“I really appreciate the support for my career growth provided by a development program like Ready2Grow. It shows that Wienerberger truly values young talents,” says Amel Emkić, Head of Product Management at Wienerberger Croatia and Slovenia. Amel and his colleague Lucie Cagáškova, Operations Performance Analyst at Wienerberger Czech Republic, on their career paths at Wienerberger, the contacts they have made and what lies ahead. 

The Ready2Grow talent development program for young potentials focuses on career growth, networking and self-development. “Ready2Grow gave me a deeper insight into my strengths and weaknesses. And my improved English skills are an added bonus,” says Lucie Cagáškova, Operations Performance Analyst at Wienerberger Czech Republic. 

The economist is responsible for evaluating, processing and analyzing a variety of data – for example, on energy use or production capacities. As her analyses provide managers with an optimum basis for informed decision-making, she works closely with many different departments and the Chief Operations Officer of Wienerberger Czech Republic. 

The first Ready2Grow group consisted of twelve people from eight countries and the program ran from October 2022 to June 2023. The program included two modules, "Becoming CALM and My Vision" and "The Personal Side of Change," as well as other trainings. The young potentials’ mission: To leave their comfort zones, seize opportunities and rise above themselves with a clear vision. The program provided the tools that would make the difference, focusing on self-perception, transformation, the Process Communication Model (PCM), project management and intercultural collaboration. The package was rounded off by mentoring by experienced employees and external coaching.

Someone else who has benefited from the talent development program is Amel Emkić, since June 2023 Head of Product Management at Wienerberger Croatia and Slovenia. He is responsible for the product strategy and market launch of new as well as optimized solutions in the Adriatic region. The Bosnian national is always aware of the big picture: “From research and development (R&D) to supply chains, production and marketing, to sales – my diverse three-member team and I are able to bring our different perspectives to multiple business areas. That’s what I love about my job,” the 27-year-old says.

For travel enthusiast Amel, who began his career at Wienerberger as a trainee while at university, Ready2Grow was a really valuable experience. “I got to know some fantastic people and use the knowledge I gained on a daily basis in my job as a team leader at Wienerberger.” You can read more about starting a career at Wienerberger here: Internships: How Wienerberger Promotes Young Talent

To communicate better with different personality types – that was one of the goals of the workshop on the Process Communication Model. The workshop began with a personality test that enabled the participants to understand their own communication styles. “Amel and I work with many different people. In this situation, what counts is flexibility and being able to find a common language so you can make a genuine connection with people. That’s why I found the PCM training so valuable,” says Lucie.

For Amel and Lucie most Ready2Grow sessions took place at Wienerberger headquarters in Vienna, although some sessions were also held online. The project management workshop took place in Bologna, Italy. Other groups traveled to sites in countries such as Sweden and Croatia. “I travel very frequently between different plants, visiting stakeholders and research and development institutes with which we collaborate. Now I have a contact in every country organization, someone I can turn to professionally, but also for a relaxed get together after work,” Amel says enthusiastically about his new network. 

What lies ahead for the young potentials? Amel has already taken the first big step with his promotion. The communicative product manager, who in his spare time enjoys barbecues with his wife and friends, wants to take his team forward and to position Wienerberger as a front runner in sustainability in the Adriatic region. He will soon finish his second Master’s degree in management in addition to his first one in civil engineering.

Lucie plans to improve her knowledge of programming languages. The Czech national was especially excited about Ready2Grow as she also has a strong interest in personal development in her private life. Away from the office, the amateur gardener enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog or relaxing with a good book. But one thing is clear for Lucie and Amel: They both want to grow their careers with Wienerberger. And the development program was just the beginning. Because as the future of the company, all doors are open to them.