Kristýna Vozková, the owner of KOVOMET TRADE s.r.o., left the world of marketing and commerce to lead a manufacturing company. In this interview, she shares her journey into entrepreneurship in a traditionally male-dominated field, the challenges she faced, and her leadership philosophy.
You are the owner of a manufacturing company specialising in assembly, soldering, and other services for the electronics and automotive industries. What led you to enter this predominantly „male“ field? What was your path to the position you hold today?
My path to entrepreneurship was not planned at all. I always envisioned myself in media, where I enjoyed writing and communicating. However, when my stepfather’s company was shutting down, it made sense for me to take the helm and preserve at least a part of it. I reached out to business partners with a collaboration offer, and surprisingly, they agreed.
„Over time, I realised that business is not just about finances but, above all, about relationships.“
The next day, I established the company and jumped in headfirst. I had no economic education or experience managing large teams. It was pretty chaotic, to be honest. Fortunately, I had a team of skilled and capable people around me, and over the years, we worked our way up through trial and error to where we are today.
Manufacturing and company management are two very different fields. What motivated you during those first years? How did you overcome the challenges in this industry?
My primary motivation comes from the fact that it’s „my company.“ It’s a passion for me. Over time, I realised that business is not just about finances but, above all, about relationships. Whether it’s customers or employees, it’s essential to deal with everyone fairly and respectfully. Strong relationships are the foundation of a stable company, and I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by great people.
Do you feel that being a woman has been a disadvantage, or have you felt that it has helped you in some situations?
In the beginning, I often felt like I had to prove to people that I knew what I was doing. I started the business at 26, and I certainly didn’t look like a „typical manufacturing company owner.“ This put me at a disadvantage in some situations. On the other hand, once you show people that you can do your job well, they remember you as a young woman in a predominantly male industry even more positively.
What services do you provide to your clients, and what sets you apart from the competition?
We offer our customers a wide range of services, from manual and machine assembly using supplied components to soldering and electronic parts inspection. We adapt to clients’ specific requirements and expectations—just give us the material, and we’ll create exactly what they need. Our services cater to large companies in areas where automation isn’t cost-effective, as well as turnkey projects or startups and small firms with great ideas but lacking the capacity or space for execution. What sets us apart is flexibility, customisation, and the ability to meet diverse client needs.
In your company, you mainly employ women. What impact does this have on your company culture and operations?
With one exception, we exclusively employ women, and there’s a simple reason for that. Working with small components requires precision and great fine motor skills, which are a strength of women’s hands. In the Karlovy Vary region, we provide job opportunities for mothers, pre-retirement age women, and those who face challenges within the job market. Therefore, our company naturally has a strong social aspect. We strive to create a pleasant work environment and care about the needs of our employees. Even though the company has grown and evolved over the years, I still see it as a family business, and I treat my employees accordingly.
„The next day, I established the company and jumped in headfirst.“
What advice would you give to women considering starting their own business but are hesitant?
Don’t overthink it—just take a deep breath and jump in. You’ll either quickly sink, or you’ll learn how to swim. The longer you think about it, the more reasons you’ll find not to do it. There are always risks in business, and they’re big. It’s crucial to trust your abilities, stand by your opinions, accept constructive criticism, and not be afraid of mistakes because they are part of the learning process.
Speaking of the future, what plans do you have for your company?
Our goal is to continue slow but steady growth. In addition to our primary areas of interest—electronics and automotive—we’re open to collaboration with clients from other sectors, such as healthcare, food production, or energy. I believe that diversification is key to long-term stability. And even in an era of automation, the skill and precision of „golden Czech hands“ still have an irreplaceable role to play.
Read the full article at Kristýna Vozková – Courage and Skillful Hands Keys to Success for the Company Owner and Her Employee
Source: magazin POSITIV Business & Style
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