Leadership Isn’t a Destination, but a Journey. Mine Began With Health
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WOMAN
Do you remember a moment when
you had to make a decision that was painful
for the company – and what
did you take away from it as a person
and as a leader?
There have been several such moments,
each with a different nature and degree
of “pain.” Sometimes it’s a decision that can
temporarily weaken motivation or trust in the
eyes of employees. Other times it’s more
emotional – for instance, when you have
to end cooperation with an excellent colleague
and a great person, but your paths simply
diverge naturally. And then there are moments
when you have to admit that it’s necessary
to slow down, even though you know you
could take the curve at a much higher speed.
That deliberate sense of risk taught me that
a leader’s strength doesn’t lie in reckless
courage, but in the ability to recognise when
it’s wiser to ease off the pace.
What is your biggest challenge today,
whether in the role of CEO or personally?
For me, the greatest challenge is to define
FAVEA’s role in a market that is extremely
dynamic. Practically every day, new
companies focusing on health prevention
are emerging. We are looking for the balance
between growth and strengthening
the reputation of the FAVEA brand, which
in recent years, has ranked among Europe’s
leading contract manufacturers while
undergoing expansion. At the same time, it’s
crucial for me to maintain a strategic balance
between quality and quantity – so that
growth never comes at the expense of the
values on which we built FAVEA.
If an ambitious young woman came
to you today wanting to lead a company
in manufacturing or technology, what
advice would you give her?
I would advise her to spend time with herself
before fully stepping into the new role –
to clarify how deeply she believes in what she
wants to achieve. That inner certainty and self-
belief is, in my view, the key to leading others
with conviction, courage and authenticity.
Is there something you’ve had to forgive
yourself for or stop blaming yourself about
in order to keep growing?
There’s certainly quite a lot – and I don’t
think I’ve reached the end of that list
yet. It’s part of the personal growth that
constantly accompanies me on this journey.
Recognising and overcoming my own limits,
doubts and mistakes is, for me, a way to keep
evolving – both personally and professionally.
What does your ideal day off look like,
when you’re not dealing with emails
or company strategy – what helps you truly
“switch off”?
My ideal day off starts early in the morning,
before sunrise. I usually take a walk
or meditate, and then reach for a book
that intuitively calls to me at that moment.
It depends on what I need at the time –
if I want to “switch off” mentally, I choose
any activity that brings an adrenaline rush.
When the fatigue is more of a mix of physical
and mental, calm helps me – a long drive
by car or motorcycle, or simply silence
and time spent alone.
How or where would you like to see FAVEA
in the next five to ten years?
I see FAVEA remaining at the forefront
of contract manufacturers of nutraceuticals
– not only in Europe, but globally as well.
We want to strengthen innovation and grow
without losing close contact with end users.
Even as we expand in the B2B market, it’s
crucial for us to understand customers’ real
needs and keep pushing the boundaries
of what our company can achieve.
Thank you for the interview.
The combinaon of leadership,
collaboraon and the human
dimension has accompanied
and inspired me ever since.
Mgr. Marna Pavlová, Ph.D.