She is a woman of many roles. An enthusiastic businesswoman and philanthropist, a caring mother and wife, and also a passionate driver of an electric car. She describes herself as a natural driver. “Zena v aute.cz” presents an exclusive interview with Ivana Tykac, not only about driving but also about how determination can turn visions into reality.
What are you most proud of in your professional life or what was the most fundamental turning point in your career? Do you have any dreams in business you would like to fulfill?
I have enjoyed restoring old, dilapidated houses throughout my life. Discovering the beauty hidden beneath the layers of age and unveiling it brings me genuine joy and satisfaction. Breathing new life into old properties is always a challenge for me.
When we come across a severely run-down property during our travels, my family jokes that it’s the perfect ruin for our mom…
The turning point in my career was realizing that I enjoy renovations. I come from a family where my father was a builder, and it used to annoy me because he tried to involve the whole family in his hobby. I never thought I would end up as a builder coming from an economics background.
And a dream? I would like to be involved in the construction of a skyscraper.
What do you enjoy most about business, and conversely, what do you consider the most challenging? Which qualities do you consider important for business?
Business allows to have a self-realization. It enables you to fulfill your dreams. It provides freedom, not just financial freedom. You can do whatever you want. If you have a vision, passion, and enough perseverance, you can achieve it.
Has any coincidence influenced your life, or has everything gone more or less as you planned? What prompted you to enter the business? Have you ever experienced a moment when you wanted to quit?
I plan out of necessity. I am a proponent of the theory that while planning is nice, it must change depending on the circumstances we encounter along the way, so extensive planning is actually a waste of time.
After my first work experience in foreign trade during my third year of high school, I realized that I had trouble being an employee.
Your career suggests that management is one of your natural attributes. Can you reveal to us how you are with driving a car?
I enjoy driving, and I believe I am a good driver. I don’t mind driving a manual transmission and can get up a hill without any issues. I can hear when the engine needs to shift gears. I drive smoothly, and my kids enjoy traveling with me. I can’t stand indecisive or inconsiderate drivers.
However, I handle many things at once, so I realize that I can be a scattered driver at times. Like any woman, I occasionally do my makeup while driving, etc.
Read more in the full interview here: https://www.zenavaute.cz/rozhovor-s-ivanou-tykac/