, which subsequently cooperated with Czech suppliers.
Interiors of the Amazon Office was drawn by the London studio Interior Architects with worldwide experience, which subsequently cooperated with Czech suppliers.
Interiors of the Amazon Office was drawn by the London studio Interior Architects with worldwide experience, which subsequently cooperated with Czech suppliers.
Roy Perticucci, Vicepresident Amazon Fulfillment EU
On June 22th, 2015, Amazon opened a Czech corporate office in Prague in building Blox right next to the metro Dejvická. In the Office finds jobs over 500 people in management and support functions. There will be highly skilled positions, especially in the field of IT and HR.
The new corporate Amazon office will be home to five departments, ie. department of HR shared services to support the European Amazon, IT department, customer service department for Europe and also facilities for employees involved in work concerning distribution centers in the Czech Republic and Poland.
“Following the announcement of our intention to open a corporate office in Prague, we were impressed by how many Czechs are interested in job in Amazon,” said Roy Perticucci, Amazon Vice President for Europe. “In the Czech Republic there are plenty of highly qualified professionals who are open to gaining new experience in innovative technology companies like Amazon. Once again I would like to thank you for the support of the Czech government and local officials who supported us in building our presence in the country “
“I’m happy that Amazon has chosen the Czech Republic to open new offices and will create more than 500 new jobs. The new government has brought into our country’s political stability, we put an emphasis on encouraging new investors, strengthening economic growth and creating new jobs. The Czech Republic is a safe harbour for foreign investors, our goal is to further improve continually conditions for foreign investors,” said the Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka.
Amazon has rented approximately 5,800 meters square in the building Blox. Interior of the Office was drawn by the London studio Interior Architects with worldwide experience, which subsequently cooperated with Czech suppliers. Design celebrates Czech cubism and unique atmosphere of Prague. Amazon wants to attract and retain the best employees, to whom wants to offer a unique working environment. There are the flexible meeting and training rooms equipped with high technology, kitchen, cafe and recreational parts.
The Distribution center in Dobrovíz will be opened in September 2015.
Text: Renáta Lucková and Pavel Veselý
Photos: Renáta Lucková, RePaCOMPANY and Amazon Archiv
“ To Be Beautiful Means To Have Purity On The Inside, As Well As The Outside. ”
The beauty of a woman – that is the central topic of our interview with entrepreneur Jaroslava Pichrtová. The owner of a successful beauty salon in Opava, she revealed her secret “beauty formula” to Leaders Magazine. That she has one is obvious, as she herself looks fantastic. Her slim body, alabaster skin, and gorgeous shiny hair have the power to raise eyebrows among women of all ages.
Dear Mrs Pichrtová, you are an entrepreneur, physiotherapist, and beauty expert. Is that correct?
Yes, I think that describes me. However, I am foremost a woman who tries to lead other women to find beauty, and not only outer beauty. For more than 13 years I have been working with special techniques in lymphatic drainage, which helps drain unwanted liquids from our bodies. You would not believe how many women have this problem, and how relieved they are when I help them. I use a Vacupress device and it works wonders.
Can you describe this special tool?
Vacupress is a unique device with its own method of lymphatic cleansing. The machine both massages the patient to induce lymphatic drainage, and vacuums up the liquid. It clears the lymphatic system and removes toxic substances from our bodies. At the same time it loosens fat cells and reinforces tissue. It is an effective and healthy method of activating our lymphatic system, and draining toxins from our bodies, including unwanted fat and cellulite. It encourages the production of elastin and tightens the skin.
How exactly does it work?
A massage head on your skin stretches the skin and fat cells, 1 to 3 cm. At the same time, the machine draws toxins from cells with a vacuum technique. By doing so, the massage head mobilizes fat reserves in the skin that would otherwise stand still. This allows the fat particles and other waste to be transported to a lymphatic system and eliminated. After this vacuum massage, the skin may breathe again. A slight reddening of the skin indicates that its metabolism is working.
You have mentioned inner beauty…
Ten years ago, internal cosmetics arrived to the market, which include various vitamin, mineral, and herbal agents. I was quite familiar with these products so I began focusing on them, consulting with specialists about the newest findings, and above all, using the products myself. I was very much intrigued by things such as internal Zink, for example. Organic Zink is actually a key component of many hormones, enzymes, and so called functional chelants in the female body. If there is not enough Zink in the female body, there will be a deficiency in the production of many compounds, such as collagens – which may cause bad skin, ageing, or poor growth of the nails and hair. Such knowledge is priceless, but unfortunately it is sometimes difficult learn.
