Through podcasts, events, and training, WIN highlights inspiring career paths that demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. One such story was shared in the latest episode of the INION talk podcast, created in collaboration with WIN, where we spoke with Ing. Jitka Bure\u0161 Sam\u00e1kov\u00e1, director of Sokolov Hospital. Her journey shows that successful careers often take unexpected turns; from her original dream of a legal profession, she became a respected healthcare manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jitka\u2019s journey began with teaching at a secondary school. \u201cI simply had to start speaking. I was trembling, but I discovered that the children accepted me, respected me, listened to me.\u201d School taught her to overcome shyness and find her gift for communication, which later proved very valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For financial reasons, she moved to work as a social worker at the municipal office while simultaneously completing her university education by distance learning. \u201cIt was demanding \u2013 child, family, work, and studies on top of that. But the ambition to achieve something was stronger.\u201d Her approach even inspired her daughter: \u201cWhen you completed university while working, I have to complete university normally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An interesting chapter was her period in municipal politics. \u201cThe city council was all men. In the city assembly, there were perhaps only two women.\u201d The experience showed her the specifics of a male environment: \u201cI felt that the men somewhat overlooked my opinion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eventually, she left politics: \u201cI\u2019m someone who wants to do something, to move forward somewhere, and politics isn\u2019t always about this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The turning point came with a position as an economist in a hospital. \u201cUnderstanding the healthcare system was the most difficult. How it\u2019s paid for, how it\u2019s reported, who pays for it.\u201d But persistence won: \u201cI mastered it within a year \u2013 I was driven by the motivation: if you want to stay here, you have to learn it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When she got her first opportunity to lead a hospital, she hit her own limits. \u201cIt became apparent that I couldn\u2019t delegate. It started to overwhelm me.\u201d With her typical honesty, she admitted: \u201cI told the director that I couldn\u2019t handle it, that I didn\u2019t want to be a director.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Years later, she was asked to lead the Karlovy Vary Regional Hospital \u2013 this time better prepared. Four years including the COVID period taught her the power of teamwork: \u201cI discovered that people came together much more. We could talk to each other, respect each other, help each other.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today she leads Sokolov Hospital with a philosophy of active approach. She practices \u201cgemba\u201d \u2013 regularly working directly in operations. \u201cI spent time peeling potatoes, was at the dishwasher, served lunches. One doctor said it was a provocation, but it\u2019s about understanding the real operation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Currently, there are many women in leadership positions within the Penta Hospitals group. \u201cWe\u2019re almost half and half among the hospitals.\u201d She believes women bring a different approach: \u201cThere\u2019s no ego and testosterone there. 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
Jitka believes in the region: \u201cI don\u2019t think we\u2019re an ugly region. We have unique nature, young people can ski here, ride cycling paths.\u201d To attract young healthcare workers, she suggests: \u201cWe\u2019re considering camps for medical students \u2013 to show them they\u2019ll want to return to our region after school.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe must stop saying we\u2019re the poorest, smallest. We need to refute this, because it\u2019s not true,\u201d she appeals for a change in regional perception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For future generations, she has a clear message: \u201cIt\u2019s important to have patience, some humility, and persistence. Do what makes you feel needed and what you enjoy. It\u2019s not about university \u2013 there are professions that don\u2019t require it, but you must be good at what you do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her guidance highlights a universal lesson: success is built not only on formal education, but on dedication, self-awareness, and a willingness to grow through challenges. These values, which have guided Jitka throughout her career, serve as an inspiration for anyone navigating their own professional journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The story of Ing. Jitka Bure\u0161 Sam\u00e1kov\u00e1 shows that a successful career doesn\u2019t have to be planned from the beginning. Her journey is a powerful reminder that perseverance, humility, and openness to learning are essential on the path to leadership. By staying open to opportunities, not being afraid to admit one\u2019s own limits, and learning from mistakes, anyone can navigate unexpected turns and achieve meaningful success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This podcast was created in collaboration with the WIN project, co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund under the Interreg Danube Programme, which aims to improve the position of women in the labour market in peripheral industrial regions. By sharing stories like Jitka\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