A Moment of Pause in a Season of Non-Stop Achievement

Today, I find myself doing something I haven't had the opportunity to do in quite some time—I'm taking a break. As I sit down to write this, on a day so rare and precious, it offers me a moment of reflection amidst the relentless pace of the past months. It’s a day that shines brightly against the backdrop of professional milestones, academic achievements, and the profound personal journey of parenthood that has defined my recent life.

"We do not learn from experience... we learn from reflecting on experience." – John Dewey

Charting New Territories

At Vilgain , we've embarked on an ambitious journey of growth and expansion. Our successful market launch in Romania and our strategic plans for the UK are testimonies to our vision and collective effort to make a difference. The opening of the Vilgain Health Store in Prague, celebrated with a memorable VIP party, and our record-breaking sales campaing—selling our monthly volume in just 12 hours—are milestones that underscore our brand's resilience and commitment.

Behind the scenes, we're also gearing up to launch a new YouTube channel, aiming to connect with our audience through engaging and informative content. These endeavors have significantly contributed to Vilgain's impressive growth of more than 130% YoY, a figure that not only reflects our financial success but the passion and dedication of our entire team.

The Pursuit of MBA

Completing my MBA at the University of St. Francis with a GPA of 4.00 has been a journey of intellectual and personal discovery. This achievement enriches my professional endeavors, equipping me with insights and tools essential for navigating the complex business landscape. The journey was far from easy; it entailed two years of dedicating weekends to school and enduring sleepless nights while working on projects. This rigorous schedule tested my limits, forcing me to find a balance between my studies, professional commitments, and personal life.

Yet, amidst the challenges, this journey was profoundly rewarding. Meeting new friends from diverse backgrounds was a highlight of my MBA experience. The exchange of ideas, perspectives, and experiences with my peers not only enriched my learning but also broadened my worldview. The shared experiences, from collaborative projects to intense study sessions, have created bonds that extend beyond the classroom, enriching my life in ways I had not anticipated.

Embracing Parenthood

The arrival of our baby Josef has brought unparalleled joy and a new set of challenges into my life. Balancing new parenthood with my professional and academic commitments has been a rewarding challenge, offering perspectives that extend beyond the confines of work and study.

The initial months were marked by sleepless nights, often finding myself awake at three-hour intervals, which led to moments of zero energy but immense fulfillment. Despite the exhaustion, there’s a profound sense of wonder and achievement in witnessing Josef's daily progress. Watching him gain new skills, from the smallest coo to his attempts at movement, has been an incredible journey of growth—not just for him, but for me as well.

After long days filled with work and academic pursuits, there’s no greater relaxant than spending time playing with Josef. These moments of play are not just a break from the demands of professional life; they are a source of unparalleled joy and rejuvenation. They remind me of the simple pleasures in life and the importance of taking a step back to appreciate the miracle of growth and learning. This daily interaction has become a cherished part of my routine, offering both a grounding presence and a profound source of inspiration as I navigate the complexities of life.

A Future Filled with Growth and Adventure

As I cherish this moment of reflection, I'm also excited about the future. At Vilgain, we're committed to maintaining our growth trajectory, continuously innovating to keep pace with our ambitious goals. Personally, I'm looking forward to the adventures that lie ahead, including an off-site in London, some much-needed downtime in the mountains with my family, and possibly a Eurotrip with a new car? These moments of exploration and relaxation are essential for recharging and fostering creativity.

As a sports enthusiast, I'm also eagerly anticipating the upcoming season. With the World Championship in ice hockey in Prague, EURO 2024, and the Summer Olympics in Paris, there's much to look forward to. But my excitement isn’t limited to being a spectator; I'm actively participating in the sports scene as well. Next week, I'll be running in the RunCzech Prague Half Marathon. Additionally, I have the 80km walk from Praha to Pr?ice lined up, which I’ll be undertaking with my friend Petr Jirásek . These events offer not just a test of endurance and personal limits but also provide a sense of community and shared excitement that I deeply value. Whether it's watching world-class athletes compete or participating in local events, the upcoming sports season promises to be both thrilling and fulfilling.

Embracing the Journey

Today's rare break has provided me with a valuable opportunity to reflect on my journey and appreciate the myriad experiences that have shaped me. As I look to the future, I'm filled with gratitude for what we've achieved at Vilgain and excited for the adventures that lie ahead, both professionally and personally.

I share this journey with you, my LinkedIn community, as a testament to what can be accomplished with hard work, perseverance, and the invaluable support of those around us.