Generally I can say that beauty for me means being pure inside as well as outside. Beauty has many shapes, however for every woman it should mean taking care of your own body, keeping it in harmony, and staying calm. It sounds difficult, yet it is possible. The first step is to make a firm decision and stick to it. This really is the key to your success. As with running, the most difficult part is to put on a pair of trainers and get started. Once you are moving, you will feel better and better, and the training will become your everyday routine. Many women say that they have tried many times and failed, that they are skeptical and maybe a little lazy too. Although it is sometimes very hard, it is important to keep going.
What do you do to take care of your skin and body?
I am my own walking promotion. My personality, how I look, how well I feel – these things are what I have to show my clients. I first try products on myself, and only then do I recommend them to others. My clients know that they can absolutely rely on me and my judgment. I can show my clients what works for me. I believe that this is the reason they come back. Of course, there is high competition in the “beauty” market, and it is difficult to recognize good quality. I only promote products that show results. And I see results in my clients. I offer my clients complex, proven service and consultancy.
What about the products? Are there plenty of them on the market?
I personally select only the best and most effective products, those which fully correspond with my motto: “Nothing but the best”. The same goes for my clients. I really use only good quality cosmetics, usually French brands, Italian brands, and Canadian Xocai from pure bio cocoa. Most importantly, I first test all products on myself. I also eat healthy chocolate from Xocai as a functional food that provides antioxidants. Only after I try a product will I recommend and offer it to my clients.
Yes, food is a very popular topic these days…
We definitely are what we eat. Our diet must be very pure and especially varied. For me, the crucial thing is the origin of food. The basis of a healthy diet is vegetables, salads, fruits, and meat (which ideally should make up about 5% of our daily diet). I am not a vegetarian at all, as it is proven that a healthy diet requires meat. However, I always choose good quality, organic foods. Food is scientific, and people should approach it accordingly. Dietary supplements are important as well. As I mentioned, a deficiency in Zink or Selene may cause big problems for women, and these minerals must be replenished. It is very important to use products that are completely organic and non-toxic.
Mrs Pichrtová, we may only admire your vigor, beauty, and invincible optimism. What do you recommend to our readers so that they may feel great like you?
Every day do some exercise, take care of yourself, and rather than spending your time in a café, or drinking alcohol, invest in your health and inner beauty. Your effort to do so will manifest itself on the outside, and you, as well as your surroundings, will feel harmonized and balanced.
Thank you.
“ We are originally and exclusively 60s. Because of our flexibility. ”
Parkhotel was created in the 1960s. It was the first prestigious hotel in Prague. Recently, it has returned to its grounds by being newly renovated for international and Prague citizens. “What is really brilliant about Parkhotel, apart from going back to the 60s, is that you can buy the hotel exclusively for yourself. If you are a company with more than 250 people, financially it can be wiser to buy the whole Parkhotel for you and your guest alone,” says Mrs. Hilm.
Dear Mrs. Hilm, you did an awesome job with the hotel. How did it all happen?
Two years ago, when I came here, the hotel looked horrible at the time. I admitted on the website, that I agree with the people who consider that Parkhotel is “bad looking”. We then started nesting and I got in contact with a Chamber of architects. The guy who came here was Petr Hlaváček. He is related to the original architect of Parkhotel, Mr. Zdeněk Edel. I wanted to find out, how it really looked originally. The outside did not go with the inside. He came here, and we had spent a whole day and went through building. I learned what was his original idea.
This is two and half years ago…
Yes. We bought the hotel in 2013. I took over the management and I started doing the renovation.
Why did you buy the hotel?
The main idea was to buy it because of the land. One of the owners is Daramis group, a Real Estate Company. They were interested in developing the land next to the hotel. They wanted to put an apartment building there. They are not hotel people, but they hired me and that’s the moment when we started to change from just having the hotel to doing something here.
The original idea was not renovate?
No. It was to “run the hotel, to turn it into making money and do what you have to do.” However, I realized that we needed to do more.
Is the apartment building still coming?
Yes, behind the hotel. The idea is to benefit on the services from Parkhotel. If you buy an apartment there, you will be able to have housekeeping, you can order room service, and get your laundry done. It’s a new way of thinking of apartments in Prague. I explained to owners, that if I want to buy a fancy apartment, I want a hotel that also looks nice.
Let ‘s go back to the renovation. You started a year ago. Is it done and ready?
It’s done. And we never closed. We were open the whole time.
Many Czech people remember Parkhotel from old movies. When I came here, I really felt the 1960s.
That‘s exactly what I wanted to achieve.
How did you do that?
I convinced everybody, that it is the right thing to do. Not to go modern. I ‘ve really been pushing people to go back to the 60s. I want to convince them how great concept the concept really is. That was my biggest challenge. Once everybody was on board, it was easy.
How does the original architect, Mr. Edel, like the reconstruction?
