Jiří Koleňák: My name is Jiří Koleňák and welcome to the Úspěšní (Successful) podcast, where we explore the principles and habits that drive my guests to succeed. Let’s dive in. My guest today is Lenka Žlebková. Lenka has served as the CEO of the Prague Congress Centre since 2020, is Vice Chairwoman of the Board of the Prague Convention Bureau, and was named Manager of the Year 2022 in the Services category. Her mottoes are 'Change is life' and 'What doesn't kill me makes me stronger.' Good morning, Lenka, welcome to the podcast.
Lenka Žlebková: Good morning, thank you very much for having me.
Jiří Koleňák: Lenka, what made you happiest in recent days?
Lenka Žlebková: Paradoxically for this podcast, defending my MBA dissertation here at Newton University brought me the greatest joy.
Jiří Koleňák: That makes me happy too!
Lenka Žlebková: I bet!
Jiří Koleňák: Looking back at the start of your career, did you always know you would become a CEO or reach top management?
Lenka Žlebková: I didn't know right away that I would reach the top, but during my studies, I knew early on that I wanted to become a manager in business. At age 10, I knew I wanted to study economics and international trade at university, which eventually happened. Starting in tourism and working my way up felt like a natural path. Reaching a top executive role was a childhood dream that came true.
Jiří Koleňák: So while other kids wanted to be firefighters or astronauts, you knew you were headed for leadership positions.
Lenka Žlebková: Exactly. As a Taurus, I tend to push head-first through walls. I bumped heads a lot as a child, but it felt natural—it's part of my character.
Jiří Koleňák: Aries are like that too.
Lenka Žlebková: My brother is an Aries, so we bumped heads constantly growing up!
Jiří Koleňák: What were the key milestones in your career that shaped you most?
Lenka Žlebková: International experience shaped me early on. Being on a Work & Travel program in San Francisco—alone, without family, no job, and only having a friend’s place for three days—forced me to find housing and work fast. You learn to rely on yourself and find solutions. Studying in Paris also influenced me. Later, moving from Hotel President to the Prague Convention Bureau was significant. I had a toddler under two and hesitated to apply for the CEO role, but a mentor encouraged me, saying there's never a 'perfect' time, so I should just go for it. I got the job and stayed for four years. Then came a return to my roots in Moravia—I left management and attempted to co-own a hotel in Čeladná. It didn't work out, and after two years I returned to Prague with my third son. Then the opportunity at the Prague Congress Centre came along. Having worked in the industry for ten years, I seized the opportunity and I've been here for eight years now.
Jiří Koleňák: Your initial role at the Prague Congress Centre was Sales Director, correct?
Lenka Žlebková: Yes, I started in September 2016. Sales and marketing have always been my passion. At the Prague Convention Bureau, we brought congresses to Prague, so transitioning to promoting the Prague Congress Centre directly was a natural fit. We achieved solid growth for three years. When the board searched for a new CEO, the Chairman invited me to apply. I stepped into the CEO role on March 1, 2020. On March 8, COVID hit, and on March 12, I had to lock down the building. That was my first major test.
Jiří Koleňák: How did you navigate the COVID-19 pandemic?
Lenka Žlebková: Given that our results over the past two years have outperformed 2019, I'd say we handled it well, though it was extremely tough. I had been a growth-oriented sales and marketing director expecting 20% growth in 2020, imagining I'd coast on that success. Instead, I had to learn crisis management on the fly without prior experience. Fortunately, I was surrounded by experienced colleagues—like our HR manager, who had managed downsizing during the 2000 IMF meeting, and our fire department chief, who knew crisis protocols inside out. Their expertise and the team's dedication got us through. Later, when setting up the Regional Assistance Centre for Ukrainian Refugees (KACPU) in just 20 hours, everyone rolled up their sleeves and pitched in.
Jiří Koleňák: Knowing what you know today, is there anything you would do differently?
