5 Questions with Publicis Groupe CEE Lioness: Nikola Foktová

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.

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

Nikola> I left home at 18, moved to Prague to study economics. I was always passionate about art and creativity. So why economics, you might ask - I believe that in numbers and data, you may find a never-ending source of creativity. My whole life, I have been dancing between data and art.

For two years, I lived under the bridge - on a cargo boat with an art gallery inside. I was so blessed to have been a part of a community of artists who recreated an old cargo boat into the Cargo Gallery. It's a floating gallery of exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances, techno concerts, and much more. I am so grateful for these extraordinary people, moments, parties, and it was such a fun chapter of my life, full of different arts inspiration. It certainly is a great source of knowledge and connections for my next career.

With all the numbers in school, I started to miss ‘playing’ with words. Hence, I began to work as a copywriter at a social media agency Inspiro, and then digital agency KINDRED. Quickly, I realised that this is the environment I want to grow with. I fell in love with the mindset, people, and the spirit.

After finishing my degree, I was certain that the creative industry is the only way. As a creative director of KINDRED (today, it is a part of Publicis Le Pont) together with my team, I have worked for clients including Raiffeisenbank, Huawei, Plzeňský Prazdroj, Sodexo amongst others. The agency was growing strongly and soon became a part of the Publicis Groupe family. I was then promoted to become creative director of two amazing agencies: Leo Burnett Prague and MSL Czech Republic.

2. What has been your most memorable experience in your career so far?

Nikola> Probably these two moments:

1. My first trip to Cannes Lions festival and participation at Cannes Young Lions. This experience truly changed me. Thanks to the dynamic, vibrant atmosphere and the concentration of creativity, I fell in love with the advertising industry completely. It's impossible to describe it in words. You need to see it, feel it yourself. 

2. The #PowerOfOne success of Leo Burnett Prague and MSL Czech Republic. Two years ago, no one believed that creatives and PR experts could be one strong, dedicated team. Today, we are agency of the year. For me personally, it was fascinating to see how we all grew together to get there.

3. Similarly, what was the most challenging moment and how did you overcome it?

Nikola> I became a creative director at 27. For some people, I was too young, for others, 'too female'. How did I overcome it? Simply by being the most hard-working 'too young' female they have ever met.

4. What are your most important tips on achieving success?

Nikola> Love what you do. Be hard on yourself. Find more people like you. Enjoy every second.

5. What are your tips for younger female talent embarking on the journey you’re already on?

Nikola> Love what you do. Be hard on yourself. Find more people like you. Enjoy every second.

Gender does not matter.