He said that it looks fantastic. To me it’s the best reward. He told me that he came after the reconstruction, in 1993, and he cried after he left. Previously, the inside did not go with the outside. Now, people come back and they see and feel 60s. I want the hotel to be part of Prague 7 community. I don‘t want to be a hotel only for foreigners.
That’s why you organise open days?
The space is quite large. Most hotels don’t have big public spaces. In fact, most people hide from big open spaces. Prague 7 is full of people and they don’t really have a “centre”. Therefore, we want to use the space around the hotel for them. For example, during the winter, there is an ice skating rink available. Also, in the summer , I hope to get permission for an outdoor cinema. The guests will like it. We are not Old Town Square; we have to attract the guests. They want to see how Czech people live.
But you still have to do business.
That’s part of the idea. We want people to be interested in staying in an icon; something that has been a part of Prague history rather than another modern hotel. Maybe it‘s because I come from a hotel chain. I worked in nine different countries and it does not matter which country you are in. All hotels look the same. Here, when I had the opportunity to create what I wanted to create, I wanted all of our guests to feel like they are in Prague. For example, we are having Czech designers make special uniforms based on 60s; and we are starting a cooperation with Botas company. We want to have the 60s icons brought out. We are also going to have a Kofola tap in the bar. Guests are invited to free tasting.
It‘s more about art. Art hotels are mostly small. But you have 240 rooms…
Groups are also interested. Groups occupy half of the hotel. We have a lot of Americans. They love history. It‘s obvious that foreigners, whether they travel in groups or not, are interested in this period. That is why we have to treat them delicately.
What about the rooms and further renovation?
We did not touch the rooms and outside yet. I‘m also trying to put the playground in for children in front of the hotel. Now we need to take a break. We had no holiday last year. Now, when it is all done, we will see how the hotel runs. How will the 60s work and how much further can we take it. I am in touch with companies related to 60s and they want to do exhibitions.
What about business guests?
We have grown this market significantly since we took over the hotel three yeas ago. There used to be very little business people in the hotel. Parkhotel is doing very well in the meeting segment, and we grown from less than one percent to fifteen percent now. Even during the reconstruction. This is the area we are going to focus on. What is really brilliant about Parkhotel apart from going back to the 60s,is that you can buy the hotel exclusively for you.
Really?
Yes. Our slogan is “Catch us being exclusive with you”. If you are a company and you are more than 250 people, financially it can be sounder to buy the whole Parkhotel for you and your guest alone. There are so many hotels in Prague, but we are quite unique in this.
Why would companies buy the whole Parkhotel?
We have parking. If you have people coming from different parts of Czech republic or Prague, it is a great feature. All our meeting rooms are technically brand new. Very unique are our open spaces. It is really difficult to find a hotel that has such large connected open spaces. Balancing between how many people you can fit in there and the number of rooms works really well. It’s more towards exhibitions, workshops, and fairs. You can have social interaction in five different rooms. Also, companies can expose there their products. You use the altar area for evening parties later.
Why is this unique?
When a company comes and says they want whole hotel exclusively, the hotel mark-up is enormous. We‘ve done intense calculations on how to make this business work. Actually if you do it properly, it does not have to be so expensive.
So you have good prices?
We are a good value for money. We would rather have more volume than have high prices. We are realistic.
Is it mainly for foreigners?
No. One of our most reliable client is the ministries. We work very well with the government.
How much did social media interaction change in the hotel segment in last years?
When I came here, we did not use Facebook as a hotel at all. Now it’s very important to communicate with guests. Other hotels already have connections with guest. We are slowly getting better.
There is also an interactive communicator on your website.
We say Talk to us. You don’t need to wait for an email or call. This is also our message to party organisers. We are not a part of the chain, which means we can be as flexible as you like us to be. When it comes in terms and conditions, we can also be very flexible. For example, advertising your company around the hotel. Larger chains are limited; they have to play within the rules of the brand. This is where we can be original. Not because of the price, but because of the flexibility.
Well you know very well how the chain looks like. You worked for couple of them…
I know what not to do and also what to pick up. Let‘s be honest. Chains have the best standardisation.
Do you have any special services for more sophisticated clients?
We just started cooperation with a physiotherapist, who is running our massage rooms. To me, it’s something different. If you crack your neck because you were sitting in a plane for too long, he will actually do something instead of giving you just a nice massage. This is something different. One of the keys for travellers these days is not necessarily services you can offer to them, but to make sure that you have a stable and free high speed Wi-Fi. I‘m Scandinavian, and in my book it‘s not even a discussion point. It’s my right as a human being to have Wi-Fi. Just as it is a right for everyone to have a bed to sleep in.
Do you have some special requirement for your employees?
