The WIN project (Women in Innovation) is dedicated to empowering women in peripheral industrial regions by sharing their stories, fostering opportunities, and supporting their professional growth. Through podcasts, events, and training, WIN highlights inspiring career paths that demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and leadership. In one episode of the INION talk podcast, created in collaboration with WIN, we spoke with Klara Sokolova, director of the O-I plant in Nov\u00e9 Sedlo. Her journey demonstrates that a successful career can take unexpected paths \u2013 from quality management to leading an industrial plant with a 145-year tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Klara started at the company right after university in the quality department, never imagining she would one day lead an entire plant. For nineteen years, she built her expertise and learned production down to the smallest details. The breakthrough moment came during training at the American headquarters: \u201cIt actually never occurred to me in my life to be a plant director. Only when I heard about that woman in Peru, I thought to myself: if it worked there, why not here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks to the employee development system, she had the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures: \u201cIt enriches you as a person, you have to look at it openly.\u201d These experiences opened her eyes to new possibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The turning point came during a development interview with HR. \u201cI admit that I honestly said that if I were a guy, my next position would probably be plant director. I was also surprised that I said it out loud.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The company\u2019s management surprised her with their reaction: \u201cThere was a quick round where everyone perked up \u2013 aha, right you are. We talked about whether this was the path, whether I would be afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today she is the only woman among 68 plant directors in the entire international O-I group. Instead of seeing it as a burden, she views it as an opportunity to bring a different approach: \u201cI think women have a slightly different approach to things. There\u2019s no ego and testosterone, where men sometimes compete with each other. For me, it\u2019s important to respect everyone, because they\u2019re there to do their job the best they can.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Colleagues from regional posts welcomed her: \u201cThey came to me saying: hey, this is great, finally one of us. That surprised and pleased me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Nov\u00e9 Sedlo plant has a remarkable 145-year history. \u201cThe entire town was built for the plant and glass bottles have been manufactured there ever since.\u201d Today it produces an average of 1.3 million bottles daily in continuous 24\/7 operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen there\u2019s a big problem, we call each other. Otherwise, we have people on each shift who should handle it,\u201d Klara describes the specifics of managing non-stop operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
O-I has addressed gender pay gaps: \u201cThey evaluate a skill matrix \u2013 what you can handle, where you're progressing. That's excellent.\u201d The system works based on clear and measurable criteria according to qualifications and abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Klara\u2019s journey was diverse \u2013 she started studying non-woven textiles in Liberec, continued with economics in Prague, and culminated with Erasmus in Berlin. \u201cPeople shouldn\u2019t set barriers for themselves and say \u2018never\u2019. Because you never know where life will take you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The international experience changed her perspective: \u201cI started being proud of being Czech. I realised that we\u2019re not as bad as we think we are. Czechs really underestimate themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Klara criticises outdated approaches in education. When a teacher told children during a plant tour: \u201cIf you don\u2019t study well, you\u2019ll end up in a factory too,\u201d she responded firmly: \u201cThat\u2019s a wrong perspective. These are professionals who are very well paid for their work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For young women considering a career in industry, she has a clear message: \u201cThey definitely shouldn\u2019t be afraid. Every day is different, every day you learn something new and you produce something that has value. Don\u2019t listen to others, especially when you feel you\u2019re technical types.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen you\u2019re afraid, you can\u2019t do it. You have to feel that you can handle it,\u201d she adds with conviction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Klara believes in the future of the industry: \u201cIt\u2019s important to stay unique, maintain excellent quality. I believe we can do it, but you have to want it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Klara Sokolova\u2019s story shows that courage to cross boundaries and faith in one\u2019s own abilities can open doors even in the most traditional industries. Her journey demonstrates that perseverance, openness to learning, and readiness to seize opportunities are key to professional success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Created in collaboration with the WIN project\u2014co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund under the Interreg Danube Programme\u2014this podcast aims to improve the position of women in the labour market in peripheral industrial regions. By sharing stories like Klara\u2019s, WIN inspires women across the Danube region to embrace their potential and pursue fulfilling careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stay tuned to the WIN platform for more stories, insights, and opportunities that support women in transforming challenges into strengths and building inclusive, innovative futures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n