Author: Hana Janišová
When Michal Řehák, now Director of the DNA Division at Ness Czech, was growing up, he had the unique opportunity to observe how a family business operates. His parents owned a small construction company for over 30 years, and during high school, he spent several summers working there. This hands-on experience offered valuable lessons about the challenges and rewards of running a small business.
After completing university, Michal chose a different path, joining the multinational company Ness Czech. Here, he could immerse himself in the corporate world while applying insights from his family business background.
A Corporate Environment with a Family Feel
Michal points out that Ness is not a typical corporation.
“Globally, Ness Digital Engineering operates like a traditional multinational corporation, with thousands of employees and a global presence,” Michal explains. “But at Ness Czech, things are different. We have a relatively flat organizational structure, local management, and most people know each other personally. The relationships here—between employees and management—often resemble those of a family business, creating a supportive and cohesive environment.”
From Mathematics to Business Intelligence
Michal’s journey began at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University, where he studied mathematics and management.
“I chose this field because it combined deep mathematics with practical subjects like statistics, law, and accounting,” he recalls. “I didn’t want to become a theoretical mathematician. Instead, I aimed to apply these skills in real-world scenarios—and, as it turns out, I ended up doing exactly what I studied.”
Michal started his career at Ness Czech as a Business Intelligence (BI) analyst in the financial sector.
“While I wasn’t an AI specialist by training, the analytical mindset I developed at university helped me dive into customer projects with confidence,” he notes.
Navigating Complexities and Defining Direction
Over time, Michal faced increasingly complex tasks, eventually leading analytical teams and transitioning into roles involving data warehouse architecture.
“I’ve worked on both large-scale bank data warehouses and smaller greenfield projects,” he says. “The challenge lies in balancing factors like cost, system speed, and security to find the optimal solution. However, I realized I wanted more independence in decision-making.”
This realization led him to take on the role of BI Competence Leader at Ness Czech, eventually becoming the Delivery Director for the Data & Analytics division.
“Today, I’m often the one who needs the data to run the business,” he says. “Looking back, every step of my journey feels purposeful, which is immensely rewarding.”
Family Business vs. Corporate Environment
Michal’s experience allows him to objectively compare working in a family business with life in a corporation.
“Family businesses offer flexibility, quick decision-making, and a friendly atmosphere. But these qualities can also be consciously nurtured in a corporate setting,” he explains. “What a corporation offers, especially in challenging times, is stability. This stability benefits employees, customers, and the quality of project delivery.”
Processes, however, have their pros and cons.
“In corporations, processes bring consistency and predictability but can also create delays,” he says. “That said, corporations offer significant advantages, such as access to global projects, diverse expertise, and a strong support system during tough periods.”
Fostering Trust and Motivation
According to Michal, the key to effective leadership lies in building mutual trust.
“If employees trust that you’re steering the company in the right direction, and you trust them to handle their responsibilities, success becomes a shared journey,” he says.
He also emphasizes the importance of meaningful work:
“People want to know that their work matters. A good leader explains decisions clearly, supports their team with professional and personal challenges, and motivates them by fostering a sense of purpose.”
Balancing Work, Family, and Hobbies
For Michal, balance is essential.
“Outside of work, I stay active by playing floorball on two teams—one of which I captain,” he shares. “We even got promoted to a higher league last year. I also enjoy inline skating, skiing, and playing the guitar. On weekends, I make it a point to spend time with friends and family. I’m fortunate to have a supportive wife and two talented daughters, who make everything possible.”
Career Growth and Stability
Michal highlights career growth as one of the major advantages of working in a corporation.
“Corporations offer many directions for professional development, though it requires effort and patience,” he explains. “In smaller companies, these opportunities are often limited.”
However, he acknowledges that corporate life isn’t for everyone:
“Some people prefer the structure and processes of a corporation, while others thrive in a more dynamic, less structured environment. It’s all about finding the right fit.”
Final Thoughts: Building a Healthy and Confident Team
“At its core, leadership is about guiding people toward their best selves,” Michal concludes. “By helping employees grow in their roles and careers, you create a team that is not only healthy and confident but also capable of driving the company forward.” a tolerantní manželku, bez nich by vše skloubit určitě nešlo.“
About Michal Řehák
Michal Řehák has been with Ness Czech since 2005 after completing his studies at Charles University. Over the years, he has worked on numerous Business Intelligence projects across banking, telecommunications, and public administration sectors. Today, as Delivery Director for the Data & Analytics Division, Michal leads complex projects focused on data processing, storage, and interpretation to support managerial decision-making.
This article originally appeared in MM Průmyslové spektrum magazine.