I wish I could. The most important thing to make clear for people who work here – if you don’t like your job, then let me help you find the job that you like. Whether that is inside or outside the hotel. People who work here need to be treated in the best possible way and fairly. It is difficult to catch good people because you cannot attract them with a salary. Once you have it, for a few months, its not a motivator anymore. You need to do different things.
“ Generally, I see great opportunities for individuals who have strong values. ”
Rostya Gordon Smith is amongst 50 TOP HR experts in the world, however, in the Czech Republic she symbolizes „Ambassador of Women“ and their rights to be represented both in politics and business while not having to make a choice between a work and family. Rostya has worked in 10 countries; she has four sons (each born on a different continent) and eight grandchildren.
Besides being a strong advocate of women quotas, Rostya is a strong supporter of motherhood and the role of a family in a society in general. She claims that „no professional success can make up for the failure in family sphere“. At the age when most women retire, Rostya came up with “a small project to keep her busy” but those who know Rostya know that wherever she invests her energy, things start to change. Her movement is called Minerva 21 with the aim to ”unite confident women who believe in continuous self-development, who will share their experience with others and who will strive to have a positive impact and influence in the society they live in“. Founding Minerva 21 was a response to the fact that there are more than 90 organizations specializing in women´s issues and often do not know about each other’s activities. Already after three months of existence, Minerva 21 managed to launch a mentoring scheme for students at the Technical University in Ostrava, organize a debate in Parliament and hold several networking events in Prague and Brno with the ultimate aim to persuade women to cooperate and not to compete.
How do you see today´s world?
Generally, I see great opportunities for individuals who have strong values, energy, and the passion to be involved in public life. I believe that opportunities abound for those interested in creating and forming grass-roots movements and influencing local communities for good. Granted, the world nowadays is globalized, but even so, local communities needs to grow stronger and defend their rights to exist; we still need to execute a level of influence over the places in which we live.
How do you see the position of the Czech Republic in the world?
The world is a big place and the Czech Republic is a small country. When talking about countries, size doesn’t matter. Small countries can yield tremendous influence, and the Czech Republic is one such country. Now is a great time to develop a society with strong feelings of pride and patriotism. We need a country where people hold to their values, build strong families, are open to new ideas, and are eager to become a leader in some global specialty. To put it simply, the Czech Republic needs to be sophisticated enough “to do” rather than “be done to”.
You often claim that “the reality is different behind the boarders” and that Czechs should not lock themselves in the local, provincial thinking and that barriers are only within our minds but they do not exist physically anymore. Have you thought after returning from abroad in 1990 that you would have to do this still after 25 years of democracy?
I returned to the Czech Republic in 1997 with the idea that I had learned many valuable lessons having lived in 10 different countries and having worked in at least 15 others. I decided to give my energy to the country of my birth. The barriers I talk about are the paradigms that we hold in our minds. I call them “mental cages”. These are the common sayings that are popular and have some truth, but should not be applied to our values. For example: “Za dobrotu na žebrotu” (Being good leads to becoming a beggar), many times this paradigm stops us from going the extra mile to help others or get involved. Another matter that bothers me, and I would love to change it, is the general gloominess of the Czech population and the lack of motivation to want to change things around us.
You are also an expert on organizational development and intercultural communication plays a great role. Which intercultural traits do you see beneficial for Czechs and which ones we should change?
I love the Czech ability to adjust, be flexible, and join together in times of crisis. On the other hand, the general pessimism and resignation among us saddens me: our lack of ability to participate in a fruitful and useful discussion and get involved in a cause. It seems to me that we are mainly concerned with ourselves only.
Women cooperation and mutual support is often considered their weakness. However, many men came to me to warn me against “idealizing” men cooperation. So what differences do you see?
I do not “idealize” cooperation amongst men or women. I accept that we both work in different ways. Such would be an ideal situation for the advancement of diversity, but women still do not have adequate representation in all sorts of areas where decision making is taking place. This is wrong. Such exclusion is not a reflection of a mature and sophisticated society.
This was one of the reasons I found MINERVA 21 earlier this year.
How do you perceive MINERVA 21 movement after six months of its existence?
I returned back to this country after nearly 25 years living abroad. One of the main reasons for this was that I wanted to share my experiences from not one country, but from many countries. I found MINERVA 21 and identified it as a “movement” because I believe that we need to move from many position and paradigms in this country in order to create a better society for all of us. I believe that united women could be a driving force for positive change in this country. All the members of the MINERVA 21 board are successful women who have reached prominent positions, created businesses and non-profit organizations, and are mothers and wives. We are a perfect mix of what women in this society are. Even I could not imagine the progress we have achieved in only 6 months. Women responded to our “call” and joined us, are helping us, are participating, and are committed. In short, we are confident women!
