5 Questions with Publicis Groupe CEE Lioness: Markéta Votápková

18/12/2023

Publicis Groupe South East Europe

Advertising Agency

Athens, Greece

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18/12/2023

Publicis Groupe Czech Republic's business director on collaborating with clients, working on your self-confidence and learning to bounce back from life's setbacks

As part of Publicis Groupe Central & Eastern Europe (CEE)’s 'Embrace Gender Equity' initiative that was launched during this year’s International Women’s Day on March 8th, the company created a special series 'Publicis Groupe CEE Lioness' designed to showcase and spotlight its many female talent and leaders across the CEE region, celebrating their experiences and important roles they play within the company. Get to know the Publicis Groupe CEE Lionesses through their stories in this series.

LBB> Can you share your story with us, how have you gotten to where you are today in your profession?

Markéta> I started working as a cocoa bean trader for Nestlé in London. I became a founding member of the commodity trading hub in Europe, Africa, and Asia, with a focus on cocoa beans. I developed and implemented business strategies, managed client accounts in Central and Eastern Europe, Türkiye, and Switzerland, and successfully led a cocoa bean processing outsourcing project that optimised the supply chain while maintaining high standards of customer service.

After becoming a mom, I started a real estate business, building several residential houses in Prague. I managed marketing and sales, developed and executed project-specific marketing and pricing strategies, achieving sales and ROI targets. I created a pricing model to maximise yield in real estate development. Running my own business, I learned the beauty of marketing and communication and its impact on business, and at the age of 38, I decided to steer my career in that direction.

At Publicis Groupe, I lead the media client service teams. I am responsible for strategic development and client satisfaction. My mission is to cultivate an environment and community where people are inspired to maximise their potential and find fulfilment in their work. This approach transforms us into true partners for our global, regional, and local clients in their businesses. I have been working on the communication agency side for eight years, starting at the local digital agency Red Media, which was later acquired by Publicis Groupe. I enjoy collaborating with clients, gaining insights into various business verticals, and comprehending and resolving their business challenges, which is highly satisfying.

LBB> What has been your most memorable experience in your career so far?

Markéta> In fact, there are many moments that are unforgettable experiences that have helped build me into the person I am today. Foremost among them:

Being a founding member of the London Commodities Trading Centre and part of a truly international team of nine different nationalities. Managing client accounts from Central and Eastern Europe, Türkiye and Switzerland.

Being an entrepreneur and running my own business.

To be part of Red Media's digital media start-up and subsequent integration into the Publicis Groupe.

LBB> Similarly, what was the most challenging moment and how did you overcome it?

Markéta> The biggest challenge for me was changing jobs at the age of 38. Securing my business so that it would work without me so that I could start doing what I am interested in and enjoy. I started from scratch in a junior position to learn and went through everything I needed to know in marketing and media. I was (significantly) the oldest junior at the time.

LBB> What are your most important tips on achieving success?

Markéta> Work on your self-confidence, believe in your abilities and trust yourself. Self-confidence is like a magic wand to achieve success, so avoid self-doubt and excessive criticism.

Build your resilience and perseverance. Learn to bounce back from life's setbacks and maintain a spirit that never gives up, even when the going gets tough.