Interview with the lecturer: Ing. Adéla Karlovská, MBA

Adéla Karlovská is an experienced lecturer, coach, and mentor with over twenty years of experience in managerial and financial roles. After leaving the corporate world, she began to focus on coaching, education, and personal development. She leads an MŠMT – accredited coaching course, hosts a podcast, and organizes seminars and workshops focused on leadership and change processes. She also lectures at MBA schools. In her practice, she combines managerial methods with modern coaching techniques and neuroscience. She collaborates with ESBM, foundations, and chambers of commerce, where she helps people discover their hidden potential.

After more than twenty years in financial management, you decided to make a major career shift. What was the main impulse that led you to leave the corporate world and pursue coaching and education?

I was searching for meaning. What I was doing no longer felt deeply meaningful. Even though I had a great career, earned a degree in my field, completed many professional courses and seminars, and truly built my career from the ground up, I missed authentic contact with people and the ability to witness real change in their lives as well as in mine. After a long period of soul-searching and self-discovery, I found my footing in coaching and education. What’s wonderful is that I can fully apply all my previous experience and studies in coaching, mentoring, teaching, and management consulting. I combine my extensive managerial experience with the individual development of people and teams, and that brings me fulfillment every single day. This journey has taught me that meaning is not something that simply appears — it’s something we actively create. It also showed me that even if we seem to be at the peak of our careers, true fulfillment comes when our work resonates with our values and our nature. It taught me how important it is not to fear change, to listen to ourselves, and to pursue what brings us deeper meaning.

I also came to understand that no experience is ever wasted. Everything I learned in business, management, and education now serves me in coaching, mentoring, and teaching. Every step along the way has helped me better understand both others and myself. And that is what drives me today, helping others uncover their potential and find their own sense of purpose. And for that insight, I am truly grateful.

What were your first steps after deciding to change your career? Was it a spontaneous decision, or did you carefully plan your new path?

It was a process that unfolded gradually. It wasn’t a sudden decision, but rather a carefully considered plan. I had been feeling dissatisfied with my work for quite some time and was slowly losing the sense of purpose in what I was doing. I changed job roles, but it still didn’t feel right. Years ago, I began exploring personal development. One of the methods I encountered and that deeply resonated with me was coaching. I completed various courses and certifications and began focusing on how to connect my experience from managerial positions with new techniques and methods. It was a deliberate step that gave me space to grow, though I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I was 40 at the time and completely changing careers. That was something entirely new for me and one of the biggest challenges of my life. I was afraid, but because I truly wanted it, I pursued it.

This taught me that change is not just about courage, but also about strategy and perseverance. I realized that the search for meaning isn’t a single moment of enlightenment. It’s a long-term process of exploration, learning, and decision-making. It taught me to listen to myself, trust my abilities, and not be afraid to take a step into the unknown, even when it’s difficult.

I also discovered that it’s never too late to start over. At forty, I embarked on a new career and realized that all my previous experience was not lost. It actually gave me a solid foundation for the next chapter. I learned that when we truly want something, it’s important to step out of our comfort zone and, even if we fear uncertainty, pursue our path with thoughtfulness, determination, and patience. And I must also add that self-discipline plays a crucial role in our journeys toward our goals.

Did you encounter any obstacles or doubts during this transition? What helped you the most during that time?

Yes, I did. Every change is challenging, and I definitely had moments when I doubted whether I was on the right path. In the beginning, when I was searching for what else I could even do, I worked with mentors and coaches. What helped me the most was my inner conviction that I wanted to go in a different direction — outside the world of finance and corporate structures. I just needed to find that direction, because I still felt lost in terms of what I was supposed to do. It took me several years to discover what I truly wanted and was meant to do. At the time, I felt like I was facing so many obstacles: I don’t know how to do anything else except finance; I’m afraid; I don’t have the capital to start a business; I don’t have the right contacts; I don’t know what to do. So many fears, worries, and barriers. But through this experience, I learned that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth, you just have to find a way to overcome it. And the feeling when you succeed is priceless.

How did those around you (family, colleagues, friends) react to your career change?

The reactions were truly mixed ranging from full support to complete lack of understanding. My husband has always been very supportive, and he stood by me during this transition as well. We both knew I was about to embark on a difficult journey filled with uncertainty. We knew that running a business wouldn’t be easy. I had doubts about myself in the beginning, but he never doubted me. And I must say, his belief in me, his unwavering trust — that helped me immensely.

