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From Mathematical Engineering to Leading the Largest Sparkling Wine Producer in the Czech Republic – How Would You Calculate Career Bubbles?

There are supposedly several million bubbles in a single glass, but I haven’t counted them myself (laughs). Even while studying mathematics at Faculty of Applied Sciences of the University of West Bohemia, I was always more drawn to finance than to mechanics, applied physics, gears, or fluid dynamics. During my studies, I already had a clear idea that I wanted to apply mathematics in the financial field. My first job after graduation was in the banking sector. Then I moved on to the former Škoda plant in Chrást as a controller, and about a year later I was offered a similar position here at Bohemia Sekt in Starý Plzenec, where I’ve basically lived since birth. Besides the appealing employer, I also gained the opportunity to walk to work (laughs).

You joined the company in 1998 as a financial analyst. What was key to a successful start back then, and what led you to gradually move into top management?

At first, it was mainly the motivation to learn new things, be proactive, and come up with my own ideas. A major milestone was the arrival of a foreign owner, which brought new working methods and standard processes into the company. That was also when controlling gained significant importance. I got my first subordinates, a separate controlling department was established, and the role evolved from a junior position to a managerial one. I was lucky to be doing work I enjoyed and had deliberately prepared for. I think it also reflects the spirit of the 1990s – an open world and a desire to succeed. My career goal was to become CFO in a successful company, and thanks to a fortunate combination of circumstances, I reached that goal after just eight years of experience.

The wine industry blends tradition, technology, and customer emotion. Do you ever feel like stepping away from numbers and diving into the brand story instead, or do you prefer to remain an analyst?

Nowadays, numbers are indispensable everywhere – whether you like it or not, everything is ultimately measured. Investors want to see a return, and success can’t be measured without numbers. On the other hand, our field is unique in how it combines technology, emotion, and tradition. As an analyst, I didn't need to focus much on the company’s story, but as I took on more responsibility and a managerial role, working with people became a bigger part of the job – and that often follows a very different logic than spreadsheets. In hindsight, besides my technical education, a foundation in psychology would have been useful (laughs).

What do you see as the biggest challenges in financial management today, with constant changes from energy prices to consumer preferences?

The biggest challenge is efficiently processing the overwhelming amount of data and information we have at our disposal and being able to respond quickly in a constantly changing and unpredictable environment. Technologies like AI are also coming into play. The growing pressure on efficiency pushes us to find new ways of production and sales, continuously improve and optimize company processes, and so on. Without smart data use and AI integration, we won’t move forward. Even in our industry, where manual labor still plays a major role, we already have autonomous machines in the vineyards and systems that predict vine diseases. AI is beginning to play a role in processing production data, and wider use in offices is only a matter of time.

What did your studies at the Faculty of Applied Sciences give you for your current job?

A systematic approach to problem-solving and the ability to quickly interpret numbers – so when someone gives me a calculation today, I can usually tell at first glance whether they’ve made a mistake or are trying to pull the wool over my eyes. The biggest benefit of studying mathematics was developing common sense and overcoming the fear of working with information technology, which is becoming increasingly important. I’ve never regretted choosing FAV.

What advice would you give today’s students of technical disciplines who are considering a career outside of research – for example, in business or management?

I’d definitely advise them to take their studies seriously, not just as a transition from high school to work. The time they have as students is unique and abundant – they'll never have as much of it again. Use it to the fullest, and if possible, study abroad to broaden your horizons. I’d also recommend getting practical experience during their studies. We’ve had great experiences with interns at our company.

A graduate of FAV doesn’t have to be a cyberneticist, physicist, or mathematician – they could also become a top manager. Where do you think FAV UWB graduates can find opportunities?

I’d tell all graduates to pursue what they enjoy. If they do it with enthusiasm and passion, success will follow naturally. That’s also what I tell my two daughters – one of whom will begin her studies at the Faculty of Applied Sciences at UWB this September, continuing a symbolic family tradition. The world is changing fast, and technologies including AI are spreading into every field, so it’s crucial that graduates understand them. And that’s exactly what FAV will teach them. Whether they end up in a lab or in marketing or management, they’ll encounter modern technologies everywhere.

What’s one word that best describes the contribution of the Faculty of Applied Sciences to your current career?

Common sense. By that, I mean the ability to think logically, solve problems systematically, quickly analyze numbers, and understand what lies behind them.

What do you remember most fondly from your time at UWB?

Student life. Back in the days before mobile phones and social media, we spent much more time together in person. I also fondly remember two professors – Professor Drábek and Professor Míka. I was honored to symbolically return to UWB in 2021, when I was appointed to the university’s board of trustees – something I deeply value as a proud graduate. After my managerial career, I’d like to reconnect with the university more – perhaps by giving lectures or running seminars for students.

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