Many men complain that all activities that are mushrooming for women in the Czech Republic do not support diversity in the long term. How can you persuade men to cooperate with women more? Can men who are interested in diversity become involved in Minerva 21 movement?
I do not really know what men are complaining about. I know that many men – mainly the younger generation—are open to diversity and working with women on an equal basis. I think men who care about this country should join with women in this movement to build a more equal and fair society.
What is your final word to Prague Leaders readers?
It really is my challenge to both women and men: come and see. Come and contribute. Come and become part of this movement. Come and be “MINERVANKA” or “MINERVÁK” and help us, each according to your ability and circumstances, to contribute to the better future for all of us.
By Linda Štucbartová
MAXXI museum of XXI century arts by Zaha Hadid
The opening of the exhibition ET CETERA
Installation by Asot Haas
Painting by Martin Krajc
Visitor admiring painting by Jan Mikulka
H.E. Aldo Amati, Ambassador of Italy to the Czech Republic
Giovanni Sciola, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Prague
Gianfranco Pinciroli, General Manager of Italian-Czech Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Ottaviano Maria Razetto, curator of ET CETERA exhibition
Genny Di Bert, curator of ET CETERA exhibition (second from left) with artists
Czech artists: Tets Ohnari, Martin Krajc, Ondřej Oliva, Kryštof Hošek, Tereza Tara, Matěj Rejl, Martin Matoušek, Jan Kaláb, Jan Matuška aka Masker
Ivano Fanzutto, Francesco Augusto Razetto, President of the Eleutheria Foundation , Enzo Cainero
From April 28th to May 18th, the Eleutheria Foundation of Prague – led by Francesco Augusto Razetto – in collaboration with MAXXI National Museum of XXI Century Arts, presented et cetera, an exhibition of works by eighteen contemporary artists from the Czech Republic.
Curated by historian and art critic Genny Di Bert and architect Ottaviano Maria Razetto (who also designed the exposition’s layout), et cetera is a part of an existing initiative of the Eleutheria Foundation. After promoting a new interpretation of Czech Socialist Art, Eleutheria now turns its gaze toward the present, focusing on the production of Czech artists over the last 25 years, after the fall of Communism and its censorship of freedom of expression. As the title itself suggests, et cetera therefore represents a process never stopped, but rather constantly evolving.
The aim, through the presentation of such works, is that of stimulating Italian interest in discovering new talent, thus opening a virtual window through which to appreciate and admire the creativity that exists in the heart of Europe.
The exhibition presented works by: Ašot Hass, Hana Babak, Kryštof Hošek, Jan Kaláb, Martin Kocourek, Martin Krajc, Martin Matoušek, Jakub Matuška, Jan Mikulka, Marek Musil, Jakub Nepraš, Tets Ohnari, Ondřej Oliva, Veronika Psotková, Matěj Rejl , Tereza Tara, Zdeněk Trs and Roman Týc.
According to its curators, et cetera takes strength, value and meaning through the diversity of each artist, offering therefore a wide view in the context of today’s Czech artistic experimentation. Despite having started from a common emotional tension, each artist gives vent to their own creative vision to achieve an aesthetic ideal definitely beyond classical standards of beauty and various currents. Each seeks the philosophical essence of life and a way to spread their own perception. All works are essential expressions of the changing times and existences within which artistic value is perceived: environments, signs, sounds, images, material compositions, installations, paintings, Hyperrealisms. All represent a silent protest without strong nihilisms, but rather positive vibrations inclined to believe in a better future, though with a natural degree of skepticism.
An e-catalog has been created in cooperation with the prime publishing house Tablet Media for the exhibition and can be downloaded in apple store for further consultation.
The exhibition is born under the patronage of various institutions. Among all: Embassy of the Czech Republic in Rome, Italian Embassy in Prague, Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, Department of Culture of the City of Prague, Department of Culture of Rome, Czech Centre in Milan, Italian Institute of Culture in Prague, Italy-Czech Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Utility providers are rarely applauded. At best, they carry out their business in providing electricity, water and the like without attracting much attention. But when there are price increases or, on rare occasions, some interruption to supply, the reputations of these companies are immediately compromised.
Adding to their pressures, environmentalists commonly criticize the big power generators for emitting greenhouse gases (GHGs) that are causing climate change. This nation’s largest electricity provider, ČEZ, is one such business that has found itself in the firing line over the past years.
But the image of this massive conglomerate is beginning to change as ČEZ emerges as one of Europe’s most vocal advocates for the rapid reduction of CO2, which climate scientists warn will irreparably damage our planet, if left unfettered.
ČEZ is the largest utility and biggest public company in Central and Eastern Europe and the jewel in the Czech Republic’s corporate crown. It is involved in electricity generation, trade, distribution and heat, as well as coal mining and nuclear power, and operates in many countries.
