In the demanding world of finance, where the pursuit of excellence often converges with the pressures of high-stakes decision-making, the role of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) stands as a pinnacle of responsibility. Behind the titles and boardroom meetings lies the complex challenge of navigating corporate finances, steering strategic initiatives, and maintaining a steady course through turbulent economic waters.
To gain an intimate perspective into the realm of CFOs, DigitalCFO Asia engaged in a conversation with Vendula Chižňaková, the Group Chief Financial Officer of Home Credit. In this article, she generously imparts her insights and experiences regarding the delicate balance of work and life, the continuous refinement of leadership acumen and the nurturing of personal well-being. Vendula’s journey serves as an illuminating guide for CFOs and leaders across industries, offering valuable lessons in achieving professional success while nurturing a fulfilling life beyond the balance sheets and boardrooms.
Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance as a CFO
Vendula emphasizes the importance of making deliberate life choices, especially when taking on a demanding role like a Group CFO. While such positions offer immense professional fulfillment, they often come with the cost of personal time.
She reflects on her approach, stating, “I always strive to strike a careful equilibrium between my professional and personal worlds. It’s a balancing act that I find completely worthwhile, particularly when I see my children taking notice. I am aware that I serve as a role model to them, and I want them to grasp the significance of maintaining a strong work ethic while also making time for enjoyment, continuous learning, and relaxation.”
Vendula believes that her career journey imparts valuable life lessons and shapes her perspective on key values like gender equality, work ethics, and the pursuit of passions. She acknowledges, “I am fully aware that I could not achieve success without the unwavering support of those around me.”
Within her professional domain, Vendula prioritizes efficiency. She places great emphasis on team building and trusts her colleagues to handle their responsibilities independently. This approach, in turn, grants her the freedom to dedicate time to strategic matters and foster innovation. Given the extensive operations in Asia within her business, Vendula skillfully leverages time zones to introduce flexibility into her schedule. This flexibility may manifest in early meetings with colleagues in Jakarta, followed by quality time with her children during European hours. In Vendula’s view, it all boils down to achieving a harmonious balance in life.
Nurturing and Enhancing Leadership Skills as a CFO
In her leadership role, Vendula recognizes the paramount importance of continuous learning and skill refinement. The advent of COVID-19 posed a formidable challenge to numerous organizations, catalyzing a transformation in conventional work methods. At Home Credit, she and her team successfully transitioned to a new digital workplace, leveraging this shift to promote collaboration, embrace technology, and prioritize employee well-being within the context of a hybrid work environment on a global scale.
Managing large teams demands a keen understanding of group dynamics. Consequently, a leader must strike a delicate balance between staying relevant and remaining open and adaptable.
Vendula aptly observes, “As I work across many time zones and geographies, it means I have to think carefully about cultural differences. What works in Prague doesn’t necessarily work well in Delhi or Ho Chi Minh.”
In terms of her personal development, Vendula remains proactive by immersing herself in books and articles. This commitment helps her stay attuned to emerging trends and best practices. Self-awareness, she believes, is instrumental in recognizing her own leadership strengths and weaknesses, allowing her to continuously learn from others, including the younger generation joining their teams with their unique experiences, values, and expectations.
Vendula places great value in coaching and, at one point, had an inspiring coach who encouraged her to perpetually embrace learning and, equally importantly, to be an attentive listener. She views listening as an underrated skill essential to effective leadership.
Strategies for Managing Stress and Promoting Personal Well-being in the CFO Role, and Their Impact on Finance Team Well-being
When Vendula encounters stress, her go-to remedy involves immersing herself in nature. Whether it’s trekking, hiking, or any outdoor physical activity, it allows her to recalibrate and unwind. Additionally, like many individuals, she cherishes moments of serenity when she can simply sit, savor a cup of coffee, and immerse herself in a good book.
Vendula shares her approach to handling the everyday stresses of working life, saying, “In the face of these challenges, I believe it’s wiser not to react in the heat of the moment. It’s far more effective to take a step back, take a breath, and gather my thoughts.”
Recognizing the vital connection between her team’s well-being, job satisfaction, and performance, Vendula proactively organizes team-building activities to nurture a positive work environment. She also ensures that her team’s hard work and achievements are duly acknowledged and celebrated.
Within her company, a commitment to employee well-being is evident through flexible work arrangements, including options for remote work and flexible hours. Vendula fosters a culture of work-life balance by actively participating in activities like running and yoga with her colleagues. Central to her approach is open and transparent communication, which encourages team members to freely discuss their concerns and challenges, ultimately boosting morale within the team.
Personal Hobbies and Interests: Recharging and Enhancing Quality of Life Beyond Finance
Vendula has a deep passion for outdoor activities, whether it’s amidst the mountains, by a river, or within a forest. Her thirst for learning extends beyond the workplace and seeps into her personal life. To break away from her comfort zone, she actively seeks new experiences, such as recently trying her hand at surfing in France with her children, all while maintaining an ongoing enthusiasm for skiing and snowboarding. Vendula firmly believes that venturing into the unknown is an excellent way to stimulate the mind and foster personal growth.
In addition to her love for the great outdoors, Vendula relishes the diversity that cities have to offer. Residing in the picturesque city of Prague, she finds delight in exploring its rich culture, savoring its cuisine, immersing herself in its vibrant music scene, and indulging in the captivating art scene. Furthermore, she appreciates the abundance of charming places where she can rendezvous with friends, providing a much-needed respite from the daily work routine.
In Vendula’s journey as a CFO and leader, she embodies a holistic approach that balances professional excellence with personal well-being. Her dedication to achieving this equilibrium serves as a compelling testament to the importance of conscious choices in high-stress roles. Moreover, her commitment to personal growth and her unwavering support for her team underscore her leadership philosophy.
As we delve deeper into her strategies for leadership development, we find that Vendula’s adaptability and her ability to foster collaboration and innovation in a rapidly changing landscape set a valuable example for leaders in any industry. Her astute awareness of cultural nuances, coupled with her proactive approach to learning and self-awareness, exemplify her leadership prowess.
Beyond the corporate world, Vendula’s pursuits in the realm of personal hobbies and interests speak to the importance of exploration and growth outside of one’s profession. Her passion for outdoor activities and her eagerness to embrace new experiences mirror her dedication to lifelong learning and well-rounded living.