Lenka Žlebková: Today, I would know exactly what to do. Back then, COVID was new to everyone. Experiencing that crisis prepared me well—when the energy crisis hit later, I approached it calmly. The key lesson is to step back, take a deep breath, stay calm, and address problems as they come.
Jiří Koleňák: How can organizations prepare for completely unexpected crises?
Lenka Žlebková: Risk management, contingency plans, and crisis frameworks are essential preventive measures. Even if a new crisis differs, having a structured approach gives you a clear roadmap.
Jiří Koleňák: How does sustainability fit into the Prague Congress Centre?
Lenka Žlebková: Sustainability is one of our seven core corporate values. We invested in energy efficiency between 2016 and 2017 through a 10-year EPC project, which gave us a massive competitive advantage when the 2022 energy crisis struck. It paid for itself in five years instead of ten. We also installed one of the largest rooftop photovoltaic power plants, covering 10% of our energy consumption. Currently, we're refining waste management, measuring our carbon footprint, building an ESG strategy, and consulting clients on how to make their events sustainable.
Jiří Koleňák: What other trends are shaping your industry?
Lenka Žlebková: I'm glad the crisis years are behind us and large scientific and medical congresses have returned stronger than ever. Sustainability and continuous innovation are paramount to remaining competitive. Flexibility and adaptability are essential competencies today—as my motto says, 'What doesn't kill me makes me stronger.'
Jiří Koleňák: How is the generational shift impacting your leadership at the Prague Congress Centre?
Lenka Žlebková: Significantly. When I arrived eight years ago, the average age was 55, with many employees serving 30 to 40 years. Changing corporate culture with long-tenured habits was challenging. The generational shift brings welcome fresh perspectives. As a leader, it's my responsibility to adapt my approach to support younger generations, and I really enjoy working with young people.
Jiří Koleňák: How would you describe your management style?
Lenka Žlebková: Leading with vision, integrity, and practicing what I preach. People follow leaders who articulate a clear purpose. My style centers on humanity, openness, transparency, and an open-door policy. I believe authentic leadership is the key to long-term success.
Jiří Koleňák: What motivates you personally, and where do you find inspiration?
Lenka Žlebková: I'm intrinsically motivated and passionate about my work. When you love what you do, staying driven comes naturally. My role as a leader is to surround myself with people who are equally passionate about their roles. To recharge, I rely on sleep, family, and personal hobbies.
Jiří Koleňák: Is finding work-life balance a challenge?
Lenka Žlebková: It used to be, because my work is also my passion. A few years ago, I realized I needed better balance and adjusted my priorities, working with a therapist for two years to refine my time management.
Jiří Koleňák: Tell us about the Prague Congress Centre's partnership with the Czech Olympic Committee.
Lenka Žlebková: They approached us to host the launch of the Olympic collection, which tied nicely into our history since the Olympic Committee met at the PCC years ago. We filmed and photographed athletes in our Congress Hall, and coincidentally, the best shots featured athletes like the fencers who went on to win medals. It was a fantastic partnership.
Jiří Koleňák: Do you have core personal values that guide you?
Lenka Žlebková: All the values we established at the PCC reflect my personal values—professionalism, sustainability, and above all, people. A leader's primary focus should always be on people and humanity.
Jiří Koleňák: How often do you feel successful?
Lenka Žlebková: Until recently, I tended to underestimate myself. Awards and invitations to podcasts like this have given me cause to reflect on my career and acknowledge that things have turned out well.
Jiří Koleňák: What advice would you give women aiming for executive or CEO roles?
Lenka Žlebková: Don't be afraid, don't underestimate yourself, and believe in your abilities. Raising three sons while building an executive career proved to me that every situation has a solution. If you believe in yourself and know what you want, you can achieve it.
Jiří Koleňák: Thank you, Lenka, for sharing your journey and insights with us.
Lenka Žlebková: Thank you for having me, it was a pleasure.
Jiří Koleňák: To our audience, please share, like, comment, and subscribe. See you next time with more inspiring guests!
