Interview
Hello Lenka, thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Before we begin, could you please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your current position at Axians?
My name is Lenka, and I’ve been with the company since March 2015. I initially joined in a recruitment role, and when the opportunity arose to build our HR department from the ground up, I was excited to take on the challenge. It’s been a long but incredibly rewarding journey, where I’ve had the privilege of working with talented colleagues who inspire each other to bring our best to the table.
I took a brief break to focus on my family when I became a mother to two wonderful boys, and thanks to the supportive culture here, returning from maternity leave felt seamless, like I had never left. Now, I work as the Head of HR in our People & Culture team, and when I look back at what we’ve accomplished together, I’m genuinely proud of the impact we’ve made.
As I mentioned in my introduction, I joined the company when we were still in the early stages, with my initial focus on market scanning and recruitment. As the company grew, so did my role. With our expansion came the need to establish clear HR processes, and I felt this was the perfect opportunity for me to make a meaningful impact.
Through dedication and hard work, we built a strong HR department that not only serves as a business partner to our managers but also plays a crucial role as the heart and spirit of the company. Our team works actively to uphold and nurture the company culture, making sure it thrives as we grow.
My background is in human studies, with a strong influence from andragogy and lifelong learning, and I had a formative experience studying psychology in the Netherlands, where I focused on employee motivation for my thesis. I’ve always been fascinated by companies as dynamic, living organisms with their own complexities.
This interest naturally led me to a career in human resources, where I could engage in the areas of organizational development and support the growth of people within the company.
I had a great interview with former Recruitment Lead, whose fresh, straightforward approach immediately stood out to me. There was no unnecessary formality, and I knew working alongside people with this kind of attitude would be inspiring. I appreciated that, back then, the company wasn’t bogged down by unnecessary politics; instead, the focus was on growth, both for the individuals and for the organization as a whole.
I started as an IT Recruitment Specialist and later moved into roles as an HR Business Partner and HR Manager. From 2017 to 2022, I also held the role of Procurist. Currently, I serve as Head of HR, and next year, I’ll be taking on a new challenge as Head of the Vinci Energies Academy.
Our HR team plays a key role as the keeper of our company culture, and that culture has always been a priority for our management team. They’ve consistently supported us with the resources needed to organize a wide range of activities and events for our employees. This variety ensures there’s something for everyone, and we strive to make sure no one feels left out. I think this inclusive, people-centered approach is what truly makes Axians in Brno special.
Our teams in the Brno office are very collaborative. There’s always brainstorming happening, and around the coffee machine, you’ll often hear laughter and friendly conversations as colleagues catch up with each other. It’s a positive, supportive environment where teamwork is central, blending focused work with moments of connection and idea-sharing.
Absolutely, I believe everyone faces challenges in their career. I’ve encountered my share, particularly while working with various challenging managers. In those situations, I learned the importance of finding compromises that work for everyone involved. By actively listening and engaging in open dialogue, I was able to navigate those challenges and foster positive working relationships.
Head of HR, Axians Czech Republic
What I really appreciate about my team is our commitment to open discussions about problems and challenges. Everyone has the right to share their opinions, and these conversations often lead us to the best solutions. We support each other at every step of the way, which creates a strong sense of collaboration.
There have been so many success stories during my time here that it’s hard to choose just one! I consider nearly every event my team organized this year a success. We hosted Environmental Day, Family Fun Day, Health Day, a summer boat party, and various sports activities, including our company football team and participation in the Spartan race. Additionally, we’ve established a fruitful partnership with a local technical high school, where our IT specialists deliver speeches to students, and we’ve implemented successful internship programs for them. The list could go on!
Definitely laying the foundation for the HR department was a key moment in my career. It was a significant turning point that allowed me to shape our HR practices from the ground up. Building this department not only challenged me to grow my skills but also gave me the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the company’s culture and operations.
I aim to see our People & Culture team continue the great work we’ve accomplished so far. However, I will gradually shift my focus as I embrace a new challenge: establishing the Vinci Energies Academy next year. I’m excited about this opportunity to contribute to the development of our organization in a different capacity.
The company has a strong network of experienced individuals who are always willing to share their insights, which is incredibly helpful. As I begin to focus more on the new project, I know I can rely on my colleagues for support, sharing their ideas and experiences to guide me along the way.
My advice for new employees is to embrace the warm welcome they receive from the company, starting with the onboarding presentation from HR. After that, take the time to settle in and get comfortable. It’s important to actively participate in company life; don’t just stay in the corner, as you might miss out on valuable experiences and connections!
I’d like to emphasize the importance of company culture, which we touched on earlier. I’ve always been fascinated by the organic nature of a company and truly believe that its culture is one of the most valuable assets. A strong sense of belonging motivates people to stay, even when other options are available in the market. It’s essential for fostering loyalty and commitment among employees.