In the corporate world, many people raised their eyebrows and even spoke about my decision with disdain. They couldn’t understand why I would leave a stable, well-established career, a secure income, and everything I had built over the years. Some people outright told me I was crazy; others may have just thought it. I heard comments like, “That’s complete nonsense,” or “What if it doesn’t work out?”.

It was fascinating to observe how people reacted to a change they had never made themselves, they often judged my courage through the lens of their own fears. Among my friends, it also became clear who truly supported me and who was there more out of habit. This experience deepened my resilience. It also made me realize how valuable it is to be surrounded by people who believe not only in you, but also in your decisions even when they seem crazy at first.

If you could give one key piece of advice to people who feel it’s time for a change, what would it be?

I wish I could give more than one, but the most valuable advice for me is this: even if you’re really afraid, make the change and trust yourself. Change is always a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. Everything will be okay and if it’s not okay yet, then it’s not the end.

How has your perspective on leadership changed during your transition from management to coaching?

Leading people involves much more than strategies and process management. I’ve come to understand that the key lies in the ability to lead both yourself and others with empathy, openness, and authenticity. A good leader is someone who inspires, listens, and supports the growth of others. Coaching helped me understand how to create environments where people can grow and unlock their potential. At the same time, through self-coaching, I realized how important it is to be your own coach. True leadership doesn’t start with others, it starts with yourself. Those who learn to lead themselves with courage, empathy, and authenticity can inspire others to grow as well.

In your opinion, what are the main challenges leaders face today? What specific techniques or approaches can help them?

Yes, leaders today are facing major challenges in an increasingly fast-changing world both in terms of technology and human values. In the past, managers were primarily goal and results oriented. That is no longer enough, and a truly effective leader must understand that distinction.

One of the greatest challenges is maintaining a healthy relationship with the team and remaining authentic in times of change. I recommend the approach of leadership through resilience, the ability to adapt and to motivate a team. It’s also essential to lead with a positive attitude, even in the face of temporary setbacks. Techniques from neuroscience that help us understand human behavior and communicate more effectively are also key.

For example, supporting a culture of continuous learning and adaptability is crucial. A leader who understands that the brain is constantly changing and learning can motivate their team to grow rather than fear failure. It’s also important to actively work with emotions. Stress and change activate brain centers responsible for fight, flight, or freeze responses. Techniques like conscious breathing or mindfulness help leaders and their teams better navigate emotionally intense situations.

Today, it’s not enough to simply manage processes, leaders must understand human behavior and how the brain works. That’s what transforms a manager into a true leader.

What would you recommend to leaders who want to implement change effectively within their organizations?

The most important thing is to have a clear vision and the ability to communicate it in a way that is both understandable and inspiring for everyone. In everything a leader does, they must see purpose and be able to convey that sense of purpose to their team. I also recommend embracing approaches like leadership with empathy and focusing on creating an environment that encourages innovation and openness to change.

For me, “leadership with empathy” means leading with genuine understanding of others. It’s about recognizing people’s emotions, needs, and motivations. It’s not just a soft skill, it’s a strategic capability that helps leaders build trust, motivate teams, and manage change more effectively.

A leader who takes this approach has mastered active listening, not just hearing words, but truly understanding what people are saying and responding with respect. Such a leader is able to sense emotions, recognize stress, frustration, or enthusiasm within the team, and respond accordingly. Leaders also need to adopt an individual approach, as each person is different — what works for one may not work for another. Great leaders adjust their communication and leadership style accordingly. And last but not least, they foster psychological safety. The team feels safe to share ideas, mistakes, and concerns, which leads to greater innovation and engagement. Instead of micromanaging, the leader creates space for growth and autonomy.

What topics do you teach in your educational modules at ESBM?

At ESBM, I lead the modules Conflict Management and Agile Methods and Trends in Project Management. These modules focus on both interpersonal skills and effective project management in dynamic environments. The Conflict Management module is about understanding workplace conflicts, their causes, and strategies for resolving them effectively. The Agile Methods and Trends in Project Management module covers modern approaches to project management, especially in fast-changing environments. Agile methods are very popular today not only in IT, but also in many other fields.

Do you receive feedback from students? What do they enjoy most about your seminars and what do they take away from them?

Students appreciate the practical approach and the connection between theory and real-life application. They particularly enjoy the specific techniques they can immediately use in their work. They leave with increased confidence in leading teams and implementing change more effectively. In the coaching training, students value the empathetic, accepting, and positive atmosphere. Many of them return to my seminars for further inspiration and growth.

If you could share one key message from your seminars with students, what would it be?

Big changes don’t happen overnight. They are the result of small, intentional steps we take every day. Your future success begins right now with the choice you make in this moment.