NEWTON Students Shadow Leaders of Czech Business

Management is lacking fresh blood, while emerging talents lack the opportunity to test various roles before leaving university. In collaboration with the Czech Management Association (CMA), NEWTON bridges this gap by connecting students with top-tier managers. The result is a synergy where theoretical knowledge from lecture halls meets the reality of strategic decision-making, crisis management, and corporate culture building.

In today’s dynamic environment, discussing leadership in theory is no longer enough. According to ManpowerGroup data (2024), up to 75% of companies worldwide face difficulties finding qualified candidates, with strategic management skills being among the scarcest. Furthermore, a Deloitte survey (2023) confirms that for Gen Z, the opportunity to learn directly from leaders in practice is a primary factor in professional satisfaction.

The Manager Shadowing project is a collaborative initiative between NEWTON University and the Czech Management Association. During the Manager of the Year Conference held at NEWTON University in Prague, students have the opportunity to choose from award-winning managers and apply for shadowing.

Company Culture Begins with a Smile 

Kryštof Hanzal & Lukáš Dyml with Michal Karcol (CEO, XXXLutz CZ/SK)

For Kryštof Hanzal, shadowing Michal Karcol was not just a one-day excursion, but a multi-month insight into managing a large multinational firm. They travelled across much of Slovakia together, and the time spent in the car became a space for deep business debates. 'I felt like I was borrowing his shoes for a while,' Kryštof describes the experience, where one day he watched Michal’s decision-making and the next, he had to propose solutions himself. His most powerful takeaway was the realisation that 'the fish rots from the head' — meaning a company's culture is a direct reflection of the leader's personality. 'A smile and a 'good morning' cost us nothing, but they often determine whether a customer makes a purchase or not,' Kryštof says, quoting Michal Karcol.

Lukáš Dyml shared a similar experience, particularly appreciating the intensive preparation for his presentation before the Czech Management Association. For Lukáš, Michal Karcol was a role model in communication: "He is motivational, chats with everyone, and knows a little bit about everyone," he notes, adding that he definitely wants to incorporate this human approach into his own life. The internship showed him that even in a large company, details like a smile and greeting a customer are decisive.

Blending Tradition with Drive and Innovation 

Katrin Skalníková with Lukáš Rudy (CEO, UNICO MODULAR a.s.)

Katrin Skalníková chose her internship with Lukáš Rudy for very personal reasons, as she comes from a family business background. She wanted to see how a second-generation leader transforms family roots into a globally successful company. The day was packed — from operational meetings to international Zoom calls with Israel regarding the Unicorn Hub project. Katrin actively participated in the rebranding of a café and the creation of visuals for a festival. She was fascinated by the dynamics with which Lukáš switches between strategic planning and a human approach, as well as his motto that "failure is not a defeat", which gave her the courage to take risks in business.

Community Without Losing Authority and Respect 

Jiří Dubský Müller with Jiří Koleňák (Vice-Rector for Strategy, NEWTON University)

Jiří Dubský Müller used shadowing to look behind the curtain of the institution where he studies as a "customer". During a strategic management workshop, he observed how Jiří Koleňák works with the team, rhetoric, and vision. A key finding for him was that a company can function on community principles without the leader losing respect and authority. He now plans to apply these insights to the long-term plan of his own business, Daaler Hi-Fi.

Why Does the Intergenerational Connection Matter? 

The effectiveness of mentoring and practical learning is supported by OECD data, which states that such experiences increase the employability of graduates in managerial positions by more than 30%. Connecting experienced veterans with the driven youth from NEWTON is therefore not just an educational project, but a necessary investment in the future of Czech management.