Michaela started in the Pilsen office in 2017 and now works as a manager in our Berlin office at 4flow management. In this interview, she talks about her experience as a team leader, her role in the “Women Working out Loud” initiative at 4flow, and her advice for women in the supply chain industry.
What sparked your interest in 4flow and the supply chain industry?
I am originally from the Czech Republic and studied Business Administration and Economics there. After my graduation in 2017 I was looking for a job and found an offer from 4flow in Pilsen. Back then I did not know much about supply chain but what sparked my interest in 4flow was the culture. I could sense a feeling of belonging from the start. Everything I know about supply chain I learned on the job. After 2 years I got the opportunity to support a project in the U.S. and moved to Berlin afterwards to join the execution team here. I really enjoy getting all these exciting opportunities. But what still stands out the most to me is our great culture.
What makes the 4flow culture so special in your eyes?
For me it consists of two parts. First, it’s the people who contribute to our culture. At 4flow there are so many inspiring role models, and especially women, who have shaped me as a person. The second aspect that makes 4flow special is our future-oriented mindset. There is a vision and a strong ambition to constantly improve and create future-ready solutions. Now that I work as a manager and am leading a team, I want to promote this mindset and encourage a supportive work environment.
How has your experience as a team leader been so far?
It’s been great. I like to work closely with people and see how I can support and challenge them to show their full potential. I also had great supervisors in the past who saw the potential in me and offered me great opportunities. I find it very rewarding that I can take on this role for other colleagues now. However, I will soon pass on this responsibility as a team leader to focus on a new project, which will offer me some new challenges.
What will your new role look like?
I will take on a manager role in our Solution & Product Management team, where we will focus on innovating our execution processes. I will be able to use my expertise from my old role, while also learning a lot of new things. However, leadership will still be one of my biggest passions. I am grateful that there are many opportunities at 4flow to be a mentor for other 4flowers. For example, I had the chance to participate in the “Women Working out Loud” initiative, which supports women with different training and networking offerings.
Can you tell us a bit more about your part in the “Women Working out Loud” initiative?
I participated as a mentor for other women at 4flow. It was amazing because we had a very empowering atmosphere in our group. I think that it was really important to offer this safe space for women, where they can openly share their experience. Women often have struggles that men don’t experience in the same way. Especially in the supply chain industry, I think that it’s important to talk about how to speak up if you are the only woman in the room.
What advice would you share with women in the supply chain industry?
My advice would be to always voice your opinion and your ambitions. It’s never too late to say what you want. I think that everyone has their own unique strengths. I want to encourage women to show their full potential and I’ll be there clapping my hands for their success. Also, I think it’s important to step out of your comfort zone because you will learn so much. For example, when I moved to Berlin it was a huge step out of my comfort zone, but it made me grow as a person.
Would you like to learn more?
Current topics, insights and news about 4flow and supply chain
