Leading with Empathy: An International Women’s Day Interview with Barbora Hlavinková

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we spoke with Barbora Hlavinková, a Manager in Order Management at MSD Czech Republic. As we focus on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, we support women’s development through various avenues, including Women’s Network employee resource group, which offers opportunities for engagement, mentorship, and leadership—an initiative in which Barbora actively participates.

Barbora, your career journey has taken you from hospitality to consulting and eventually to leading teams in a corporate environment. What key moments shaped your professional path?

My career journey has been marked by several pivotal moments. Transitioning from hospitality, where I gained invaluable experience in customer service and operations, to a consulting role helped me develop strong managerial and analytical skills and understand the corporate environment, which was very different from previous hospitality experiences.

A significant highlight was when I had the opportunity to open and lead a hotel in Brno at just 25, which fulfilled my life dream and provided me with critical insights in leadership and conformity in a changing environment. After my kids were born, I needed to reevaluate my career path because I did not want to return to that time-demanding environment of hospitality, and started to look for a new direction. My goal is always to choose a job that provides me with the opportunity of constant learning. Each step, including my move to MSD and progressing to a people manager role, has confirmed my perspective on the importance of adaptability and continuous development.

We know that you are very empathic, active in everything you do, and passionate about continuous learning and self-reflection. You’ve recently completed a Development program offered by MSD Coaching community focused on coaching skills – how has this affected your leadership style and interactions with your team?

I am very passionate about people, their various experiences, and perceptions of life and have been since forever. Joining the Coaching community at MSD was a great decision and an amazing experience. Besides the interesting networking and meeting people with the same passion and interest, completing a coaching course has profoundly influenced my leadership style. It has enhanced my ability to empathize and actively engage with my team members.

This course focused on various coaching techniques and it helped me enhance the skills of my team, promote personal development, and foster a supportive work environment. Last but not least, participating in a coaching academy helped me give and receive feedback more effectively. This training has equipped me with tools to facilitate better communication and collaboration within the team, ultimately creating a more cohesive and motivated work atmosphere.

As a leader, you emphasize the importance of development of your team. What approaches or principles guide you in helping others grow?

My approach to team development is centered on mentorship, open communication, and my ability to connect people. I believe in personalized development plans that align with each team member’s career aspirations. I regularly encourage feedback sessions to discuss progress and challenges, and I promote a growth mindset by providing opportunities for training and professional development. By empowering my team to take ownership of their growth, I foster an environment where continuous improvement is both encouraged and celebrated.

Have you experienced any challenges as a woman in leadership? How did you handle them?

Yes, I have faced challenges as a woman in leadership, particularly regarding balancing professional and personal responsibilities. I handle these challenges by actively seeking support from mentors and participating in networks that advocate for women in leadership. Sharing experiences with other women has been empowering and has reinforced the importance of resilience and mutual support. I focus on creating an inclusive environment that champions diverse perspectives, which helps mitigate the challenges we face. I also learned to delegate by changing my mindset and understanding that I give my team opportunities for their personal growth by doing so.

You are involved in the Women’s Network. What does this initiative mean to you, and what impact have you seen from such community?

The Women’s Network is my recharger. This group and all topics it involves deeply align with my values and life experience. It serves as a platform for connection, empowerment, and collaboration among women professionals. Through this network, I’ve witnessed increased support for women’s advancement and a collective effort to address gender parity in the workplace. It fosters a sense of community and inspiration, encouraging women to pursue leadership roles and share their experiences and insights, ultimately driving positive change in our corporate culture. But not only that! This is an Employee Business Resource Group that sees women in a wider picture, involving topics such as part-time work, age diversity, male allies, parenting and motherhood, and also health issues and prevention.

What does it mean to you to work for a company like MSD? How does this mission influence the way you approach your role?
Working for a company with a purpose to save and improve lives gives profound meaning to my daily work. It instills a sense of responsibility and purpose in everything I do. This influences my commitment to deliver exceptional customer service and ensure our processes support our goal of making a difference in people’s lives. I approach my role with the mindset that each decision and interaction contributes to the greater mission, motivating my team to embrace this purpose as well.

I like to think about my team from this perspective too. As a people manager, I support my team in using the automations and improvements we have available to help with our day-to-day tasks and in working on the work/life balance of employees, including myself. Here, I benefit from my hotel experience, where it was very visible whether a person was doing a job with a purpose or just for a paycheck.

You juggle a demanding career with raising two children. What strategies help you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance involves intentional planning and setting clear boundaries. I am focused on effective time management and delegating responsibilities at work and home when possible. I carve out dedicated time for my children and ensure I am fully present during those moments. It is not always perfect, but I aim to have open and honest communication with them too. Additionally, I engage in activities that recharge me, such as reading, knitting, spending time in the garden, or planning trips to nature. Self-reflection is also vital; it helps me evaluate my priorities and maintain a balance that allows me to thrive both personally and professionally.