Cheese & Helena

Are you a studious person?

I studied at the University of Economics in Brno, Czech Republic, where I got my master's degree in economics and management. So we can say that I stayed in this work field by staying at Henri Willig going to work. During my studies, I took advantage of the Erasmus programme twice. I spent one semester in Athens, Greece, where I studied international marketing and management (and also fell in love with this country) and another semester in Montpellier, France, where I worked in the Erasmus student office. I helped them become more visible and user-friendly online and to help incoming students feel comfortable and familiar with the city and the university easily and faster.   

What did you take away from that time in your current work? 

I really enjoyed working with other European students from different countries. This kind of experience opened up the world to me and I felt very enticed and motivated to live and work abroad afterwards. It was very educational, fulfilling and fascinating for me to get to know so many different nationalities, cultures, traditions and points of view. This is also reflected in my current job - international client contact gives me a lot of energy and pleasure.

How did your career start at Henri Willig? 

I have been living in Austria since the end of 2017. The beginning, without good German language skills was not so easy, so I had to catch up by taking an intensive German course. I did this in combination with work in the Hard Rock Café and as a dance teacher. I only slept a few hours during that time!  After this intensive first Austrian year I found the company Henri Willig (or actually I should say the Henri Willig found me ???? ) and there I have worked for almost 5 exciting years now. 

How did your career progress within Henri Willig?

I started as assistant store manager in a brand new branch (which had only been open for 5 months at the time) in a country new to Henri Willig. Finding an appropriate layout of the shop and storage, (the first international shop), local and national laws and regulations, figuring out and arranging a lot myself and meanwhile also serving all the customers properly and coaching the team. All this could be quite challenging but also the engine that kept driving me, the team and the shop forward.

Do you still staads experience enough challenges? 

I still encounter these challenges and no day at the shop is the same - but that is precisely what still makes it an interesting job. It is a very dynamic environment with customers from all over the world, delicious premium products and a great multicultural, diverse team of colleagues. I get good guidance and support from the management.

How is the guidance and how do you see the future? 

I get good guidance and support from the company, including the shop manager course from our Henri Willig Academy. This has contributed well to my skills for this job, especially in the areas of team leadership, problem-solving, delegating, planning and giving feedforward and feedback. I even understand a little bit of Dutch now! 
Although the organisation is still growing strongly and now has more than 500 employees, the corporate culture remains very open, approachable and personal. There is a lot of attention and room for personal input and natural positive motivation. You really feel heard. I hope to keep finding my challenges here, be able to grow and constantly develop myself and enjoy working here for many years to come!