Tuesday Business Network, President of Tuesday Business Network
Born shortly before end of WW II. Married, one son, 3 daughters and 6 grandsons.
Ivan graduated from the Czech Technical University in Prague. His professional life was devoted to information and communication technologies. In IT, he did everything with the exception of punching punched cards. Realizing that he was not anymore an IT expert, it was time to start a management career. He was first general manager of Microsoft in Czech and Slovak Republic, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CzechTelecom, GE of alternative operator Etel etc. Nowadays, he does what he likes, as consultant, investor or enterpreneuer and he enjoys it. He plays tennis, basketball, all miserably but with passion. As for golf, he still feels too young for it. Ocassionally, he writes something or better say he tries to produce something readable. He does not like any dogma. He is still trying to learn and listen to all clever people around him.
Questions and Answers
Dave Ruzius: You are known by two tags "business" and "innovation". What have you actively done to become known as such? Do you consider yourself as brand of it's own and what actions do you undertake to promote and maintain that brand?
Ivan: Let others consider, if I personally represent brand
Sure, I write weekly to economic journal Euro (something like Czech Business Week), I participated in Czech version of TV show Dragon¨s Den
every year I am frequently asked to present to different groups my ideas, thoughts, on different topics
if this means "mantainig" brand, ok, but it is nothing I do intentionally for this purpose
Martin Shirley: What is the penetration of the networking in Czech Republic? From your experience do companies usually educate their employees why and how to network?
Ivan: Networking popularity and penetration is rapidly growing especially on Facebook. To my best knowledge companies do not educate employees on this topic (knowing themselves very little about it)
Hanadi Bayai: Is education is a good field to invest money to in Czech Republic?
Ivan: I do not understand exactly this question, personally, of course education is one of the best investments you can do, quality depends on the school
as for investing money to private educational institution, I would recommend to get in contact with someone who did it, it is risky investment and fairy impossible without someone local, experienced
