A position at Galeb is not acquired, it is earned. That is especially so for managerial positions. There is no protection there, because the company values education, effort, work, experience, commitment and attitude towards the job, and nor is there a gender division either, because of the belief that success has no gender
Aleksandra, the “younger Galeb sister”, reveals that, for her, good organisation is key to survival in these fast-moving times. In her job, she has wonderful colleagues on whom she can rely, and on the personal front, she enjoys the support of her husband, with whom she shares responsibilities over their children and their activities.
Your sister always knew what she was going to do. And you? Did you see your place as being at Galeb from an early age?
Our father slowly directed us towards the company and seeing ourselves in it.
I had my own journey, studies abroad, life in some other locations. I gained independence and ended up building my place at Galeb. I started with administrative tasks and reached a managerial position.
You support the theory that success is not a gender category, but rather a personality category, and that there are no boundaries for a woman provided she is sufficiently dedicated, focused and organised?
I think these two “gender categories” are emphasised too much. We were raised as girls, future mothers, wives and working people. I trained karate, and that is where I learnt that focus was very important, both on the tatami mat and in life. When you are focused, there are no boundaries, but there are rules, and that helps you avoid straying from the right track. That goes for both, sports and life.
Even though you have a responsible job, three children and a need to help your husband with his clinic, you do not suffer from a lack of time. Where do you find the hours that seem to be lacking for every other working woman?
I have a simple recipe… I accumulate the hours I am missing, then take a Friday or Monday off, sometimes a day or two more, and travel somewhere with my family. When it comes to everyday life, good organisation is key to surviving in these fast-moving times.
I think that, in our country, men respect women much more than they do abroad, both in business and generally.
I have great work colleagues that I can rely on and, on the personal front, the support of my husband, with whom I organise myself around the children and their activities. It is important for your glass to always be half full, and not half empty, and you will succeed in everything.
Do you think men show respect for women in business; that they have the same attitude towards them as they have towards their male colleagues?
I have honestly never thought about it in that way. I think that, in our country, men respect women much more than they do abroad, both in business and generally. I have never faced negative experiences, undermining and belittling… Maybe that is because of the black belt.
Your advice for young, educated women just launching their careers:
Always be aware of the priorities you have previously set, but likewise also be ready to adapt to change. Participate in sports, bear children, do not be burdened by prejudice, always strive to become the best version of yourself. You should not rush some things that have their own natural flows, but that does not mean you should leave things entirely to chance. Give your all in everything you do, never give up on your goal.
Choose good people in order to make even better teams. Commit yourself to work with the same desire that led to your first childhood successes. Research, learn, be curious, start with the little things because in that way will gain stability that will enable your further improvement. And in doing this never forget your family. Much of what I have said about work is also applicable to the family.