5 leadership habits that help executives succeed in Czechia

Business leaders in Czechia often manage teams that span cultures, languages, and expectations. For expat professionals, the gap between international workplace norms and local business culture can shape everything from communication style to decision-making. Managers, directors, and more need to pay close attention to that gap, and the most successful among them create clarity, build trust across backgrounds, and make space for different ways of working without losing direction.

In practice, that involves helping international teams feel understood, supported, and aligned. So we asked members of the Expats.cz Business Leaders Club one question: what single habit has helped you lead diverse teams successfully in Czechia? Their answers offer clear, practical approaches anyone can apply in their workplace.

Leadership often begins with the willingness to imagine possibilities beyond existing limits. For Ivana Goossen, director of Kunsthalle Praha, that mindset shapes how new projects and partnerships begin.

"What comes to mind first is the courage to begin with a daring dream,” she explains. Whether developing exhibition programs or building a new cultural institution, that approach encourages teams to think beyond assumptions.

Goossen also notes that modesty and pragmatism can sometimes hold people back from pursuing meaningful opportunities, preventing people “from reaching for something truly meaningful and, as it often turns out, entirely achievable.”

At the same time, ambitious ideas require collaboration to succeed. “Exploring bold possibilities goes hand in hand with staying grounded in reality,” Goossen adds. In her experience, listening closely to teams, communities, and artists helps ensure that big ideas become shared goals rather than individual visions.

International teams are common in Czechia’s business environment, where leaders often work across languages, cultures, and professional backgrounds. For Blake Wittman, building authentic relationships is a habit that strengthens collaboration.

Although he grew up in the United States with Czech family roots, he says cultural awareness requires deliberate effort. “Heritage alone is not enough,” Wittman explains.

Instead, he focuses on personal connection and openness in everyday interactions. “I dig into my own story and experiences to create meaningful connections that go well beyond business,” he says.

That approach helps establish trust quickly across teams. Wittman also emphasizes the role of tone and energy in leadership. “I lead with energy, a smile, and a positive attitude,” he elaborates, adding that strong relationships often grow when work feels purposeful without becoming overly formal or heavy.

Leadership decisions often happen under constant pressure, particularly in organizations balancing international clients and local operations. For Dana Poul-Graf, founder of Key & Spark, reflection helps leaders stay aligned with their values and priorities.

In a country where global ambitions intersect with strong local identity, leaders can easily adopt someone else’s definition of success rather than defining their own. But according to Poul-Graf, “success is individual.” To stay grounded, she regularly steps back from daily delivery to reassess direction. 

"Am I building what truly matters to me and to the people and clients I serve?” she asks. “Where am I reacting instead of leading?”

That deliberate pause helps leaders maintain clarity when circumstances shift. Poul-Graf says reflection allows her to guide decisions intentionally and support partners in aligning their energy and direction before momentum carries them elsewhere.

Consistency plays a decisive role in Czechia’s competitive business environment. Leaders who focus on reliability and trust often create stronger relationships with customers and employees.

For Igor Savic, that approach starts with understanding the people you serve, supported by a strong and dependable foundation. “Maintaining a strong customer focus, built on trust and a well-established network of potential and current customers who provide valuable references,” he says, helps create long-term stability.

The same principle applies inside the organization. “A motivated and engaged team is the backbone of any successful organization,” Savic says.

When employees feel valued and aligned with the company’s vision, they are more likely to collaborate effectively and contribute to sustainable growth.

Czechia’s workforce is widely known for its technical expertise and pragmatic mindset. For Alessio Colantonio, CEO of S&O Capital, leaders succeed by providing clear direction and maintaining disciplined follow-through.

"Not discipline in the rigid sense, but disciplined execution around a clear mission,” he explains.

In his experience, skilled teams do not require constant supervision. Instead, they respond to clarity, preparation, and consistency. But that approach starts with personal accountability. 

“Vision inspires people. Discipline delivers success,” he elaborates. From his perspective, leaders who demonstrate commitment and preparation create credibility across teams. Over time, clear milestones and consistent follow-up help channel team energy into measurable results. 

Success in Czechia comes down to how leaders guide diverse teams day to day. Clear communication, consistency, and cultural awareness all play a role. Applied together, these approaches help build trust, align teams, and turn strategy into results across an international workplace.