Making a drastic life change is a challenging task. But sometimes there’s no other option, especially when one longs for more fun and pleasure in life. Magda Pokorná, Mergers & Acquisition Expert for Crestyl, decided on precisely such a change. She threw Advocacy to the wind, took a holiday and then launched into a new field by joining the Crestyl Development Group in the position of Chief Corporate Officer. It was not easy, but she has no regrets, as she revels in new life experiences.
You worked in prestigious law firms for many years. Legal services used to be dominated by males. In your opinion, how is the female approach different, and is it enriching to this field?
It is enriching by its very difference. But to be enriching, both approaches are needed. Actually, I don’t like the male vs. female perception of the world. However, if I must generalise, in my experience, a woman tends to take multiple interests into consideration, and to see things more interconnectedly. Her solution thus has the opportunity of being more holistic, more win-win.
What is important to you at work, whether concerning the legal or development environment?
The people. Which includes company culture – values, behaviours, the level of psychological safety, space for personal and professional growth. When I was considering working for Crestyl, I made it clear that the most important thing to me was working in a friendly, supportive environment. And Crestyl overdelivered. We are a company which really cares about corporate culture.
How is it possible to balance a demanding job and personal life? Do you have a recipe for this?
My life goal is not to work less, but rather to fill my life in such way that I enjoy it more and feel happier. For me, this means spending time with my loved ones, exercise (yoga, running), travel, adventure, physical and mental health, a sense of purpose and beauty, which I seek in Art – opera, ballet, classical music, as well as in Nature. What I should work on though is getting more sleep!
The idea of a woman in a top position is associated with an appropriate business suit. Is that your favourite item of clothing?
I don’t have one. Seven years ago, I looked like a lawyer in a skirt. Now I feel more excited about life. My wardrobe, like my work, reflects my joy. More relaxed than before, more colourful, feminine.
You joined Crestyl’s management only some time after leaving legal practice. What was the reason and how did you fill in the time between your former and new job?
I needed a break. Advocacy had stopped fulfilling me. Those two years of rest were a wonderful blessing. I did a lot of yoga, lived in the spiritual world, and also travelled. To me, travel brings an abundance of life, an opportunity to get to know myself. I enjoy exploring new countries, seeing less, but more intensely. I spent a lot of time in Bali, Portugal and Canada, especially in British Columbia, where I fell in love with the natural beauty of the ocean.
Crestyl is expanding. Where have you travelled so far on business?
Last year, Crestyl bought a Polish development company. Thanks to our branches in five cities, I discovered Warsaw, Wroclaw and Poznan, among others. The owner of Crestyl lives mainly in Greece, so I travel to Athens and the surroundings. Now our company is also interested in the German market. That’s convenient, as I like Berlin very much too. But I must admit that business trips are more sterile than private travel, during which I can absorb the local culture more, observe people, sometimes pamper myself and, most importantly, feel relaxed.
What are your hobbies?
In addition to the already mentioned yoga and travel, it is food. I like to taste everything from crickets to guinea pigs. I travel on purpose to visit restaurants with different chefs. I also love wines from the locations I visit. I enjoy massages, wellness and spa treatments. And I definitely love exercise and culture. Sometimes I need an emotion-filled opera (this year La Scala and the Vienna Opera), but I also look forward to going to the mountains, where I can admire the beauty of Nature.
Whether we like it or not, we are connected to Nature and our desire for its proximity grows increasingly. This can also be seen in the modern approach to development construction. A perfect example of connecting Nature with housing is the extensive Green Village project of the Real-Treuhand company. It is flourishing near Benešov and Konopiště Chateau, with the 2nd stage currently being completed, offering 25 family houses for immediate occupancy with a layout of 4-5 kk (3 to 4 bedrooms). However, Real-Treuhand has more unique projects prepared.
He has been working in the insurance industry for more than 25 years. He is happiest with good results and the satisfaction of clients and employees. Above all, he considers it as the greatest success when the people around him and in the company are happy, healthy and successful. He keeps fit with his favourite sports, which include mountain biking, skiing, running and golf. This also puts him in a good mood. Perhaps this is also why his most popular historical figure is Jára Cimrman, the Czech fictional scientist and all-rounder. The most distant destination Pavel Wiesner has visited, however, is real – South Africa.
