She Embraced the Challenge—Now She Runs CTPark Ponávka. The Career Journey of Property Manager Zdenka Kadlčíková

She oversees a vast multifunctional complex, manages multi-million-dollar renovations, and makes key decisions that keep CTPark Ponávka running smoothly. But how did Zdenka Kadlčíková rise to the role of Property Manager? And what does it take to manage one of Brno’s most important business parks?

From Receptionist to Property Manager

Six years ago, Zdenka joined CTP without a clear career plan. “At first, I didn’t even know what CTP was,” she admits. She started as a receptionist at Domeq, a modern residential complex for students and expats.

“It was a lively place, different every day. I met people from all over the world, handled their requests, and made sure everything ran smoothly. It taught me to be flexible and quick on my feet,” she recalls. She soon realized she enjoyed not just working with people but also organizing and managing spaces. “I liked being responsible for buildings and teams—it felt good to see the results of my work.”

Then came a turning point. Reception services were outsourced, and Zdenka had to decide what to do next. “I only had one condition—whatever happened, I wanted to stay at Ponávka. I knew this was where I wanted to grow,” she says.

Around the same time, CTP changed its approach to property management. Reception desks were gradually being phased out, but new opportunities emerged. “I was offered a position on a Property Management team as a Facility Manager. It meant dealing with administration, maintenance, and technical operations. It was a big step, but I was ready for the challenge.”

With no technical background, Zdenka had to learn everything from scratch. “I had no idea how ventilation or heating systems worked, so I started studying. Sometimes, I even watched online tutorials just to understand the basics,” she laughs. But she quickly gained experience, and when her manager moved to another site, she took over full responsibility for CTPark Ponávka.

The Reality of Running a Business Park

“This isn’t just an office job. I have to understand technology, manage contractors, and sometimes even rush out in the middle of the night,” says Zdenka. She remembers one of her first major emergencies—a water leak in the middle of the night.

“When you get a call at midnight, you don’t have the luxury of waiting. You just go. At 1 AM, you’re standing by a burst pipe, figuring out how to minimize the damage—that’s the reality of managing a park.”

Every day brings something new. “One tenant wants to remodel their office, another has heating issues, and someone else needs a ventilation fix. Some days, it’s routine maintenance; other times, we’re dealing with major renovations or unexpected challenges—like upgrading entire roofs. None of it would be possible without my amazing team. I rely on Kateřina Reitmannová (Facility Manager), Adrián Mihalik (Facility Coordinator), and our skilled maintenance crew. Thanks to them, everything runs smoothly, and we handle even the toughest situations together.”

Growing Together with Ponávka

“I didn’t choose this park—it kind of chose me. But from my first year here, I knew this was my second home, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Zdenka says.

What makes Ponávka unique? It’s not just one type of building—it’s a mix. There are office spaces, technology hubs, and even the residential Domeq complex, which has now expanded with Domeq 2 and Domeq 3.

“It’s the best of both worlds—close to Brno’s city center, but not right in the middle of it. We’re growing, building new spaces, and moving forward, but we’re also preserving history—some of these buildings date back to 1926,” she explains.

Ponávka is constantly evolving, adapting to new needs, and growing alongside the people who work here. “And that’s what I love most about it. Ponávka is growing, modernizing, changing… and so am I.”

Modernization and Sustainability

Besides daily operations, Zdenka is also focused on long-term improvements. “We’re modernizing buildings, expanding bike lanes, improving infrastructure, and adding more green spaces. Sustainability is a top priority. We have solar panels on multiple buildings, water-saving systems, and eco-friendly solutions to make our operations more efficient.”

But it’s not just about big projects—it’s also about the small things that improve daily life. “We’re expanding green areas, planting trees, and even started a community garden where we grow tomatoes, zucchinis, pumpkins, and wildflowers. We also have beehives at Ponávka—so we even produce our own honey,” she smiles.

When Work Becomes a Passion

A fast-paced job like this requires resilience. “Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about everything I need to get done. Finding work-life balance is always a challenge.”

But despite the stress, she loves what she does.

Success isn’t about where you start—it’s about how you approach opportunities. “I didn’t have a technical background, but when the opportunity came, I just went for it. If you really want something, you’ll always find a way to make it happen.”