Adam Chudárek, Rockaway Arts: Perseverance and good luck with the right people are the key success ingredients for me

WHICH WORK SKILLS ALSO COME IN HANDY IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE?
In my work, I often run into challenges in areas that I don’t always fully understand, yet I have to deal with them as best as I can, figure them out, and find the best solution. It has proven effective for me to break down problems into smaller parts, starting with what I understand. This approach spills over into my personal life too. When I’m dealing with something unfamiliar, I quickly envision how to proceed. Breaking it into smaller, understandable parts allows me to navigate through the subject more effectively. Being able to handle problems in areas that aren’t my strong suit without panicking or neglecting them is a skill I value, whether it’s in my job or personal life.

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES YOU MOST AT WORK?
My former boss and the current CMI Digital Development Director, Juraj Felix, has been a big influence over the past five years. His passion for his work was contagious. I’ve experienced a similar enthusiastic vibe among almost all the people I’ve met at Rockaway in the last two to three months, and it’s been pretty motivating.

WHAT CHARACTERISTICS DO YOU CONSIDER MOST IMPORTANT IN YOUR COLLEAGUES?
As a project manager, my teams have been a diverse mix — comprising subject matter experts and individuals with varying skill levels. Interestingly, those less experienced in specific areas often brought creative perspectives and empathy, contributing to successful problem-solving. In my view, the most crucial quality is a blend of professionalism, hard skills, motivation, effective communication, and empathy. When these factors align, results are delivered efficiently, and projects are completed successfully. You could be the most intelligent person in the room, but if you can’t engage other colleagues, you often fall short.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR WORK LIFE?
Engaging in sports is an integral aspect of my life. Recently, my primary focus has been on running, a nearly daily pursuit. I make it a point to participate in significant races every quarter, serving as milestones to validate the efficacy of my endeavors and as a source of motivation. Although cycling demands more time — typically an entire day — I find it to be a fulfilling endeavor as well. Regularly, I exercise at least twice a week. Sports provide a crucial balance in my life; after a day in the office, I crave physical activity and a medium to invest my energy. Weekends often find me beyond Prague, seeking to detach from the city’s work environment. While family and friends hold undeniable importance, I find that sports offer the swiftest means to reset and rejuvenate.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO HAVE YOUR JOB ONE DAY?
Getting through those tough beginnings that everyone faces is key. Eventually, you land in a more interesting spot where you can work on stuff you enjoy and find inspiring. But, let’s be real, getting there involves a bunch of work and often some unexciting and time-consuming tasks. Therefore, perseverance is crucial. It’s also essential to be fortunate enough to meet the right people. When you’re part of a good group, it makes handling things that might not be your strong suit a whole lot easier. Bottom line: keep at it and surround yourself with the right people.

IN INTERVIEWS, WHAT QUESTION DO YOU ASK FIRST AND WHY?
In the initial screening phase, I’ve found it valuable to check how much effort candidates have put into digging into our company before applying. It gives a quick read on their real interest. If they haven’t bothered with gathering even the basic information, it signals to me that their interest might not be all that genuine. We often assign some tasks, not necessarily to get the perfect answer, but to see how they approach the task and discover their problem-solving attitude. It’s a neat filter because those who get overwhelmed easily usually drop out early. That usually trims down about half the candidates.
Naturally, I’m interested in their overall impression, communication style, and whether their experience fits the job position. But what really matters to me is how they approach problems and whether they’ll fit with the team personally. I mean, having a super-talented person who messes with the team harmony just isn’t the right call in my book.

IF YOU COULD PICK ANY OTHER PROFESSION, WHICH WOULD IT BE?
A Formula 1 team principal. I have been into the whole Formula 1 scene since I was 10 years old — quite a while, I know (laughs). I find it crazy fascinating. I love how in F1, they’ve gotta be top-notch in everything related to the sport. Plus, all the travelling that comes with it? That’s right up my alley.

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