It was with some pride that I witnessed the company’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Daniel Beneš, being applauded at a recent gathering of business leaders in Paris where he talked about his company’s impressive ambition to dramatically cut its GHG emissions to zero within 35 years.
Only 200 days before the crucial international UN summit on climate change in Paris, some of the world’s top business bosses attended the Business & Climate Summit in that same city this past May to send a message to governments that the world needs a new treaty to replace the now-expired Kyoto Protocol, which was also actively involved in the ČEZ Group CEO Daniel Beneš.
Attended by French President François Hollande, who gave the keynote address, Daniel Beneš who was the only speaker representing a company operating coal-fired power. In front of an audience of some of the most distinguished business leaders, the ČEZ explained that his company has reduced overall emissions of CO2 since 2005 by 33 percent.
Mr Beneš emphasized that ČEZ’s strategy focuses on decentralized production, savings through efficiencies and low-emission electricity production from renewable sources, as well as nuclear power.
“We believe that the future of energy systems based on decentralized power generation and renewable energy sources,” he said.
The central challenge of the business summit was to seek such a path for industry towards low-carbon energy, which will ensure economic growth.
Mr Beneš stated: “Coal power plants will still have their place in power generation in the near future.” But he then surprised the audience by going on to say that it was clear that in the long term coal usage would have to come to an end.
How times have changed. In 1997, when I attended the mega-meeting of nearly 200 nations in the Japanese city of Kyoto arranged to find an agreement on how to combat global warming protocol, there was limited involvement from business.
Indeed, of those few companies in attendance, most were there to question the whole notion that fossil fuel-driven industrial development was causing climate change. Many had shared a mission to denounce environmentalists as enemies of capitalism and called for “business as usual”.
In fact this progressive stance predates the current CEO, with the ČEZ Group first publicly acknowledging its liability for GHG emissions in October 2006. This declaration was in response to the then minister of the environment, Peter Kalaš, who launched a dialogue about environmental protection with industry.
The Group committed in its public declaration to reinvest its profit from sales of saved emission allowances in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in taking steps towards further GHG reductions, modernization of technologies for electric power production and introducing measures for environmental quality improvement.
Today, the company actively engages with key environmental pressure groups and is spearheading energy efficiency programmes as well as the introduction of renewable technologies.
ČEZ will inevitably be held to account by environmental NGOs and other key stakeholders. And some contest that the company isn’t doing enough. Some say that it’s a case of too little too late. Other criticise the company for its continued use of nuclear power, and there are those who question the sincerity of the group’s promises.
But to my mind, Daniel Beneš and his senior management team, represent a refreshing new generation of leaders who see the world very differently from past industrialists. He surely gives rise to the optimistic view that it is business that can save our planet.It’s now generally accepted science, that when fossil fuel is combusted, heat is released.
This process produces carbon dioxide, which is one of a number of greenhouse gases that accumulates in the atmosphere and traps heat that would otherwise escape into space, causing global climate change.
December’s UN climate summit, COP21, in Paris is being dubbed as the “Last Chance Saloon” by many climate scientists and environmentalists. They predict that if an international new treaty cannot be agreed to reduce greenhouse gases, average global temperatures will rise above 2 degrees centigrade which would have irreversible consequences for our planet.
President Hollande, has called for a “miracle” to happen later this year at a crunch climate change conference in his capital city, saying this will be needed for a compromise to be reached on the future of limiting greenhouse gases that must involve both developed and developing countries.
I’ve attended every one of these COPs since Kyoto, and the wrangling between different governments intent on prioritising their short term national interests, makes me good reason to question whether a political solution can actually ever be achieved.
In contrast, May’s Business and Climate Summit in Paris was a breath of fresh air, with leaders of some of the companies pledging to take significant steps to reduce climate-threatening emissions, and calling on governments to reach a deal in December.
Commitments such as those made by ČEZ demonstrate that business is prepared to take a longer term view than politicians, and history may well show that it was companies that really made the difference in stabilising the climate. Let’s hope for a miracle in Paris.
By Jonathan Wootliff
Louis Vuitton Foundation Building
In the Bois de Boulogne at the edge of Paris, the latest building by Frank Gehry (architect of the Dancing House on the Prague riverbank) arouses interest, displeasure, admiration, envy, and many interesting questions…
When Bernard Arnault, the owner of LVMH Group (and the richest entrepreneur in France) visited a museum in Spanish Bilbao 15 years ago, it immediately became clear to him that Frank Gehry would be the right architect to design a foundation and museum of contemporary art in Paris in the park Bois de Boulogne. Ghery is an eccentric architect and the 1989 winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize. The LVMH group has owned the license for the 20 hectare Bois de Boulogne since the 1980´s, thanks to the acquisition of the famous Christian Dior house, which owned the land since the end of the 1950´s when it was bought by Marcel Boussac, the important French entrepreneur and founder of Parfum Christian Dior.
