During your career you have done extensive work in the consumer goods industry, how has this industry developed in the Czech Republic since 1989?
This industry has undergone major changes in the Czech Republic during the last decade, as has the rest of the economy and society as a whole. We have transformed from state-controlled monopolies to a free market of global brands. The problem the consumer faces today is not finding what they want but rather deciding what to choose.

Currently, the consumer goods industry is fully integrated into the global economy due to multinational corporations acquiring vast majorities of local businesses. These businesses face global challenges such as category growth, continuous innovation and brand building, and increased retailer power leading to increased pressure on operational efficiency. Going forward, I can see the consumer as the greatest benefactor to companies overcoming these challenges – we should see more products designed to meet our needs at competitive prices.

What factors were important to you when you decided to join McKinsey & Company?
I joined McKinsey in the summer of 1993, shortly after graduation. The firm was new in the region and I was one of the first local hires. Today I can admit that at the time I had only a very vague idea about what consulting was and specifically what McKinsey was. What attracted me most to the firm was the opportunity to receive a scholarship to attend an M.B.A. program.

Looking back, my decision to join McKinsey, however uninformed initially, was the right choice. I not only spent 2 years at one of the most recognized M.B.A. programs in the world, but I also learned daily from inspiring people (both McKinsey and clients), and built friendships that go well beyond working hours. Of course, as with everything in life, there have been not only “ups,” but also “downs,” but overall it has been a great ride.

What has kept you with McKinsey through these “down” times?
It has been a mixture of elements: McKinsey is serious about developing people – the training, coaching, and feedback we receive is renowned and unique. This continuous learning allows us to develop and strengthen our skills. In addition, we constantly push our skills to the limit, so my skill base continues to grow – even as a partner.

McKinsey is “one firm” – we have a wide range of opportunities virtually anywhere in the world. In my tenure, I have worked on engagements in South Africa, the U.S., Germany, Siberia, and places closer to home, such as Poland and Slovakia. Few other organizations have such a large and mobile network of offices.

McKinsey is serious about impact on clients – given the cost associated with hiring McKinsey, our clients invite us to tackle only the most challenging and complex problems they are facing. In many organizations you get one, or a few, intellectually challenging tasks every year. Here it never stops. Furthermore, to justify our fees, we must deliver to our clients.

How would you like to see McKinsey, Prague, develop in the near future?
A unique characteristic of McKinsey as an organization is that people are encouraged to set and achieve their own aspirations. There are very few rules and limits that restrict our ambitions.

The Prague office opened with 5 people in 1993 and now has close to 40 consultants and 30 support staff. We are among the most penetrated economies in the world in terms of McKinsey consultants per unit of GDP. This is something we are proud of. Looking forward, I can still see a lot of opportunities for growth. However, in line with our mission, our primary objective should be making a lasting impact on our clients’ performance and developing our people. If we deliver on this dual objective, positive growth will happen. To sum up, I want to continue to see satisfied client CEOs and motivated people who are proud to be part of the McKinsey team. That is my ultimate aspiration for our office.