Designed by Alphand and Barrel-Deschamps, and deeply connected with Paris symbolism, the landscape park inspired Gehry from the very beginning. The foundation project was an ideal opportunity to revive the original spirit of the place, and to enhance the overall feel of the garden. The walks were redrawn, architectural elements were cultivated, and various new plants now contribute to the vegetation. The main building stands 40 meters high, and not only sensitively harmonizes with the surrounding elements, but evokes the 19th century history of the garden’s glass architecture. Visitors experience many visual surprises, beginning with the sudden emergence of the building among the 100 year old oak and beech trees. An airy feeling surrounds the facade from all sides, enchanting this relatively small building made from steel, concrete, and wooden fibers, all “wrapped” in 12 glass sails that seem to triple the overall size. From the front, the building seems to be sailing on water. The engineers were able to project the 12 giant sails thanks to a highly sophisticated and complicated production technology, and by assembling a monumental puzzle consisting of 3600 glass panels. A special, enormous oven was built to produce the slender glass tables that required a certain level of flection, flexibility, and strength to withstand atmospheric conditions. The total weight of the steel structure is 15,000 tons, which is twice as much as the Eiffel Tower.
Within the total area of 11,000 m², including 7,000 m² of public space, the building’s 4 levels offer 11 galleries devoted to presenting the foundation´s art collections and short-term exhibitions. A glass-walled auditorium, with fantastic acoustics and a flexible design, can hold between 360-1000 people. Furthermore, there is a restaurant, as well as numerous viewing terraces which are intended to create the impression of a labyrinth, so that visitors are constantly surprised by new perceptions, sights, and feelings. It is a paradox that among the real functions of the building, there are amazing terrace views in all directions, overlooking Paris, La Defense, and Bois de Boulogne.
František Kupka Amorpha Fugue in two colors
In the building’s construction and functionality, careful regard was given to the highest standards of environmental sustainability. Rainwater, primarily used for cleaning the facades and windows, is collected in a system that is separate from the drinking water, where it is filtered. There is a distribution system that waters the green areas and terraces. The consumption of drinking water is regulated to prevent waste. And perhaps the most interesting feature is the building’s use of geothermal energy, warming and cooling the interior using natural and renewable resources. The building boasts an especially suitable geographic location, with two sources of ground water under the building. With a constant temperature of about 13 °C, water is pumped via closed circuit through a heat exchanger which, depending on the situation, cools or warms secondary circuits that regulate the temperature of the floors. After the thermal transfer, the water returns back to its original place without being consumed.
The original estimated cost of construction in the amount of 100 million EUR was increased to a total budget of 500 million EUR, which eventually was exceeded as well, though the final cost was never made public. This does not contradict the city’s interests, however, since the foundation was completely financed by the LVMH company and Bernard Arnault.
View from the terrace of the Foundation
A third inaugural exhibition of the foundation is now showing works of art from the first half of the 20th century, which laid the foundations for today’s modern artists. Many masterpieces have been borrowed from numerous world collections, and include artists such as Matisse, Malevitch, Munch, Bacon, Giacometti, Mondrian, Delaunay, Brancusi, Rothko, Monet, and Picasso. The selection and presentation of two big canvases by František Kupka shows the importance of this Czech artist, while his canvas “Amorpha, Fugue of Two Colors” expresses an abstract vision and interpretation of music. This painting maintains an irreplaceable role in art history, as it was the first non-figural painting publicly presented at the Salon d´automnev exhibition in Paris, 1912.
The goal of The Louis Vuitton Foundation is to achieve the highest level of standards set by the International Council of Museums, and to prove that Louis Vuitton is more than just a lifestyle brand. It wishes to remain a non-profit institution, serving society and the general public. At the same time it hopes to preserve and exhibit the tangible and intangible heritage of mankind, to further education, and give pleasure to all visitors. With The Louis Vuitton Foundation, Paris is getting an unconditional guarantee not only for a new art center, but also another symbol in the city’s history of great architecture.
Author and photo: Ing. Arch. Iva Drebitko
“ I Founded a Company to Help Disabled People Integrate into Society. ”
Antonin Machala, Director, Altech, Complex solution of non-barrier access.
In April 1992, a small company was founded in a garage, specializing in barrier-free solutions. This relates to the design, production, and sale of compensation and rehabilitative tools for immobile persons. Today, ALTECH Company is among the best in Europe in this field. They cooperated with the Olympics and Paralympics in Sochi, and they plan to develop their business even further.
Dear Mr. Machala, is it true that the story of ALTECH began in the aviation industry?
Yes, for almost 10 years I worked for a company called LET Kunovice, in the field of development construction. After 1989, with changes in the market, aviation experienced a crisis which caused a substantial decrease of employment in the region. At the time I was already helping wheelchair users to repair their Alu-wheelchairs. Suddenly I discovered something that society had not given much attention – the integration of disabled people into society.
Not only were disabled people neglected in society, but in the consumer markets…
In the consumer market, assistance was almost non-existent. Therefore I founded a company in my garage which focused on the production of parts for stairmates. Later, we made products like ramps, platforms for stairs, and later, parts for aviation followed.
But you did not stay in a garage.
As the volume of our production increased, it of course became necessary to move production to bigger spaces, as well as closer to our growing workforce in Uherské Hradiště. Gradually the aviation business decreased, and after introducing our own products to the market, production for disabled persons began to rapidly increase.
Today, you are the biggest Czech producer of stair platforms. What is your greatest milestone?
The most important milestone in the evolution of the company was the cooperation with our Austrian partner. It was Austria which represented our first foreign market and enabled further growth of the company, introducing newer markets for our products.
What was so revolutionary about that cooperation?
I guess it was the honoring of oral agreements.
Many people associate platforms with wheelchair users. However, there are other important users. Who are they?
Our products are useful for all types of people who suffer a lack of mobility, including seniors. However, physical disability is diverse and very specific to the individual. Therefore, it is always necessary to discuss an individually tailored product with each client. Since we are the producer, we are able to be flexible, and can adjust the product to the needs of the client.
You company is really active regarding communication with clients. How is this useful?
Basically, communication with clients gives us ideas about the needs and requirements of the market. For us, this represents really valuable information necessary for modernization and the development of new products.
How many employees does ALTECH have today?
In our production facilities in Uherské Hradiště we now employ 180 people.
That is quite a lot.
The production of stair platforms is very specific to the individual, which means that for each order we have to prepare an individual production design. This makes technical work necessary for each individual order, which is quite demanding. So, in our company we have 20 design engineers.
I was reading that you also focus on the modernization and development of products.
That is necessary if you want to maintain demand and the sale of your products. This is the task for our development department and its prototype workshop.
Your goal is to become the most recognized European producer of stair platforms for immobile citizens. How realistic is this goal, and how big is your foreign competition?
Competition in our field is similar to other fields. There are many importers of foreign products. On the other hand, on average ALTECH exports 80% of its products, and as far as our main product is concerned we are exporting up to 92% of total production. That qualifies us among the major European companies in the field.
Regarding foreign countries, your installations map covers almost the whole world. Where are you heading right now?
Exports outside the EU must be certified in foreign countries. Currently, the certification process is under way in Israel, the USA, and Japan. A very interesting challenge was presented by the Olympic and the Paralympic games. We were able to deliver several devices to the Olympics in Sochi. Deliveries for the Olympics in Brazil are following, and Japanese certification should enable deliveries to the Olympics in Japan in 2020.
What market do you feel needs your barrier-free products most?
Countries with growing cultural and life standards are potential long-term clients. We see a big market in Asian countries, as well as the countries of South and Central America.
Antonin Machala, Director, Altech, Complex solution of non-barrier access.
You were just nominated for the Mosty 2014 Award for Exceptional Activity or Act Beneficial to Disabled Citizens. Can you give us more details about this award?
We received the award for the development and introduction of a railway mobile stair platform, which enables wheelchair users to enter and exit trains.
On top of that, last year you took 88th place in the 100 Best 2014 award.
Yes, it was a great honor. I highly value the placement ALTECH received in the 100 Best 2014.
Do you also cooperate with the state sector? After all, state organizations should be fully barrier-free.
The Czech market is divided into so-called public buildings and private entities. Public buildings are gradually being made accessible via reconstruction or new planned buildings, such as schools, post offices etc.
What about private entities? Do they perceive barrier-free access as an important attribute to their buildings?
Nowadays it is quite common that when developing new apartments or even private houses, the project architects focus on a barrier-free environment as well. It often happens that the architects of the buildings come to consult with us when preparing their project. Solutions in already existing houses are based on agreements with clients, and the acceptance of a technical draft.
Not long ago, even our Prime Minister tried “to be in a wheelchair”. What is your opinion of such activities? Is the awareness of the needs of wheelchair users growing?
Definitely, this kind of activity is very useful to both parties and helps with the integration of our products.
What plans lie ahead for ALTECH for the year 2015? Any major projects?
Last year, we started production of a new product – stair seats. In 2015, mass production is taking place, and sales through most of our dealers in the Czech Republic and abroad. Regarding investment projects, I can mention the construction of a production hall, the delivery of automatic metal sandblasting technology, as well as enhancing the space for the production of seats.
Prepared by LM